Page 47 of A Duke's Temptation Poetess
“I would not call himterrible,” Clarissa said, “but he has a reputation.”
“By which you mean…?”
“There are some who call him an incurable rake,” Clarissa replied. “Given that Lord Watford is a friend of his, perhaps there is reason for you to exhibit some caution. We do not know Lord Watford very well.”
Jane bit her lip. Her face fell, and Clarissa felt a twinge of guilt for even implying that Lord Watford was not a good man.
“It may very well be that he is as proper of a gentleman as he acts like he is,” Clarissa said, softening her voice. “Any man would be lucky to have your affections. I speak not from a place of cruelty, but from a place of concern. I want you to be happy and treated well and with respect. I am wary of Lord Watford.”
“You are reasonable,” Jane said, sounding reluctant.
“But you will probably learn more about him, Jane,” Clarissa said. “You will soon know if he is a good man. I just would not want your heart to be broken by some detestable man. That is all. You deserve only the best, and you deserve to be with a man who truly loves you with all his heart.”
“You are right,” Jane said, her smile watery. “Thank you for reminding me to be careful. I have never been a woman who received much attention from suitors, and I suppose it is fair to say that I was deeply flattered by Lord Watford’s attentions. I did not even think that I ought to be more discerning about them.”
“Gentlemen,” Clarissa said, smiling tentatively. “Sometimes, I wish that the ton was not expected to be so polite and proper all the time. Life would be much simpler if we could all just say precisely what we meant at any given moment.”
“Yes,” Jane said. “But I do not think there is danger in hoping. I shall wait and think fondly of Lord Watford, and perhaps he will prove to be as kind and gentlemanly as he seems.”
Clarissa nodded and squeezed her cousin’s hand. Perhaps, His Grace would prove to be everything he seemed to be, too.
Chapter 23
Colin turned his head towards the window of the ducal carriage, feigning as though he were intently gazing at the countryside. He was trying to rub his eyes without being noticed. His sleep had been fitful. At first, it would not come at all, as his thoughts were too consumed with thoughts of Lady Clarissa’s body and how he would touch it. He had thought of her curled beside him, entirely unclothed.
When sleep had finally come, he had awakened with that embarrassing and familiar dampness against his bedclothes. He could not recall the dream which had caused such a thing, but there was no doubt in his mind about what the subject of it had been.
“You are both so quiet this morning,” Aunt Matilda observed.
“Apologies, Aunt Matilda,” Colin said. “I am afraid that I was lost in thought.”
“As was I,” Watford said. “I was thinking about…well, I shall not bore you with my thoughts.”
Aunt Matilda arched an eyebrow, and Colin hid a smile. He recognized that expression all too well from his youth. That was how she had gazed at him when he had done something foolish or troublesome. How many confessions had poured forth from his mouth in the face of that discerning expression?
“Shall I guess as to the direction of your thoughts, Lord Watford?” Aunt Matilda asked. “I am certain that I can.”
Watford straightened in the seat. “Am I truly so predictable, Lady Matilda?”
“You are,” Aunt Matilda replied.
Colin frowned. “I cannot begin to guess where his thoughts have gone, so I am quite curious to see if you truly can.”
Colin’s aunt smiled. “Is it not obvious? He is thinking of Miss Jane Spencer.”
Watford’s jaw dropped in the most unbecoming way. “How did you know?”
Aunt Matilda smiled smugly. “I noticed how you interacted with the young lady, all the compliments and smiles.”
“I would compliment and smile at any lady.”
“Certainly, but not with nearly as much sincerity.”
Colin whistled between his teeth and shook his head in amazement. “You are observant, indeed. I would not have ever guessed that was where Watford’s thoughts were.”
“Of course not. You were too busy thinking about Lady Clarissa to notice that Watford was so besotted.”
Colin stared at her hard, but his aunt only smiled. Watford laughed heartily. “Lady Clarissa?”
