Page 21 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

Was she truly naive in thinking that he wanted more than just her company? Plus, he may come across as aloof, but Jenny swore there was something deeper lurking under his mask. They might have never seen him truly smile, but she had, and it was beautiful.

Call it naïveté, call it stubbornness, call it what you like. There was only one way to find out what the Duke’s true intentions were, and shewasgoing to find out. Now she was determined more than ever to figure out the paradox that is the Duke of Marlow.

CHAPTER 6

Jenny walked around the side garden with Nora. It was a beautiful day for a garden party and the perfect day to corner a certain duke to try her hand at discovering his true nature. The impression she got from Sarah and Nora was that he was impenetrable and would only show the world what he wanted to show. Controlled people like that intrigued Jenny.

She was always so eager to get people to understand her that words just flew out of her mouth with little regard for their appropriateness. To find someone who controlled his words and actions so smoothly, yet came across as charming rather than broody, was fascinating. Sarah was right—he was quite the enigma.

Jenny spotted him speaking with Thomas. She couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. No one would think anything of her joining a conversation with her brother.

“Who are you looking at?” Nora’s question interrupted her thoughts.

“Hmm? Oh, my brother,” Jenny lied.

“Right. And the Duke of Marlow, who he happens to be talking to, holds no interest for you.”

Jenny chewed on her bottom lip, hoping the blush she felt rising to her cheeks wasn’t as noticeable in the sunlight. “If I were to say he doesn’t, would you believe me?”

Nora smiled. “I can’t blame you for being interested.” She leaned in to whisper, “Don’t tell my husband, but that man has definitely turned my head.”

Jenny covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her laugh. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Still, I would keep your interest just that, a curiosity. I would not want to see you be one of his fallen ladies. The trail of broken hearts he’s left is long enough.”

Jenny ducked her head—it was only a matter of time before someone pointed out her odds with this man.

“Oh, trust me, I have not set my sights on him.”

Regardless of what her body told her, she had to keep reminding herself that it was just an arrangement and nothing more.

“Do you want to go over there?” Nora eyed her.

Jenny considered for a moment. She looked back over at Thomas and the Duke of Marlow. Frances was there as well. Would she see through her as quickly as Nora did?

Curiosity won out over pride. “Let’s. You and Sarah have piqued my interest in this man. Tell me, is he truly as bad as everyone makes him out to be?”

Nora led Jenny across the lawn towards the terrace where Thomas and the Duke of Marlow were talking. “I’m not one to say, since I don’t know him well. But yes, his reputation does not do him any favors.”

Jenny nodded solemnly. She wanted to ask if she was insane for wanting to get to know him better. She feared Nora would shoot her idea down, and she didn’t feel like dealing with one more person treating her like a child. Plus, Nora would ask why, and Jenny wasn’t ready, nor willing, to divulge their time in the library or her midnight visit.

Her heart began to beat faster the closer they got to the terrace. By the time her foot hit the first step, her heart was thundering in her ears. She could only imagine the red hue that darkened her cheeks.

Bloody fair complexion giving away my secrets.

“Ah, Jenny.” Frances reached out to welcome her. “I’m so glad you came today. I was getting tired of listening to these men talk.”

Jenny accepted the brief hug her sister-in-law gave her. After she pulled away, she became suddenly aware of her body. Everything she did felt awkward under the Duke’s stare.

Why do I feel like I’ve never stood before?

She shifted from foot to foot, trying to remember how to stand. Her hands felt funny at her sides, but holding them in front of her seemed to take up too much space. She was a fidgeting mess, and she had only been in the Duke’s company for less than twenty seconds. How was she supposed to endure this for their arrangement?

“Jenny, we must get you out of the sun.” Frances’s voice was full of worry. “Look at your face—you look flushed. How long have you and Nora been walking? You’re starting to look red.”

If Jenny wasn’t red before, she was now. Usually, she adored Frances and didn’t mind her motherly ways, which have grown exponentially since Simon arrived, but at this moment, she wished Frances would focus her attention on her son and not her.

Jenny risked a glance at the Duke while Nora and Frances found a glass of water and a chair for her to sit in. She could have sworn she saw a flash of concern cross his features, but it was quickly replaced by nonchalance.

---