Page 28 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“I am sorry. I was unaware that she had—” Kate faltered.
“Abandoned her family? Yes. It was quite the scandal at the time. So, you can see why I am loath to have my name tied to any gossip.”
“And I accused you of that crime. If there were any way I could rectify my mistake, I would.” Kate stopped and gazed up at him. Tears welled in her eyes at how wrong she had been.
He touched her cheek with his hand and said, “It doesn’t matter. We have made our peace.” His eyes darkened and a glint appeared in his eye. “I suppose there is one way you could apologize.”
“Anything. I must make things right between us.”
“A kiss freely offered would be a token of your sincerity.”
Kate’s heart beat faster, and she swallowed. She glanced down the path, but Sally was busy straightening a ribbon that had come loose from one of the tree trunks. She leaned into Andrew and lifted her mouth. In one swift movement, Andrew pulled her close and captured her lips with his. His hand on the base of her spine pulled her so tightly into his embrace that she could feel the stirring of his passion against her own. A clenching pulse of pleasure grew.
Before she knew it, he had released her. She felt her knees weaken and for a moment, she stumbled. He caught her, and said, “Watch for that loose stone, Miss Avery. I wouldn’t want you to lose your balance.”
Kate looked behind her and saw Sally scurrying quickly toward them. “Sorry, ma’am. A bit of ribbon had come loose. I shall speak to Mr. Scoville and let him know. The gardeners will need to come through and check for any others.”
“Very good, Sally. Thank you. I think His Grace and I will head back inside. Although the sky is bright this morning, those clouds promise rain by early afternoon. I’ll need to arrange for parlor games and perhaps some music,” Kate said. She prayed her voice did not betray her desire for the duke.
Andrew waited until Sally was far enough away to not overhear. “I wish to continue this discussion alone. I think one kiss was not enough.”
“It wasn’t?” Kate’s eyes widened, feigning innocence. “It was freely given, Your Grace.”
“Meet me in your library tonight at midnight. I want to continue this dalliance you have agreed to… alone.” His lips touched her ear as his whisper tickled her cheek.
Kate swallowed and nodded. He moved back away from her to an appropriate distance. Kate immediately missed the feel of his lips near her.
They turned and strolled at a leisurely pace back to the castle. Andrew did not speak, and Kate feared if she did, she would ask to share his bed which would be too bold even for her. Despite her want for passion, it would be a disaster for her as she would want to repeat the experience. One night wouldn’t suffice.
Andrew left Kate back in her library. He found himself growing more and more attracted to her, and it was a mistake. Circumstances had thrown them together, but flames of passion burned bright and fast. Andrew enjoyed her company, and if they consummated their attraction, it would destroy the tenuous friendship they had formed. No. He would enjoy a few stolen kisses with Kate, but anything else could not happen.
The Dowager Duchess emerged from her room with her maid close behind her. “Ah, grandson. What has you out and about so early?” She stopped and narrowed her eyes. “Or are you just returning to your own bed?”
Andrew pretended shock. “Grandmother! How could you accuse me of such a thing? I would never…”
She tapped her cane on the floor. “Ha! You would and you have. But you shall not do it here, Andrew.”
He offered his grandmother his arm. “No worries. I was walking with Miss Avery in the gardens to ensure that all was well. It appears that a storm is coming.”
His grandmother opened her mouth, but he laid his other hand reassuringly on hers. “We were chaperoned by her maid the entire time. Nothing inappropriate or remotely scandalous to fear. I would never dishonor Miss Avery. She is too fine of a woman.”Except for a kiss freely offered.
“Excellent. It would never do to upset the Dowager Viscountess. Rose can be quite the stickler for propriety.”
“Unlike yourself.” Andrew tried to keep the amusement from his voice but failed.
“You are an impertinent grandson. I was too lenient with you and now, you’ve grown cheeky. I adhere to all the social graces and rules. If I had a granddaughter, I would rule the Season. Unfortunately, I have a grandson who refuses to be wed and give me grandchildren.”
“It is your fault, Grandmother. Your beauty, wit, and wisdom have ruined all other women for me. None could compare toyou.” He slowed his steps as he assisted her down the stairs. It pained him to see his beloved grandmother grow frailer with each passing year, however, she was still as outspoken as ever which warmed his heart.
“Balderdash!” the Dowager Duchess declared. “Your problem is you want everything to be perfect. People aren’t without fault, Andrew. Yourself included. A wife might be lovely to look at but weak of mind. Or have the face of a horse but be a brilliant conversationalist and funny. You must make compromises.”
“Is that what you did?” Andrew asked.
“Of course not. Your grandfather was the finest man who walked the earth. If only he hadn’t lost his hair at such a young age.” She chuckled. “Now, lead me to the dining room. All of this worry over your prospects has made me hungry.”
In the dining room, Andrew found the Dowager Viscountess seated next to Julia. He led his grandmother to a seat next to Mrs. Avery and sat down next to Julia.
“Good morning, Miss Roves. You look as pretty as a morning glory today. My cousin will be happy to see you when he arrives later,” Andrew said.
