Page 83 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Do you know this artist?”
Madeleine looked across to the voice that appeared next to her, recognizing it immediately.
“Colin!”
She embraced her friend, her eyes immediately sweeping for Tessa.
“She is with my mother,” he explained. “But she sent me ahead to greet you. She said it was not right for you to be alone.” Colin flashed a grin. “Where is His Grace?”
“He recognized the artist and got into a conversation with him,” Madeleine told him, pointing out Alexander further into the crowd. “I wished to continue exploring.”
She did not mention that she was trying to navigate the art exhibit alone for a while, for she could not always rely on Alexander to come to her aid.
Ignoring the gossip was something she had endured for some time. She could continue to do it.
“The exploration goes well, it seems.” Colin nodded towards the painting they stood at. “So, this artist.”
“It is an Italian artist, is it not?” Madeleine asked. “It is rather suggestive, I must admit.”
Colin barked a laugh. “Indeed it is. It is named theRising Swellbut I do believe it should be calledThe Swell of the Stroke.”
He snorted another laugh, and they both cocked their heads, trying to work out the angle of the group depicted in the painting.
“I say, is that man upon the woman… do you think the artist was trying to, er…?”
Madeleine could not help her burst of laughter.
“Heavens, do not let Tessa see such a thing, or she will find me severely lacking.”
“Colin!” Madeleine half-scolded, half-snorted in laughter.
Oh, she had missed her friends.
No matter how much she loved being with Alexander, she had truly missed Colin’s particular humor.
“You are bold,” she told him.
“Have I not always been? I simply am living up to my reputation, I believe.”
“That you are,” Tessa’s voice joined them, and Madeleine whirled around to hug her friend while Colin took his mother’s arm.
“Tessa!”
“Madeleine.” Tessa squeezed her hands. “How have you been?”
“I have been…” Madeleine let out a happy sigh. “I have been very well.”
“With the Duke of Silverton?” Her friend looked doubtful. “The very man I warned you of?”
“I do not know why you needed to warn me,” Madeleine tutted. “He is remarkable once you get to know him. I believe the stoic exterior hides a softer man beneath. However, do not mention I said such a thing. We have grown closer recently, Tessa. I do not see what could be so dangerous about him.”
She kept his dark tastes to herself, for that would be the only dangerous thing about him, and the only danger he posed was giving her a sleepless night from endless pleasure.
A smile played on her lips at the thought.
“I have heard rumors, that is all.”
