Page 52 of In Scandal with the Duke
She narrowed her gaze in mock outrage. “Only every hour?”
James chuckled. “Other than chess and reading … and tupping and kissing, what do you like?”
“I enjoy fishing.”
“Fishing?”
“Yes.” Another laugh came from her. “My father usually stole me away to teach me how to fish. When mama found out, she was enraged. Young ladies do not fish, but somehow, she never stopped me from tagging along with papa and Brandon.”
How wistful she sounded.
“Then we shall go fishing together at my country estate in Derbyshire.”
“I would be delighted, she said, grinning. Elizabeth delicately cleared her throat. “James?”
He frowned. “It is not like you to sound hesitant.”
“I am not with child,” she said softly.
He closed his eyes, for in her tone, he heard the echoes of disappointment and longing. James had no words to offer her and only held her in his arms until her breathing evened out and she fell asleep.
CHAPTER18
The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across Elizabeth’s room as she woke. Her eyes darted around, half-expecting to see James still there, half-believing the previous night had been a dream woven by her own longing. But the indentation on the pillow next to hers was unmistakably real, tangible proof of his presence. She let herself fall back onto the bed with a thump, a silly grin spreading across her face as she stared up at the ceiling. The memory of James holding her until she drifted off was vivid and comforting.
She remembered waking briefly in the middle of the night, and there he was—still by her side.
“You are still here,” she had gasped.
“I could not leave; you fell asleep with my body as your pillow. How could I wake you?” James had replied, his voice low and tender.
In response, she had kissed him, and he had groaned, a sound mingled with longing and restraint. “I did not come here to ravish you. I just needed to hold you.”
“I know,” she had whispered back, a thrill bursting inside her heart. She had pressed her lips to his again, losing herself in the moment before curling back into the crook of his arm and falling into a deep sleep.
Now, as Elizabeth rolled over, her hand brushed against something under her pillow. Curious, she reached under and pulled out a piece of paper. Unfolding it, she read.
You are an atrocious sleeper. I will forever remember nodding off and waking with your finger in my nose. I will be leaving town for a few days to visit my sister and nieces in Hertfordshire. I do hope to see you at the ball upon my return.
“I did not,” she gasped, the humor of the situation washing over her as she laughed aloud. “What ball?”
Her thoughts already flitting to the next time she would see him, Elizabeth rang for the lady’s maid she shared with her mother. After a soothing bath, she dressed in a lovely dark yellow day gown, arranging her hair in a simple, elegant chignon. She decided to write another letter to Cassie and her father, perhaps even planning a visit to the Royal Museum with Brandon.
With a sense of contentment and anticipation, she descended the stairs to the breakfast room. She enjoyed a simple meal of toast with strawberry preserves and thin slices of ham. Afterward, she joined her mother and aunt in the drawing room, ready to share the morning and discuss the plans for the day.
“Bette,” her mother said with a warm smile. “How are you feeling?”
“I am quite well, Mama. My shoulder no longer hurts. The liniment Dr. Parchman gave worked rather well,” she said, sitting on the smaller sofa opposite her mother and aunt.
“You can help me sort out these invitations,” Aunt Sally invited. “I am astonished at the amount we have received in recent weeks.”
Elizabeth reached for a few envelopes, looking through them to see if any letter was from New York.
“Gracious,” Aunt Sally cried, excitement gleaming in her eyes. “We have received an invitation from the Duchess of Basil!”
Elizabeth’s heart lurched.Is this the ball James mentioned?
Her aunt wilted against the cushions. “I am completely overwhelmed.”
