Page 64 of If the Duke Dares
It would be more than lovely. It would be something she chose. Something she wanted. “Will you be there?” she asked, holding her breath.
His eyes lit with surprise. “I will. And I promise we’ll just talk. No kissing. You’ll meet me?”
“I’ll consider it.” Strongly. Indeed, she would probably think of little else. Anticipation vibrated through her. She took her other hand from his arm lest she do something foolish, such as grasp him even tighter as she pressed her side to his. Anything to increase their contact. “But what if I want to kiss you?”
“All I can think about is kissing you again.” He sent her a pained expression. “I do realize that makes me the worst sort of rogue—precisely the man you thought I was.”
Persephone didn’t want to think of how many times he might have done such things. He’d just said that meeting her had changed his life and that he couldn’t think of anything but kissing her. It could all be lies and pretty persuasion, but she didn’t think it was. And perhaps she’d be made a fool as Pandora had been.
“I can trust you?” She hated that she had to ask, but she’d hate herself if she didn’t.
“Completely. I would never hurt you, Persey.” They neared the others, and further conversation would have to wait until later.
Did that mean she was going to meet him? She wasn’t certain. The war taking place in her mind and body was going to make for a challenging evening.
Before they parted, Acton took her hand and pressed a swift kiss to her wrist just above her glove and below the sleeve of her gown. “Thank you for a lovely promenade, Miss Barclay.”
The imprint of his lips on her flesh felt like a brand, but without any pain. Just a burgeoning desire. How he’d managed to find that incredibly small piece of bare skin spoke to his exceptional expertise in romantic matters. Instead of feeling unhappy that he’d honed his skills elsewhere, Persephone was thrilled to have them directed entirely at her.
They started their promenade back to the coaches. Again, Acton walked between Persephone and Pandora, and their aunt and his sisters followed behind. After a few moments, Pandora gasped. Before Persephone could even look in her sister’s direction, Acton was catching Pandora in his arms.
“Are you all right?” Persephone cried as she went to Pandora. “What happened?”
“I was distracted.” Pandora sounded agitated. “I tripped.” She looked up at Acton. “Thank you.”
“I’ll set you down now.” He eased her to the ground, but she immediately pulled her foot up with a pained expression.
“I think I’ve hurt my ankle,” Pandora said. Acton moved to support her, putting his arm at her waist.
Aunt Lucinda hurried toward them. “What’s wrong?”
Persephone responded as she watched her sister with concern. “Pandora tripped and hurt her ankle.”
“Can you walk to the coach?” Aunt Lucinda asked, her brow creased with worry.
Pandora tested putting weight on her foot and winced. “I don’t think so.”
“I can carry you,” Acton offered. “Ready?” Before Pandora could respond, he’d swept her into his arms and was already making his way toward the coaches.
Persephone couldn’t help noticing that people had moved closer and were staring. They were also talking and whispering. She hoped this wouldn’t be bad for Pandora. But how could it be?
Aunt Lucinda hurried behind Acton and Pandora while Persephone walked with Acton’s sisters. She wanted to quicken her pace to catch up to her sister, but she didn’t want to leave Lady Donovan and Lady Fairhope behind.
“Go on ahead,” Lady Donovan said. “If it were Cecily, I’d be rushing to be at her side.” She gave Persephone an encouraging nod.
“Thank you.” Persephone lengthened her stride and walked quickly after the others. She reached them just as Acton was settling Pandora in the coach.
“Should I follow you home and carry you upstairs?” he asked.
“That is most kind of you, Duke,” Aunt Lucinda said. “However, one of the footmen can handle that.”
Acton’s sisters had now arrived. “Do let us know how you’re faring,” Lady Fairhope said toward the coach with a loud enough voice so Pandora was bound to hear.
“We will,” Persephone said. She cast a grateful look toward Acton. “I’m so glad you were there to help. Again,” she added in a murmur that only he could hear.
He smiled, and it carried a secret glow, as if he were communicating something only to her. And she supposed he was as they recalled their time together when he’d helped her.
“It was my pleasure and my honor. I hope to see you all soon,” he said, though his gaze was locked entirely on Persephone.
