Page 32 of A Gamble with the Rakish Duke
“I have no doubt you are different from other women,” he mumbled, as he inserted a piece of paper between the pages he seemed to have been reading.
He placed the book on the table, which separated the two of them in the drawing room. “So, will you go on a walk with me?”
“After ten o’clock?” Alexandra asked.
She did not really know when thetonliked to take their walks. She had been living in her own little world for so long, isolated by her father from the rest of the nobles.
“Yes. That is the proper time. With an escort or a companion, and not when there is barely any daylight. At which hour did you use to go out for a walk in the country?”
His voice held genuine interest, and Alexandra could not help but be intrigued by the prospect of getting to know this infuriating man.
“Pardon my reclusiveness, Your Grace. Perhaps I could have learned more if my father and my husband were both eager to introduce me to Society instead of conveniently hiding me away?”
“Do not pretend that you want to mingle with theton, Duchess,” he said idly. “While you may be reading the scandal sheets, I still believe you do not truly care.”
Alexandra almost dropped the papers she was reading.Of courseshe was interested. Someone who spent the last year like a hermit would want to devour everything about Society. However, she did not appreciate him mentioning it too blatantly.
“Haven’t you seen me enjoy their company of late? Or do you think that is all mere pretense?” she asked, mildly annoyed, clutching the papers tightly in her hands.
“Oh, I have. I hope that I have not created a monster. Then again, you don’t want to put a parasol over your head.”
“Many women my age do not care about getting some sun.”
He just grunted noncommittally, watching her as if he was trying to understand her.
Or perhaps it was she who was watching him closely.
Despite her hesitation, Alexandra found the stroll pleasant. They walked along a gravel pathway while mist hung over the park.
She thought Oliver would take her to popular places like Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park. But no, he opted for a place that reminded her of the countryside. Rougher, less paved, and with more trees and shrubs.
The greenery cleared her head for a moment, but it could not completely rid her of the discomfort—and possible thrill—of walking alongside her husband.
She glanced at him. Oliver seemed at ease, with his hands clasped behind his back and his chin arrogantly tilted up.
What was he looking at? The sky? The birds?
When he lowered his chin, he looked like a master surveying his domain. Yet, she was not completely blind to the fact that he had been stealing glances at her, too.
He remained silent until they reached an uneven patch of ground. That was when he stepped forward and extended his arm with a slight bow. The movement was respectful and protective, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.
“Allow me, Duchess,” he urged, wiggling his fingers at her.
Alexandra’s eyes flickered to his face and his proffered arm. She was aware that it was expected for a husband to assist his wife in such cases. However, she was also intensely aware of the charged tension between them, despite Oliver’s humor.
She knew that it would be worse if she did not take his hand. For what reason would she have? She set her concerns aside and placed her hand on his arm, trying her best to ignore the tingles that raced up her arm.
It was a miracle that she was able to keep her calm, but her heart had its own ideas, racing in her chest.
Oliver seemed to have felt her inner turmoil because his face broke into a wide grin. “It wasn’t so hard, was it, Duchess?”
“No, Your Grace. Thank you for your assistance,” she said politely, almost smiling at his surprised expression—he had not expected her to be so agreeable. “However, I hope such ordinary matters won’t be a cause of your amusement.”
“I am sorry to disappoint you, wife, but sometimes a man must seek amusement where he can.” He laughed, even as he continued supporting her.
She noticed how easily he did so, his body strong enough to carry her own with one sweep of his arm.
“I will have to accept that my wife can be as hard as the stones I was trying to save her from tripping over.”
