Page 79 of The Good Duke
Oh, he’d been stone-cold and straightforward when he’d described the attributes he sought in a partner.
But just wait until he mether.
Persephone consulted her appearance once more in the mirror. Several flyaway strands hung like curly dark curtains on either side of her face. As she tucked them back behind her ears, she sang in the loud, off-key tones she used to during church, to Simon’s amusement and the vicar’s chagrin.
“I, believe me, if all those endearing youngcharms,
Which I gaze on so fondlyto-day,
Were to change by to-morrow, and flee from myarms
Like fairy-gifts, fading away!”
Enlivened as she’d not been in longer than she could remember, Persephone went in search of Simon. This time, she knew not to arrive alone. This time, she’d come with the very lady she’d handpicked for him.
As Persephone made her way, she continued singing, but did so more quietly.
“Thou wouldst still be ador’d as this moment thouart,
Let thy loveliness fade as itwill;
And, around the dear ruin, each wish of myheart
Would entwine itself verdantlystill!”
She passed a young parlor maid with a duster, cap, and apron. The two women exchanged smiles and waves before sailing on in their opposite directions.
With every step that carried Persephone closer to her upcoming meeting with Simon, the embarrassment of yesterday faded further and further away, until she arrived outside his office door without a single consideration of what transpired a day prior.
Persephone lifted her hand to knock.
When he’d laid her down across his desk—
Her fist wavered before the pretty carved panel.
And kissed the thoughts clear out of her head.
Warmth swarmed her belly.
Her brow dipped.
Do not think aboutthat.
Think about sloppy, awkward childhood kisses and tiny pups! Why, yes!Think of…adorable, gloriously affectionate, clever dogs!
Armed with those far more steadying, sobering reminders, Persephone rapped hard on the panel.
“Enter.”
Simon’s booming voice called out as immediate as if he’d been awaiting her arrival.
His deep, commanding baritone caused Persephone to waver.
Stop. Tiny dogs. The very cutest ones. Think of them.
Donning a smile, Persephone let herself inside.
She took care to keep her gaze fixed to the point just above Simon’s golden-blond head.
