Page 114 of His Grace, the Duke
She and Tom both turned to see Olivia standing beforeHartington on the other side of the ring, holding a towel to his cut brow. Her blush was evident, even from this distance. As they watched, Hartington leaned in and whispered something that had her laughing, covering the proof with her yellow-gloved hand.
Rosalie’s shoulders sagged. She couldn’t bear to see the look of triumph on Burke or Tom’s face. “I hate you both,” she murmured.
“Well, let us see if we can’t just win you back before the day is over,” Tom teased.
She glanced from one to the other. “What am I missing? What else have you done?”
“It’s not about what we’ve done,” said Burke, his heated gaze locked on Tom. “It’s about what we plan to do.”
54
Rosalie
“Is someone goingto tell me what’s happening?” Rosalie murmured.
The whole group was back from the bazar having a late dinner in the dining room at Corbin House. Rosalie was seated next to Tom at the end of the table. Burke and James were on opposite sides at the other end. Tom took his loss gallantly, letting the ladies coo over his injuries, which were thankfully minor.
He lifted his glass of red wine to his lips, taking a sip and wincing slightly from the sting of his cut lip.
“Tom . . .”
He smiled. “Burke and I have an outstanding debt that must be cleared. He’ll need your help to clear it.”
If the meaning in his words were lost on her, the look on his face certainly wasn’t. He meant to devour her. Her cheeks flamed with warmth as she felt her stomach do a little flip. Heavens, whatever had these men discussed? What other plans were they hatching without her?
The dinner ended, and the whole group returned to thedrawing room for drinks and cards. Despite the late hour, no one seemed ready to retire. Even the duchess and the older ladies stayed for a round of whist.
Rosalie sat on a sofa in the far corner of the room with a book, letting the gentle hum of voices calm her as she read. James and George sat at a table with the Swindon sisters, while Prudence and Piety played against the duchess and Lady Oswald. The third table was made up of Blanche, Mariah, the countess, and Olivia. Sir Andrew and the marchioness were the only others not playing. Sir Andrew sat asleep on the opposite sofa, his paper hanging open in his lap. The marchioness sat alone by the fire, her needlework in hand.
Burke and Tom were missing.
Before Rosalie could question their absence, a footmen entered the room, silver tray in hand, and came right for her. She set her book aside as he offered her a letter.
“This arrived for you earlier, Miss,” he muttered.
She took the letter off the tray, not recognizing the heavy handwriting. Using the paper knife, she loosened the seal and opened it. The footman backed away as she read the short message through twice.
If anyone asks, this is from your aunt. Pretend to read it slowly. Perhaps smile a bit. Do whatever ladies do when reading letters from their relations. Wait two minutes, then excuse yourself to write back. We’re waiting for you.
-B
“Bad news?” said James, his eyes narrowed on her.
She swallowed, folding the note closed. She hated lying to him, but his question drew others’ eyes. She put on a forced smile. “Not at all, my lord. It’s from my aunt. She chastises me on the silence of my pen.” She tucked the note into herpocket. “Your Grace... I think I will retire. I believe I have just enough energy left to write her a dutiful reply.”
“Yes, fine,” the duke said with a wave of his hand, not even turning around. “James, will you focus? Hearts are trump and you just played a spade.”
Not waiting for him to change his mind, she bowed a curtsy to the room and darted away.
***
She returned to her room to find it empty. The maids prepared it for the evening—covers pulled down and pillows fluffed, her fire blazing, candles lit on two tables, her robe laid out upon the end of the bed.
With a tired sigh, she kicked off her slippers and tugged off her evening gloves. The door connecting her room to Burke’s was closed. As she took a step towards it, she heard the unmistakable sound of a man’s low moan.
Herman.
After crossing to the door, she opened it. Her heart flipped. Burke and Tom were standing shirtless together in the middle of the room, wrapped in each other’s arms as they kissed. Their hands moved feverishly, touching every inch of the other’s skin. Tom ran both hands over Burke’s arse and pulled him closer, making both men groan.
