Page 24 of If Not for the Duke

“Whether you’re willing to forgive us?”

She knew she should say yes to be polite. But she didn’t know if she had. She couldn’t lie when that was the very reason she wasn’t happy with them. “For the most part.”

His gaze narrowed as he continued to watch her.

“What is it?” she asked at length, aware of the warmth of him where her hand was tucked against his side.

“I suppose I find your honesty refreshing.”

She had to laugh. “Ella wouldn’t agree.” How many times had her eldest sister told her that decorum was more important than honesty in social situations? “You don’t sound certain.”

“I am.” He nodded. “Few people speak their minds these days. Especially to me.”

“No doubt they prefer to agree with whatever you say to stay in your good graces. That is a safer way to converse with you.”

“Safe can be tiring.” He drew her onto the dance floor, ignoring the looks sent their way, his focus solely on her.

The realization only made the flutters in her stomach stronger. She felt breathless and off balance and struggled for something to say before he noticed how oddly she was acting.

“Do you speak from experience? Do you always live life safely?” she asked. She had tended to think of dukes as men near her grandfather’s age until the past few days. Curiosity took hold when she considered what it must have been like to grow up under the scrutiny a duke must receive.

“I suppose you could say that. My father didn’t appreciate any opinions different from his own. Rebellion wasn’t an option.”

Her sympathy tugged, for she thought there was more to the story than he was saying. “He sounds like a difficult man.”

“A demanding one, for certain. He focused on duty and responsibility above all else.”

“That must’ve made for a challenging childhood.” One look at Renwick’s expression suggested the topic—or perhaps it was the memories—wasn’t welcome. She couldn’t help but add, “My father had a singular focus as well. I rarely appreciated it.”

Renwick didn’t respond, and she wondered if he’d even been listening.

The dance began, making conversation difficult. Rather than trying to talk, Lena focused on the dance. Renwick was an excellent partner, if somewhat stiff. Was that because he didn’t enjoy dancing or because he was uncomfortable for some other reason?

He was tall, and though she was as well, the top of her head just reached his chin. As they turned, she caught his scent. The subtle cologne swirled around her, tugging at her senses.

Heat filled her, and not only because of the movements of the dance. The colors of the ladies’ gowns swirled around her as they turned. Was it her imagination or was he holding her closer? So close that their bodies brushed against each other.

As she met his gaze, all else fell away. She didn’t pretend to understand her attraction to this man when she wasn’t even sure if she liked him. He was interesting and a bit of a puzzle. Perhaps that was part of the reason he intrigued her. She’d always enjoyed puzzles.

At last, the music swelled, then ended. How she wished it had lasted a little bit longer. A ridiculous thought when she had no intention of allowing her interest in Renwick to grow. She curtsied while he bowed, which gave her a moment to collect her thoughts.

“Have you received word from Clarke?” she asked, though it seemed unlikely he would tell her if he had.

“Not as of yet.” His brow furrowed, making her think he might be concerned about it. He offered his arm, and they slowly made their way toward Lady Havenby. “I find it interesting that our fathers were more than likely very different men but had such a singular focus in common.”

Lena looked at him in surprise. She hadn’t even been sure he’d heard her earlier. “While the trait helps to make strides toward a goal, its narrowness often keeps others out.”

“I like to think I have a broader outlook.” His gaze settled on something in the distance.

Lena followed his gaze to see Lady Bernice across the room. His regard for his sister was commendable. The problem was that it wasn’t the only thing she admired about the duke.

“Would you accompany me to greet my sister?”

“Of course.” Lena wanted the chance to ask if she could see the other letters, despite the guilt that once again threatened.

They made their way across the room until they’d nearly reached Lady Bernice and Mrs. Easton.

“I do wish you wouldn’t insist on wearing those,” Mrs. Easton whispered with a glare at her charge’s spectacles, seemingly unaware of their arrival.

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