Page 9 of Duke of Emeralds
He picked up another swatch, his gaze lingering on the intricate Celtic pattern she had been working on. “Such talent,” he remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Hester’s fingers fumbled with the fabric swatches as she gathered her supplies, her cheeks still warm from the Duke’scompliment. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little something to while away the time,” she said, her gaze fixed on the embroidery in her hands.
“Impressive nonetheless,” he insisted, his eyes never leaving her face.
The warmth in her cheeks intensified, and she quickly averted her gaze, focusing on the task of gathering her things. She could feel his eyes on her, and it made her heart race all the more.
“Pardon me for dropping in so unexpectedly,” he said. “But I wished to see ye after the… events at the ball.”
Hester’s hands stilled for a moment, the memory of that evening flooding back. She did not like the reminder of the state he had found her in, but she appreciated his gesture, nevertheless. “Oh, I am perfectly fine, Your Grace. Thank you,” she said, forcing a smile to her lips.
“Would you like some tea?” she offered, mostly to change the subject.
He declined with a polite shake of his head. “Then perhaps a walk in the gardens?” she tried.
This made him smile ever so slightly, and she nearly stopped breathing for how handsome he was. “That I shan’t decline.”
She was relieved when he accepted, hoping the scenery outside would provide the perfect distraction from how flustered she felt.
They fell into a silent promenade at first, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Hester stole glances at the Duke, her curiosity getting the better of her. She still couldn’t believe he would make such an offer to a stranger. Perhaps he had had one too many drinks that evening. Besides, some time had passed now, and he could have changed his mind.
Yet he took the time to call upon you,a voice in her head pointed out.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “Your Grace, I must ask… did you truly mean your proposal? It seems so… unexpected.”
He turned to face her, his gaze sober and intense as it held hers. “I meant every word, Hester.”
Hester’s heart skipped a beat at the informality of her name on his lips. She did not recall giving him leave to address her so familiarly, but that was the least of her worries right now. The warmth that had been simmering in her cheeks now spread through her entire body.
“Why do you want me as your duchess?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“I never dreamed of a title, least of all a dukedom, Lady Hester,” he began, his accent lending a musical lilt to his words. “But fate would have it that I came into one. One of my duties to this title is to provide it a duchess. I need an English woman to help me integrate into society.” The corner of his mouth curved into a roguish smile. “You can see I am unlike most dukes.”
You are unlike any other duke!
But Hester felt something sink within her. This wasn’t about her. He merely needed an English woman. Any lady could fit his needs. As if he had somehow read her thoughts, he suddenly added, “I needyou, Lady Hester.”
Hester’s heart fluttered in her chest as she gazed into the Duke’s eyes. She could have sworn that he truly needed her, and he meant it. But surely, it couldn’t be. She dismissed the thought, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the skirt of her dress.
“I need a duchess,” he continued. “And I am certain you do not wish to remain on the marriage mart. We would be helping each other.”
Hester wanted to reject his logic, but she couldn’t help but admit how accurate he was. She nodded slightly, her fingers stilling as she considered his words.
“I knew you would see the sense in everything,” he said, a sly smile playing at his lips.
“Do not get all smug about it,” she warned, her eyes narrowing slightly in mock sternness. He chuckled, the sound rich and warm.
“Of course, when we marry, you will be free to live your life and do as you wish,” he continued. “So long as you carry out your duties as Duchess and do what is expected of you.”
Hester couldn’t help but notice his choice of words. ‘When we marry,’ he had said. He was not a man to give up easily, she gathered. She felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, curiosity, and a hint of something she couldn’t quite name.
“But I will be honest from the start,” he added, his expression sobering. “I cannot offer you love.”
Hester blinked, her heart skipping a beat. “Good,” she blurted before she could even fully process his words. She did not desire love. The thought of it brought a bitter taste to her mouth, a shadow of memories she preferred to forget.
He quirked a surprised brow, his gaze searching her face. “You do not want love?” he asked. “Surely most ladies wish for love.”
Hester’s chin lifted slightly. “I am not most ladies, Your Grace,” she replied. “And I have seen the ugly consequences of love. I do not fancy a share in them.”
