Page 15 of The Lady Who Said No to the Duke
‘Thank you,’ she said when they were walking back from the stables.‘I appreciate your advice.’
Hal made the kind of dismissive sound that she supposed meant,Think nothing of it.
‘You came here for a quiet visit with our godmother,’ Thea persisted.‘You did not expect to have your tranquillity interrupted by a runaway heiress in need of advice and you have been very patient about it.’
‘Patience was not required, neither was tranquillity, if it comes to that,’ he said, sounding amused, and she thought what a pleasant voice he had.Deep and warm, yet flexible.It was reassuring although, for some reason, not exactly calming.
* * *
Thea sought out her godmother when she had bathed and changed and found her in her little sitting room, her feet on a stool and what looked like a novel in her hand.
‘Did you have a pleasant day, dear?’
‘We did, and we have viewed the Italian garden, but we will both give you our impressions at tea time or over dinner.I just wanted to tell you that Hal has given me some very good advice about what to do about the Duke.’
‘He did?’Lady Holme put down her book and regarded Thea with raised eyebrows.‘And what advice was that, I wonder?’
Thea settled on the sofa opposite, kicked off her shoes and curled up comfortably.‘I explained how angry the Duke made me by taking me for granted and not even having the courtesy to write or visit before now.Hal said he could quite see that I felt I was being treated like some kind of ducal accoutrement.Like his coronet—essential but without feelings of its own.’
‘Goodness,’ Godmama said faintly.‘How insightful of him.I would never guessed he had that much imagination.’
‘Oh, it was my analogy, not his, but when I explained how it felt, being left on the shelf unregarded until required, he understood immediately.’
‘And what was his advice?’
‘To speak to the Duke and explain my feelings quite clearly.If he still wishes to marry me, and is prepared to court me so I can come to know him and make a decision based on his character, then perhaps I will feel able to accept him.’
‘That seems to be excellent counsel,’ her godmother agreed.
‘You find it amusing?’Puzzled by the twinkle in Lady Holme’s eyes, Thea wondered whether she was being teased.
‘Not at all.It is just that one does not expect gentlemen to be quite that perceptive.’It looked as though she was about to add something, then closed her lips firmly.
‘You were going to say something, Godmama.Please, do not hesitate, I need all the advice I can get.’
‘Very well.You have come to like Hal Forrest in a very short space of time.To trust him.’
‘Why, yes.But, of course, he is trustworthy—you would not allow me to ride out alone with him if he were not to be relied upon in every way.And are you so surprised that I like him when you clearly do?’
‘Yes, he is an admirable young man, of course.It is just that… My dear, let me be frank.’
‘Of course, please do,’ Thea said, with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.Those words, in her experience, never preceded anything that she was glad to hear.
‘Hal is a good man.A gentleman.But it would not be wise to allow yourself to grow too fond of him…’
‘I regard him as a friend,’ Thea said.She sat up abruptly and swung her feet down to the carpet.This was not a conversation to be having sprawled on the sofa.‘I would not dream of…of flirting or…’
‘Naturally not, you are far too well-bred for that kind of thing.No, I mean, do not allow feelings to develop that can only lead to disappointment.’
‘You mean, do not fall in love with him?’Thea demanded.‘Well, of course not!Goodness, I have survived one Season without falling for any of the numerous eligible gentlemen I have encountered.Why should I be in danger of developing atendrefor this one?’
‘One never knows when these things might strike,’ Godmama said earnestly.‘I do not suggest for a moment that you would go out of your way to fall for a gentleman who has no title.That would be perverse of you in your position.But Hal is a good-looking and charming young man and I would not be surprised if he did not provoke warm feelings in your bosom.Warmer feelings than would be wise.’
Thea opened her mouth, then closed it again, unsure of what she had been about to say.Best not to say anything for a moment, because she was feeling quite indignant—at least, she supposed that was what it was—and she had no wish to be rude or disrespectful to her godmother.Butreally, she was hardly likely to fall in love, just like that.
It had never occurred to her for a moment that Hal Forrest might be someone she might fall for, not until Godmama had put the idea into her head.And now she had, it was clearly nonsense.He was a very pleasant, attractive, intelligent, amusing gentleman.One who was rapidly becoming a friend.That was all.
All, except that moment by the pond when their hands had touched and the focus of the world around had changed, leaving her confused.It had only lasted a moment, but she had felt unsettled ever since.
