Page 6 of The Duke's Twin
Justin leaned against the doorframe, a smug expression on his face. “So it’s true. You’ve fallen for Rebecca. Lydia told me she suspected as much.”
How long had his brother been lurking in the doorway?
“Justin, we have to switch back, first thing tomorrow morning. I have to confess to Becca who I really am. I…” He swallowed hard. “I don’t want to lie to her anymore, not if it runs the risk of hurting her.”
“I’m glad you like her, though I must admit she’s not your usual type of woman.” His twin came into the room and closed the door to prevent anyone from overhearing them.
Miles frowned. “What do you mean? I admit, she’s certainly not what I’ve been seeking out all these years, but…”
Justin kept smiling. “I mean, she’s what you need. Just as Lydia is what I need. I hope you have the good sense not to walk away from her.”
“I don’t know what I intend to do, only that I need her to know the truth. If there is something there…”
Justin nodded. “Give me until tomorrow night. Then we may switch back after dinner.”
“Have you considered whether Lydia might be furious with you for the deception?” Miles asked.
Justin was quiet a long moment. “I believe few women would be upset to learn the man they desire is in fact a duke. Her position will only be bettered by the revelation of our temporary switch. I believe you may face the greater challenge, given that Rebecca might be entertaining thoughts of being a duchess.”
It was a concern that Miles had been trying not to face. He knew Rebecca was not the favorite child, but what if, during this little playacting as the duke, he’d led her to become hopeful that she was really falling in love with a duke, and now her dreams might be dashed? Perhaps she even hoped her mother would find more value in her if she won the heart of a duke.
Because of my lies, she may despise me for what I’ve taken from her by not being what she was led to believe.
His brother said good night and left Miles to settle in for bed. But sleep did not come easily. He stayed in his trousers and removed his waistcoat, leaving his shirt on. Then he slipped on his dressing gown and left his chambers. He and Justin had rooms close to one another, and he could hear his brother speaking softly to his valet in the room across the hall. Other than that, the large manor house was silent, save for the occasional creak and groan as the stones and wood settled. Somewhere inside, his Rebecca was removing her gown, letting her petticoats slide to the floor, and brushing out her lovely dark-brown hair. She would climb into bed, blow out a candle, and slip into the land of dreams.
Would she dream about him? He desperately hoped she would after what they’d shared together that afternoon. She’d been so exquisite, so free in his arms, and all he wanted was to hold her again, to taste her lips and run his hands over her and lose himself inside her. It hurt him to think that neither of her parents seemed to care that she was lonely. His chest ached when he recalled the look in her eyes when she’d been trying to paint and seemed genuinely surprised to hear herself being called interesting. The poor woman was so lost in her sister’s shadow that she must feel invisible.
Miles wandered down the hall and headed toward the library. He froze, however, when he realized someone was already there. Rebecca. She stood by one of the shelves, a candle held aloft as she examined the titles of the books closest to her. She wore a nightgown that was thin enough that the candlelight illuminated her figure through the cloth. Miles groaned softly at the sight of her full hips and breasts creating such tantalizing curves beneath the nightgown.
He knew he should turn around and go back upstairs, but he’d be damned if he could stay away from her when she looked like a tempting Gothic heroine in desperate need of seduction.
He whispered her name as he stepped into the library. “Becca…”
She gasped and turned to face him, but she soon relaxed when she saw it was him.
“Your Grace! Oh, you frightened me.” She laughed a little, and the sweet sound made him smile.
He joined her at the shelves. “My apologies. There was no easy way to announce my presence without startling you.” He kept his gaze on the books, trying not to stare down at her when they were both indecently dressed.
“Did you need to find something to read as well?” She pointed at the bookcase.
“Yes. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d find the most boring book in here and read it. Ah, yes…” He pulled a book from the shelves and let her see the title in the candlelight.
“The Essentials of Animal Husbandry? Oh dear. Yes, that would certainly put one to sleep.” Rebecca giggled.
“And you?” Miles asked. “What will you read to put you to sleep?”
She studied the shelves and then pulled one out.
He stifled a laugh. “The History of Taxation Policies? Excellent choice. I think I’m drifting off just from reading the title.”
“I do enjoy discussing economics,” she admitted. “But the history of taxes sounds most…taxing.”
Miles grinned. “Indeed.” He resisted the urge to drag her into his arms and kiss her senseless, but that didn’t stop him from speaking.
“I was wondering if…you might wish to go riding tomorrow? Just the two of us? After what happened in the garden I would understand if you are hesitant to be alone with me, but I should very much like to…” His voice trailed off.
She waited for him to continue. His heart was racing madly, and his blood was whooshing loudly in his ears. At last she had to prod him. “Yes?”
