Page 13 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
At that moment, the Duke of Dunford entered the room, his tall frame filling the doorway.
The Dowager Duchess noticed him immediately. “Duke, it is unseemly to lurk in the shadows like that.”
Kenneth stepped forward, a wry smile on his lips. “I was not lurking. Though I must say Westback’s use of light is what’s unseemly here.”
Beatrice’s heart skipped a beat at his words, her earlier joy quickly turning into indignation.
The Duke continued, his tone critical but not harsh. “Westback’s method is impressive, yes, but he relies too heavily on light. His paintings are bright and pretty, but he seems to dismiss the power of shadow. Without shadow, his works are almost washed clear of true emotion and depth.”
Beatrice felt a surge of indignation. “I must disagree, Your Grace. Westback’s use of light brings his paintings to life. It is his way of capturing the essence of a moment, the fleeting beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Kenneth raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her passionate response. “But without shadow, the light loses its meaning. It is the contrast that creates depth. Westback’s paintings, while visually stunning, lack the complexity that shadow can bring.”
Beatrice’s eyes flashed with determination. “Perhaps, but Westback’s choice to focus on light doesn’t diminish the emotional impact of his work. It’s a different approach, one that emphasizes hope and beauty, even in the face of darkness.”
The Dowager Duchess watched the exchange with interest. “You must know quite a bit about art to come to such conclusions about Westback, Lady Beatrice. Especially since you have not seen his work until now.”
Beatrice realized she had said far too much.
Swiftly, she put on a polite smile and explained, “I was inspired by what you said, Your Grace. It led me to think more deeply about his work.”
Kenneth’s gaze remained on her. “The debate about light versus shadow is old. What matters most is the emotion conveyed to the viewer. Westback has potential, but he could benefit from exploring the darker elements.”
Beatrice’s heart pounded, but she kept her voice steady. “And yet, Your Grace, there is something to be said for an artist who focuses on the light. It offers a different depth, one that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.”
The Dowager Duchess smiled, clearly pleased with the spirited yet respectful exchange. “I must say, this has been a most enlightening discussion. Art provokes thought and debate, after all.”
Beatrice could tell that the Duke wanted to say more, to challenge her further, but he did not wish to rattle the Dowager. In truth, neither did she, despite wanting to prove her point.
So, they both nodded in agreement though the intensity of their gazes suggested that the conversation was far from over in their minds.
Kenneth leaned slightly closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “I suppose we will have to agree to disagree, Lady Beatrice.”
Beatrice held his gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.
In her mind, she could hear her mother’s voice urging her to gain the Duke’s attention by swooning and fluttering her lashes.
The thought made her scoff inwardly. That was not who she was, and she dismissed the idea immediately.
She raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. “What do you know about art, Your Grace? Do you consider yourself an expert?”
Kenneth’s lips curled into a slight smile. “I know enough to recognize talent and potential. But you, Lady Beatrice, seem tospeak with more authority than most. Do you have a background in art?”
Beatrice felt a surge of anxiety but quickly masked it with a confident smile. “I have always been passionate about art, Your Grace. I have studied it and spent countless hours appreciating various works. One could say it is a…personalinterest of mine.”
Kenneth’s eyes narrowed slightly, the challenge still evident. “Your knowledge is impressive. And rare, for a lady.”
Beatrice blinked, taken aback by the sudden compliment.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she replied.
The Dowager Duchess interjected, her tone warm, “Lady Beatrice has a remarkable eye for detail. It’s a pleasure to have such stimulating discussions about art.”
Kenneth’s gaze softened slightly though the intensity remained. “Indeed.”
There was a pause as Beatrice felt the weight of his response. It’d only been a single word, yet his tone and the way he stared at her…
She shivered as the image of his bare upper body popped into her mind. The way his muscles rippled…
