Page 12 of His Forbidden Duchess
With one last look, she turned around and left the balcony, leaving Felix behind in the moonless night.
I have no idea what just happened, but I know that I liked it…much more than I ought to.
Chapter Six
“Lady Brimsleigh,” Lady Danridge exclaimed warmly, rising from her chair. “What a lovely surprise.”
It was several days after the ball, and Eloise was seated in the drawing room with her mother when the butler announced an unexpected visitor. Lady Brimsleigh, resplendent in a lavender silk gown, swept into the room with her usual regal air.
Eloise stood to greet her, forcing a smile despite the unease bubbling within her.
“Good afternoon, Lady Danridge, dear Eloise,” Lady Brimsleigh responded with a wide smile. “I simply could not wait another day to pay a visit, and I have brought along my godson. Felix, do come in.”
Eloise stiffened at the sound of his name as the Duke strolled into the room behind his godmother. His piercing gaze immediately found Eloise though his expression remained ascomposed as ever. His lips formed an easy smile as he turned to Lady Danridge.
“Lady Danridge,” the Duke greeted smoothly, bowing slightly as he took her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “You are looking as radiant as always. It is an honor to be in your presence.”
Lady Danridge blushed, clearly pleased with the attention. Her mother was always one to be easily swayed. “Why, thank you, Your Grace. You are as delightful as ever.”
Eloise’s pulse quickened as she watched the Duke lay on the charm with her mother, knowing all too well that he could be the most dangerous of distractions. She had thought of little else since their exchange at the ball. She glanced at Lady Brimsleigh, who remained completely oblivious to the undercurrent between her godson and Eloise.
“We were just having tea,” her mother said brightly. “Please, do join us. It would be a pleasure to have you both.”
The Duke cast a glance toward Eloise, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he nodded his head. “It would be an honor.”
As he moved to sit, Eloise felt a surge of irritation, partly because of his smug confidence and partly because of how easily her heart fluttered in his presence. Was she really that pathetic? Their ridiculous bet played in her mind, and she wondered how Felix could look so calm and composed after everything that had happened.
“I hope we are not interrupting any important conversations,” the Duke said, his words casual as he settled into a chair. It was as if their encounter had never taken place, as though she had been the only one who had felt the heat that night. She bit her tongue, irritated that he was not equally as flustered.
Eloise’s mother laughed softly. “Nonsense. We were simply discussing the upcoming charity event. Eloise is thinking of helping organize the affair. It will be a wonderful opportunity to… socialize.”
The Duke’s gaze returned briefly to Eloise, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. Was he teasing her? “Ah, yes. Socializing. Quite an important skill, would you agree, My Lady?”
Eloise met his gaze, her expression neutral although her eyes flashed with silent challenge. “Quite.”
“Speaking of social engagements,” Lady Brimsleigh said, turning to Lady Danridge, “we must ensure that Eloise attends our little gathering next week. There will be some interesting guests.”
Eloise’s stomach churned. If the Duke was one of those ‘interesting guests,’ she wasn’t sure how long she could maintain her composure.
“Of course,” her mother replied, smiling. “Eloise would not miss it.”
The Duke leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself as he watched the tension play out between Eloise and her mother.
“I am sure the event will be unforgettable.” His voice was low, almost teasing, as he shot Eloise a knowing look.
A bit later, as the Dowagers chatted together in the garden, the Duke leaned toward Eloise with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Would you care for a walk, My Lady? The fresh air might do us both some good.”
Eloise hesitated for only a second before nodding. “Why not?”
She cast a glance at her mother and Lady Brimsleigh, who were deeply engrossed in their conversation, then rose gracefully to follow him. They would still be within the women’s line of sight, but the distance would grant them the privacy they needed.
And that I so desire.
The two strolled down the garden path, the soft rustle of leaves and distant murmur of voices filling the air. The Duke, walking at a relaxed pace, finally broke the silence with an air of mock seriousness.
“Since we have agreed to this little… arrangement, it is only proper that we begin with the basics.”
Eloise raised an eyebrow. “And what might those be, Your Grace?”
