Page 37 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Around them, the others were preparing to resume their ride. Victoria kept her eyes downcast and voice muted as they mounted their horses. But inwardly, her thoughts roiled. She both longed for and dreaded further time alone with Simon. This dangerous attraction between them could lead nowhere good under Oliver’s looming threat.

The ride back to Hayward Manor was subdued after the tense encounter at the lake. Victoria kept her eyes downcast, avoiding any interaction with Simon or Oliver. Madeline prattled on inconsequentially, trying to fill the heavy silence.

Once back at the stables, the ladies gladly headed upstairs to freshen up while the gentlemen saw to their mounts. Safely ensconced in her room, Victoria sighed with relief and rang for warm water to wash away the day’s dust and grime.

Madeline sank onto Victoria’s bed, looking troubled. “Cousin, are you all right after what happened out there between you, His Grace, and Lord Oliver? I confess, I am quite confounded.”

Victoria busied herself with pinning up loose strands of hair. “As am I, dear. Let us speak no more of it for now.”

By unspoken agreement, they avoided any further discussion of the confusing undercurrents swirling around the brothers. Victoria was relieved when a maid arrived to help dress them for dinner. Focusing on mundane tasks helped settle her unsteady nerves.

But inner turmoil arose anew when they went down to the drawing room before dinner and found Simon already present. He stood up gracefully to greet them, back to his usual pristine attire after changing from his disheveled lake ensemble.

“Good evening, Lady Victoria, Miss Russell. You both look lovely.” His deep voice sent a shiver through Victoria.

She curtsied politely, praying her face did not betray her attraction toward him.

Throughout the elegant dinner service, Victoria responded to Simon’s questions with cautious civility that belied her inner turmoil. His heated gaze made her all too aware of his strong, sinewy body hidden beneath a proper gentleman’s garb.

Mercifully, the ladies were able to retire early while the gentlemen lingered over port. Victoria released a shaky breath once safely ensconced in the drawing room with Madeline and the other women.

“Shall we play a game of whist?” Madeline suggested brightly.

Happy for any diversion, Victoria readily agreed.

They were a few hands in when the gentlemen joined them. Victoria tensed, seeing Simon make a beeline for their table. He pulled out the empty chair beside her and murmured, “Do you mind if I join?”

Without waiting for a response, he sat down and picked up the cards she had dealt him.

As the game progressed, Victoria began to relax slightly. Simon showed no untoward behavior that would raise suspicion. His hands moved gracefully as he played each strategic card. She found it hard not to stare at those long, deft fingers.

When he captured a trick, Simon casually brushed his knuckles against the back of her hand, lingering a second too long. Victoria jerked reflexively at the contact, cards falling from her grasp.

“Do forgive me, Lady Victoria. How clumsy of me.” Simon’s apology was smooth, but his eyes danced wickedly.

Victoria felt herself flush as she scrambled to gather the fallen cards.

Over Madeline’s head, Simon shot Victoria a roguish wink before playing his next card. She gripped the table tightly, struggling to maintain her composure. This insufferable man took entirely too much pleasure in unsettling her!

When she could endure no more, Victoria set down her cards and rose abruptly. “Please do excuse me a moment. I find myself in need of some air.”

Without meeting anyone’s eye, she hastened out of the room.

Outside on the terrace, she sucked in deep lungfuls of the cool night air. How long could she endure Simon’s teasing touches and smoldering looks before losing her precarious grasp on propriety?

Footsteps sounded behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know it was him. Simon came up beside her, leaning casually on the balustrade.

“Was the drawing room overly warm? You left rather suddenly.”

Victoria kept her face averted. “Merely needed a breath of fresh air. I shall return presently.”

“Hmm.” Simon edged closer. “Surely not on my account? I thought we were enjoying a… stimulating game.”

Victoria straightened, finally looking at him. “You presume too much, Your Grace.”

Simon clasped her hand lightly. “Come now, Victoria. Do you not feel the attraction between us? This connection is too powerful to deny.” His thumb stroked her knuckles, sending tingles up her arm.

Victoria jerked her hand back. “You—you should not address me with such familiarity.”

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