Page 4 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
He took pleasure in seeing her widened eyes, as he had uttered the same words, he had said on their first meeting. This time, his words had a stronger meaning.
“Won’t you?” Emmeline replied in a soft tone–one Noah had never heard from her. “In the past, you have taken great pains to see me aggravated.”
Noah stepped back, “I was young, and a bit foolish. You might not believe me, but I taunted you because you were one of the very few who I knew could contest me in a battle of wits…Cherie.”
He took pleasure in the way Emmeline swallowed daintily, and in seeing the soft blush on her face. He knew it wasn’t proper to address her that way, but he couldn’t resist. “What, no playful slap with your fan, My Lady?” he asked sardonically.
Mirth filled her eyes, but her lips only twitched. “A fan! I cannot find the use for such frivolous things, Your Grace.”
He grinned. “I believe you are the only lady I have seen lately without one.”
She looked away from him. “There is a subtle language of fans, Your Grace, one which I was never fluent in. I have abused their power too many times.”
“I see,” he said mildly. “Did it just so happen to strike those who you disliked?”
“Why, that is most astute,” she affirmed with her lips now in a small smile. “It pleased itself to assault those who were a complete cad to me.”
Noah could not help himself from snorting, “Then it is a providence that you left it behind this time, My Lady, or I would be marked all over.”
“I suppose. Although, other items, such as a reticule loaded with pebbles, can be used for such purpose.” The dimple flashed in her cheek again. “The harder material would surely injure the target.”
They stood for a moment in a strange but light silence. Lady Emmeline then cleared her throat. “Well, I suppose I should resume surveying the books.”
“Of course. Is there one, in particular, you were looking for?” Noah asked while dragging his eyes from her face.
“I cannot say. I mainly read books to amuse myself,” she responded. “Although, I am quite interested in astronomy and philosophy.”
Noah’s eyebrows arched, “You certainly have unique interests, My Lady. Not many ladies engage in the sciences.”
“You should know that I am not like most ladies,” Emmeline replied swiftly, before her face reddened slightly. Noah assumed that she hadn’t meant to say those words, but he was inordinately charmed.
“No, you are not.” Noah replied, “Have you ever studied physics?”
“Besides my governess, my father taught me advanced mathematics, and some elements of physics, along with entomology and some biology. He believed in conveying his vast knowledge, you see,” she told him.
You really are unique, thought Noah. “How about learning the pianoforte, drawing, and singing?” he asked, knowing those were the subjects taught to ‘finish’ young ladies.
She delicately wrinkled her nose—a gesture Noah thought was even more charming. “Though I despise the pianoforte, I succeeded in mastering it. However, as for art, I suppose I could draw a straight line.”
Noah’s lips twitched.
“This is…surprisingly…not uncomfortable,” Emmeline stated. “Considering that you have been a rear end of a horse to me for years.”
“And I had prided myself in being so,” he added. “Because I discovered the reason for your brother’s behavior soon after our first meeting.”
She stared at him for a minute. “I did not catch a firefly again,” she blurted.
“Good,” he said, while turning away. Her golden eyes were setting off something strange in his chest and he had to look away just to breathe.
“Will you suggest a book to me, Your Grace?” she called at his back.
“For studying physics, My Lady?” Noah dared to ask, as his chest had barely regulated itself.
“Well, yes, but please be certain it is not too complicated,” she requested, slightly abashed. Noah wasn’t sure if she was extending an olive branch to him, but if it was, he wasn’t going to let it fall to the ground. “I am not a dunce when it comes to attaining knowledge, but physics is something I have trouble understanding at times.”
“Most men find it difficult, also,” Noah commented.
“Are you saying that ladies are less intelligent?” she demanded.
