Page 55 of The Duke of Seduction
“How wonderful.” Sarah was always so supportive of Lavinia’s interests. “I look forward to seeing it too. When shall we go?”
“Later this week, if we can manage it. Perhaps Thursday or Friday.”
Lavinia’s mother swept into the room, her gaze settling on Sarah. “Good afternoon, Miss Colton. I’m afraid Lavinia has a gentleman caller.”
Sarah’s widening eyes connected with Lavinia’s. Who could it be? She’d met so many gentlemen the past couple of weeks, but none of them had called. She also hadn’t encouraged any of them to, a fact she needed to change.
Lavinia rose from the chair and smoothed her hand down the side of her day gown. “Who is it, Mother?”
“The Marquess of Northam.”
Swallowing an inelegant sound of disgust, Lavinia looked to Sarah, who was busily tying her bonnet beneath her chin. She gave Lavinia an apologetic wince, then tugged her gloves on.
“Come down to the library, Lavinia,” the countess said, turning and departing the sitting room.
Lavinia groaned softly as she made her way toward the door behind Sarah, who turned to say, “I’m sorry. But do let me know how it goes. Later at the park?”
“Yes.” Lavinia nodded, then trailed Sarah downstairs.
Sarah looked back over her shoulder and gave her an encouraging glance and a small wave before moving into the entrance hall.
Squaring her shoulders, Lavinia went to the library, which was really just a larger sitting room where they kept a few bookshelves. Inside, Beck stood in profile near the front windows, his hat in his hand. He turned to face her as she entered and offered a courtly bow. “Good afternoon, Lady Lavinia.”
Lavinia darted a glance toward her mother, who’d come in behind her. Beck bowed to her and offered a greeting. It was all very stilted and formal while Lavinia fought to hide her frustration and hurt.
Hurt? Why should he have hurt her?
Because he’d kissed her while still carrying on with Lady Fairwell and going to a brothel. She’d thought him better than that, but why? He was an unapologetic rake, and she’d known it. She’d kissed him in spite of that, and even now couldn’t bring herself to regret it. Those moments in his arms sparked a heat she worked to quash.
How she wished she could say precisely what she thought of him. The presence of her mother prevented such satisfaction.
“Would you care for refreshment?” the countess asked, spurring Lavinia to stifle another groan. She wanted this over as quickly as possible. What was he evendoinghere? He had no interest in courtship.
“No, thank you. I’d like to take Lady Lavinia for a turn around the back garden, assuming you have one?”
This seemed to please her mother, for she smiled quite brilliantly. “Yes, of course.”
Beck turned his head toward Lavinia in invitation. She wanted to tell him she’d rather take a turn with the devil, but then decided this could very well be the same thing.
Notching her chin up, she turned and strode from the room, turning right to lead him to the morning room, where they could exit to the garden.
She didn’t wait for him or her mother, who followed them to supervise from the morning room. Lavinia opened the door and stepped outside. Beck came out behind her and closed the door, then offered his arm.
“I suppose I have to take that?” she said with considerable rancor.
“I’m sure it would please your mother, and I’m afraid that is my primary goal today.”
She stared at him, utterly confused. In the end, she curled her hand around his arm, and they began a circuit of the garden. Suspicious curiosity overtook her other emotions. “Why are you trying to please my mother?”
His brow furrowed. “Because—”
Lavinia’s other emotions weren’t content with being pushed aside. “You know, I don’t actually care. I don’t know why you’re here, nor do I care about that either. I’m not interested in taking a turn about the garden with an unapologetic rake who visits a brothel, is likely still carrying on with a married woman, and kisses me at the same time.” She tried to remove her hand from his arm and go back inside.
He put his free hand over hers and squeezed her close. His gray-green eyes bored into hers with intensity. “Well, I am not interested in being manipulated. Just walk with me, dammit.”
“Manipulated? Who is manipulating you?”
“I thought you might be, but I gather it’s just your parents.” He started walking, albeit slowly, dragging her along.
