Page 33 of A Gamble with the Rakish Duke
As soon as they were on steady ground, Alexandra pulled back her hand. This time, she tilted her chin further up as she walked without his support.
She wished she had brought more than a tiny reticule, which did not require much use of her hands. She turned it over in one hand, aware that her husband was watching her with some amusement.
“Your Grace, I am simply content with solitude. I do not have to express every thought and feeling in public.”
“You do realize that the next person is several yards away from us? We may be in public, but you are free to express yourself in front of your husband. Of course, I do wonder if you know whatyou’re missing.” Oliver gave her a sidelong glance. “I believe you would enjoy life better if you were more… spontaneous. Then again, you were spontaneous enough when you stormed into Devil’s Draw on your own, with nary a disguise.”
Alexandra wanted to tell him that she had a reputation to uphold, but that would be a lie. If she had to storm into Devil’s Draw again, she would with no thoughts of the consequences. She’d also meet with John Prescott again to sell more compositions.
Then, she remembered the fear she felt when she thought she would be found out outside an unmarried man’s lodgings, and without an escort.
Perhaps she should not be hasty…
“Weren’t we spontaneous enough when we both agreed to get married? It takes a lot of courage to marry someone you barely know,” she reminded him.
Two peas in a pod. Yet, they could not be any more different.
“We certainly have to explore our similarities, Duchess, especially since I had nothing much to complain about of late.”
Oliver gave her another of his arrogant, sidelong glances. Instead of annoying her, it made her heart pound so hard in her chest that she was afraid he could hear it.
Every sound. Every weakness. She had to be more careful and keep these noises inside of her.
There was also a flicker in his eyes that told her he was revealing more of himself than he would normally do. It was almost like vulnerability.
That thought excited her; she had to look away from him to gather her thoughts.
“Well, forgive me, Your Grace, for forcing you to be in my company. Having you join me for walks. Spending more time with me in the townhouse.” Alexandra tried to keep her tone light, despite the growing warmth in her chest. “It must be strange for you to find satisfaction beyond your usual company.”
“My usual company?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes. You know, gamblers, pugilists, and… ladies of the night.” Alexandra had to take a deep breath at the end, wondering if she had gone too far.
The look in his eyes was serious now. For a moment, she regretted what she said.
“Perhaps I have changed, wife.” Oliver tried to mask the seriousness with a chuckle, but it was too late—Alexandra had seen it.
“Most people can’t afford to change,” she said, trying to steel himself against the complicated man next to her.
Her words were more of a reminder to herself. She needed to remain as she was in his company.
Their walk was finally punctuated by a small grove of trees. The Duchess’s breath hitched as she saw the morning light filter through the canopy and cast a golden glow on the ground. The grove looked like it was surrounded by twinkling gems waiting to be picked.
It looked like a sliver of paradise, in the middle of London.
For a moment, the two simply stood there, taking in the glorious scene. The quiet was broken by the rustling of leaves. Oliver was quick to reach for Alexandra’s hand, gently stopping her in her tracks.
She cursed inwardly as she felt her pulse quicken at the sudden touch. Her reaction to him was becoming predictably painful. Heart racing. Eyes searching his.
She realized their faces were so close. His eyes seemed to be searching her face for some clues.
“Duchess,” he murmured, and his calm voice soothed her. “Why must you always guard yourself? It is just me.”
“Perhaps because I know that it is better to be guarded than to trust,” she whispered, surprising herself with her response.
For a moment, Oliver simply watched her. His hand was still clasping hers. Despite the feelings of discomfort and a sudden bout of shyness, Alexandra did not look away from him. She looked right back.
He sighed. Then, they continued their little stroll, which was the highlight of the morning, after all.
