Page 15 of Must Love Dukes
Muriel blinked at him. “I beg your pardon?”
“A kiss, Miss Bell.” Buxton leaned closer, all that cedar scented warmth swirling about her until she couldfeelit in her belly. “One at the time of my choosing. No peck on the cheek. Or on your paint-stained knuckles. But on the mouth.” The green of his eyes lingered briefly on her lips. “That is my price. Do you agree?”
“But…why?” She did not believe he could possibly find her attractive, not with the likes of Lady Lavinia in the drawing room. Even though there had been that brief…spark between them at the coaching inn, one Muriel had immediately discarded. Buxton was something of a rogue. Far too handsome for his own good. It would be no hardship to agree to give him akiss even if it was only his arrogance that demanded it. “For the sake of your ego, I assume.”
Another roll of those broad shoulders. “What else could it be, Miss Bell? Are we agreed?”
Muriel nodded.
“Splendid. Now, introduce me to Lord and Lady Allred.”
Muriel’s heart raced inside her chest as they closed the distance to her parents. She kept blissful adoration on her features. Clutched Buxton’s arm that much tighter. This was a brazen gambit, asking a man she’d only just met to pretend to be her…paramour. This could well be a disastrous undertaking.
Worth it to be rid of Todson.
Her unwanted suitor took one look, eyes drifting to Muriel’s fingers on Buxton’s coat, and bowed so low, she thought Todson was examining the toes of his shoes. Father stopped speaking mid-sentence and stared at Muriel in shock, bowing.
Nora made an audible gasp before sinking into a curtsey.
A terrible, uncertain feeling came over Muriel.
I’m Buxton.
That was how the man beside her had introduced himself. Not,Lord Buxtonor,I’m the Earl of Buxton. And the arrogance. His assumption Muriel would recognize his name.
Oh. Dear.
“Your Grace,” Todson murmured as he straightened. “What an unexpected pleasure to see you.”
“Isn’t it?” Buxton said. “Lord Todson. Wonderful to see you as well.”
Muriel swayed, knees wobbling.Duke. He’s a duke.
“Your Grace,” Father said. “Savorton mentioned you might be attending, but I didn’t realize—that is to say, I am Lord Allred.”
“Lord Allred,” Buxton—His Grace—said smoothly. “I believe we were introduced at the opera by Lord Wroxley.”
Father swallowed. “Indeed, Your Grace. My wife, Lady Allred.”
“I didn’t realize”—Nora’s eyes darted between Muriel and Buxton—“that you were…acquainted with our...daughter.” She blushed furiously as Buxton took her hand. “Your Grace.”
I have never fainted in my life, but I might do so now.
Well, that certainly explained the fawning. The gasping sighs from every unwed female within range of Buxton. The air of entitlement. Muriel had assumed it to be merely because of his looks.
I promised to paint him as a radish. And kiss him.
Buxton placed his palm over her fingers as if he could sense the panic of her thoughts. “Savorton is a friend, but I confess, I hadn’t thought to attend his house party until Miss Bell mentioned she, too, would be here.” He cast her an affectionate look. “After that, nothing could keep me away. Did you fail to inform your parents, Miss Bell?” He shrugged. “You do like surprises, don’t you.”
“I did mention you, Your Grace.” Muriel stared at Nora, daring her to say differently. “Do you not recall, Mother Nora? On the ride here?”
Nora’s mouth popped open in astonishment, unable to speak, which pleased Muriel to no end. When she was castigated later, as surely Muriel would be for losing a duke’s attention, she wanted to remember that her stepmother had been struck speechless.
“How did you make my daughter’s acquaintance, Your Grace?” Father said. “If I may ask.”
“Of course you may,” Buxton said smoothly. “Our meeting was recent. Over terrible meat pies.”
Muriel’s breath caught in her throat.
