Page 19 of Would I Lie to the Duke
“Rakehood is diverting,” he murmured, leaningclose. Her sweet fragrance enfolded him. “But it doesn’t nourish my soul.”
“Is that what you seek?” she asked lowly.
“I haven’t formulated the question,” he admitted. “So I cannot know the answer.” He laughed softly. “This isn’t easy—confessing my own uncertainty.”
“When the world knows you as a man of singular influence.” She moved back slightly. “You do burn brightly, but there’s more to you than a merely dazzling gleam in the darkness.”
His breath left him, and for a moment, he was utterly without words—a rarity. He managed to collect himself enough to drawl, “Unjust, madam.”
“Am I?”
He leaned in slightly, shortening the distance between them even more. Her pupils widened, her lips parted—yet not with fear. He did see caution in her gaze, but there was curiosity, too, and the stirrings of attraction.
There was a relief in knowing that he unsettled her as she did him.
“To strip me bare, here, in mixed company, when you keep yourself fully armored.” He took another step closer, and her honeyed scent nearly made him sink to his knees. “I look forward to the next five days, and discovering just who you are beneath your defenses.”
She stared at him as though taking his measure, just as he assessed her. His breath came quickly, as did hers, while they both subtly, silently, and motionlesslypushed against each other’s wills, determining their tolerances—who would give, and who would take.
“I do appreciate that you have been so frank,” she said at last. “I will honor that. I imagine very little is denied you. But Your Grace must understand that, with me, ultimately, you will be disappointed.” She finished the last of her wine before setting the glass on a nearby table and striding away.
Noel watched her go, hearing the excited beat of his heart. It was as though he woke from a long dream.
Chapter 6
It had not been easy to walk away from the duke—especially after he had revealed so much of himself to her—but he was a distraction she could not afford. She’d left him because she’d had to, telling herself that it was for his protection as much as her own.
She’d spent another hour talking with the other guests, learning who would be worthwhile to subtly approach regarding investing in her business, and who she ought to steer clear of. At least she had a foundation of a plan, and could move forward with it.
She now sat on a stone bench that stood at the edge of the yard behind Lady Catherton’s town house. She lifted a small glass of sherry to her lips and sipped. It wasn’t quite strong enough, but it was the only spirit she could take from the house without arousing the staff’s suspicion. The servants came with the rental, and so they had little loyalty to whomever occupied it. But gossip was always a prized commodity, thus she had to be careful.
“Afternoon, miss.”
She nodded at Lady Catherton’s coachman ashe approached. He was short in stature but barrel-chested, fair skinned, and the remaining hair he had was streaked with silver.
“Lynch, is it?” He had driven her from Wiltshire to London.
“At your service, miss.” He eyed the glass in her hand. “Sherry, is it?”
“Alas, yes.” She sighed.
“If you wait but a moment, I’ve some whiskey we can share.”
“Here I thought I didn’t believe in angels.”
He chuckled before trotting toward the stables. A few moments later, he returned with a bottle and two dented metal mugs. He poured a healthy amount of whiskey into both vessels, then handed her one.
“Your health,” she said, lifting her mug.
“And yours, miss.” They tapped the rims of their cups together.
She took a swallow of the liquor and it agreeably burned its way down her throat to settle warmly in her belly. “God bless you, Mr. Lynch.” She nodded at the seat beside her. “Join me?”
“My thanks.” With a soft groan, he lowered himself down on the bench.
They sat together in companionable silence, drinking whiskey and listening to the muffled sounds of traffic that traveled down the mews. For the first time in hours, Jess permitted herself a slow, deep exhale.
“That’s a sound,” Lynch said with a shake of his head.
