Page 68 of Falling Into Bed with a Duke
“But Ashebury shouldn’t be shoving them in your daughter’s face.”
“We’re all adults here, my lord. Surely we can’t be offended by life.” Still, her mother returned the photograph to Ashebury. “I have seen women wearing less in paintings although they are not works I would display in my parlor.”
“My apologies, madam, if I offended you,” Ashebury said.
“I’m not offended, just making a point. Shall we return to our tea now?”
“I must be off,” Burleigh said.
“I shall escort you out, my lord,” her mother said.
“What of Ashebury?”
“I don’t believe his time is yet up.”
“You can’t leave them alone.”
“Oh, I’m certain nothing untoward will happen.” She slipped her arm through Burleigh’s. “How are you holding up, stepping into your father’s shoes?” she asked, leading him from the room.
As soon as they were through the door, Minerva slapped her hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she tried not to laugh out loud. Ashe sat beside her, leaned in until his breath feathered over her cheek. “Are you giggling?”
A sound that very much resembled a giggle escaped. She shoved on his shoulder. “You did that on purpose, making him uncomfortable with that photograph.”
“Don’t be daft. I didn’t know he’d be here.”
“Then why didn’t you wait until he’d left to show it to me?”
His eyes were dancing with mischief. “Because as I was sitting there, it occurred to me that it might be fun to see his reaction. He’s a rather somber sort. Is he courting you?”
“I’m not sure. This is the first time he’s ever come to call.”
“He’ll bore you to tears.” He cradled her face. “He’ll kill your spirit. Don’t let him call on you again.”
“It’s not your place to tell me who I can allow to call on me.”
He swept his thumb over her lips. “You won’t be happy with him.”
She capitulated. “I’m not going to marry him, but neither do I want to embarrass him. He’s just lost his father.”
“You have a tender heart.” He leaned in. “I like learning things about you, Minerva.”
She wondered if he might kiss her. She wanted him to.
“Come to the Nightingale tonight,” he said seductively. “We can continue to learn things about each other in a more intimate setting.”
“I’m expected at the Dragons.”
“Do what’s not expected.”
The challenge mirrored in his eyes almost had her agreeing to meet him, but she wanted more than the physical coupling. She yearned for a coming together that involved hearts and souls. “Too many questions would be asked if I didn’t show.”
“I trust you can handle them.”
“I’d rather not.”
“I’d make it worth your while.”
Slowly she shook her head. “I’ve no doubt of that, but I need you to be a little in love with me.”
