Page 42 of Not the Duke's Virgin

A blush bloomed on Victoria’s cheeks, and she dropped her gaze. “Indeed, the outdoors provide a welcome respite from the crowded city.”

Madeline smiled knowingly. She had noticed Victoria and the Duke disappear together in the village earlier. But she merely said, “You must tell me all about your adventures in the village later. I want to hear what sights you took in.”

Victoria quickly changed the subject, not wishing to divulge too much, with others within earshot. As the manor came into view, she found herself searching for Simon amongst the gentlemen riding ahead. Her heart rate quickened when she spotted his tall, broad-shouldered form atop a gleaming chestnut stallion.

As if sensing her attention, Simon turned and caught her eye, his piercing gaze making her breath hitch. The ghost of a smile touched his lips before he faced forward again. Victoria’s mind drifted back to the heated encounter they had, hidden away in the shadowed alley…

“Victoria?” Madeline’s voice broke through her reverie. “Shall we freshen up before tea?”

“Yes, of course.” Victoria blinked, forcing her thoughts back to the present.

Soon the ladies had changed out of their riding habits and rejoined the gentlemen in the drawing room for tea. Victoria kept her gaze fixed firmly on the fine china cup she stirred honey into her tea, feeling Simon’s presence across the room acutely. The murmur of polite conversation flowed around her, but all she could focus on was steadying her erratic breathing.

“Is everything okay, Victoria?” Madeline asked under her breath. “You seem out of sorts.”

“I’m fine,” Victoria whispered back hurriedly. “Just feeling a bit worn out from the day’s excursions.”

Mercifully, the cups were soon emptied, and Victoria escaped to her chamber to rest before dinner, avoiding Simon’s penetrating gaze. Later, dressed in an elegant emerald gown, with her dark brown hair arranged fashionably atop her head, she descended the stairs on leaden legs.

Madeline caught her arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Chin up. No one would guess what transpired from your lovely countenance.”

Victoria mustered a grateful smile, thankful for her cousin’s tranquility and discretion. She just prayed her own conflicted emotions were not written across her face for all to see.

At dinner, Victoria was seated far from Simon, for which she was grateful. Yet, her eyes continued drifting to him of their own volition, tracing the neat line of his cravat, the outline of his shoulders in his well-cut jacket. His inscrutable mask revealed nothing of the passion she had glimpsed mere hours ago.

Victoria picked at her quail, trying to focus on the conversation flowing around her.

“Did you hear, the latest French fashions are simply scandalous!” Lady Caroline exclaimed to the group. “Hems rising, necklines plunging…”

“Certainly not appropriate for polite company.” Lady Margaret tutted in disapproval.

Victoria nodded absently, but her mind kept drifting back to the alley, reliving Simon’s passionate embrace.

The clatter of cutlery made her jump. She hastily gulped wine to steady her nerves, barely suppressing a most unladylike cough.

Madeline leaned over with a knowing look. “Dear cousin, you seem distracted.”

“Yes, of course,” Victoria murmured back. “Just eager for the evening to progress.”

After the endless courses, the ladies finally withdrew to the parlor. But Victoria found no refuge from her roiling thoughts.

“Your gown is exquisite, Lady Victoria,” complimented Lady Caroline. “Is it one of the new Parisian styles?”

“Oh, no, merely an old favorite,” Victoria responded automatically, her laugh sounding too shrill.

When the gentlemen joined them, Madeline announced brightly, “Let us play a round of whist!”

Victoria hesitated, but Madeline’s subtle nod bolstered her. Taking a seat across from Simon, Victoria tried to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Madeline kept up a steady stream of chatter, for which Victoria was endlessly grateful. With her cousin’s calming presence, the night passed smoothly, Victoria’s inner turmoil remaining hidden away.

At long last, the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room, and Simon’s enthusiastic suggestion of a hand of whist was met with eager acceptance. Victoria hesitated, worrying she might reveal her inner turmoil through inept gameplay, but at Madeline’s reassuring nod, she took a seat at the card table across from Simon.

With his face betraying nothing, Simon deftly shuffled and dealt the cards as Madeline kept up a lively stream of banter that helped put Victoria somewhat at ease. She even managed a few genuine smiles as the evening wore on, bolstered by Madeline’s calming presence and Simon’s courteous distance.

“Come now, Victoria, you mustn’t allow your doubts to get the better of you,” Madeline said lightly as she noticed her cousin’s hesitation. “It’s only a friendly game between friends. Just follow my lead, and you’ll pick it up in no time.”

Reassured by Madeline’s breezy confidence, Victoria gathered her courage and focused intently as the game began. Under Madeline’s discreet tutelage, she soon found her footing. Simon added an occasional word of guidance when needed, ever the gentleman.

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