Page 26 of The Taming of the Duke
The last time that name had been on her lips, her heart had lain in tatters.
“Are you well, Miss Parville?”
She shook her head. “Take me back.”
“We’re almost there,” he said. “If you’re feeling unwell, you can take your rest at Hurstpoint Place. Once we’ve reached the end of the lane, you’ll see the house—it’s quite impressive.”
“I said no!” she cried. “Please, stop!”
“Miss Parville, I must insist…”
“What a fool I’ve been!” she cried. “Did the two of you plan it between you?”
He glanced at her, and guilt flared in his eyes. “The two of us?”
“You and Lord Leander!”
He narrowed his eyes, then shook his head. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
Pushing him aside, she scrambled to her feet. But before she could climb down from the curricle, he caught her arms and pulled her back.
“What the devil do you think you’re doing, Miss Parville?” he cried. “It must be two miles at least to Hardwick Hall—surely you’re not going to walk back?”
“I will if I must.”
“I only thought…”
“No, youdidn’tthink!” she cried. “None of you do! We’re just playthings for your amusement, aren’t we?”
“Is that what you think?” he cried. “I could never view you as a plaything! I have too much respect for you.”
He pulled her close. “Please believe me,” he said. “If you have no wish to continue, then we shan’t. The last thing I want is to see you distressed. Leander’s an arse, if truth be known.”
“You’re playing me false,” she said, struggling to break free. But he continued to hold her, his touch gentle but firm.
“I’m not playing you false, Catherine,” he said. “Do you not know how I feel—can you not see it? My eyes have been opened. I now realize what I want in life.”
A treacherous little nugget of hope flared within her, and she glanced into his eyes, fearing what might confront her. But all she saw was honesty—and desire.
“I don’t want a simpering miss to cater to my whims,” he said. “I want an equal, to challenge me at every turn—a woman not afraid to meet me in battle, head-on. I never believed she could exist until I met you.”
Her heart leaped with joy at his words, but she fought the urge to fall into his arms. She couldn’t survive a second heartbreak.
She shook her head. “I—I can’t…”
“I know, sweeting,” he said. “You’re unwilling to place your trust in another. Believe me, I understand your fear. But only by confronting our fears can we find true happiness.”
“How can you understand me on such a short acquaintance?” she asked.
“You think the duration of an acquaintance matters when two souls connect?” He took her hand and held it against his chest.
“My heart has no need for weeks to go by in order to declare to whom it belongs, Catherine.”
Catherine…
A ripple of need flowed through her.
“Isee much,” he continued. “Do you think me incapable of understanding why you’ve fashioned such a prickly exterior round yourself? So a knight covers himself in armor before engaging in battle, you have concealed your true self. It’s how you protect yourself—and the sister you love.”
