Page 50 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“Truly, Verity, it was not difficult. The place was practically barren when we moved in.” Rowen shook her head. “The man did not even have a tea set!”
“Then this Wedgwood is new?” Verity’s eyes widened as she looked at the beautiful Jasperware cup.
“Yes, and we even have a second one.” Rowen could not help but enjoy the appreciation on her friend’s face.
“I bet his face was a picture when you told him you wanted a second set.” Verity shook her head in disbelief.
Again, Rowen felt a prickle of unease at Verity’s words. “Actually, he was the one who suggested we get a second set. Though he insisted it be Queen’s Ware. Apparently, he prefers the feel of that china.”
“Your husband clearly has better taste than I gave him credit for.” Verity gave the china an admiring look.
“I was surprised as well, but he picked out some rather lovely pieces when we went shopping together,” Rowen admitted.
“The two of you went shopping together? And London still stands?” Verity teased, avoiding the biscuit that Rowen threw at her.
“You make it sound like we are cats and dogs,” Rowen scoffed.
“Can you blame me? The last time I saw you, all you did was complain about the man, and now the two of you have gone furniture shopping?” Verity eyed her narrowly.
“Things have changed since then. He has actually been very helpful.”
Rowen could hear Tobias’s voice in her head.“You will pick the furniture you like.”
“He was the one who encouraged me to look beyond the price and simply choose things to my taste.”
“Because you have exceptional taste.” Tobias’s voice made her whip around so fast that she nearly spilled her tea. “Please, do not stand on my account.”
Rowen saw him wave a dismissive hand. He was wearing an elegant blue frock coat, his hair had flecks of snow in it, and from the flush on his cheeks, it was clear he had just come in from outside.
Her heart skittered as his green eyes found hers, twinkling mischievously as he inclined his head towards her. Her cheeks reddened.
“I was just telling Verity how helpful you were when we were purchasing things for the house.” Rowen gestured to Verity.
“I merely supplied the purse.” Tobias shrugged, his eyes flitting to Verity briefly. “It was your keen eye that made this place what it is.”
“So you think my taste is beyond reproach?” Rowen arched an eyebrow at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
“For the most part, once you stopped pretending to be a maiden aunt.” He grinned at her. “And when you are not trying to wind me up with your choices.”
“If you are referring to that painting of dogs, I think it is rather fetching.” She gave him an innocent look. “Besides, I have seen you smile at it more than once since it was hung in your study.”
“Because it reminds me of you, and who could think of you and not smile?” Tobias drawled, his green eyes dancing.
Warmth spread across Rowen’s cheeks, and she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear even as she rolled her eyes. “And you expect me to believe that you think of me and do not sigh with exasperation?”
“Is that what you want me to do?” He cocked his head. “You wish for me to only be vexed by your existence?”
“Perhaps I do not wish for you to think of me at all,” Rowen retorted as her stood up.
“Then you should stop being so distracting.” Tobias moved towards her.
She took a step closer to him in answer. “I think you are confusing me with yourself, Tobias.”
“So you find me distracting?” He chuckled.
Rowen mentally kicked herself, but she was determined not to let him have the upper hand. She flashed him a smile and placed a hand on his chest. His eyes widened.
“Who would not find you distracting, Tobias, when you bound into a room full of compliments?”
