Page 26 of A Duke Makes a Deal
“Yes.”
Clara tilted her head, debating whether she should be insulted or worried. He was acting strangely.
“Are you feeling unwell, your grace?” she asked, deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“No,” he ground out. “And I don’t like being treated as if I’m some sort of madman.”
“There are quite literally hundreds of other women who would better suit you.”
“What makes you so sure about that?” He asked.
“Because there are,” she said, gesturing her hand around the room as if every eligible lady in London stood along the parlor wall. “There were dozens of ladies at Trembley’s ball the other night, each one finer than I with proper pedigrees who would suit you much better than I.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because we are from two different worlds. I would think you would prefer to spend your time with ladies who share your tastes, your upbringing—
He put his hand up and she stifled her words. He seemed eager to say something, but also hesitant. Deciding to wait, she folded her arms across her chest to see what he had to say.
Taking a deep breath, the duke spoke.
“I’ve had my fair share of fine ladies. That said, I don’t think pedigree makes the woman and I find myself intrigued by you.”
“But I am not intrigued by you.”
He had the gall to smirk and Clara had to beat down the unwanted excitement she felt surge through her.
“Not yet.”
Insolent man.
“Not ever. I have no wish to have any more relations with members of the peerage,” she said, her chin raised. “Furthermore, I have no desire to be courted by anyone. Especially you.”
“I’m not leaving until you agree.”
“Absolutely not.”
His brow cinched together and he shook his head. “Are you unaware of what I’m offering? The entire city thinks you’re a madwoman for verbally attacking Dilworth’s new fiancé.”
“I didn’t attack her,” Clara said furiously. “That article purposely tried to murder my character.”
“Regardless, it’s all anyone is talking about. Now, I feel obligated to assist you, considering my part in all of this. Since Dilworth, the sniveling worm, is only working to protect his own skin, I thought I could offer to court you, as a gesture of good faith, to possibly fend off any unwanted suitors that are undoubtedly on their way here.”
Clara frowned. Shehadalready been inundated with several dozen calling cards, all from men she didn’t know. She had no doubt they were only after her fortune.
“And what concern is it of yours if I’m set upon by fortune hunters?”
“I feel some sense of responsibility because I had a hand in ruining your would-be engagement with Dilworth.”
“I was under the impression that you believe you saved me.”
The duke did not answer right away and Clara saw something dark pass over her eyes. He stared at her like she belonged to him and for a moment she felt as if she did. It was ridiculous of course, but then she had never felt something so undeniable.
“I do,” he said quietly, staring at her. “But I shouldn’t go about saving those who don’t wish to be saved.”
Though she knew he was talking about her, Clara couldn’t help but see a deeper meaning to his words. Had he tried to save someone before her? Had something happened between him and his wife? She was desperate to know. An eager wish to know everything about him bloomed in her chest but, she had no right to any of his history. At least, not yet.
“I still don’t see how this would benefit you.”
