Page 76 of If Not for the Duke

His sister’s gentle words had him blinking in surprise. He realized it was true. He’d promised Lena he wouldn’t hurt her, but she also had the power to hurt him if she chose. He could no longer imagine not having the pleasure of her company. He enjoyed spending time with her as much as he enjoyed their kisses. That was something he’d never experienced before. His relationship with Lena, whatever it was, was full of firsts.

*

Lena waited untilmidafternoon to call on Bernie with her maid accompanying her. Hopefully, by then, Sterling would have had a chance to speak with her and explain. Lena still didn’t know quite what she would tell her friend and wished she knew what Sterling had said. She couldn’t possibly confess her feelings for Sterling to Bernie when she hadn’t told him how she felt.

Confused, for certain.

This was the first time she’d experienced this, and she was still sorting through it. Sorting? Perhaps reeling was a better word.

“Good afternoon, Miss Wright,” Foster said as he opened the door with the same warm smile he’d offered the last time.

Lena had yet to become accustomed to it. “Good afternoon. Is Lady Bernice receiving?”

“Allow me to inquire.” He gestured toward the reception room for her to wait then greeted Nancy before a footman showed her to the kitchen.

Lena hoped Bernie would see her. In the hours that had passed since that moment on the terrace, she’d realized how much she treasured her friendship with the younger woman.

“Lena.”

Lena spun from where she’d stood looking out the window to see Sterling enter the room. Her heart thudded at the sight of him, uncertain what his presence meant. Had he come to tell her that Bernie refused to see her? She dearly hoped not. “How is Bernie?”

“Not especially happy with either of us, but I believe she’ll recover.”

“Thank goodness. I’ve been so worried.” She bit her lip, wondering whether she could ask what was on her mind. “Did you tell her…”

Sterling watched her with an amused look. “Tell her what?”

Lena sighed in exasperation. “What exactly did you say?”

He walked closer to stand before her, his brown eyes warm, whether from affection or mirth, she didn’t know. “That I like you. That I want to become better acquainted with you.”

“Truly?” Her entire body flushed. His low voice sent heat pooling in surprising places she hesitated to name. Her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest. She took a breath to try to regain her balance only to breathe in his scent of the woods on a rainy day.

Her thoughts had been so focused on Bernie that she hadn’t prepared for the possibility of seeing Sterling. Hadn’t rebuilt her defenses from their kiss last evening.

His eyes darkened, making her wonder if he felt the same desire she did. Then he bent his head to claim her mouth with his, and she had no doubt. His lips were warm and firm. She swore she could feel the heat of his hand where it rested on her waist, despite the layers separating them.

The clearing of a throat had her jerking back. Embarrassment took hold when she realized Foster had returned.

Sterling remained where he was, blocking her from the butler’s view, which gave her a moment to collect herself. At last, he turned to face the butler.

“Lady Bernice would be pleased to greet Miss Wright in the drawing room,” the servant said.

“Thank you, Foster.” Sterling turned back toward Lena.

Lena risked a glance at the butler, only to stiffen in shock when he smiled then bowed. It almost seemed as if he approved of what he’d witnessed. What would Sterling think if he knew?

“Shall I escort you upstairs?” Sterling offered.

“I think it best if I speak with her alone first if you don’t mind.”

Sterling considered her request, then nodded. “I do believe you’re right. Foster will show you to the drawing room.”

The butler’s polite mask had returned though a small smile lingered before he turned away to lead the way up the stairs to the doorway. “Miss Wright to see you, my lady.”

Bernie stood by the window, her expression wary as Lena thanked Foster then entered the room.

“Bernie, I am so sorry.” Lena walked forward until she stood before her. “Can you possibly forgive me?”

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