Page 19 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
She then took one white glove from her hand and extended it toward the duke. It was her way of saying he was hers. “Shall we go see what we like in town, Your Grace,” she asked in a warm tone that hinted at an intimacy they had not yet reached. She looked to the people with a smile as she proudly walked beside him. The duke decided in that instant that he would never be able to forget that moment.
Never before had anyone been proud to be at my side, this Lady shall be my undoing! The duke’s mind cautioned. His heart in answer threw that same caution to the wind. He reached toward her and let his fingertips touch hers. He did not want to seem overly familiar or ungentlemanly. The touch was as light as a feather yet sent a jolt through him. Time itself seemed to stand still as all the mean whispers and looks faded into the background.
He paused when Lady Bethany stopped walking to look at a dress in a shop window.
“Could I purchase that for you, My Lady?” he asked.
“That is most kind, Your Grace. Sadly I cannot accept your generous offer. It is not proper for a Lady to take a gift so soon,” she replied.
“I am more at fault for not courting you properly. You should already have been showered with gifts, My Lady.” The duke said with a smile.
For a brief moment they looked into one another’s eyes. They seemed to share knowledge that no other person did, an inside joke of sorts.
“If it pleases Your Grace,” she said, ending the moment.
“It does, My Lady.” The duke found that he meant it. They went inside the shop and for the first time, the duke felt at ease in public. He marveled how it now only mattered that she enjoyed his company—his shame had left him.
This time when you watch them leave, it really will hurt! He thought as his chest twisted painfully.
He had created tests in his mind that would test her character. He now found that it had in turn tested his character. She was not at all how he had remembered her temperament. He could not remember how she had looked yet her ways had stayed with him.
She had been a most spoiled and demanding child. The duke had expected an adult version of her.
She must have matured with age, the duke surmised.
It could not be something else, could it?
Chapter 7
Charlotte felt more at ease after spending most of the day with the duke. She had been truly dismayed at how he had been treated by the town’s people. His family was well known for helping better the land. They settled in centuries ago. Besides that fact, to treat a person with disgust who simply has a minor affliction, it was unthinkable.
It is so unnecessary and cruel. Why must people be that way? Charlotte could not understand it. Then again, are you not just as cruel? You are not the heir he was promised and every day you lie to him. What will happen when he discovers your deception?
Her mind taunted. She shook herself from her reverie as the duke invited her to see the town park.
“Since you enjoy gardens, My Lady. I thought it may be a good idea to show you this one,” the duke said.
“You are so thoughtful, Your Grace,” Charlotte said barely able to contain her enthusiasm. Charlotte was used to being left to care for herself. She doubted any of her family would endure a walk in a park or garden just to see her happy.
Does the duke care that fully or is he being a good host? She tried to decide and could not.
They entered through the aged iron gates and into the manicured park area. Lord Wentworth was in tow as they came closer to what looked like a wall of shrubbery.
“This maze has a fountain placed in the middle of it, My Lady. They say that one can have a wish granted if it is one made with good intentions.” The duke gave her a wry smile.
“That does sound worth the adventure of finding it, Your Grace.”
“After you, My Lady,” the duke said as he gestured toward the maze entrance. She stepped into the maze and looked back to the duke with a smile.
“So tell me more about yourself, My Lady.”
“What would interest you, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked.
“Well, where did you grow up?” The duke asked the perfectly innocent question. Charlotte could not dismiss the feeling that her answer should be well thought out.
“Mostly in France, Your Grace. I grew up on the lands. Oh it was magnificent, Your Grace. The air there is sweeter and it is where I felt free.” Charlotte said as fond memories filled her mind.
“That is rather interesting, My Lady,” the duke said with a mysterious smile.
