Page 38 of A Duchess Mistaken
“Only time will tell.”
The duke chuckled and Agnes finally gave in to the urge to laugh as well. But as silence fell over them moments later, she remembered what a precarious position they were putting themselves in. Yes, it was late at night but who was to say Caroline or someone else might not come wandering by because they too could not sleep?
“I think it is best that I return to my chambers, Your Grace,” Agnes said, surprised at the reluctance in her voice.
“Without your milk?”
“I will be fine, I’m sure.”
The duke nodded. “I bid you goodnight then.”
“Goodnight, Your Grace.”
She turned away, her joints aching with reluctance. Agnes took a few steps before she looked over her shoulder again.
“Why don’t we play pall mall tomorrow, Your Grace?” she asked him.
The duke straightened. She could have sworn she saw a flashing…longing, perhaps? But then it was gone, followed by intrigued. “Pall mall?”
“It is an entertaining way of passing the afternoon, I think,” she went on. “And it would be quite convenient if Lord Christopher and Caroline ended up on the same side.”
He matched her conspiratorial grin. “Quite convenient indeed.”
“I shall look forward to it then.” She turned away, then faced him again. “Do not give up on her, Your Grace. She may only need time. And your constant presence may be the only thing keeping her afloat.”
With nothing left to say, she turned and continued making her way back to her chambers. She didn’t dare turn around but shefelt as if she could feel the duke’s gaze boring into her all the way. As soon as she was behind the doors of her room, Agnes put a hand to her racing heart, grinning foolishly to herself.
And as she got into bed, she couldn’t stop thinking about one fact. If Caroline and Christopher shared sides, then where did that leave her and the duke?
CHAPTER 15
Johnathan hardly slept during the night. And because his guilt had been assuaged, he could not blame it on anything but the exhilarating, risky, comfortable chat he’d had with Miss Agnes in the hallway. It was all he could think about as he got into bed, all he could think about before sleep claimed him, and the first thing on his mind when he woke up.
“Good morning, everyone,” he greeted as he swept into the drawing room where everyone was already having breakfast. Including Miss Agnes, whom he instantly realized was sitting by one of the bay windows with Miss Caroline, sipping her tea. Their eyes met from across the room.
Johnathan saw his chance and he took it. He made his way over to the ladies, aware that the married couples in the room were surreptitiously watching.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greeted, sinking into the chair across from them both. “I trust you both slept well?”
“Indeed, Your Grace,” Miss Caroline responded with a kind and proper smile. Johnathan flashed a polite smile at her. Unable to hold back any longer, he looked at Miss Agnes.
She was always the very picture of grace, poise, and beauty. When she met his gaze over the rim of her teacup, Johnathan felt a shiver race through his body, flushed and cold all at once.
“A marvelous idea, Your Grace,” Miss Agnes said. “I have not played that game in quite some time. Shall we involve my parents and Lord and Lady Reeds as well?”
“If they wish to participate, then I do not see why they cannot. Shall we choose our partners now?”
“Antsy, aren’t you, Your Grace,” Miss Agnes asked lightly, a tease in her tone.
“Excited is a more appropriate description. I do enjoy besting my brother at the game and I have a feeling I will enjoy besting you as well.”
“Oh? Presumptuous of you to assume that you stand a chance at besting me at all, Your Grace.”
“You underestimate my prowess at the game, Miss Agnes.”
“As much as you underestimate mine, I’m sure.”
Johnathan grinned at her. He realized a moment later that Miss Caroline was watching the both of them with wide eyes. Miss Agnes must have noticed as well because she quickly said, “Is that not right, Caroline? I am quite good at the game, aren’t I?”
