Page 62 of If the Duke Dares
“I hope not.” Acton grimaced faintly. “Let us not speak of him today. The weather is fine and the company marvelous. He would only ruin it.”
Persephone smiled, thinking he’d handled that well. “Hear, hear.”
Still, Pandora looked uneasy. She was likely nervous. And Persephone could see how Acton would remind her of Bane, if only because they were friends.
They began to walk—Acton between them and their aunt and his sisters trailing behind.
“That’s a fetching hat,” Acton said to Pandora.
Pandora kept her gaze focused straight ahead. Her features were like stone. “Thank you.”
Persephone glanced about, eager to see people’s reactions. There were dozens of people about, and already some seemed to be looking in Pandora’s direction and talking.
Acton’s arm brushed Persephone’s, and she instantly turned her head toward him. He did the same, and their eyes met. She saw something new in his gaze—a vibrant expectation. Almost a…hunger. Or was she only seeing herself reflected in him?
Walking with him in public was a heady experience. She’d promenaded with gentlemen before but never someone with whom she’d shared so many intimacies, and it wasn’t just the sharing of a room or kissing. He knew things about her and her family that no one else did. And she knew the same about him. But it wasn’t enough. Her desire for more was nearly palpable.
“Just a moment,” Aunt Lucinda called from behind them. A trio of ladies had come to speak with Acton’s sisters and Aunt Lucinda. They stepped off the path to converse.
“Let’s join them,” Persephone said.
“Must we?” Pandora looked pale. “I’d rather not.”
“I’ll be right here,” Acton said warmly.
Pandora cast him a dubious stare. “And how will that help?”
“I’m a duke. People like and respect me. They’ll be polite to anyone I’m with.”
“I suppose that would include your terrible friend too,” Pandora said with a slight curl of her lip. “Not everyone likes or respects you just because you’re a duke.”
“They do to my face,” he said wryly. “Except perhaps you. I don’t think you like me very much.”
“I am disinclined to find your company tolerable.” Pandora notched up her chin.
“Yes, that’s it,” Persephone said with an encouraging smile. “Do more of that. Now, come look haughty and beautiful with these ladies who’ve stopped to converse.” She nudged Pandora with her elbow.
“Fine,” Pandora said through gritted teeth. To her credit, she plastered a placid expression on her face and managed to look lovelier than ever.
They exchanged pleasantries with the trio, who seemed clearly curious about what was happening. “How do your two families know one another?” one of the ladies asked.
Another of the ladies responded. “You seem to have forgotten that Lady Radstock and the Duchess of Wellesbourne are dear friends.”
“Oh yes, how silly of me,” the first lady said with a light laugh. Something about her demeanor said this was entirely fabricated, that this woman knew precisely how their families were connected, but was hoping for new information.
“We’re delighted to find we are all in Bath at the same time,” Acton said smoothly, drawing the ladies’ attention.
“Does that include your parents, then?” the third lady asked.
“My brother and the baroness are not here,” Aunt Lucinda answered.
“Neither is our mother,” Lady Donovan put in.
They spoke with the trio for a few more minutes before taking their leave and continuing along the path. This sort of interaction happened twice more, along with one instance where the mother and daughter who’d stopped to talk had clearly wanted Acton’s attention and did everything they could to ignore Pandora. Honestly, they disregarded everyone but Acton. Proof yet again that men, especially noblemen, could behave in any way they wanted and still be popular and adored.
When it was just the six of them again, Aunt Lucinda stated the outing was a success. She looked to Acton’s sisters. “I can’t thank you enough for supporting Pandora today. I think you’ve made a big difference.”
“Yes, thank you,” Pandora said. She still looked a little uncertain, but the fear had finally left her eyes.
