Page 16 of Five Ways to Bed a Duke

Lily nodded and turned onto her side, quickly falling asleep. A pleasure Catherine wished she could experience, but her mind was racing as she tried to draw up a mock syllabus she could cover with Emmy.

Feeling a bit of inspiration, she moved to her writing desk and pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, noting down things she’d noticed Emmy needed help with.

And there were alotof things.

By the time she was done, she’d almost filled both sides of the paper. She sighed, rubbing her forehead. She had a lot of things to cover in such a short time, but she hoped Emmy was a fast learner so she would still have time for her lessons with the Duke.

She remembered their interaction earlier, and a hot blush crawled up her cheeks when she remembered his words.

He’d told her to blush if anyone said such words to her, but in truth, if he were anyone else, she would have probably run away if she was in a good mood or slapped him across the face.

I do not care much for my clothes, dear Cathy. Most women prefer me out of them.

His eyes had lit up with such dark promise that she didn’t doubt his words, and considering their past interactions, she couldn’t help but wonder what he’d have done if she’d flirted back like all the heroines in the novels she would never admit to anyone she read.

Would he be so taken aback that he’d run from her, or would he take her in his arms and ravish her the way the heroes in the novels did?

She wondered what it would feel like to be wrapped in Richard’s arms. He’d only nipped her earlobe, and that had made her feel uncomfortably warm throughout the evening.

Even his proximity earlier had left her with a buzz she couldn’t shake off. She shuddered to think what the feel of his arms around her could do.

A knock sounded at her door, pulling her out of her reverie.

“Who is it?” she asked as she rose from her seat, making sure to keep her voice low enough so she wouldn’t wake Lily.

“It’s me, Miss,” her handmaiden answered. “I have a delivery for you.”

Delivery?

Did she buy something without knowing it?

Catherine opened the door and admitted her maid, who was holding a very large box that was unmistakably from the modiste she’d visited earlier.

“How do you know it’s mine?” she asked.

“There’s a note on top with your name on it,” the maid answered, standing back even though her body buzzed with excitement.

Catherine took the note, frowning at the unfamiliar hand. She wondered who gifted her the dress, and even though she had an inkling, she wondered why he’d gift her a dress.

Was it perhaps to thank her for helping his sister?

She accepted the paper-knife and opened the letter slowly because she didn’t know what to expect. Her curiosity turned into a frown and then outrage when she read the letter again.

Dearest Catherine,

I hope this gift finds you well. You will find that I have taken care to fast-track our lessons by purchasing you this dress, which is guaranteed to get the attention of all the eligible bachelors in England as compared to the nun-like styles you favor.

I picture you frowning as you read this letter, so this is a reminder to smile. Men like a woman with a ready smile.

Do well to thank me later.

Yours lovingly,

Richard.

Catherine found herself laughing despite her anger and decided she’d give him the benefit of the doubt. Even if he spoke like a cad, that didn’t mean he was one.

However, that sentiment evaporated the moment the dress was laid out before her.

---