Page 11 of Desert Island Duke

“It looks wonderful,” Caro said, genuinely impressed at what he’d constructed.

A few years ago, she would have bet her life on Max Cavendish not being able to put his own boots on without assistance, but his time in the army had clearly given him skills the average aristocrat did not possess.

He made a theatrical sweep of his arm. “Welcome to Chateau Cavendish, mademoiselle. The finest residence this side of Madagascar.”

Caro smiled at his teasing, self-deprecating humor. The ‘chateau’ was a basic A frame of branches and leaves supported at the far end by three huge boulders. “It’s certainly the finest edifice on this island,” she said judiciously.

“May I give you a tour?”

“Please do.”

“The floor, as you see, is the very latest in split bamboo construction, with a generous covering of palm fronds.”

Caro bit her lip to stop a laugh escaping. She schooled her expression into one of mock gravity, as if she were being given a tour of one of England’s finest mansions. “I believe the great architect Robert Adam uses exactly the same materials.”

His lips quirked.

“And the roof?” she queried.

“The finest timber-frame, secured with vines, finished with the highest quality overlapping leaves.”

Caro tapped her lips with her finger, as if giving it serious consideration. “Such an innovative technique. I’ll be sure to mention it to my cousin Tristan when we’re back in England. He’s an architect, too.”

Hayworth gestured grandly at their surroundings. “The lady will note the agreeable aspect to the south, and the unparalleled sea view.”

“Magnificent,” Caro crooned.

“There’s the very latest in alfresco dining.” He waved at her impromptu table. “And let us not forget the innovative arrangement of the facilities for personal hygiene.”

“The what?”

“There aren’t any chamber pots,” he said, straight faced. “You’re going to have to go round the back of that tree.”

Caro flushed but still chuckled at his bawdy humor. She appreciated the attempt to put her at ease.

He pointed at the stream. “Not to mention the hot and cold running water.”

She lifted her brows. “Hot and cold?”

He smiled again, and her heart gave another little jolt. He was irresistible when he was teasing.

“Hot in the afternoon when the sun’s been on it. Cold in the morning, for milady’s ablutions.”

“Ah. And how many do you think it will accommodate? I may have a guest to stay.”

His eyes twinkled. “A guest, you say? Hmm. This residence is extremely compact. In fact, it might be a bit of a crush, when one’s actually inside. But provided you and your guest are on friendly terms, I don’t think it will pose a problem.”

Caro knew her cheeks were heating at the thought of the two of them having to take shelter inside. It barely looked big enough for them to lie side by side without touching. Still, it was better than nothing.

“I’m sure we can come to an amicable arrangement,” she said smoothly. “What’s the asking price?”

His sparkling gaze caught hers and for a moment she was sure he was about to ask for something outrageous, like a kiss. His gaze did drop to her mouth for a second, before he gave a gallant shrug.

“There’s been a great deal of interest, madam. Properties on this stretch of the coast are few and far between. This wonderful estate will set you back . . . two coconuts and a mango.”

“Done!”

Caro brushed her hand on her shift and then stuck it out toward him to shake. He took it, and her stomach swooped as his fingers closed around hers. He gave her hand a firm squeeze to cement the ‘deal’, and she squashed her feeling of disappointment when he released her and let his hand drop.

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