Page 46 of A Duke Makes a Deal
Clara let out a disbelieving breath, that almost sounded like a laugh. A single dark brow lifted in question and she shook her head.
“Thank you,” she said quickly, hoping not to invite any more praise as it made her uncomfortable.
“I trust you find your rooms acceptable?” His voice came our rough as he took a step towards her.
“Yes, very much. Thank you.”
He nodded as his gaze dropped to her hands.
“What are you reading?” he asked, coming towards her.
“Nothing,” she said quickly, tossing the book behind her on the chair. “Philosophy. Again.”
“Yes, you’re quite fond of it,” he said, stopping before her.
Mere inches separated them, but to Clara’s surprise, he leaned forward, crowding her until the tips of her breasts pressed against his solid chest. She inhaled sharply as he bent and reached around her. Pulling back, she saw that he held the book she had just tried to hide.
“A Treatise of Human Natureby David Hume,” he said, reading the cover. “You mentioned him before.”
“Yes,” Clara said, hating how faint her voice sounded.
“He said passion is what drives people, not practicality.”
“Essentially,” she said, smelling the faintest hint of scotch. Goodness, he was rather intoxicating.
He frowned.
“I told you, Clara, that you didn’t have anything to worry about regarding that. I’ve decided to never again partake in such experiences.”
Clara’s hand came up to the center of his chest as she found her courage. Silas fell silent under her touch.
“Don’t say that,” she said, her tone still soft.
“But—”
“Please,” she insisted, her gaze locked on his face.
She wasn’t completely sure what she was asking of him but after a long moment he gave her a single nod and Clara felt as though she made another crack in the wall that guarded his heart. If she was diligent, she might be able to reach it fully one day.
His hand came up over hers, touching the ring she had chosen. Looking down, he picked up her hand.
“Is this the only piece you liked?”
“Oh no, they were all lovely. But this one,” she looked down. “I felt an affinity for this one.”
“It suits you,” he said. “I came to escort you to dinner. Shall we?” He held out his arm.
“Yes,” she replied, taking it.
Chapter Eleven
Dinner had beena happy affair, thanks in part to Holly Smyth’s younger siblings. The teenage twins were enthusiastic about the chance to travel, and their energy was infectious. Clara’s parents were also cheerful and talkative, seeming oblivious to the tension that had surrounded the other guests. Clara had noted the glares she received from Violet although she wasn’t the only one. Fredrick Trembley seemed to annoy Violet a great deal and they exchanged several veiled barbs with one another during the evening.
On the other hand, Clara was flatly ignored by Derek throughout the entire meal. She wondered if the earl was still offended by her speech in his private library. That night seemed like a lifetime ago now and she made a mental note to try and make amends with the earl before he left Greystone. Still, Lady Trembley made it a point to speak with her, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Egmont, who evidently were Silas’s godparents.
Once dinner had finished, the gentlemen went to the billiards room for brandy, while the ladies retired upstairs instead of the parlor. The dowager duchess had explained with a wedding tomorrow, there was no need to partake in the usual after dinner activities.
Clara was glad to retire however and was quick to dress in her nightgown. She went to the bed and tried to ignore the growingdiscomfort at the fact that Silas’s previous wife had slept in this very room.
