Page 21 of The Duke and the Widow
“I should like to look at the quills at the stand, Your Grace,” she said, not meeting his eye and urging them to continue walking.
The rest of their time in the village was spent engaging in light conversation. Rosina kept them closer to other guests from the party so they might not be tempted to act in such a brazen manner again. The duke selected a couple of gifts for his brothers while they explored more of the shops, seemingly forgetting what had almost occurred between them.
After dinner that evening, Rosina mingled with some of the other guests. She had spent so much time in the duke’s presence that it was better for both of them to be seen interacting with others. At least that was what she told herself. Even if she spoke with others, her body was acutely aware of his presence at all times.
Each time he laughed or she heard his voice, she glanced over to see who he was speaking with. Once, when she caught his gaze, he winked at her, and her heart flipped. She wouldn’t have been bothered if her skin merely heated or she had to clinch her thighs together at the sight of him, which she also did, but the way his presence touched her heart was another matter of concern.
Rosina did her best to pay attention during the game of charades until she could politely retire for the evening. Once she was in her chamber, Molly helped to ready her for bed. Or at least for activities that might or might not take place in a bed.
“Something troubling you, my lady?” Molly asked, brushing Rosina’s hair.
“It’s nothing,” Rosina replied, a bit more clipped than she should have.
“I believe we both know that isn’t true,” Molly replied, biting back a bit of annoyance. “Is it His Grace? Did he do something to offend you, my lady?” The concern was evident in her tone.
Rosina shook her head, and Molly placed her head back in the position she wanted it in to continue brushing.
“He has done nothing wrong,” Rosina said, her words almost a sigh.
Molly watched her in the mirror from where she stood behind Rosina, no longer brushing her hair. Tilting her head, she assessed Rosina. Her eyes widening, Molly gasped. “You have feelings for him.”
“Of course not.”
“Hmmm.” Molly resumed brushing Rosina’s hair.
Molly’s reaction frustrated Rosina to no end. “And what is that supposed to mean?” she asked, not bothering to hide her annoyance.
“Nothing at all,” Molly said, waving her off. “Do you wish for your hair to be fixed in a plait or left down?”
“Leave it down.” She was certain that Molly hadn’t said all that she truly thought, but Rosina also wasn’t certain she wished to hear her maid’s opinions. She knew her own mind. At least she believed she did. She certainly had before she arrived at the dratted house party.
Molly departed and left Rosina alone as she waited for James. She wasn’t certain how long it would be before he arrived, given that many of the guests were still awake and moving about the house.
She lay across her bed, resting her head on her pillow and staring at the canopy that covered the bed. She didn’t have feelings for the duke. Molly was mistaken.
Closing her eyes, she recalled Ry’s face and the way he would grin at her. Slowly, his face morphed into James’, and she fought to make the image return to her Ry’s. Tears fell down her cheeks, and she grabbed a pillow to hug against her. Softly crying, she drifted off to sleep.
Lying in her bed, the morning sky was light outside the window as dawn approached. Rosina turned to face away from the window and there was something heavy across her waist. The scent of sandalwood overwhelmed her senses. James. She blinked her eyes open, and the very man was beside her, asleep in her bed with his arm draped over her.
Somehow, he was even more handsome with his face relaxed in a state of deep sleep. When had he entered her chamber? She was still in her night rail and robe, while he had removed his coats and shirt but donned his breeches.
Unable to resist, she ran her hand along his chest, then pushed back the hair that had fallen across his forehead.
He blinked open his eyes and just grinned at her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I came to see you and you looked too peaceful to awaken.”
She sighed. “But what are you doing here? Why were you asleep in my bed?”
“I wished to hold you while you slept,” he said as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. “I have never done so with anyone.”
She wouldn’t allow herself to admit that it felt good to be in his arms that way, or that she had slept more peacefully than she had in a long time.
Before she could attempt to protest, he leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes, the electricity from his lips overtaking her senses. He deepened the kiss, and she leaned into him, sweeping her tongue into his mouth. She kissed him with fervent need until something nagged at her and caused her to pull back.
“This isn’t part of our arrangement,” she said with a breathy tone as she fought to regain control over herself.
