Page 85 of Nothing Compares to the Duke
“You must tell her.”
“No.” Rhys shook his head. On this point, he would not waver. “I’ve been a self-serving bastard for years, but even I have my limits. Bella deserves better.”
Nick narrowed his gaze but seemed to finally relent. “Very well. Suit yourself. But remember one incontrovertible truth.”
“What’s that?”
“Women always discover the truth.” Nick opened the library door and headed into the hallway, calling back, “Especially the clever ones.”
“The minister’s cat is an adorable, beautiful, coy, delightful, elegant, frisky cat,” Meg said with a triumphant smile, pleased that she’d been able to remember all the other adjectives that had come before.
The parlor game was a simple test of memory, and Bella’s mind immediately filled with fresh ideas formore challenging memory tests that she could add to her book. She could even add an explanation of how one could employ strategies to aid with memory.
“Your turn, Miss Prescott,” the Duchess of Tremayne called to her.
Unfortunately, she hadn’t heard the last word that had been added to the description. Something that started withg.
Meg cupped a hand around her mouth and with a very bad attempt at subtlety mouthed,Gregarious.
Bella sat up straight on the settee and steadily recited the familiar sentence, including all of the adjectives that had come before while her mind considered what she might add.
As she finished Rhys stepped into the drawing room and everything seemed more vibrant. “Handsome,” she blurted, then corrected, “Handsome cat.”
His grin made her heart tumble in her chest.
“What are we playing and is it too late to join?” the duke asked his wife.
“Minister’s Cat,” she told him as she stood to reach for the bellpull. “But we were just at the point when it becomes tedious. A bit of refreshment and conversation seems far preferable now that you two have rejoined us.”
Rhys glanced at the empty spot on the settee beside Bella, and she scooted closer to the edge to make room for him. The cushions dipped when he dropped down next to her, tipping her toward him. Their bodies came together, his arm against hers andtheir thighs pressed together. He made no move to pull away. Neither did she.
“Having fun?” he asked quietly.
“I am. The duchess seems very intelligent and kind.”
“Then you have much in common.”
Bella glanced at him and tried not to let the compliment set her cheeks aflame. She was already feeling exponentially warmer because he was next to her and his body was like a furnace. She’d remembered that from Margate. Other than the waltz dance lesson for Meg, their bodies hadn’t been this close since that day.
Rhys seemed to be thinking the same. His breath quickened and he licked his lips.
“Bella—”
“Will you go first?” Meg appeared in front of them and Bella had missed whatever she’d said before her question to her brother. “You’ve very good at charades and I’ve nominated you to go first.”
“Meg, you’ve always been better at the game and you know it.” He glanced toward the duchess. “I forfeit my nomination and pass it to my sister.”
Meg giggled and reached for the first prompt that the Duchess of Tremayne had written on a slip of paper. “Oh goodness,” she said when she read whatever was written there. A moment later she moved to the center of the room and held up three fingers, indicating the number of words in the answer.
“We should talk,” Rhys whispered, and sat forwardon the settee, as if intrigued by his sister’s performance. “You’ve been avoiding me, and I don’t like it.”
“I haven’t. Not entirely,” Bella whispered back, her eyes fixed on Meg. “But I agree we should talk.”
“Tonight. Alone.”
“That’s impossible. You know I’m lodging with the Tremaynes.” Bella laughed at Meg’s antics. “Is it love?” she said when the girl made the shape of a heart with her fingers.
Meg nodded excitedly.
