Page 26 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Finally, she met his gaze, her voice steady. “I accept, Your Grace.”
Kenneth felt relief and satisfaction at the same time. He had not anticipated this turn of events when he arrived at the house party, but the solution felt unexpectedly right. He watched Beatrice, noting the determination in her eyes, and felt a newfound respect for her.
“There is one more matter,” she added, her voice firm.
He nodded. “What is it?”
“You will need to write to my brother,” Beatrice said, her eyes unwavering.
Kenneth nodded again. “Of course. I require his approval to marry you since he is the one responsible for you.”
“Patrick may try to coax money out of you,” she continued, her tone cautious.
Kenneth felt a flicker of irritation at the mention of her brother, but he maintained his calm demeanor. “I can deal with your brother. And I shall speak with your mother and take care of everything. Tomorrow, I’ll leave to acquire a special license so that we can be wed as soon as possible.”
“My mother will be thrilled with the arrangement,” she muttered under her breath then looked up at him. “I’d like to request something else,” she said, her voice slightly hesitant.
Kenneth motioned for her to continue. “Go on.”
“Give my mother a residence that’s far away,” she demanded, her expression serious.
He almost smiled at that, understanding the depth of her desire for freedom from her mother’s influence. So he simply nodded. “Consider it done.”
Beatrice blinked, slightly taken aback by his assertiveness. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
As they stood there, the tension between them crackled in the air.
Kenneth felt a sense of resolve settle over him.
This marriage, born out of convenience and necessity, could serve him quite, quite well. He admired Beatrice’s strength and intelligence, qualities that would aid them both in the future.
He moved even closer, their faces inches apart. “We have an agreement,” he murmured.
Beatrice nodded, her posture relaxing slightly. “Yes, we do.”
Kenneth leaned in, drawn by his undeniable attraction to her. The warmth of her breath, the way her eyes sparkled, pulled him closer. His gaze dropped to her lips, and he found himself wanting to close the distance between them.
But just as he was about to, Beatrice placed a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“Someone might see us,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Kenneth stepped back, both frustration and understanding in his eyes.
“Very well,” he said, his tone a touch gruff.
With a final nod, he turned and left the balcony, his mind already racing with the tasks ahead.
He couldn’t ignore the thoughts that intruded on his sense of duty—thoughts of Beatrice and their impending wedding night. Though he knew this marriage was born of necessity, he couldn’t help but think about how desperately he wanted to bed her. The memory of her defiant gaze, her fiery spirit, and the way her gown hugged her curves haunted him.
Kenneth quickened his pace, his resolve hardening.
He would be a husband soon, and although duty was at the forefront, the desire that simmered just beneath the surface was undeniable.
“You have always been such a dutiful daughter, Beatrice,” Lady Afferton gushed, her voice sickeningly sweet. “And now, securing such an advantageous match! You have truly done our family proud.”
Beatrice forced a smile, her stomach churning.
Her mother had dragged her outside for a walk around the garden right after hearing news of the Duke’s proposal, singing her praises in a manner that felt entirely disingenuous. Yet, Beatrice’s mind raced with the events of the day.
