Page 46 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

David laughed. “Steady, girl. You don’t want to give the man a heart attack.”

She shot him a wink and cracked her neck. “Look, he’s walking towards us. Let’s go. Introduce me,” she whispered out the side of her mouth.

She wrapped her hand around his arm and practically dragged him to Mr. Daniels.

“Ah, Mr. Daniels, it’s nice to see you out and about on this beautiful summer day.”

Mr. Daniels sniffed in their direction and grumbled about the heat.

“May I introduce Miss Jane Bennett? You may know her brother, the Duke of Pilton.”

“Pilton you say?” Mr. Daniels eyed her suspiciously.

Jenny cringed inwardly. While her brother’s reputation had improved since his marriage to Frances, he was still not a favored member of polite society.

She side-eyed David. He did that on purpose. Finding nothing but an innocent smile on his face, she squared her shoulders and shifted her attention back to the solicitor. She prayed her brother hadn’t done something to irritate the man.

“Mr. Daniels.” She extended her hand while her eyes locked onto his. When he reached out to take her hand, she made sure to apply the right amount of pressure—not too strong, not too light.

She waited until he squeezed ever so lightly to let out a little gasp.

She raised her eyebrows and let a smile curve her lips. “It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Daniels. His Grace has been singing nothing but your praises.”

The Duke raised an eyebrow at her comment.

Mr. Daniels squinted, confused. “He has, hasn’t he?”

“Oh yes. He says you’re the man who knows his business and everyone else is just playing the game.”

She knew she was laying it on thick, but she remained confident and tried for nonchalance.

Mr. Daniels straightened up and picked at the cuff of his shirt. “Well, he’d be correct.”

His face contorted with what could be considered a smile if one was having a seizure, but she took it as one.

Jenny dipped her head, hoping it came across as demure. “I will tell my brother to consider you for any services he may need. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

Mr. Daniels blinked, coming out of the slight trance he was just under.

Jenny slipped her hand back into the crook of the Duke’s arm and walked past him. She couldn’t contain her smile.

“How was that?” she asked when they were far enough away from the man. “I think he was positively smitten with me.”

David looked down at her as they walked through the front gate of her home. “I think I have successfully taught you everything you need to find yourself a suitable match.” He nodded gravely.

His demeanor shifted from playful to remorseful, and Jenny couldn’t understand why. It’s true that she had come a long way from their initial lesson. She should feel elated, but instead, she felt despondent.

“I’m sure there is more to learn. After all, I’m only a beginner.” She felt their camaraderie slipping away again, and she was desperate to hold onto it. She looked over her shoulder to make sure Frances was out of earshot. “Shall I stop over tonight to continue our lessons?”

David cleared his throat and shook his head. “I don’t think you should. There’s really no need to continue. You just needed a little confidence, which you have.” He shrugged. “My work here is done.”

That cursed shrug.

“What?” she demanded.

His jaw ticked. “Miss Bennett.” Her name came out as a plea. “I think our time together is over. You don’t need my company or my help anymore.”

Jenny sputtered and looked back at Frances.

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