Page 9 of A Flurry for a Duke

“Hope, my dear. I know you might not believe it, but as your mother, I can discern when something is in fact nothing.”

It was probably true, though Hope hesitated to admit it in this case. What could she say?I slammed my naked body into Isaac’s, so he gave me my first kiss, and now I never want to seek another man’s lips. Then he found out my deep, dark secret and wants to protect me at all costs.

There was no universe in which she would utter those words to her mother.

“Isaac and I spoke.”

“Oh?”

“And…he happened to see the latest threat I received.”

“Oh dear. Another one came? We haven’t seen one in a while.” Mavis tugged her daughter in close and kissed her temple. “Maybe it’s best he knows. He’s a protector if I’ve ever known one.”

“Yes. That may be true.”

Her mother pulled them to a stop. “Hope, is there something else?” Maternal eyes drew a need to be known out of her.

She whispered, “He kissed me.” And even though she couldn’t quite bring herself to look at her mother, she thought she detected a hint of a smile.

“Well…that was probably bound to happen.” Mavis’ arm tightened around her. “Did you…um…was it…enjoyable?”

Hope’s face was surely turning all shades of red, but her mother always had her best in mind. Though she couldn’t confirm it verbally, she nodded.

“Maybe he will be the one—”

“He’s not for me, Mama.”

“Why would you say that?”

“He’s a rake. The worst kind—”

“Not the worst kind. Trust me, my dear. There are plenty worse than Isaac.”

“Perhaps. But he’s proud and independent. He would never let me take care of him. He has told me about his uncle. His uncle practically raised him, what with Isaac’s father being so sick all the time. Both men, under the close care of others, wasted away. Unfortunately the uncle took as much money with him as he could. Isaac resents that kind of behavior.”

“You are nurturing, Hope. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of you.”

She smiled warmly at her mother. “Thank you.”

“If he loves you, he’ll let you in.”

They resumed walking but remained silent as each observed the snowless winter scene around them.

“He said he’d grow a beard.” Hope chuckled, offering the tidbit to lighten the mood.

“Oh?”

“To make it more comfortable for the house party.”

“How’s that?” Mavis inquired.

“If he grows a beard, he said I wouldn’t recognize him. So it would be as if he weren’t even here.”

“What an amusing idea.” Mavis pulled her arm through Hope’s. “He always knows how to make you laugh.”

“Yes.” He could always make her laugh. It was much more frightening to consider the idea that he might be the one to make her love.

They had drawn close to the group now, and she looked up at him. Tall. Strong. Cutting a fine figure in his jacket and cravat. His legs filled out his breeches, straining at the seams. Hope recalled the feel of those thighs against her own skin. He was everything she could want, but nothing that made sense for her to have.

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