Page 12 of Good Duke Gone Rogue

“You had amnesia?” Bernadette asked.

“Oh, how silly of me. Not me. Jonathan. But I’ll share that all with you another time. We were talking about our dreams. And I have to say, I think I’m still developing it. So don’t give up on yourself. There’s always time.”

Bernadette could only smile. The two seemed like old friends. They also seemed like they could be good friends to have. If thatshould ever happen in the future, she could see herself enjoying their company.

Margaret’s attention shifted and caught on something across the ballroom. “You’re staying with the Lord and Lady Winchester, aren’t you?”

“Yes. They are very good family friends.”

“How is the earl?”

“Unfortunately, not so well tonight. That is the reason Lady Winchester stayed home. Though hopefully he will recover quickly.”

“So you are just here with Reggie?” Margaret asked, and Bernadette couldn’t help but feel heat rise in her cheeks. She hoped the other two wouldn’t notice.

And perhaps at least Margaret wouldn’t because she was listening mostly with her ears. Her eyes were distracted. Bernadette turned subtly to steal a glimpse, but her observations were inconclusive.

“Bernadette, we didn’t see you at the Ashbourne wedding. Were you not in town?” Mary’s inquiry was completely innocent, yet Bernadette blushed all the same.

“I—I…” she chose honesty. “I wasn’t ready for such an event. To be perfectly transparent, I do plan to remarry. I just want a short break from it all.”

“Well, we are honored you chose to attend our ball,” Margaret spoke on behalf of the actual hostess, who smiled.

“Yes, we are.”

Margaret jerked her head back to the conversation. “You must be exhausted from all that dancing. Why don’t you get some fresh air?”

Fresh air sounded delightful.

“That sounds like an excellent idea—” Mary started in.

“For Bernadette. Our guest.” Margaret’s eyes were saying something to Mary that Bernadette could not interpret.

“Oh yes. She probably needs a moment alone. You are so wise, Margaret.”

Bernadette sighed in relief. For a moment, she thought the two were up to something.

Margaret pointed to a door hidden at the far end of the room. “There’s a small balcony just over there. No one really knows about it. Take a moment to catch your breath.”

“Lovely to meet you both. I hope to see you again.”

“You will.” They both said.

Then she took the advice and discreetly made her way outside onto the balcony to catch her breath.

Only, she hadn’t expected to what lengths she would need to go to catch her breath. One step out onto the terrace, she closed the door to find Reggie, leaning against the balustrade.

His back was to her. She could turn around and go back in.

But she didn’t want to.

And when he slowly turned around, the smile he greeted her with had her trapped.

He looked adorable. And strapping. And manly.

Something warmed her womanhood.

“Hello again.”

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