Page 31 of Her Wicked Duke
She had decided she was tired of holding back. If Alexander did not wish to court her yet, then she would do as she pleased. And if he was unhappy, she would remind him of his choices.
“Good evening, Alexander.”
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, his eyes lingering on her. Did she imagine that they wandered further south, to her neckline? She blushed, thinking of his mouth on hers, his hands cupping her face.
“Shall we?” he asked, gesturing toward the door. He was being overly polite, and that unnerved her.
He is just my chaperone.A chaperone and no more.
Except therewouldbe more. She had not forgotten his murmured promise of collecting his rewards when he pleased. She was tense throughout the carriage ride, but he remained polite and distant, as if he was toying with her.
Will you not touch me?she wanted to snap, and she guessed that was his intention.
Alexander smiled to himself as he watched the scenery out of the carriage window. She knew he was up to something. Perhaps he aimed to whittle her down to her wits’ ends.
Soon, they pulled up outside of Yore House, where the doors were open and the guests were filing inside.
Mary rushed to greet her sister, kissing both of her cheeks. Her husband politely bowed to Anne.
“How are you doing, Lady Anne?” Patrick asked conversationally.
“I am quite well, thank you,” Anne answered. “And yourself?”
“Ah, I am well enough.” He gave her a quick smile. “My wife has insisted on throwing me this party to cheer me up.”
Anne laughed gently. “And is it working?”
“Well, the port is rather fantastic, so we shall see where the night takes us!”
They laughed together, and then Mary excused herself to greet the other guests. Patrick regarded Alexander and stiffened for a moment. Claricehadmentioned he was dangerous, and Alexander had admitted being so to those he did not consider his friends.
“It appears you are making our hosts uneasy,” Anne murmured as they made their way to the ballroom.
“Lord Yore and I go way back,” Alexander answered flatly. “I do not like how he treats women. Your sister should have found a better husband.”
“How does he treat women?” Anne asked.
“Like his property,” he said. “Even when he courted them. He wishes for a son, and word has it that he’s not entirely happy with his daughter.”
Anne shrugged. “He is pleasant enough to me, and Mary does not complain about him to a worrying amount. I wish to dance.”
“I shall watch.”
“You could join in, you know,” Anne suggested gently.
Alexander gazed at her as if he secretly wished to dance with her. It wasn’t a proper invitation. He smirked at her, a slow smile tugging at his lips. “Are you going to ask me yourself, Anne?”
His tone insinuated that he knew she wouldn’t.
Anne flushed. “I shall not.”
With that, she strode on ahead, joining her friends, as she often did when she attended these parties.
Clarice looked over at Alexander. “I see you are with His Grace again.”
“He is my chaperone, no more.”
“Then you won’t mind if the Earl of Satton asks you to dance in front of His Grace?” Clarice giggled.
