Page 23 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
She’d let him have that small victory. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Give me the address of your residence. I’ll pick you up in my coach at half past seven.”
She hesitated, but where was the harm in his knowing? While it might have seemed otherwise to him, she was as private as he was. After she gave him the address, he very slowly peeled away from her. She was surprised the imprint of his body didn’t remain in the red wool of her attire.
Reaching down, he retrieved his hat and settled it on his head. Then he gave her a slow smile that made her think she might have misjudged his goal, that he had in fact gained precisely what he wanted.
“Tomorrow night then,” he said. “We shall make it one never to be forgotten.”
Chapter 6
With affection.
Rose read the note again, then stared at two dozen of her namesakes that had been delivered in an exquisite crystal vase that Avendale must have purchased separately. Surely flowers were not normally delivered in something so fine.
She had told him she required affection, yet she could not help but believe that he was mocking her, although why would he risk upsetting her when he was striving to entice her into his bed? Reaching out, she feathered her fingers over one of the red petals.
“I don’t trust a man what sends flowers,” Sally said.
“Only because Merrick has never sent you any.”
“Why would I?” he asked. “She knows I love her.”
“Sometimes a lady just likes to be reminded,” Rose said.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “There’s better ways to remind her.”
“This duke is trying to win you over,” Sally said.
“Mayhap, although I suspect it’s more habit than anything, something a gent does when he wishes to gain a woman’s favor.”
“What does the note say?” Merrick asked. He was often into Rose’s business far more than Sally ever was.
Rose tucked the folded parchment into the pocket of her skirt. “He merely provided his name so I would know who they were from.” He hadn’t provided his name at all, yet still she’d known who had sent them. It wasn’t because no other gentleman was vying for her attention. It was simply that sheknew.
“We’re going to the theater tonight,” she announced.
“Oh crimey, I’ve always wanted to go to the theater,” Sally said. “How did you manage to get us all admission?”
Rose felt a thud in the center of her chest. She hated to disappoint. “Sorry, love. I meant Avendale and I.”
Sally’s face fell. “Of course. I was silly to think otherwise. What will you be wearing?”
“The red one without the flounces. I want to look sleek and elegant tonight.”
“Will you be telling Harry where you’re going?” Merrick asked.
“Naturally. I don’t keep secrets from him.”
He would be crestfallen as well that he wasn’t going with her. He would love attending the theater. She would have to memorize every aspect of it.
If only Avendale wouldn’t distract her.
As his well-sprung coach traveled through the streets, Avendale found it odd that he was anticipating an evening at the theater. Even when he’d been spending time with the actress he hadn’t looked forward to a night in his box with such expectation.
It was Rose. The challenge of her.
Most of the ladies he knew would be accommodating his every whim in hopes of becoming his duchess, while she challenged him at every turn. Because she was a commoner, because she knew he would never ask for her hand in marriage? She flirted with him, gave as good as she got. Because she wasn’t a simpering miss. She was a woman with experience. She’d been married, survived the loss of a husband, was on her own now.
