Page 57 of The Duke of Seduction
Her bloody parents. “I won’t let them reveal your secret—I promise.”
His gaze softened. “I appreciate that, but are you sure you’d be able to stop them?”
“I will if I become betrothed. So that must be my primary goal.” The knowledge that her freedom, such as it was, would soon be curtailed filled her with dread. Unless she could find a husband that supported her interests. Would he let her do things such as take excursions to the sand pit?
“And Horace is out, it seems,” Beck said.
Lavinia clasped her hands in her lap. “Is he? If you have reason to doubt his fidelity, then yes, I’d prefer to look elsewhere.”
“I’m not certain,” Beck said. “However, I’m also not certain he’s ready to wed. He’s a bit awkward, if you didn’t notice.”
“I did, but I actually found it endearing. Plus, he revealed all sorts of tantalizing information about you.” She flashed him a smile, and his eyes darkened and narrowed slightly. His expression made her heart skip, and she realized she wanted to kiss him again.
Blast it all, he wasnotcourting her.
She forced herself back to the matter at hand—her future husband. Recalling the various men she’d met over the past few weeks, the only one who stood out was Sir Martin, and that was largely because of his scientific leanings. Since she was short of time and, apparently, of acceptable potential suitors, she would have to determine if he would suit.
“At this point, I think Sir Martin Riddock is my best option. However, I have an idea that might help me see if anyone else would suit. I am taking a picnic to the Charlton Sand Pit later this week to look at the stratification that’s been exposed there. If Sir Martin could come, and perhaps a few other eligible bachelors, I could ascertain their attitudes toward my scientific interests. It’s the perfect setting since I will be researching and discussing geology.”
“You’re taking a picnic at a sand pit?” He smiled as he gave his head a shake. “Of course you are. And this is a brilliant idea. In fact, if you’ll permit me, I’ll speak to Felix, and he can turn the excursion into quite the thing. Then you’ll have a plethora of gentlemen to choose from, and you’ll be the star of the day as you explain the importance of the stratification to everyone.”
Lavinia’s pulse quickened. To think that she could speak about geology in front of people gave her a heady sensation. The goal of finding a husband faded to the back of her mind. “Do you think people would come?”
“Most definitely. Felix can persuade just about anyone to do just about anything.”
“Thank you.” This was better than she could have imagined. “That would be wonderful. The Duke of Seduction is a very helpful gentleman.”
His answering smile made her heart turn over again. “He tries to be.”
Anticipation coursing through her, she stood before she did something foolish. “I’ll endeavor to ensure this faux courtship is brief.”
“Take all the time you need,” he said.
No, she wouldn’t do that. She feared even a pretend courtship with him could lead to something that just might leave her wounded. She took his arm, and he escorted her back toward the house.
“Shall we plan for Thursday?” she asked.
He nodded. “I’ll talk with Felix immediately and leave a note in the tree confirming things.”
“I won’t be able to get there today,” she said. “I’ll be in the park later, however. Perhaps you should come and promenade with me—my parents will be expecting that.”
“Yes, that will kill two birds with one stone.” He opened the door for her to the morning room, and she preceded him inside.
Beck took her hand and brushed a kiss over the back of her knuckles, sending a shiver up her arm and over her shoulder straight to that spot on her neck. She drew her hand away perhaps a bit too quickly. “I’ll see you later at the park,” he said softly before turning to bow to her mother.
After he was gone, the countess tugged Lavinia to the settee. “Tell me everything he said.”
Lavinia bit her tongue before she could respond,Including how you and Father are extorting him to court me?Instead, she smiled pleasantly and told her they’d discussed the weather, music, and rock stratification.
At that, her mother flinched. “He couldn’t have wanted to hear about that.”
“Actually, he was quite intrigued,” Lavinia said haughtily.
The countess gave her a condescending look and patted her knee. “I’m sure he was just being kind, dear. You mustn’t test a gentleman’s patience.”Because he was only feigning interest?That was certainly what her mother obviously thought. Her parents’ manipulations made her ill.
Lavinia jumped to her feet. “I’m feeling a bit peaked. I should go rest if I’m to go to the park later.”
Her mother stared up at her imploringly. “Youmustgo to the park.”
