Page 91 of Dukes for Dessert

“You’ve come to know the duke rather well. Likely due to your efforts to match him with Lady Marina.”

“Yes.”

Or was it something else?

“I wish you would stay too,” Cecilia said. “Why not enjoy the house party as a guest?”

“I’m not sure your other guests would appreciate that. I’m not—”

Cecilia held up her hand. “Don’t say you aren’t one of us. I know your grandfather was a baron. Is a baron. I do believe he’s still breathing.”

“You are frighteningly well informed,” Juno said good-naturedly.

“My mother ensured I committed DeBrett’s to memory. It’s settled, then. You’ll stay.” Cecilia didn’t ask and likely wouldn’t accept Juno’s refusal.

“I shouldn’t.”

“But you will because we are now dear friends, and I’ll be bereft if you leave.” She pouted for good measure, but ended up grinning instead.

The giggle finally escaped Juno before she could press her fingers to her lips. “Fine. I’ll stay. But I wager the duke will end up leaving. Again, what possible reason could he have to stay?”

Cecilia shrugged. “As you said, perhaps he likes the stables. Whatever the reason, clearly something at Blickton has captured his attention.”

Dare leaned against the wall just down from the room Juno shared with Lady Marina and crossed his arms. Perhaps he should stand here all night so that he could catch Juno in the morning before she left. He couldn’t let her leave without seeing her again.

And what did he expect would happen?

His former potential bride, Lady Marina, could very well come out first, and then what would he say? “Pardon me, but I must speak with your companion.”

He dropped his arms to his sides and squirmed, feeling awkward just at the thought. If it actually happened, he’d probably leap out of his skin.

Then what was he doing here?

He couldn’t seem to make himself leave. He’d likely never see Juno again if he did.

Just what will you do if you happen to see her?

He had no bloody idea. Exhaling, he pushed away from the wall. But before he could turn and leave, he caught sight of her. She was coming right toward him.

Garbed in a simple but elegant gown of dark pink and pale green, with her blonde hair styled exquisitely atop her head, she looked like a sugary confection. Certainly good enough to eat.

She walked past her door, slowing as she neared him. “Good evening, Your Grace. Have you come to tell Lady Marina that you’ve changed your mind? That you’re a blockhead?” She smiled sweetly—definitely good enough to eat, even when she was insulting him.

She wasn’t wrong.

“I am a blockhead. However, I have not changed my mind about Lady Marina. I came to see you.”

That silenced her for a moment. “Oh. Why?”

“I didn’t want you to leave before I said goodbye.”

“You’re loitering outside my room to say goodbye?” She snorted, and he found the sound absurdly attractive. A lady had never done that in his presence. But she was no ordinary woman.

“Is that so strange?”

“For you? Yes.”

“You think you know me so well.”

---