Page 42 of A Duke's Temptation Poetess
“Yes,” she said, “because while the advice was thoughtful and logical, I am suspicious of any man who tries to advise a woman on how to write her poetry. Often, that man’s advice is—even unintentionally—write more like a man. And I do not wish to write like a man.”
Colin stared at her, uncomprehending for a moment. “That sounds wise, in all honesty.”
Lady Clarissa grinned victoriously. “I am glad you think so. Now, about that recommendation that I read Venus St. Clair—”
“Colin!” Deborah’s voice cut into the air.
Colin’s head snapped in her direction. His sister- and brother-in-law waited some distance away. Colin could not see their expressions from that distance, but he knew them very well.
Doubtlessly, they were amused that he had lingered with Lady Clarissa, and they would tease him about it later, insisting that he was madly in love with the young lady.
“When Aunt Matilda told us to walk the gardens, I do not believe she meant all day!” Deborah exclaimed, her amusement apparent.
Colin sighed and resumed walking, Lady Clarissa at his side. Soon, they joined the others. Colin pretended not to notice that Deborah, Russell, and Watford all watched him with expressions ranging from curious to deeply amused. They all acted like children sometimes, as if there was anything especially significant in a man escorting a lady through the gardens.
Admittedly, he and Lady Clarissahadhalted some distance behind the others, so Colin supposed it was logical for his friend and family to draw a few conclusions about it. Still, did they have to be sosmugabout it all? It was not as if they had caught him kissing Lady Clarissa. He had fantasised about something far worse, though.
I cannot deny it any longer. I am just like my father.
Colin clenched his jaw so tightly that it hurt. He really could not deny it anymore, though, could he? Colin dared not even glance at Lady Clarissa, who still kept her hand on his arm. This was precisely what his father would have done, corrupted an innocent young lady.
Chapter 21
“My father cultivated my interest in botany,” Miss Spencer said.
At least, Colin thought that was what she said. After their walk through the gardens, they had joined his Aunt Matilda, Lady Bentley, and Mrs. Spencer for tea. Although Colin did make an earnest effort to follow the conversation, he found that his attention kept wandering to other places; namely to the lovely Lady Clarissa.
The sunlight settled in her hair, mixing golden highlights with her dark tresses, and her cheeks were flushed pink from the exertion of the walk, or perhaps, their conversation earlier. She was not as easily embarrassed as had anticipated, despite being an innocent.
Colin was not certain what to make of that. Usually, women who were virgins, as Lady Clarissa so obviously was, were uncomfortable with even the slightest insinuation ofamorous congress. But not Lady Clarissa.
“How interesting,” Watford said. “You ought to write a book. Given how knowledgeable you clearly are, I dare say it would rival that of Caterina Sforza. Are you familiar with her work?”
“I am not,” Miss Spencer replied.
Watford leaned forward a little, his excitement palpable to Colin, who knew his friend well. “She is renowned for herexperimenti.It is a collection of recipes for many things from cosmetics, medicines, and various potions. I feel you would derive great enjoyment from reading of her experiments.”
“I shall have to procure a copy,” Miss Spencer said.
“It is not very accessible, regrettably,” Watford said, “but you would be welcome to borrow mine.”
Miss Spencer’s face brightened. One might have thought that Watford had just given her a vast fortune, rather than the promise of a book. Colin bit the inside of his cheek and tried not to be too obvious in his staring at the lovely Lady Clarissa.
“I hear there is dancing after tea,” Aunt Matilda said.
Colin forced himself to look at his aunt. “I would be honoured to dance with you.”
And hopefully, Lady Clarissa after that.
Aunt Matilda smiled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “How very gracious of you. I should like that very much.”
Colin felt as if his aunt were trying to express something without saying it, a point or argument that he had missed entirely.
“And I would be delighted to dance with you, Miss Spencer,” Watford said, “if you feel so inclined.”
Oh, I see,Colin thought.
That was obviously what Aunt Matilda had intended for Watford to ask Miss Spencer to dance. Colin’s lips twitched upward in amusement.
