Page 62 of The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons 2)

“What a polite way of putting it. You act as if I’m the only one who feels that way.”

Haven shook his head in disgust.

“And even if I could overlook the aspects of Andromeda which I find unappealing, there is an expectation in regard to Beatrice. A scandal is bound to erupt.”

“Are you some fragile milquetoast who can’t weather such talk?” Haven threw down his own cheroot in disgust. “You’re an idiot. Frankly, I hope Andromeda comes to her senses. She deserves better.”

Haven marched off without another word, coat flapping as he made his way back to where the guests were milling about the carriages being readied to leave.

A slender form made its way up the incline from the opposite side of the field. Andromeda’s steps were confident as she waved at her sister who came to greet her. Miss Waterstone joined them. There was nothing in her manner which would indicate how the world had shifted dramatically beneath her feet. And his.

David slowly made his way to the carriages, in no hurry to join his guests. The longing for Andromeda pierced him the closer he came, never once abating, not even when he assisted Lady Foxwood and Beatrice into the carriage, apologizing for his absence.

Cheroots, Lady Foxwood claimed, giving both David and Haven the benefit of her unsolicited opinion, were a dreadful habit.

Andromeda, in the carriage ahead of him, shimmered in the late afternoon sun, gleaming like a rare and precious jewel. The sound of her laughter filled the air, reflecting her amusement at something Miss Waterstone relayed to her.

David had never wanted anything so badly in his life.

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