Page 13 of The Duke and the Widow
Molly clucked. “Of course he will.” She swept more tresses of Rosina’s hair back and placed a few pins.
Rosina wondered why the duke had been a virgin. He told her when they’d met that he came here for her. So his aim had been specifically for her to teach him. She had been far too ready to introduce him to pleasures of the flesh that she hadn’t taken a moment to ask him why. Perhaps she never would.
Molly handed Rosina the riding bonnet that matched her habit. “I look forward to hearing more.”
Rosina waved her off and departed her chamber. She made her way to the breakfast room. Even if she wouldn’t admit it to herself, she was disappointed when she didn’t see James in attendance yet. No, not James, she reminded herself. He was still the duke. Better to think on what would be an acceptable way to refer to the man in her thoughts instead of pondering why it grated on her nerves that he wasn’t in the breakfast room.
She ventured to the sideboard and picked up a plate to make her selections.
“Good morning, Lady Preston,” the very voice called from behind her as if Rosina had conjured him. “I do hope you slept well.”
He joined her side and took a plate for himself. When she glanced over at him, he flashed her a knowing look at the shared secret between them. His presence caused an immediate reaction between her legs.
“I did, indeed, Your Grace.” She scooped a portion of eggs onto her plate.
“I am glad to hear it.” He leaned closer to where only she could hear. “You’ll need your rest for tonight.”
Her skin heated, and she stepped away from him to make a few more selections, hoping no one had noticed her reaction to him. She wasn’t one to simper over a man, and yet she was flushed with a damp cunt from James. The duke, she corrected, again.
Rosina finished filling her plate and moved to take a seat at the table. After setting her plate down, she went to reach for her chair. The duke had beat her to it, pulling it out for her to sit. He placed his own plate down beside hers and took the seat to her right after she had settled into her chair.
“Are you going on the ride today?” he asked, spreading jam on a toast point.
“Indeed, I am. Will you also join?”
“I wouldn’t miss the chance to be in the presence of a beautiful lady.”
She rolled her eyes at him and then glanced at the other guests nearby to see if anyone paid attention to them. She noted that Miss Stone appeared displeased that the duke was paying Rosina attention instead of her.
“I believe there will be several on the ride, Your Grace.”
“I shan’t notice,” the duke said.
Miss Stone would be further displeased, it would seem.
She jerked her head back towards him. “Your Grace,” she whispered, warning him to keep his voice down.
He shrugged. “I have no intention of marrying, as you well know.”
“You have brothers? Do you not?” she asked, changing the subject, since their conversation was sure to only stir up gossip if they should be overheard.
“I do.”
The duke beamed, the same as if he were a proud father. And for some reason, her heart beat faster.
“Walter and William,” he continued. “They are twelve.”
“So they are at Eton, then?” She speared a piece of her fruit before bringing it to her mouth.
“Indeed.” He beamed again, but she noted a flash of worry in his expression.
“Have you received an update on how they fare?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. I haven’t received so much as a letter from the boys or their teachers.”
The concern in his tone was evident, and her heart went out to him. It was obvious that his brothers were very dear to him. “I am sure they are well, Duke. You would have heard from the school if not.”
“Of course,” he reasoned. “You are right.”
