Page 40 of The Duke of Kisses
Chapter 7
Hell and the devil.
David couldn’t seem to form words. Fanny’s blue-green eyes sparked with indignation, which meant she had to know about Miss Stoke. But how could she? Unless Miss Stoke had said something? But what could that have been?
Miss Stoke, on the other hand, looked…confused. She wore a half frown as she glanced toward Fanny, then returned her attention to David.
“Well, my lord?” she prompted softly.
He had to make a decision. He wanted Fanny—of course. There was no decision to be made. Yet, his father’s voice echoed in his brain,“Promise me, David. It would mean everything to me…”
That hadn’t been a decision either. David had made the promise, willing to say or do anything to give his father comfort. Or keep him from dying. It was absurd to think that making a promise would save his life, but it was the only power he’d had in that moment when he’d felt utterly helpless.
He was saved by the arrival of Ware, who looked at the two favors in his hands. “Looks as though you need help.”
David blinked at him, wondering what that could be but eager for it just the same. “I do, indeed.”
“Another gentleman also had two favors. He chose a number between one and ten and whispered it in my ear. The women chose numbers, and the one closest to what he’d picked will be his passenger. Does that sound acceptable?” He looked from David to Fanny and Miss Stoke.
“It’s acceptable to me,” Fanny said, her voice smoldering. Oh yes, shehadto know.
Miss Stoke nodded primly. “It is to me as well.”
David tensed, hoping it would turn out the way he hoped…
Ware leaned his ear toward David. Right, he had to choose a number. David didn’t even think before whispering next to Ware’s head.
With a nod, Ware straightened. “Who extended their favor first?”
“I did,” Fanny said.
“Then I shall allow Miss Stoke to choose first.” Ware turned his head to her. “What number do you choose?”
“Five.”
The tension in David tightened as he awaited Fanny’s guess. Ware pivoted to her. “Miss Snowden?”
She didn’t hesitate nor did she look at David. “Three.” Her tone was bold and confident.
Because she was right.
“Brilliant!” Ware exclaimed. “You guessed it exactly.” He turned a sympathetic eye to Miss Stoke. “My apologies, Miss Stoke. There’s always next week! Provided St. Ives wins.” He chuckled before taking himself off.
David handed the ribbon back to Miss Stoke. “I’m sorry too.”
“It’s all right,” she said brightly. “I’ll still cheer for you.” She turned to look at Fanny. “Enjoy the race, Miss Snowden.”
Fanny reached out and touched the other woman’s hand. “I shall, and next week, it will be your turn. I only offered the favor because I wanted to race. I should have approached another gentleman.”
“It’s quite all right,” Miss Stoke said. “I was a bit nervous to ride in the high-perch phaeton. This gives me time to work up my courage.” She gave Fanny’s hand a squeeze. “You must tell me all about it afterward.”
“I’ll do that.” Fanny slid an accusatory glance toward David, and he suddenly wondered if he’d hoped for the right woman to ride with him. Fanny was going to give him an earful.
Which he deserved.
Miss Stoke wished him luck, then turned and went back to where most of the spectators were congregated, including her mother. David hated disappointing the young woman.
He plucked Fanny’s flower from the palm of his hand and looked into her eyes. “Thank you for the favor. Allow me to escort you to my phaeton.” He held out his arm.
