Page 23 of The Duke's Ultimatum

While Beatrice and Sarah waved their hands in front of their mother’s face, trying to shake her awake, the Duke and Eleanor remained staring at each other, neither one of them moving.

A smile pulled at the corner of the Duke’s lips, not that Eleanor was looking there, mind you. She was too busy settling her stomach and keeping her racing heart from bursting from her chest.

She had never spoken to a man, let alone a duke, like that before. She expected him to bite back in anger, but he sat there, calm and collected with a serene look on his face. The longer he sat quietly, the more nervous she became.

The bravado her pride hid behind was disappearing, leaving her with the weight of what she just said.

With his eyes still on hers, the Duke brought his drink up to his lips and took a sip.

Eleanor found herself swallowing with him, watching his throat work against his cravat as he swallowed. The moment was too intimate for her, so she looked over to see her mother regaining consciousness. Although, Eleanor doubted she truly fainted. This was her mother after all.

“Eleanor, what is the meaning of this? You sent Mama into shock!” Beatrice looked genuinely concerned over her mother’s welfare.

Eleanor had to remind herself that Beatrice was still several years younger than her, and while Beatrice was book smart, she still had a lot to learn when it came to their mother’s manipulative ways.

Eleanor tipped her head down. “I’m sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to cause you distress.”

Charlotte blotted her completely dry forehead with the back of her hand. “It is not I you should be apologizing to, Eleanor.” Her mother’s voice was breathless and strained.

Eleanor brought her eyes back to face the Duke and licked her lips—an action she saw the Duke’s eyes track.

“Your Grace, please accept my apology. This is a very sensitive subject, and I fear I let my emotions get the better of me.”

Eleanor watched as the Duke’s jaw once again ticked. He slowly nodded his acceptance of her apology.

“With two seasons behind you, you have had ample time to find a husband. I’m giving you until the end of this season to find a match.” What little friendliness his voice held was completely gone, replaced with cold precision and intention.

The change caused a shudder to run down Eleanor’s spine.

“And if I don’t find a husband by the end of the season?”

The Duke tilted his head. “I’ll find one for you.” The finality of his statement made Eleanor’s stomach drop.

“Do I not get another season like my sisters?”

“I think you had enough time. Time is money, Eleanor. You are well past your?—”

“Date?” she accused.

Eleanor ignored the murmurs and shifting coming from her mother and sisters. Hot tears stung the back of her eyes. Humiliation mixed frustration slowed down her perception of time. She resisted the urge to get up and run to her room. She was old enough to face her demons, she told herself. She just never imagined the demon in question would be someone who had so much say in her future happiness.

“Why are you doing this?” Her voice was just above a whisper.

“I have my reasons.”

“Which are?” Eleanor’s heart was beating erratically.

The Duke set his drink down on the table next to his chair. “They are none of your concern.”

“There is only a month left in the season,” she countered.

“Then I suggest you pay attention during these next few events and working your feminine magic on the gentlemen in attendance.” His words speared a knife through her heart.

Eleanor opened her mouth to argue when the Duke shot her a look. “I would think twice about continuing this conversation, wouldn’t you agree?”

With a slight raise of his eyebrow, Eleanor knew the time for any discussion on the matter was over. She knew she pushed him to his limits one too many times during this conversation, and she could tell he was not above telling her mother about what she witnessed last night if she were to continue.

After all, he had nothing to lose if word got out. He was a man; no one would think any less of him for what he was doing with the widow. But Eleanor? Her part in the scenario was scandalous.

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