Page 15 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“Now.”
Hector sighed heavily, pouting at his father. He shuffled on his feet, but decided that there was no chance of getting what he wanted.
Finally, he turned to Lady Slyham and gave her another wink. “Good luck.”
“Thank you. I probably need it,” she muttered.
Soon, Gerard and the lady were left alone. He turned toward her, holding her in his steady, silent gaze. She did not flinch nor averther eyes. Instead, with unhurried composure, she took off her gloves and folded them neatly between her hands.
“Lady Slyham,” she said at last, inclining her head. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. Lord Hector informed me that his father is the Duke of Talleystone.”
Gerard’s eyebrows rose. It was uncommon for him to encounter a lady who did not already know him by sight or reputation.
Was she feigning ignorance, or had she truly lived so quietly?
“Lady Slyham,” he repeated slowly. “That is your name?”
“It is, Your Grace,” she replied with calm assurance.
He strode toward her, intent on drawing out the truth. His son had vanished, only to reappear at her side. The story did not ring true, and the beautiful woman before him might very well be the key.
“So, you merely happened to be where my son was? You saw him wandering the streets?”
“Indeed, Your Grace. I was on horseback,” she replied, her composure rousing his suspicion further.
“And you chose to escort him here rather than alert a constable?” he pressed, stopping scarcely a foot away.
She did not shrink back. “I considered it the most efficient course, Your Grace. The boy was unharmed, and I was the first to question him as to how he came there.” Her voice was steady, almost too steady.
Gerard’s eyebrow arched. Too smooth by half.
“You appear remarkably calm for one who has been harboring my son,” he ground out, his pulse hammering at his throat.
“That is far too strong a word. I did not harbor your son,” she protested, her eyes flashing.
Ah.There is spirit beneath the placid exterior.
“Then you were trespassing on my estate?” he demanded.
“I was not!” She lifted her chin. “If you find my presence so unwelcome, consider how it would have looked had I abandoned your son at your gate, instead of ensuring he was safely within, with his governess and the staff to receive him.”
Her temper flickered, though Gerard thought it the sort of flame long kept under lock.
Who exactly is this woman? Is she even an actual lady?
“I’m going to give you one more chance, Lady Slyham, or whoever you are,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Her nostrils flared, but she held her tongue.
“Your tale is dubious at best. Am I to believe you were simply riding by and, by chance, encountered my son? I scoured the streets of Mayfair and found nothing. Yetyou…” He leaned closer. “You appeared with him.”
“Believe what you will, Your Grace. The truth remains unchanged,” she returned, stubbornly folding her arms across her chest.
The movement drew his gaze despite himself. The dark fabric of her gown traced her gentle curves, modest yet undeniably elegant. His eyes traced the line of her neck, the slope of her shoulders, the subtle swell beneath her bodice. There was an unexpected heat in his chest, a flicker of desire he hadn’t anticipated.
Focus, Talleystone.
“TheGazetteer,” he said suddenly, watching for her reaction.
