Page 58 of The Duke's Forbidden Bride
He finally looked up, if only to glower at her. But after a moment’s consideration, he nodded once. “We will move to the townhouse, then. Be ready to leave before nightfall.”
“That soon?”
“Indeed. We can keep up appearances. After all, my wife should familiarize herself with all the estates I own. And why not indulge in the high life again, on your husband’s arm?” Spencer paused, cocked his head, and smiled. “And while we are there, I may introduce you to someone who has been pestering to meet you. If only to get himoff my back.”
“Is this someone your mysterious friend, Lord Avington?”
He nodded, remembering Theodore’s pleas for an introduction.
“Will Charlotte be there?” Eleanor asked.
Spencer hesitated. “No. And do not ask again where she is.”
“I was not going to. I only wanted to know.”
“She won’t be there. I will have a hard enough time keeping you safe while in direct view of theton.You do understand that while this will be a good chance for me to investigate and make moreconnections, it also puts you in more danger. I need you to be more vigilant. Do not go anywhere without me unless I know where you are and who you are with. It is not to control you, Eleanor. It is?—”
“I know,” she said quietly, nodding. “I understand.”
Her quick acquiescence surprised him, and he nodded back.
But then, as she made to leave his study, she tossed a smirk over her shoulder. “And I do hope that myverydoting, romantic husband will be on his best behavior. Perhaps we might find a way to… pick up where we had left off.”
Before he could reprimand her for teasing him, she was gone. He chafed at the way her smirk and tone left him feeling.
He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore how she affected him.
How she could be so quiet and reserved, but outspoken when she wanted to rile him up…
Spencer shook his head. His Duchess might as well be the death of him.
Everdawn House was not the sprawling, autumnal residence that Everdawn Hall was, but it was equally beautiful.
“And are our chambers connected in this residence, too?” Eleanor asked cheekily.
She had found that each time they grew closer, she felt more daring. And she rather liked it.
It felt like finding her feet, like finding the woman she had buried beneath the scared girl who had barely survived the convent.
Spencer paused in the hallway, glancing at her. “Why? Do you want them to be?”
Eleanor fell silent, having not expected that.
Spencer smirked, turning to corner her against the wall. “What possessed you to ask such a thing?”
“I am merely curious.”
I have wanted you to kiss me again since that first moment in the drawing room.
“You have yet to use the connecting door in Everdawn Hall,” he reminded her.
His voice was pitched low, and she could not help the ache building between her legs every time he spoke to her in such an intimate tone.
“Have you waited for me to use it? To come through the door and greet you at night? To find you trembling with anticipation of what I might do to you? Do you entertain yourself with thoughts of our marital bed?”
Eleanor’s breathing quickened. “I?—”
“Do you lie there, thinking of entering my chambers and seducing me? You have rather enjoyed teasing me lately. Perhaps you’re thinking of taking it further—slipping into my rooms while I am unaware to have your way with me.”
