Page 20 of The Taming of the Duke
“And now, to the matter at hand,” he said.
“What matter?”
“The matter of our courtship, of course.”
She stared at him, searching for evidence of insincerity, but his smile seemed genuine. Then, she shook her head. “I’ve no intention of…”
“May I not be permitted to at least try?” he asked.
He continued to stare at her, and she looked away, unwilling to weather the discomfort brought about by his intense scrutiny. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Blanche dancing with Lord Horton. She saw nothing but unbridled joy in her sister’s expression and honest devotion in Horton’s gaze. Then she resumed her gaze on her would-be suitor.
He was the first man in her life to make her feelwanted—and who had taken an interest in what she had to say. And, he was the first man who refrained from sickly sycophancy and played her at her own game with aplomb.
“Very well,” she said, “I give you permission to court me.”
“Excellent!” He smiled, and his eyes glittered in the candlelight, crinkling at the edges. Her breath caught in her throat.
Sweet Lord—that smile…
“Ah! There you are, old boy!” a voice cried. “You promised to partner me in a few rounds of whist. Hardwick’s just set up the card tables in the parlor next door.”
The spell was broken. Mr. Bond stood before them. Catherine’s suitor turned to face the newcomer.
“Bond, I’m afraid I’m occupied here.”
“I would not have Mr. Bond accuse me of depriving him of his whist partner, in addition to my many other faults,” Catherine said.
“Then, I shall excuse myself, with your permission.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Perhaps I may be permitted to take you for a drive around the estate tomorrow? I’m sure our host and hostess will have no objection to our using their curricle. In fact, I took the liberty of asking Lady Hardwick.”
“I don’t know…”
“Or, would you rather spend the morning with the ladies, drinking sweet wine and discussing the latest society gossip?”
She couldn’t prevent herself from smiling.
“Aha!” he cried. “I see you have the same aversion to tattle as I. Though, if you miss the tattle, I can always regale you with tales of Lady Vinegar and her eldest daughter Little Miss Lemon.”
“I think I’ve had quite enough ofher,” Catherine said, with a laugh. Then she checked herself.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed out loud.
She gave him a saucy smile. “For my part, I could regale you with the exploits of Lord Soretoe.”
“Until tomorrow then.” He took her hand and kissed it, then followed his friend across the ballroom and disappeared into a room at the far end.
What the devil had she done, agreeing to be courted by a man?
“Well, thank the Almighty for that!”
Catherine cringed at the familiar voice.
Papa sat beside her, taking the seat the duke had just vacated. He gestured toward the parlor into which the duke and Mr. Bond had disappeared.
“You’ve finally seen sense, daughter,” he said. “Keep your mouth shut and perhaps this one can be persuaded to take you on for good, rather than just a dalliance. Then, I can see to your sister’s courtship. Lord Horton’s already taking an interest in her.”
“I don’t intend to enter into adalliancewith anyone,” she said.
“But the Duke of Petrush is courting you?”
