Page 93 of The Good Duke
Persephone stared at Simon’s retreating figure and wanted to cry from being left aching and unfulfilledandfrom a keen sorrow at his apathy.
How coolly indifferent he should be toward her when Persephone remained consumed with thoughts of him and his touch, now filled with an even greater yearning for him to do all those wicked things he’d issued as threats.
Maybe that’s really why you’ve delayed in finding him a duchess.Because she knew the moment he had his illustrious betrothed and married that blushing bride, he’d be out of her life forever.
Which is for the best. Neither of you are the same people.They were strangers to one another, but they’d once been friends and, for that, she owed him the help she’d promised.
A sad little whining reached her. Persephone glanced blankly down. An adorable head cocked and sad eyes on Persephone, Lady Chloe stared back.
“Come here, you,” she whispered and filled her arms with the precious bundle.
The cuddlesome dog instantly burrowed against Persephone, and she took in all the warmth her soft little body conferred.
She burrowed her cheek against the top of Chloe’s head…when Persephone felt eyes upon her.
She glanced up.
Unblinking, Simon stared at Persephone with a confused little glimmer in his beautiful blue eyes. Discomfited by the ambiguous look he trained on her, Persephone held Chloe protectively close.
“Simon,” she called over. “I…I would have you know. You’re right.” Persephone took a deep breath. “Initially, I did have the idea to give you a dog as a means of rankling you.”
She rocked a now-sleeping Chloe in her arms. “The thing of it is, Simon, the list of qualities you seek in your duchess? It does feature traits all dogs possess: unfettered loyalty, a simple mindset, and being selfless.”
Persephone took a step near him and then stopped herself. “You were right to choose the characteristics of a dog in your bride. You, however, chose all the wrong ones. And so yes, as I said, initially I only brought Lady Chloe here to get a rise out of you.”
She searched her gaze over his expressionless, chiseled features. “Until today. Today, it occurred to me how very lonely and how very sad your life has become and how desperately you need a friend.”
Persephone lifted the dogs in her arms. “She will be a wonderful companion to you…if you let her.”
And Persephone would never be around to witness that relationship grow. That was, if Simon even kept Lady Chloe.
Reluctantly, she set the dog down.
The inquisitive pup, like the dutiful creature Simon had sought, trotted over to his side.
Unable to meet the duke’s piercing stare any longer, Persephone dropped a deep, respectful curtsy and left.
Chapter 17
The following morning, Persephone led Simon through the bustling crowds of the Covent Garden markets. His long-legged strides made keeping up with Persephone easy work. As such, she kept her gaze forward.
“You’re going to run us square into someone,” Simon called loudly over the noisy commotion of vendors and patrons haggling over prices.
Persephone snorted. “Come, Your Grace.” She didn’t even break stride. “I am quite familiar with the Covent Garden markets, and I’m skilled in navigating through—”
Someone snatched her wrist.
Persephone gasped. Her heart hammering, she raised her reticule and brought it down quick on her offender.
Smack.
Simon flinched and rubbed at his offended upper arm. “What the hell wasthatfor?”
“We are in Covent Garden, Your Grace,” she said on a noisy whisper to penetrate the din. “A lady must always anticipate a bounder either sneaking a touch or stealing her coin.”
Annoyance brought his tawny brows snapping together. “I’mhere.”
When it became apparent, Simon didn’t intend to offer any elaboration beyond that, Persephone prodded her old friend. “And?”
