Page 30 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
“I take your point,” he conceded ruefully in a sheepish voice. “I will not let her look at the ledgers again. I promise.”
“Thank you,” said Lydia, draining her tea and getting to her feet. She looked down at him. “You are growing rather too fond of her, Sebastian. I really think that if she does not recover her memory soon, then we should look into placing her somewhere.”
“What do you mean?” Sebastian gaped at her. “Place her where?”
Lydia’s face darkened. “She cannot remain as our house guest indefinitely,” she said in a tart voice. “Do you imagine that she will still be here as an old woman, unable to remember her life?”
Sebastian reddened. “Of course not …”
“If she is as clever as you say, then we should have no trouble placing her as a governess in the district,” she said loftily. “Or perhaps even as the mistress of a local school. I am certain that Georgina would like it, as well since she cannot wish to remain idle here forever. Can she?”
Sebastian shrugged awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Lydia gave him a dazzling smile before sweeping out of the room. His face was still burning. The next time that Georgina dropped by his study he would have to tell her that she couldn’t look at the books any longer. How was she going to take it?
***
Christina knocked on the study door, her hand shaking a little. The knock came out as a small rap. The door was wide open, and the duke was seated behind his desk, but he looked distracted and preoccupied. In fact, he looked rather grim indeed.
“There you are,” he barked, his eyes flickering over her. “Come in, Georgina.”
She entered the room, curtseying deeply, before straightening, her hands clasped together in front of her. She had been here twice to look at his ledgers … and she had found, to her joy, that she knew how to read them. In fact, she was very good at it. He had been happy, too, with her suggestions to improve the business. More than that, it helped pass the time. She didn’t feel as much of a burden on the household. It gave her a sense of purpose … and even helped her forget she had no idea who she was.
She bit her lip. She had to admit that she liked being here and doing this because it meant she was near him, too.
The duke was an extremely attractive man, and her attraction towards him – and connection with him – seemed to be growing exponentially. In fact, she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about him.
“I have something to tell you,” he said curtly. His eyes flickered over her. “I will not be needing your assistance with the ledgers any longer. But thank you for your help, just the same.”
“But … why?” Her voice was threaded with disappointment. “I thought I was helping you …”
“You were,” he said with a slight smile. “And I have appreciated it, as I said.” He hesitated. “It was pointed out to me, quite correctly, that there is some sensitive information in the ledgers … and that it is not your place to be privy to such information. Do you understand?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said in a small voice, feeling a stab of pain and dismay. “I understand completely.” She hesitated. “I am sorry that you feel that way. I would never betray your confidence in me. I just want you to know that.”
He reddened, looking uncomfortable. “Thank you. I do appreciate it.” He exhaled slowly. “I am sorry, I am rather busy at the moment.”
“I will leave you,” she said quickly, flushing. Hastily, she curtseyed. “I am sorry I disturbed you. Good day.”
She turned and fled from the room. Her heart was thumping uncomfortably, and she felt tears burning behind her eyes. She didn’t feel like returning to her room, deciding to walk in the gardens instead, heading outside into the cool air.
Angrily, she brushed away the tears, walking quickly down the path towards the gazebo. She knew she had no right to be angry or indignant about it.
It was his decision if he let her look at his business ledgers … and she understood that he didn’t know her very well and there was sensitive information within them.
She exhaled slowly, staring at the lake shimmering ahead of her. No, it wasn’t that. It was the fact that his attitude towards her had changed so dramatically. He had looked so uncomfortable and had spoken to her so brusquely, dismissing her utterly.
It was a far cry from how he had looked at and spoken to her over the past week. He had looked at her as if he was truly enamoured with her … and had spoken to her as if he truly respected her opinion and admired her.
He does not owe you anything. He is a duke … and you are a nobody. A woman without a name or a past. Why are you so upset that he has reminded you of that fact?
But the truth was, she was upset. Her chest was heaving and tight. Tears were stinging behind her eyes. There was a tight knot in her stomach, filled with pain. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t dismiss it.
Why had he suddenly dismissed her in such a way? What had changed between them? If only she knew.
Chapter 16
“Where are you going?” Lady Lydia took a quick step, blocking Christina’s entrance to the parlour in a very rude way. “What do you think you are doing?”
Christina took a deep breath. “Lady Frances invited me to afternoon tea,” she said tremulously, feeling hurt. “I have been invited to the parlour, My Lady.”
