Page 34 of A Gamble with the Rakish Duke
For some reason, the silence between them no longer seemed heavy. Though Alexandra still felt apprehensive, there was also a feeling of relief and an ease that she had not experienced before in his presence.
However, she clenched her free hand into a fist as she wondered whether he was slowly and effectively chipping away at her defenses.
Perhaps it was not too bad. Everyone needed a friend in this world. While she knew that she could live alone, her recent interactions with members of thetonhad made her realize that she also needed company from time to time.
Their footsteps fell into a steady rhythm, hinting at the newfound ease between them. Oliver’s brief moment of earnestness was gone—that same mask he wore in front of most people these days. It seemed as if he was reverting to the more relaxed demeanor he had been known for, for years.
“So, what are your plans this week, Duchess?” he asked. “Would we be gracing thetonwith our presence?”
“What about that ball that Lady Portsfield mentioned?”
Alexandra was truly curious about the event. She liked music, but she never had much opportunity to dance. She wanted to attend a ball even if it meant her husband would hold her close. The realization that she did not mind his company at all dawned on her.
“Aha. So, our Duchess is soon going to be the belle of the ball! Why, of course we will go. If that is what you want, wife.” He grinned at her, looking pleased for some reason.
Oliver did not seem to be the type of man who liked going to balls, but here he was, seemingly looking forward to attending one. Perhaps he was looking forward to teasing her.
“I am not planning to be the belle of the ball. That is for debutantes,” she protested.
“But you want to be there?” He sounded sincerely curious.
“Yes,” she admitted.
When they reached the end of the path, Oliver stopped again when he was slightly ahead of his wife. Then, he turned toward her.
“I believe that I’ve seen you at your most relaxed this morning, Duchess,” he said with a smile.
This time, his smile had no sign of teasing or arrogance. It was just a smile. A genuine one.
“Apparently, I am capable of change,” she returned, tilting her head as she looked back at him.
His grin grew wider when she raised an eyebrow. Then, he nodded in approval. “Perhaps we can do this again, then. These walks seem to be good for us.”
Us.
Oliver said“Us.”
The two stood there for a moment longer, seemingly eager to take in more of the nature surrounding them. Neither was willing to break the brief but satisfying connection.
Even when they arrived back home, Alexandra could feel a warmth spreading through her chest. There was hope there. Perhaps things would be different between them someday.
But how different?
Chapter Fourteen
“Good evening, Your Graces!” a woman called, eager to catch their attention.
There was a sharp glint in her eyes that betrayed her interest in the couple. “It’s wonderful to see you two out together so often these days.”
The comment was punctuated by a knowing smile, which infuriated Alexandra. She knew that it was normal for people to speculate about their relationship. They had lived separately for a year. Now, they seemed to be taking Society by storm.
The ballroom was full of candlelight and music, and every nook and cranny seemed to sparkle. Elegantly dressed members of thetonswirled about, chattering over the music.
Alexandra had learned to tolerate such events. One could even say that she had learned to enjoy them.
However, tonight was different. There was something crackling in the air, a delicious tension that she wanted to ignore but could not. It had something to do with Oliver tracking her movements as they mingled with the best of Society. He looked like he did not want to lose her in the crowd, even for a minute.
His hand lingered on the small of her back, causing her skin to tingle. They barely touched, but his nearness and heat were enough to make her stifle a whimper.
