Page 48 of Nothing Compares to the Duke
“If you’re my fiancée, that will be my job.”
Bella rolled her eyes. Twenty minutes ago the man couldn’t fathom assisting her and now he was taking all of it far too seriously. “I won’t be your fiancée in truth.”
“Others must believe that you are and your connection with me, as you know from Lord Hammersley, may cause you trouble. Do you have any rules?”
As Bella stared at him, her gaze fell to his lips. Always. They were beautifully shaped, full and forever flickering into a grin or a smirk. She had a good excuse to look at them when he spoke but she found herself looking when she shouldn’t.
“No kissing,” she blurted.
He arched a brow. “Very well. No kissing, it is. Anything else?”
“No promises either of us cannot keep.”
Both of his brows winged high at that.
“We will be clear with each other,” he said in a low earnest tone. “Honest, in all matters.” He stepped close enough for his greatcoat to rustle against herskirt. He shocked her by reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, then letting his fingers linger there, a warm soft weight against her skin. “I won’t fail you this time.”
Goodness how were they going to do this if he could unsettle her with the brush of his fingers?
“Touching,” Bella breathed. “We should only touch when necessary.”
Rhys dropped his hand as if she’d scorched him. “Of course. Forgive me.”
“Can you call tomorrow and speak to my parents?”
“Bloody hell, that’s quick.”
“There’s no reason to delay now that we’ve decided. The sooner we tell them and set everything in motion, the sooner we can end the subterfuge.”
“Tomorrow, then. I’ll call in the afternoon.”
“The morning? Father is in his office by ten.”
“I’ll arrive at quarter past.”
Bella nodded and assumed he would offer her a leave-taking, but he didn’t. He wore his usual air of confidence like a cloak atop his greatcoat, but there was a strange hesitation in the way he darted his gaze from her face out toward the open fields and back again.
“What is it?” she asked. They’d just agreed on honesty. Best to start immediately.
“Should I not acquire a ring? Are there any words we should exchange?”
“A ring isn’t strictly necessary—”
“But it would be useful. Our subterfuge will be based on appearances. Those who see us together in society must get the impression that we are truly engaged.”
“I appreciate that you wish to do this properly.” Bella wasn’t certain what propriety looked like when it came to false engagements. “But my parents come first, and I don’t wish to delay for a ring.”
“I understand.” He nodded, almost solemnly. It was odd to see him somber. Seriousness didn’t suit him.
Bella stepped away, eager to get back to Hillcrest. Eager for their plan to begin. “I’ll see you in the morning?”
“You will.”
Bella smiled back at him over her shoulder before setting off. She was relieved. This was exactly what she wanted. So why was she flushed and trembling? Why did the prospect of seeing him again tomorrow make her anxious?
“I wish to marry your daughter.” Rhys exhaled a breath of relief as soon as the words were out.
He sounded believable and his stomach hadn’t plummeted into his boots. He’d been waiting in the Yardleys’ drawing room for what felt like days, though the clock indicated less than half an hour had passed. He’d tested the words on his lips a dozen times. Rephrasing. Practicing various intonations like an actor about to perform on the stage.
