Page 45 of The Duke's Ultimatum

Derek sat up and immediately regretted it. “You’re not listening!”

“Because you’re not making any sense!” Derek could tell William was not going to put up with his behavior for much longer. He was surprised his tight-laced friend allowed him to go on this long.

Derek groaned and shook his head, trying to right his thoughts. He rested his elbows on his knees and took a deep breath. “She is under my care. I should be looking for what is best for her,not what I want. She needs a level-headed young man who will give her the conventional societal life she’s probably dreamed of since she was a girl. I am not cut out for that life. It’s hard enough being a part of it as much as I am now. I’m hoping once these girls are married off, I can return to my businesses full time.”

Derek felt small under his friend’s scrutiny. “So, don’t pursue it. You haven’t done anything to make her think you are interested.” Derek’s face must have given himself away.

“Derek,” his friend’s voice chided, “what did you do?’

“I kissed her.”

William groaned. “It is too late for this. I’m going to bed. Feel free to stay here and sleep off the ungodly amount of alcohol you no doubt consumed, but I don’t have the strength to deal with you like this.”

Derek nodded. “I think I’ll take you up on that offer. I don’t want the girls seeing me like this.”

William acknowledged him and went to alert his maid to make up the guest room for Derek.

Derek sat in the darkened parlor. What had become of him? A year ago, he was riding high, one of the richest and well-known men in England, and now, he was drunk on his best friend’s sofa,pining over a girl he was in charge of making sure she was taken care of.

And for some unknown reason, he wanted to be the one who took care of her.

CHAPTER 14

The summer sun rose high above the trees, casting shadows to darkened parts of the path in front of them. Sarah and Charlotte walked a few paces behind Eleanor, discussing the new fashions coming out of Paris this season. Beatrice followed closely behind them, a scowl on her face.

“I do wish you would drop that insufferable pout from your face, Beatrice. You’ll wrinkle.” Charlotte tossed the comment over her shoulder.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at her mother and stuck out her tongue.

“Mama, leave her be. She’s just upset you made her leave the confines of her room to venture into the outside world.”

Charlotte heaved a heavy sigh. “Why that girl fills her head with all that nonsense is beyond me? It’s most likely the cause of allthose headaches she gets. Too much information trying to take root in a place where it shouldn’t.”

Sarah gave a noncommittal sound, knowing her mother would cause an outright scene if anyone were to question her opinion on young ladies who read too much.

Eleanor tried focusing on the conversations happening behind her; it was a good distraction from the man walking to her left.

“Are you enjoying the walk, Eleanor?” Graynor squinted at the sun light shining through the trees.

“I am, Your Grace, thank you.” She kept her eyes forward while they continued to walk in seemingly compatible silence. Outwardly they looked like a pleasant group, out for a walk before it became too hot. Inwardly, though, it was a different story.

Frustration fueled her, and she needed to find a way to channel the negative energy into pleasant conversation. She knew she couldn’t stay quiet for long; it wouldn’t be proper.

“You, uh, haven’t been around these past few days. Business?” Eleanore cringed at the eagerness in her voice. While his absence allowed her mind and body to rest from all the confusion and tension her time with him always caused, she now she felt as if they were back at square one.

She could see his shoulders tense from the corner of her eye. “Yes. I had business I had to attend to.” He began to rub his hands together, a habit she noticed he did when he needed to broach a subject he wasn’t comfortable with.

“I’m sorry. It is none of my business, Your Grace. I was just trying to make polite conversation.” Eleanor felt like a complete dolt. She knew better than to ask about business—most didn’t find it appropriate for women to inquire about the business dealings of men. Her eyes slid to look at him to gauge his feelings. She didn’t think he was of that mind, but the truth was she really didn’t know much about him or his beliefs.

“No. It’s not that at all, Eleanor. I don’t mind talking business with you or anyone. It’s the subject I’m most comfortable talking about, so the company who I discuss it with is of no matter.”

“Ah.” Eleanor didn’t really know how to answer, so she just let the comment drop.

After a few steps, he started to worry his hands again.

“Eleanor, I would like discuss how you are faring in your quest for a husband.”

Eleanor smiled at the couple passing them. “Quest? You make it sound like I am on some epic adventure, going into the unknown.”

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