Page 46 of Fit for a Duke
Mr Conway narrowed his eyes at her. ‘I am sure I shall continue to make myself useful to her grace. She depends upon me.’
‘Where is she now, as a matter of interest?’
‘Upstairs, enjoying a respite, I dare say. I’m sure she will return directly.’
It was an outright lie, delivered with all the panache of an accomplished liar. There was a malevolence about the man that truly disturbed Clio. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to secure his own future, she sensed, or to remove anyone who stood in his way. He must be aware that Ezra disliked him and would not tolerate him indefinitely, but was he capable of committing cold-blooded murder?
When the dance came to an end, Clio was no nearer to having reached a decision.
She thanked him with minimum civility, wondering if she had passed muster in his eyes. Absolutely sure that she had not, especially since she had made no effort whatsoever to hide her disdain for the horrible man. She walked briskly away, still unsure what he had hoped to achieve by dancing with her.
Not looking where she was going, she had forgotten all about Captain Salford and almost walked straight into him.
‘Careful!’ A hand shot out to steady her and lingered on her bare shoulder. Clio was repulsed by his touch and shook his hand free.
‘Excuse me,’ she said, attempting to walk past him, but he blocked the way with his body.
‘Well met, Clio. Do me the honour.’
‘No, thank you.’ She again tried to pass him but this time he caught hold of her arm.
‘That is not polite.’
‘Nor is your refusal to accept my disinclination for dancing. I don’t want to stand up with you, Captain, and have no intention of putting myself through that particular torture. My toes are already black and blue, thanks to Mr Conway’s efforts.’
‘Ridiculous child! I will not step on your toes.’
‘No, you will not, since you will not have the opportunity. Does that make my feelings on the matter plain or would you like me to speak a little louder?’
He narrowed his eyes at her. ‘I do so enjoy the thrill of the chase. It has been a while since I encountered any resistance. But know this, the more you deny me, the more determined I become to change your mind.’
Clio laughed contemptuously. ‘And they say chivalry is dead.’
He tightened his hold on her. ‘I want to talk to you.’ He tried to steer her towards the terrace but she dug her toes in.
‘You’re hurting me,’ she said, raising her voice so that it could be heard above the music and laughter. Several heads turned in their direction and he instantly released her.
‘My apologies,’ he said. ‘The violence of my affections sometimes makes me forget my own strength.’
She shook her head, conscious of her floral headdress slipping to one side. She had told Daisy it was bound to happen, but her maid had insisted and Clio didn’t like to curtail her talents. ‘If you will not let me be then I shall retire to my room, where even you would not dare to venture. Really, you are being horribly tiresome.’
‘I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this,’ he said, sighing.
‘Come to what?’ she asked, her suspicions aroused.
‘Your father made his wishes regarding you and me very apparent before his death. He wrote them down, in fact.’
‘Nonsense! He would have told me.’
‘Would he? Perhaps he intended to, but there was no time.’ A calculating light shone in his eyes. ‘Perhaps he did but you would prefer not to admit it because you have set your sights too high.’
Clio bridled. ‘You insult me, sir!’
‘My apologies. I know you are not dishonest and I accept that your father didn’t have time to express his wishes to you in person. However, I have his letter. I will have it delivered to your room and you will see for yourself.’
‘Even if what you say is true—’
‘You doubt my word?’ he asked in a tone of mild reproach.
