Page 3 of A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets 2)

“I see we share a similar mindset,” the duke remarked. “Generally, I prefer to retreat to my own thoughts when I eat.”

Emmeline started eating the tart that was placed before her and wondered how she was going to get herself out of this unfortunate situation. She couldn’t marry this man, no matter that he was a duke.

“Do you ride, Miss Lockhart?” the duke asked.

“I do.”

“Then we shall have to acquire you a horse.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Emmeline revealed as she placed her fork on the plate. “I already own a horse.”

“You must be an accomplished rider then.”

She nodded. “I am.”

“That is a fine pastime for a young woman to have,” the duke praised.

Her uncle placed his napkin onto his plate and shared, “My niece spends hours riding around our country estate. I daresay she would prefer to ride over anything else.”

“Is that so?” the duke asked.

“It is,” Emmeline confirmed. “I find riding to be incredibly gratifying.”

The duke eyed her with approval. “You shall be able to ride on our lands, assuming you take two grooms along with you.”

“That won’t be necessary—” she attempted.

He cut her off, his voice curt. “You will be a duchess, and it is not appropriate for you to travel anywhere without an escort.”

Emmeline lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap.

“Dear heavens, that was poorly done of me,” the duke said. “I apologize for being so sharp with you.”

She brought her gaze back up to meet his. “Consider it forgotten, Your Grace.”

The duke smiled again, drawing her attention back to the food stuck in his teeth. “As long as you are mindful to remember your place, we shall have a happy union.”

“My place?” she found herself questioning.

The duke’s smile dimmed. “I am marrying you, without a dowry,” he explained. “I must say that it is rather generous of me.”

Lady Taylor interjected, “It is most generous of you, Your Grace.”

“In exchange, I expect you to be an obedient wife,” the duke continued. “I was assured by Lord and Lady Taylor that wouldn’t be an issue.”

Emmeline frowned as she saw her aunt and uncle glaring at her from across the table. She knew what was expected of her, but she truly didn’t want to go along with this marriage. She had no doubt that it would be a disaster, for everyone involved. It was better if the duke discovered now that they didn’t suit rather than wait until after the wedding.

As she opened her mouth to speak, her uncle interrupted her. “Emmeline is still tired from our long journey to Town. I have no doubt when she is rested, she will be back to her charming self.”

Turning his attention towards her uncle, the duke remarked, “Long carriage rides can be quite taxing for a lady’s delicate constitution.”

“That they can be,” Lord Taylor agreed.

The duke pushed back his chair and slowly rose. “Perhaps we can adjourn to my study for some port while the ladies enjoy some tea in the drawing room.”

“What a splendid idea,” Lady Taylor said, rising.

While Emmeline rose, she noticed the duke lewdly perusing the length of her, his eyes sparking in approval.

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