Page 7 of Wedded to the Forbidden Duke
“More than polite. I mean, not more than—he has behaved most properly around me.” Nancy stumbled over her words, her cheeks practically crimson. She glanced back over her shoulder and seemed relieved to find their mothers engaged in their own conversation, rather than listening in. “What I mean to say is, speaking with him was so enjoyable, and—well. I know it has been only a short while since we have known each other, and yet I find my heart inspired with feelings.” She looked up sidewaysat Cecilia, as though trying to read her reaction. “Feelings for him.”
“You have…feelings…for my brother?” Cecilia tried to feign surprise, while simultaneously hiding a slight grimace.
For all that Nancy and Zachary would be an excellent match, and for all her delight that her plan was moving so swiftly and easily, it was still strange to hear anyone speak of him romantically. He was still her brother, after all.
Nancy’s eyes widened, and she clutched onto Cecilia’s arm more tightly still. “Are you dreadfully upset?”
Cecilia shook her head and smiled. “Not in the slightest.” She leaned in, squeezing her friend’s arm playfully. “If anything, I am relieved to hear that his feelings are matched by yours.”
“His—” Nancy’s eyes widened somehow further, a smile rising to her lips. “Oh! Surely you do not mean…” The smile fell slightly.
Cecilia’s brow furrowed. “What is the matter?”
“Only that I find it difficult to believe that he would have feelings for someone like me.”
Cecilia chuckled. “Why shouldn't he have feelings for someone like you, Nancy? You are absolutely wonderful.”
“Yes, it is only—well. It is only that I have heard talk that he may be something of a…” She glanced back at their mothers walking behind them and then lowered her voice. “A rake.” All of a sudden, she clapped a hand over her mouth, as though only just realizing what it was she had said. “Oh, dear! Forgive me, Celie. I know he is your brother. Surely you do not wish to hear?—”
“I assure you, Nancy, I do not?—”
Nancy continued babbling, in a panic, “—and of course, I am certain the rumors are greatly exaggerated?—”
Cecilia stopped walking, and turned to face her friend, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “It is quite all right, Nancy,” she said, kindly. Then, more firmly, “As you say, I am certain the rumors, whatever they may be, are greatly exaggerated. In any case, any such rumors belong to Zachary’s past.”
“Yes. Yes, of course,” Nancy assured her.
Cecilia raised her chin. “Truth be told, I am certain they are less a reflection of his true character and more the result of his association with that awful friend of his.”
“Awful friend?” Nancy’s eyes went wide as she looked back up at her friend. “Oh, surely you do not mean the duke?”
“Surely I do,” Cecilia replied. “To whom else could I possibly be referring?” She thought of Ian’s infuriating smirk, and hislowered tone last night, heat rushing through her at the mere memory.
“But he was so kind!” Nancy protested.
“Everyone is kind to you, Miss Banfield,” Cecilia said teasingly. “In addition to which, I am certain he was further inclined to be kind by your stature as a young, beautiful, accomplished, unmarried lady.”
“Me?” Nancy chuckled through her blush. “Oh, Celie. I assure you, he most certainly was not looking at me in that way.”
Cecilia scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I would not be so certain if I were you.”
“Well, I am,” Nancy said firmly, though even Nancy speaking firmly was a dozen times sweeter than anyone else Cecilia knew. “Particularly given the way he could not seem to take his eyes off of?—”
Suddenly, Lady Sheridan was upon them, having bustled up closer with Lady Lindbury in tow. “Did I overhear you speaking of the Earl?”
A hush fell over the two younger women. They looked at each other than their mothers.
“Yes, Mama,” Nancy admitted at last, even more bashful than she had been in confessing her feelings to Cecilia a few momentsprior. Her voice was softer now, and her cheeks burned beet red. “It is only normal that we would. He is Cecilia’s brother, after all, and he just returned from travels much the same as ours, and it was so lovely to speak to him last night and compare our stories of travel.” She turned to address Cecilia’s mother, as though eager to change the topic of conversation. “Speaking of which! I must thank you again for having us to dinner, Lady Lindbury.”
Lady Lindbury nodded and opened her mouth. But Nancy’s mother could not and would not be dissuaded. Before Lady Lindbury could say anything, Lady Sheridan pressed onward, “Yes, yes, of course! I observed that the two of you had a great deal to talk about last night, it seemed. One could even say the Earl seemed quite taken with you.”
“Mama!” Nancy sounded scandalized.
“It is true!”
“Mama, it is not—it is not proper…” Nancy’s eyes darted back and forth between her mother and Cecilia’s, and about the park at large, as though fearful that someone else out on a promenade nearby might overhear. “Lady Lindbury, I must apologize…”
Cecilia’s mother took a step forward, with a kind expression on her face, and pressed a gentle hand to Nancy’s cheek. “Do not worry, Miss Banfield. You are so close to my Cecilia that you are nearly like a daughter to me already. While I have no intention of meddling in Zachary’s marriage prospects, I cannot say it would displease me to have your status as daughter further confirmed.”
