Page 25 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
‘Help yourself to meats and cheeses, Countess. And here is bread, or there are rolls if you prefer.’
With a feeling of pleasant surprise, Xavier watched the Countess eat the simple luncheon fare with a gusto, unlike most women of his acquaintance.
Mostly they picked at the food put in front of them.
He suspected that some of them ate before attending an event so they did not appear to have any sort of appetite.
He buttered his bread, then enjoyed the sweetnessof the butter in contrast to the sharpness of the cheese. The Burgundy wine he had ordered to be served with the meal complemented the flavours.
The Countess sipped appreciatively from her glass. ‘Very nice,’ she said.
‘I am glad you approve.’
‘Are you?’
Again that provocative glance. Always testing and teasing.
‘I do not say things I do not mean, Countess.’
She raised a brow in what could only be described as an expression of incredulity.
‘You doubt me?’ he asked.
‘Everyone says things they do not mean, if only to be polite. Particularly men, in my experience.’
Did he? Of course he did. ‘I see no reason in being rude for the sake of it. However, when one’s guest offers to complement an item that was carefully chosen for their enjoyment, why would there be any need to prevaricate?’
‘Then why be glad, when you knew that the wine was perfect? You did not need my approval.’
He was exasperated and…well yes, somewhat entertained…perhaps even amused… ‘My gladness stems from the surprising pleasure of having lunch with a woman who has the sense to recognise a good thing when she tries it.’
She gasped. And then laughed. A wholly pleasing sound to his ear.‘Touché.’She lifted herglass in toast and her elegant throat moved as she swallowed a mouthful of wine.
He had the urge to place his lips against the tender white skin and discover if it tasted as delicious as it looked. He picked up his own glass. ‘Your health, Countess.’
She proceeded to demolish another slice of bread and some more of the cheese.
‘The cheese is a local variety, renowned for its sharpness,’ he said.
‘Do you make it here?’
‘No. We do not keep cows. Only horses. Cook knows all the local farmers hereabouts.’
‘I am sure they are delighted to obtain your custom.’
‘I doubt if I am here often enough to make much of a difference.’
‘Your staff is, though.’
‘Indeed.’
She put down her glass and finished the last of the bread and cheese on her plate.
‘More?’ he said, offering her the plate of cheese.
She shook her head. ‘Not another bite. I ate more than I should. It truly was delicious. Thank you.’
The genuine smile warmed him far more than he could have expected.
