Page 97 of Dukes for Dessert

“I’m glad I decided to stay at the party,” he said. “Are you?”

“I am.”

And yet she would leave tomorrow. Unless he could persuade her to stay. For what reason? Because he couldn’t bear for her to go.

“Will you change your mind about departing tomorrow? We could take another walk. Or better yet, ride with me in the morning. You said it was overrated, but I’d like to prove you wrong. I could also help you improve your chess game.”

She slowed, almost to a stop. “My goodness, that would be quite a full itinerary, and I admit to being enticed. I should love to improve my chess game, and I’m just as eager to prove to you that riding is overrated. Still, I should probably go. I’ve posted letters today in the hope of securing my next position. I’ll need to get home to Bath, where I can receive responses.”

“What if I hire you?”

“To find you a wife?” She smiled softly. “I thought you were joking.”

“I was, but now I’m not.” He’d do anything to get her to stay.

“Thank you, but no. I have no expertise in that. I work with ladies, not gentlemen.”

“Can’t you see I’m in need of learning flexibility and charm? It can’t be any harder than working with young ladies.”

She laughed then and touched his hand. Though they wore gloves, the connection jolted him. He wanted to take her in his arms and rekindle the kiss they’d abandoned yesterday.

He glanced toward the people who were now rather far in front of them, for they had managed to stop walking. While the others weren’t close, any one of them could look back and would see them embracing. If he kissed her. Which meant he couldn’t. He let the anticipation and sexual tension curl inside him as she withdrew her hand.

She licked her lower lip, and he nearly groaned. “I don’t think I can help you. Indeed, I believe you already possess the ability to relax and allow your humor and charm—yes, I think you possess charm—to come through. Just stop keeping everyone at arm’s length. I understand it’s difficult, but the more you allow yourself to be vulnerable, the more rewarding relationships will be.”

Yes, he wanted exactly that. With her. He’d already shared more with her than he ever had with anyone. He liked how that felt. He didn’t want to go back to locking everything up inside.

“We should keep moving,” she said with a smile before hastening into a fast walk.

He wasn’t going to let her avoid answering his question. “Even though you’ve refused my offer of employment, will you stay? At least one more day?”

She looked over at him, another smile—how had he ever disliked them—teasing her lips. “I’ll consider it. Now don’t pester me. I’d much rather hear about your favorite horse. I assume you have more than one.”

Dare launched into a discussion of his favorite horses and did his best to enjoy the present. He’d savor every moment he had with her.

9

By the time they reached The Wayward Knight, Juno wasn’t sure she knew the duke at all. She also wished she wasn’t still calling him “the duke” in her head. She knew his name. He was Alexander Brett, Duke of Warrington. Did his family, which seemed to just be his mother, call him Alexander? Alex? Probably not. Presumably, he had a courtesy title, not that she recalled what it was. His mother likely called him that.

Juno noted that Cecilia hadn’t slowed along the track even once for Juno and the duke to catch up. She had, however, cast a few glances backward, which told Juno that her hostess was aware they’d been lagging behind. Had others noticed she and the duke walking together?

Not wishing to spark any gossip or speculation, Juno made a point of leaving his company when they reached the inn. She made her way to the refreshment table to fetch a tankard of ale and moved to the edge of the private dining room allotted for their party.

As soon as Juno sipped her ale, another woman from the house party approached her. Lady Gilpin was perhaps forty with dark auburn hair and a warm disposition. She was a close friend of Cecilia’s. “Mrs. Langton, did you enjoy the promenade?”

“I did, thank you. What a splendid day.”

“Indeed. I pray you won’t find me intrusive, but I’ve heard you’re no longer employed by Lady Wetherby. Dare I hope you’re looking for a new position?”

“I am, actually.” Juno assumed Cecilia had told her. “Seeking a new position, that is.” She refrained from mentioning Lady Wetherby or Marina at all. It was better that way.

Lady Gilpin’s eyes lit. “How fortunate for me—and my daughter. She will be embarking on her first Season in the spring, and I would dearly love for you to prepare her.”

“Tell me about her,” Juno said with a smile.

“She’s quite shy. She can never seem to find the right words when in social situations. It’s as if her tongue is twisted in knots.”

“I see. Well, that is something we can work on. How are her other skills?”

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