Page 26 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
“That is a great pity for I am sure that there are a good many books that would suit you very well,” Lady Annette said, as Elizabeth smiled softly.
“I am sure that is true.” The Duke inclined his head. “But I shall not keep you from the bookshop. I do hope that you find something to engage your minds in a most pleasant manner.”
“You are welcome to join us, even if you do not care for reading,” Elizabeth found herself saying, a little embarrassed that she now seemed to be a little too forward, too eager in her desire for the Duke to stay in her company. “Though of course, if there are other things that you have come to town for, then we certainly will not expect you to give them up in order to attend us! If you have no interest in books, then you will not wish to step into the bookshop, I quite understand that. I mayhap ought not to have made the suggestion! I am sure that...”
“We are to go to Gunters for an ice thereafter.” Lady Annette settled a hand on Elizabeth’s arm, making her flush hot with embarrassment. Had she been babbling? Had she sounded so foolish that Lady Annette had been forced to step in? Her head dropped forward, her eyes closing for a moment as Lady Annette continued.
“If you do not care for books, mayhap you would wish to join us there?”
“I should be very glad to! I am, in fact, on an errand myself but I shall come to Gunters immediately thereafter.”
When Elizabeth lifted her head and forced her gaze back towards the Duke, she saw him smiling. There was still heat in her face as she caught her lip with her teeth for a moment, still mortified by how she had prattled on in such a foolish way.
“I thank you for the invitation,” he continued, his gaze melding to hers now. “I look forward to it. I have not been to Gunters yet this Season!”
“Then it is just as well Lady Annette made the suggestion,” Elizabeth managed to say, feeling as though she spoke between two bruised lips such was her embarrassment. “Until later, Your Grace.”
“Until later.”
With a nod and a smile, he stepped away and Elizabeth, closing her eyes in mortification, quickly made her way towards the bookshop, suddenly desperate to make her way inside and away from the Duke. Lady Annette followed in silence, though once the door was closed behind them and Elizabeth had let out a sigh, she began to chuckle.
“You cannot pretend with me any longer! You have an interest in the Duke of Nottingham!”
“Do be quiet, Annette!” Speaking a little more forcefully than she had meant, Elizabeth hushed her friend, whose smilequickly fell away. “Please, there could be others present in the bookshop that will be able to hear you.”
“I am sorry.” Lady Annette folded her arms over her chest, her head lowering. “I did not think.”
Silence grew between them for some moments until, with another sigh, Elizabeth patted her friend’s arm. “Come. If we speak quietly at the very end of the shop, I am sure we will not be able to be overheard.”
Lady Annette obliged and, feeling a little more secure and silently praying that no other members of thetonhad been able to overhear them, Elizabeth turned to her friend.
“Please,” she began, seeing that she could not say anything to prevent Lady Annette’s awareness of what was happening in her own heart, “you must not say anything to anyone. It is something that has only just begun to occur and I have very little idea – or understanding, truth be told – as to what I am to do with it.”
Lady Annette smiled immediately, evidently holding no grudge against Elizabeth. “Then you admit that you have an interest in him? That you would prefer his company over any other?”
Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to understand her own feelings. “I do not know as yet, Annette. The only thing I am aware of is that I have a genuine desire to be near him and to continue on in our acquaintance. I do not know why, I do not understand where such feelings have come from but they are present, certainly.” A nervousness grew in her stomach, making her heart twist as her friend smiled. “I do not know what to do, truth be told – I do not feel joyous or happy or even delighted! Instead, I am confused and even a little troubled.”
“But why should you feel such a thing? To have such feelings is not anything to be ashamed of.”
“I know that.” Elizabeth looked away, her heart pounding all the more as she thought about what it would be like to admit to the Duke all that she felt.I could never do that.
“Then what is it about all that you feel that troubles you so?”
Because,Elizabeth considered, shaking her head to her friend,I should have to tell him that I am the one who has been responding to him. That I have been writing letters under the guise of my brother’s hand. I could not keep that from him – and I could never tell him the truth. It would shatter all that we have built.
“Because I could never tell him,” she said slowly, as Lady Annette frowned heavily. “I know that nothing good will come of admitting my feelings to him, though I cannot explain why I know that to be so.”
“How could it bring no good? To tell a gentleman that you care for him – particularly a gentleman who is clearly so inclined towardsyourcompany- can only bring joy!”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, I cannot. Please do not ask me why for it will bring me too much difficulty to explain myself.” She reached out and took Lady Annette’s hand, pressing it. “I think my heart must forget the Duke and all that we have shared.” Pain lanced through her but she stood tall, her chin lifted. “It is the only way.”
Just as she spoke, the door to the bookshop opened and, much to Elizabeth’s astonishment, the Duke of Nottingham stumbled inside. He was wide eyed, his face pale and as she watched, he hurried away from the door and to another part of the bookshop, seeming to be either terrified or horrified by something he had seen. All the more confused, Elizabeth followed him with her eyes and then, after a few moments, found herself walking toward him.
What was it he had seen? And what was it that had driven him into the bookshop – a place which he had expressed such dislike to – only a short while ago?
Chapter Fourteen
Jonathan smiled to himself as he walked back from the milliner’s. It had only been a short errand but one that he had considered important, for his sister had written to request that he send her some lace – some particular lace – and thus, he had done what he could to fulfill her request. They had often exchanged letters the last few years, though she had always encouraged him to return to London and he had always refused. Now, however, he thought he might jest with her that the only reason she had desired such a thing from him was so that she might be sent as much lace as she desired, though Jonathan knew full well that was not the true reason for her hope that he would return.
