Page 18 of His Forbidden Duchess
“I made a bet with her. I am teaching her how to win over that clown Mortcombe. She has one month to seduce him. I also have one month, during which I must steer clear of… well, intimacy with the ladies. It is not a bet I intend to lose, Percy.”
Percy leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, come now. There is a better chance of seeing pigs fly than you abstaining from your nightly pleasures. You of all people, a month without a conquest? That is practically laughable.”
Felix crossed his arms. “I agree that it is a novel situation, but I refuse to lose. Not to her.”
Percy thought about it for a moment. “May I say once more, she is Jeremy’s sister. That means a new level of stakes exist here, and I daresay that might just alter your usual game.”
Felix scowled, fighting a smile. “I have no idea to what you are referring.”
“And yet, here I am, with the best view of your impending failure,” Percy chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Just remember, if you do slip up, I expect the most dramatic confession.”
Felix shook his head, a reluctant grin breaking through. “I will prove you wrong, mark my words.”
Before Percy could offer any retort, a sultry voice cut through the air. Lady Livingstone glided toward him, her striking features framed by soft curls.
“Your Grace, I was beginning to think you had forgotten me.” She batted her lashes, her voice infused with flirtation.
Felix initially regarded her with cool indifference, his thoughts lingering on Eloise. But when Eloise glanced in his direction, a mischievous smile replaced his stoic demeanor. He turned to Lady Livingstone, his charm effortlessly reappearing.
“Of course not, my dear Lady Livingstone. How could I ever forget you?” He offered a charming response. “I have merely been busy.”
“So I have noticed,” she said, revealing a row of pearly-white teeth, framed by luscious, rouged lips.
As she leaned closer, whispering something tantalizing, Felix’s gaze drifted back to Eloise. Mortcombe leaned in, an insipid grin plastered across his face, and Felix felt a wave of irritation overtake him.
The musicale began shortly thereafter, leaving no more time for talking. The room filled with enchanting melodies. Yet, as the music swelled, Felix found himself increasingly distracted by the sight of Eloise. Mortcombe’s presence beside her only fueled his simmering jealousy.
What in Heaven’s name is wrong with me?
He could see that she had been diligently applying his lessons, leaning into Mortcombe’s words, her laughter dancing lightly in the air. Felix clenched his jaw, torn between admiration at her cleverness and an insatiable urge to interrupt her charade.
He had never considered that his plan might backfire.
Chapter Eight
“Oh, Lord Mortcombe, you have such insight,” Lady Danridge gushed, her eyes wide with admiration. “Eloise, darling, isn’t he simply wonderful? You must agree.”
After the performance ended, Eloise stood with Lord Mortcombe as he prattled on about his supposed vast knowledge of classical music. She forced a smile, fighting the urge to roll her eyes as he mangled the details of Mozart’s compositions. Beside her, Lady Danridge practically glowed with excitement, thrilled by the attention her daughter was receiving.
Eloise, swallowing her sigh, nodded stiffly. “Yes, of course... simply wonderful,” she replied, her words lacking any genuine enthusiasm. When she attempted to compliment him, her tone came off awkward. “Your knowledge of music is very, um, impressive.”
At least Mortcombe was oblivious to her discomfort. He grinned proudly and prepared to continue his boastful tirade when a voice interrupted.
“Well, if it isn’t the esteemed Lord Mortcombe,” Felix drawled as he approached, Percy in tow.
His tone was light, but there was an undercurrent that Eloise could not miss.
Mortcombe, momentarily taken aback, turned to face Felix, his expression wavering between confusion and irritation. “Your Grace? I did not see you here earlier.”
“I imagine you did not. You were far too busy dazzling Lady Eloise with your… what was it? Ah yes, remarkable knowledge of music,” Felix said smoothly as he looked at Eloise, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
Eloise fought back a grin but quickly hid it under a handkerchief, pretending to cough.
Mortcombe puffed up his chest. “Well, it is important for a man of society to be well-versed in all manners of culture,” he declared pompously. “As a duke, I would have thought you knew that.”
Percy leaned in with a smirk. “Oh, absolutely. That way, you can prattle on without anyone knowing whether you are right or wrong.”
Felix’s smile deepened, but there was a glint in his eyes as they rested on Mortcombe’s hand which was still dangerously close to Eloise’s. “Yes, some might even say it is a talent,” Felix added, his voice deceptively calm.
