Page 10 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Her mother’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Beatrice, do try to contribute to the conversation. You are being far too quiet.”
“Yes, Mother,” Beatrice murmured, though she felt incapable of forming coherent words with the Duke so near.
Kenneth’s answers to the questions of those around him remained laconic and blunt, signaling his lack of interest in their attempts at polite conversation. His focus seemed divided, as if his mind was elsewhere. Every so often, his gaze would drift in Beatrice’s direction though she pretended not to notice, her heart racing each time.
“Your Grace,” another guest ventured, “have you checked the latest improvements in agricultural techniques? They say it could revolutionize estate management.”
Kenneth nodded slightly, his tone neutral. “I am aware. We are always considering improvements.”
Beatrice risked another glance at him, catching a sardonic smile that played briefly on his lips as their eyes met. Her breath hitched, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing.
What is he thinking about?
She watched him, intrigued by his distant demeanor.
Lady Bernmere, sensing his mood, leaned in to speak quietly with him, drawing his attention back to her. “Kenneth, you seem preoccupied. Is everything all right?”
Kenneth’s expression softened slightly as he spoke with his aunt, a hint of warmth breaking through his otherwise stern demeanor.
“Quite, Aunt Marjorie.”
Lady Bernmere pursed her lips, not entirely convinced by his answer. “Are you certain, my dear?”
Kenneth eyed her carefully. “Yes, Aunt Marjorie. I am quite certain,” he said steadily.
Beatrice watched the exchange with curiosity. Although his tone was stern, it was somewhat warmer when he addressed his aunt.
Lady Bernmere, seeing the cold steeliness in her nephew’s eyes, did not pursue the matter further.
Just as Beatrice took a sip from her tea, the Duke’s gaze landed on her, and she almost choked on her hot beverage. A shiver ran down her spine as he stared at her with the same intensity as the night before.
She looked straight back at him.
Goodness, he was handsome. The blue of his eyes a still, beckoning sea.
Her mind wandered, pondering what would’ve happened if Lady Bernmere had not knocked on his door. If he had come closer to her, if he’d touched her, if she’d been able to feel the ridges of his muscular torso, his hot breath on her cheeks, her lips?—
For Heaven’s sake, Beatrice. Get a hold of yourself.
She took another sip from her teacup, hoping it’d jolt her back to reality.
Despite her mother’s chagrin at her silence, Beatrice remained quiet, her thoughts a tumultuous mix of anxiety and intrigue.
She could not shake the feeling that her path and the Duke’s would cross again.
The uncertainty of what that might bring left her both apprehensive and strangely exhilarated.
Kenneth finished his breakfast, the polite but shallow conversations grating on his nerves.
He turned to his aunt and spoke quietly, “Aunt Marjorie, would you accompany me for a walk in the gardens?”
Lady Bernmere nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. “Of course, dear.”
They left the dining room and made their way through the grand halls. As they stepped into the gardens, the crisp morning air filled Kenneth’s lungs, providing a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside. The neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant blooms provided a picturesque setting, but he was too preoccupied to appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Once they were out of earshot, Kenneth turned to his aunt, his frustration simmering just below the surface, a tight knot in his chest and a tension in his jaw betraying his irritation.
“You told me that coming to this house party would provide me with new investment prospects, Aunt Marjorie. Yet, I see no business-inclined gentlemen in attendance. Just clucking mother hens and indulgent fathers, intent on marrying off their daughters. This was clearly a scheme to get me here and shove some innocent debutante my way.”
