Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“Are you sure?”
* * *
“Yes. I was overcome by my…feelings and feared I would take things further than either of us wanted.”
* * *
Her heart skipped. “Oh. I see.”
* * *
“And so? Do you still want my company?”
* * *
She smiled. “You cannot get rid of me that easily, Your Grace. Will you come back and have a night cap with us?”
* * *
There was something like relief in his eyes. “I should like that very much.”
* * *
“Good. I shall show you the puppy you rescued. You will not believe how big he has grown.”
* * *
“Dear old Hubert,” the duke smiled. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
Her heart lightened at his answer and she felt a sense of relief. For some reason, it was essential for her that he join them. She did not want him to be alone, not when she could see the bleak hopelessness even now, shining from his eyes.
* * *
“Have you ever been in love?” The words fell from her lips without permission and her face heated immediately, and she felt mortified. To her relief, he did not take it amiss but simply cocked his head to the side like a curious spaniel as he examined her.
* * *
“Why do you ask me that?”
* * *
“Well…” She cleared her throat, avoiding his eye. “I have the idea that when one is in love, one is naturally happy and I would wish that for you.”
* * *
He smiled, slow and warm. “That is a very kind sentiment. I’m not sure of the veracity of your belief, however. I think that if one has problems, being in love will not dissolve them."
* * *
"You may be right."
* * *
Uncle Keith and Aunt Leticia came by arm in arm and smiled at them. “Where is everyone?”
* * *
“Socializing I do believe. You know father. Always has a word for everyone.”
* * *
“And the girls?”
* * *
“Heaven knows. If I was to venture a guess, they went to speak with the performers. You know how endlessly fascinated Anne is with all of that.”
* * *
Leticia smiled. “Are you not the same, Janice?”
* * *
“Well yes, but I like to think I’m more mature about it.” She tossed her head in faux haughtiness and her aunt laughed. Uncle Keith smiled with affection, turning to Arthur. “Will you be coming home with us for a night cap?”
* * *
“Indeed, I shall. Lady Janice has me persuaded.”
* * *
Keith smiled. “She is good at that.”
* * *
Just then, the girls came hurrying over just as Benjamin and Frederick appeared as well. “Are we ready to go?” Leticia asked with a smile.
* * *
“Yes, I think so,” Emily said.
* * *
Arthur turned to Janice and bowed. “Allow me to take temporary leave of you. I shall see you at Somerton Manor.”
* * *
Janice nodded. “Very well.”
* * *
She, her sisters, and her aunt got the carriage, and the whole entourage took off. Emily was watching her expectantly, which was annoying because all she wanted to do was daydream about the duke in peace. She liked the way his black waistcoat had lovingly outlined his broad strong chest contrasting nicely with his white shirt. His black hair for once was tamed in a queue, which opened up his face. She thought he might have trimmed his beard or at least brushed it; it seemed neater. Certainly, she could see the outline of his luscious lips a lot better, and his gray eyes had not seemed as icy as usual.
* * *
He's making more of an effort.
* * *
Of course, all of that could be wishful thinking. Perhaps he was just neater because he was attending a church function. Nothing at all to do with her, simply coincidence.
* * *
And why would you want it to have something to do with you?
* * *
Her lips turned down as she realized that she was twisting herself into knots for the sake of a man who had implicitly stated he was not interested in her as a prospective bride.
* * *
“What are you thinking about?”
* * *
Emily’s voice made her jump and she looked up to find her sister observing her keenly. She shook her head. “Nothing.”
* * *
Emily snorted derisively, before looking outside the window. “Of course. Does nothing happen to be riding a brown mare and conversing with Uncle Keith?”
* * *
Janice’s brow furrowed in confusion as she looked at her sister and then followed her gaze to see the duke riding beside her uncle. “Oh!” she gasped involuntarily, and Emily smiled in triumph.
* * *
“I see that it does.”
* * *
“Mind your own business,” Janice said a bit too sharply. She instantly regretted her tone. It wasn’t Emily’s fault that she had fixed her sights on a man who was too damaged to do anything about it.