Page 78 of If the Duke Dares
Wait, did hewantto marry her? He certainly didn’t want anyone else to. Not now. Not while they were…courting. Or whatever it was they were doing.
“I know.” She swallowed several breaths and finally sobered, clutching his lapels. “Your anger is delightful. As is your absolutely roguish reaction. You have no claim on me—first rights or any other.”
“Fine,” he said tersely. “But your parents came tomefirst, and I’m a bloody duke. That they would betroth you to some nobody MP is offensive.”
“My goodness, but your arrogance is on full display this evening. And here I thought you were less haughty than most rogues.”
Were they having a disagreement? He didn’t want to be at odds with her. “I don’t mean to sound superior. It’s just that your parents are ridiculous. You don’t come seeking a match with a duke only to run off and arrange something else.”
“I understand you aren’t used to being cast aside,” she said softly. “And you are right that my parents are ridiculous. They actually think you should marry my sister now. Because of the gossip that you and she aredestinedto be together.” Her sardonic tone didn’t take the sting from what she was saying.
Acton didn’t think he could become angrier. “What rubbish is this?” He realized he was squeezing her waist and loosened his grip.
One of Persephone’s golden brows arched. “You haven’t heard? Shocking. I would think someone would have called at your mother’s house to ask for confirmation that you and Pandora are in love. Because you look so wonderful together, you see. Your rakish good looks and her stunning beauty. It’s a match made by God, to be sure.”
He heard her sarcasm and thought of when they’d spoken of her attributes before. She’d mentioned things about herself that she or others found lacking. He hated that people were commenting on how helookedwith Pandora. “Persey, please don’t be hurt by these rumors. I only helped Pandora because she couldn’t walk—or was acting as though she couldn’t.” He cupped her cheek. “Youare the most enchanting woman I have ever known.”
Now, her expression softened as she gazed up at him. “Thank you for saying that.”
He dropped his hand to his side. “You’re going to excuse me now, because I need to go into your aunt’s house and speak with your father. He needs to understand that I have not yet decided whether we will suit.”
“Acton, not only do I not want you to do that, but my parents aren’t inside. My aunt wouldn’t allow them to stay, so they are lodging at the White Hart.”
Some of the tension released from his shoulders. “I am relieved to hear it. I was worried you would have to suffer their presence.”
“That is most considerate of you. While they have complicated my life, I am just glad to not have to reside under the same roof as them. Why is family so difficult?” She briefly cocked her head. “Not all family. I could not manage without my sister, and my aunt is the parent we all deserve. What of your family? How has it been to stay with your sisters?”
“Surprisingly good. I am coming to know them. And like them,” he added. “My mother arrived today. She’s absolutely giddy at having all her children together. She’s hosting a party day after tomorrow. You and your sister must come.”
A drop of rain landed on Persey’s nose. “Oh!” She brought her hand up to wipe it away.
He glanced up at the sky. “Damn, I was afraid it might rain.” He didn’t want their time together to be abbreviated.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a coach to run to,” she said.
He swore under his breath, his mind scrambling for somewhere to go.
“Come with me.” She took his hand and, as the rain picked up, pulled him quickly to a staircase at the corner of the house that led to the lower level. By pressing herself to the door and tugging him along with her, they were somewhat protected from the rain. She pursed her lips. “I thought this would keep us dry.”
“I suppose I should go.” Disappointment pricked through him.
“Actually, there is an unused room just inside. The scullery maid lives at home with her family, so no one sleeps there.”
She opened the door before he could protest—not that he wanted to. “Are we going to sleep?”
Casting a look back at him, she rolled her eyes. “We can continue talking in there. Unless you’d rather go?”
“I would prefer to stay.” And if this room had a place for sleeping, then it had a place for other activities. God, he was still thinking like a rake.
“Then close the door and come with me.”
Acton didn’t need to be told twice. He closed the exterior door and followed her to another door. She opened it and moved inside. The space was dark, without even a window to offer illumination.
“How are we to see one another?” he asked.
“There should be a candle. Just keep the door open a moment longer.” She went to a small table in the corner, and he heard flint before the wick of a candle lit with a yellow flame. “You can close that now.”
Letting the door shut behind him, Acton moved into the compact space. There was a table, one chair, and a narrow cot—with a thin mattress but no bedclothes.
