Page 41 of The Duke of Fire
“Well, sit over here. Why are you skulking in the shadows?” his grandmother demanded.
Reluctantly, he joined them, suppressing a growl. If this was meant to lift his spirits, it was failing. He had not even been in a brothel in weeks. Yes, that must be the problem. A new woman would solve his problems. Finding other friends might be another solution.
“Your Grace,” Cassian addressed the dowager, as if Sebastian were an afterthought. The duke knew his friend enough to realize it was being done on purpose. “There is an art exhibit thisFriday afternoon near Bingley’s. I wonder if you would like to come?”
“That is certainly a delight. It is more than some people would ask me to go. That sounds like something Miss Warton might appreciate. Why don’t you invite her? I can come as her chaperone,” the dowager said much too gleefully.
Sebastian’s head snapped toward her. “Amelia? Why would you—”
“She enjoys paintings,” Cassian said innocently. “She mentioned it at the opera last week.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “You were speaking to her at the opera?”
“Briefly,” Cassian shrugged. “She is a pleasure to talk to.”
Sebastian did not think Cassian had any business seeing Amelia so closely like that.
“She is certainly sharp, too,” Benedict added, nodding thoughtfully. “She has opinions on Dryden, politics, and even philosophy. Meanwhile, the other ladies could only be bothered about fabrics and color palettes.”
“There is nothing wrong with discussing fabrics and color palettes,” grunted Sebastian.
What am I doing? Am I that desperate to get them to stay away from her?
“Ah, I forgot that you do like every type of woman,” Benedict said.
The dowager duchess gave an exasperated shake of the head at the reminder that her own grandson was a well-knownprofligate.
“No. I am just reminding you all that each woman has her own charm,” Sebastian said, even though it pained him to say so. Yes, he truly believed women all had something beautiful about them, but he was also intensely aware of how special Amelia was.
“Of course you would know that,” Cassian murmured, smirking at him.
“And you don’t? Do not let me narrate all your conquests in front of my grandmother, whom you two have been shamelessly charming!”
“You still have more than him,” Benedict said matter-of-factly, reaching for a slice of cake to fill his empty plate.
“I am simply getting tired of everyone talking about how wonderful Amelia is! You two do not really care about her!”He knew that they were doing this on purpose to get a rise out of him, but he could not help the jealousy that was choking him.
“Sebastian!” his grandmother exclaimed. “Is that jealousy I am detecting from you?”
“Hardly,” he said a little too bitterly before hiding it with a scoff. “You already know that I do not get attached to women. I am not the marrying kind.”
“Ah, that is good to hear, then,” the Dowager said, as Sebastian gulped down his tea. “Because I do not want any trouble when she comes.”
“When she comes?” he spluttered.
“Yes. I have invited Miss Warton to tea.”
Chapter 15
“You what?” Sebastian asked, looking dumbfounded.
“I have been enjoying Cassian and Benedict’s company. Add Miss Warton, and it would be a perfect day!” his grandmother replied smugly. How was it possible that this old lady had a straighter back than some of the men and women his age?
“You had no right. I see Miss Warton when I choose to,” Sebastian said.He had not explained the terms of their agreement, but his grandmother could probably guess.
“Well, is this not my home now as well, Sebastian? I invite whoever I want to come here, and now you will see her when I do,” she replied, fanning herself while tilting her chin up at her grandson.
As if on cue, they heard the garden gates squeak open.
