Page 40 of His Highland Duchess
Lysander kept hold of Margaret’s hand as he led her to the double-seated couch. They sat down, Lysander sitting right by Margaret, still holding her hand. He could not say exactly why he was so insistent on keeping hold of Margaret’s hand and sitting so close that he was almost on top of her. Was it because he needed to prove something to her? As if last night was not enough to show her how damn much he wanted her. And why should that even matter?
“I do not wish to upset you or make you feel insignificant, but I did not come here for you,” Julian said with a great big smile.
“How sad,” Lysander said dryly.
Julian laughed. “A part of it was that I was in the area, and with the storm inbound, I sought refuge, and what better place than my dear friend’s home? At the very least, I knew you’d have a nice selection of liquor for me to sample.” He held up his glass and then took a sip.
“And the other part?’
“Ah…” Julian’s eyes glimmered in the light of the fire. “I confess, I was curious. Having not yet met your beautiful wife, I wanted to see if what they said of her was true.”
Lysander felt himself stiffen, his grip on Margaret’s hand tightening. “And what is it that they say?”
“How stunningly gorgeous she is, of course,” Julian said, which had Lysander stiffening. “And I must say, I am pleased to announce that for once the rumors are true.” He took another sip of his drink. “Which leads me to wonder, Your Grace…” He winked at Margaret. “What on earth are you doing with this one? Surely, you can do better?”
Margaret chuckled. “Bad luck, I am afraid. And even worse judgment.”
“I see, I see,” Julian laughed.
“But it is what it is,” she sighed as if upset. “And I make my peace with it.”
Lysander knew that she was only joking, and the coy smile she shared with him was proof of that. Still, he could not help but feel a little annoyed by Julian, as the man was being entirely too bold for his liking. Putting him on the spot, seeming to want to force an angered reaction from him, as he knew that Lysander never enjoyed this kind of jest.
“What of you?” Lysander attempted to change the conversation again. As he did, he shuffled closer to Margaret. Too close, as he sat on her, she yelped, and he was forced to pull back.
“What of me?” Julian asked.
“Marriage, of course,” Lysander said. “I have not heard this Season of any lady who has taken your interest.”
“Nice try.” Julian winked and then grinned at Margaret. “You see how he tries to divert attention? Thinks he is an expert on marriage now.” He clicked his tongue.
“I was just asking the question.”
“Be sure you do not smother your wife…” He indicated how close Lysander and Margaret were sitting. “Let the lady breathe.”
“He is simply obsessed with me,” Margaret laughed. She squeezed Lysander’s hand and winked at him. “Can ye blame him?”
“Not at all,” Julian agreed. “Even if this is very unlike him. Which leads me to the one conclusion.” He looked between them. “My friend is smitten. Careful, Your Grace, if you mean to escape from this marriage, you best act quickly. Lysander is not one to be told no.”
“Oh, I ken that,” she said matter-of-factly.
Lysander choked. “It is not like that.”
“Then what is it like?” Julian pressed with a wicked grin.
Lysander felt his body heating up as Margaret looked at him with curiosity. She knew what this was…doesn’t she? A marriage of convenience, set to end once the Season finishes. That is still the plan!Yet he could not tell Julian that, and he did not want to say anything else that might further confuse the matter.
Also, he did not want to say something that might turn her away. For how short-term this arrangement was, it was just now taking a serious turn toward the positive that Lysander was determined to explore further.Just as I plan on exploring Margaret further, at that.
“What is the meaning of all these questions?” Lysander attempted to dismiss.
Julian chuckled. “Just deciding if I need to create a diversion,” he said with a wink at Margaret. “Shall I, Your Grace? Give you time to run for the door?”
“Would ye?” she laughed. “That would be so kind.”
“It might not be enough.” Julian joked. “I can see it in my friend’s eyes. See how he holds your hand…” He indicated to Lysander’s hand, wrapped tightly around Margaret’s. “The damn man is obsessed! As you said.”
“It is my fault,” Margaret sighed. “Leadin’ him on, as I have done. I should have known better.”
