Page 30 of The Duke's Vice

Graham nodded at his book as he pointed to a page. “There are some things I need to get in order but I will send word when it’s the appropriate time to see to the rest of your list.”

Beatrice stood and fiddled with a button on her cloak. “That’s it? I just wait?”

Graham sat in his chair like he didn’t just upend her world with a kiss. Was his body throbbing like hers? Was his mind whirling with what could have been?

She considered him. He looked calm and collective. Beatrice didn’t know whether to be impressed or insulted. Her eyes drifted around his study. It was full of books and trinkets from various landmarks, proof of a man well-versed in life and experience.

If she was going to enter into this agreement with him she needed to step up to his level. If he was cool and collected after they sealed their deal with a kiss, then perhaps she should follow his lead.

She stood straighter and buttoned the rest of her cloak. “Very well. I will await your word. Until then… goodbye.”

Beatrice hesitated before she turned, hoping he would call her back. When he only looked on with a cunning smirk she dipped her head and turned. She clenched her core as hard as she could as she walked out, hoping to give off the air of confidence. Her knees were still shaking and her heart was racing but she wasdetermined to prove she was up for the challenge of whatever he had in store for her.

CHAPTER 9

Thunder clapped causing Beatrice to jump and spill her tea.

“Beatrice, dear, are you all right?” Charlotte’s words carried worry, but seeing how much she spilled on herself, her mother’s worry was most likely for Beatrice’s dress and not for her daughter’s emotional state.

Eleanor handed Beatrice a napkin. With a small nod of thanks to her sister, Beatrice began to blot the tea, hoping it didn’t cause too much damage. “I’m fine, Mama.” She all but sighed the words.

Truth was her nerves were frayed. It had been almost a week since she snuck out to Graham’s residence and she hadn’t received word from him yet. He told her to be patient but she couldn’t help to think he was reconsidering.

What if he never meant to follow through? What if he didn’t take me seriously and it was all for a bit of fun?

Beatrice grimaced as she sipped what was left of her tea.

“Are you sure you’re doing well, Beatrice?” Her old sister asked. Beatrice glanced at Eleanor. Unlike her mother, Eleanor most likely did care about her sister’s wellbeing.

Beatrice’s eyes tracked to the rain hitting the window. “I suppose it’s just the weather. Storms make me quite anxious.”

Sarah scrunched her nose. “They never used to. You would always say they were perfect for reading and since your prefer books to people, rainy days gave you an excuse to read.”

Beatrice huffed. “Well I guess I have changed my mind, haven’t I? If others can do it, why can’t I?”

Beatrice cringed.

“What has gotten into you, Beatrice?” Charlotte chastised.

She sat her tea cup down on the side table and stood. “I’m sorry, Sarah, I really am. I’m feeling very anxious for some reason.”

Beatrice stalked to the window. She prayed no one would ask any follow up questions.

“Why?” Sarah asked.

Beatrice wanted to bang her head against the window. Curse her for being born into a family of nosey women.

She lifted a shoulder.

“Ah. I know.” Charlotte said, victoriously.

The blood flowing through Beatrice’s veins froze. Did her mother know? But how? Did she see her sneak out? Did she have her followed?

With what she hoped was casual interest she turned to face her mother and sisters.

Eleanor laughed. “Well, do enlighten us, Mama. We’re all waiting with bated breath.”

“Yes, Mama. I would love to know why I’m anxious.” Beatrice tried her best to sound light and unaware but it came out rushed and curt.

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