Page 32 of Not the Duke's Virgin

“Forgive me, Your Grace, I don’t know what came over me,” she stammered, avoiding his heated gaze. “Please, let us return to the house.”

Before he could respond, she pulled away, fleeing back up the garden path on shaky legs. Her mind spun as she tried to make sense of what almost happened.

She slipped back into the crowded drawing room and rejoined her cousin.

“There you are!” Madeline exclaimed. “I was wondering where you disappeared to.”

“Just needed some air,” Victoria murmured, reaching shakily for her tea.

Madeline prattled on as Victoria tried calming her nerves. How would she face Simon normally after their heated tryst?

As if summoned by her thoughts, Simon entered. Victoria kept her eyes down but felt his burning gaze from across the room. Her pulse raced. Needing a distraction, she poured herself another cup of tea.

As Simon socialized with the guests, Victoria risked glancing up. Outwardly, he was the picture of courtesy. But when their eyes briefly met, the raw hunger in his eyes made her immediately lower hers once more.

CHAPTER9

The grand dining hall of Hayward Manor was alight with the warm glow of candles, their flames dancing merrily against the dark polished wood paneling. An elaborate mahogany table took center stage, laden with fine bone china plates edged in gold filigree, and crystal goblets that captured the candlelight in their many facets.

At the head of the long table sat Simon, the Duke of Hayward himself. Despite the warm and convivial atmosphere in the room, a perpetual air of gravity surrounded the Duke. His piercing eyes swept over the assembled dinner guests, lingering for a moment on Victoria, who sat to his right, looking resplendent in an emerald gown.

To Simon’s left, the Dowager Duchess drained her wine goblet in one long swallow before holding it out impatiently for the footman to refill it. “Come along boy, I’m parched!” she declared in a slightly slurred voice.

Further down, Lord Newton was droning on about the fine weather they had been having, stopping every few moments to dab at his brow with a handkerchief. Beside him, Oliver constantly shifted in his seat, his eyes darting about the room restlessly as he twirled a fork between his fingers.

“Turtle soup to start!” Madeline exclaimed as the first course was served. “How delightful. I do believe Cook has outdone herself this evening.”

Victoria gave her cousin an indulgent smile. “I’m pleased you are enjoying it, dear, though do save some room. We have many more courses to come.”

Madeline nodded enthusiastically as she dipped her spoon back into the bowl. “Of course. Oh, but it is hard not to fill up on such tasty fare!”

Meanwhile, the Dowager Duchess was grumbling under her breath about the soup being dreadfully over-salted and not at all to her liking.

Simon ate slowly and methodically, seeming to take no pleasure in the carefully prepared meal.

“Come on, Duke, you must keep your strength up,” the Dowager Duchess admonished. “Eat, boy!”

“Yes, Mother,” Simon replied tonelessly before forcing himself to take another spoonful.

As the next course was served, a lightly baked trout with lemon and herbs, Madeline piped up again, “Cousin look! This fish is simply divine. It melts in one’s mouth like butter!”

Victoria smiled graciously. “It does look quite delicious. Are you enjoying the fish, Your Grace?” she asked Simon politely.

He dabbed at his mouth with a linen napkin before meeting her gaze. “It’s perfectly cooked. My compliments to the Cook.”

Though his words were cool and detached, Victoria detected a glimmer of warmth in his dark brown eyes.

“Marvelous party you have planned, Your Grace!” Lord Hampshire, one of the guests, complimented enthusiastically. “Why, it shall be the event of the Season, I daresay. Everyone who is anyone shall be in attendance. It is so very generous of you to host.”

Simon inclined his head slightly. “You are too kind. I hope the party proves enjoyable for all.”

“Oh, yes! I cannot wait!” Madeline exclaimed, nearly bouncing in her seat. “My uncle has permitted me to have a new gown made specially for the occasion. I shall be the belle of the party, don’t you think, Cousin?”

Victoria patted her hand affectionately. “Indeed you shall be the loveliest one there, my dear.”

The Earl cleared his throat importantly. “Yes, we are most honored by the invitation, Your Grace. This shall be Madeline’s first Season, you know, after…” He faltered, his face reddening.

An awkward hush fell over the table. Oliver’s grip on his wine glass tightened until his knuckles turned white.

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