Page 37 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“And what if I want you all to myself?” His eyes danced.
“You and I both know that is not what you want.” She gave him a pointed look.No one wants that.“I am a duchess, and I swore that I would be of use to you, and a part of that will require a setting in which one can socialize like a civilized person. Do you really want to live in a house that is about as inviting and welcoming as a jail cell?”
“It is simple and efficient. There is no clutter, nor ostentation. I do not need my house to be anything other than a place to eat, sleep, and occasionally read and check the accounts.” Tobias shrugged. “Besides, you make it sound as though this is the least inviting place in England, and it is not anywhere near that bad.”
“Tobias, you may not see it, but I do. I want people to walk through the door and feel at ease. I want them to relax and think well of this place.” Rowen met his gaze, keeping her voice calm and even as she began to pace. “Your home sets the tone of your encounters. If one walks into a space that is austere and empty, especially a house that belongs to a duke, one might think that the owner could not afford comforts.”
“Or that the owner did not care for such things,” Tobias countered.
Rowen sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
Conversational, not combative. You said you would try.
“You hold meetings in this house. If people are relaxed, that gives you an advantage. It helps lower their guard, and you can make use of that. You lull them into a false sense of security.”
Tobias’s eyes widened, as did his smile, as he cast an appraising look at her.
It was like a physical touch. Rowen resisted the urge to squirm, as she felt like he was seeing all of her, even the parts she herself could not.
He nodded to himself, his eyes still boring into her. “That is rather cutthroat of you. Here I thought you simply wanted to make the place more livable.”
“It can be both. Clearly, you do not care for comfort, but you do care about your business and the estate. I am simply giving us both a way to get what we want.” She watched her words sink in and felt a burst of triumph.
Tobias’s mouth opened and closed as he began to pace. “I do not want to live in pointless decadence.”
“Then it is a good thing that I do not plan on decorating in such a way. After all, I believe it was you who said I had exceptional taste.” She grinned at him, trying to ignore the warmth in her cheeks.
He stopped pacing and faced her. “You know, there are easier ways to prove me wrong.”
“And if proving you wrong was the aim, then that might be relevant.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and gave him the most innocent smile she could muster. “Although, I suppose if you are terribly concerned, you could always join me. Unless you do not think you will be able to keep up.”
“I assure you, Duchess, I always keep up.” He took a step towards her, the corner of his mouth quirking up.
“We shall see, Duke. We shall see.” Rowen stepped away from him, feeling oddly lightheaded. “I plan on going furniture shopping first, and then on to one of the galleries.”
“I shall have the carriage readied in an hour.” Tobias tugged on a nearby bell pull.
“Perfect, I will see you in an hour.” Rowen clapped her hands together and swept out of the room.
As she left, she could have sworn she heard him muttering under his breath. Something that sounded suspiciously like,What have I gotten myself into?
A few hours later, they were standing in one of the most reputable furniture shops in London.
As Rowen crossed the threshold, she realized that her shoulders were practically by her ears and forced them down. The last time she had been in a furniture shop had been to value what remained in her own home.
“Is something the matter?” There was no mirth in Tobias’s voice, and she felt him move closer to her.
Rowen swallowed and shook her head. “No, I am fine. I just needed a moment to adjust. It is warmer in here than I anticipated.”
It was not a complete lie. The shop was significantly warmer than the chilly streets outside. Tobias had shrugged off his coat and was hanging it on the nearby coatrack. He held out a hand expectantly and swept into a half-bow.
“May I help you out of your coat?” He gave her a mischievous grin.
“No, but you may hold it for me,” she replied in a honeyed tone as she slipped out of the garment and handed it to him.
A flicker of amusement crossed his face as he hung it on the stand, and she turned away from him.
“I think we should start with the furniture for the drawing room.”
