Page 19 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Kenneth felt a pang of regret for pushing too far. “No, I am not suggesting that.”
“Then perhaps we can agree that both perspectives have their merit.”
Kenneth nodded. “Perhaps we can.”
Lady Featherwell, who had been observing their exchange, chose this moment to interject. “My, my, such a passionate debate over mere paintings. One would think there were deeper issues at stake here.”
Beatrice straightened, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Art reflects life, Lady Featherwell. Our perspectives on art can reveal much about our own experiences and values.”
Lady Featherwell’s eyes gleamed with thinly veiled malice. “Oh, I see. And what exactly do your views reveal about you, Lady Beatrice?”
Kenneth’s gaze sharpened. “That she has a keen mind and a deep appreciation for beauty, Lady Featherwell. Qualities to be admired, wouldn’t you agree?”
Lady Featherwell’s smile was all teeth. “Of course, Your Grace. It’s just… unusual to see such fervor from someone in Lady Beatrice’s position.”
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed. “And what position is that?”
Lady Featherwell turned to face her. “Oh, you know, with the recent… events surrounding your family. One must admire your resilience.”
Beatrice’s hands clenched in her lap, but she forced a calm smile. “Thank you for your concern, Lady Featherwell. I assure you, my appreciation for art remains undiminished by personal trials.”
The room fell silent, the intensity of their exchange captivating everyone at the table. Kenneth felt the weight of Beatrice’s gaze, her blue eyes locked onto his.
The Dowager Duchess broke the silence with a laugh. “Finally, some entertainment for our dinners. I very much look forward to hearing more of your riveting debates, Duke.”
Kenneth tore his eyes away from Beatrice. The Dowager Duchess’s words echoed in his mind as he considered the unexpected challenge that Lady Beatrice presented.
He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the table. “I regret to inform you, Duchess, that I will be leaving tomorrow. There are urgent matters that require my attention back in Dunford.”
It wasn’t just an excuse to get out of the tedious socializing his aunt had subjected him to; there really was work to be done back home.
And despite his urge to stay and get a proper taste of Lady Beatrice, duty called. And nowadays, Kenneth was a man who put that first.
The Dowager Duchess’s face fell, genuine disappointment evident in her eyes. “Must you leave so soon, Duke? We were just beginning to enjoy your company.”
“I am afraid so,” Kenneth replied firmly. “The estate requires my presence, and I cannot delay any longer.”
His aunt, Marjorie, leaned in, her brow furrowed. “Kenneth, surely another day or two would not hurt. You have only just arrived.”
Kenneth shook his head. “I appreciate your concern, Aunt Marjorie, but the matters at Dunford are pressing. I must return promptly.”
Beatrice, sensing the tension, and unable to resist a touch of sarcasm, spoke up. “Please do not let us keep you, Your Grace. I am certain Dunford will appreciate your swift return.”
He wanted to chuckle. Goodness, how he enjoyed it when she showed teeth.
Before he could respond, Lady Featherwell interjected, her tone dripping with false sweetness, “Oh, but it is such a shame for you to leave so abruptly, Your Grace. We will miss your presence dearly.”
Kenneth watched as she shot Beatrice a sly smile.
“And, Lady Beatrice, I am sure you understand how important it is for a man of the Duke’s station to fulfill his duties. Not everyone can afford to linger in leisure.”
Beatrice’s expression tightened, a flicker of anger crossing her features before she quickly masked it.
Kenneth observed this exchange closely, feeling a surge of protectiveness. Lady Featherwell’s words seemed innocuous on the surface, but there was an underlying cruelty that he could not ignore.
He turned his attention back to Beatrice, who kept her composure admirably. “Lady Beatrice, your understanding is appreciated,” he said, his tone sincere.
Lady Featherwell, not missing a beat, continued to draw the conversation back to herself, recounting some trivial story designed to capture everyone’s attention.
