Page 25 of When a Duke Loves a Woman
“On the day you were to wed?”
“Yes.”
“That must have been a shock for you. And mortifying as hell.”
“I’ve had more pleasant days. So where would a lady go if she wished not to be found?”
“She’s nobility then?”
“The daughter of an earl.”
“Her name?”
“I don’t see that knowing it would assist in our search.”
So he was striving to protect the woman’s reputation even if she didn’t seem to give a bloody damn about his. She didn’t particularly like how his calling itour searchhad pleased her. She wanted to be irritated at his assumption she’d help him, but that too pleased her, that he wanted her assistance, was banking on it, felt as though he could rely on her. “I at least need to know what she looks like.”
“Then you’ll help?”
“I’ll make some inquiries.” Leaning forward, she placed her forearms on the table. “Why would you think she’d be roaming the streets during the dead of night?”
“I was out of my mind with worry, driven by anger, and well into my cups, having stopped for numerous pints during my quest—for fortification, of course. I’d been searching for her ever since we’d discovered she’d left.”
“What did you do to make her want to cry off?”
“That is an excellent question and I very much look forward to learning the answer.”
“Could she be with child?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s a genteel woman of good breeding. I’ve never touched her.”
While his confession came as a relief to her, she also found it difficult to believe. “You nevertouchedher. Ever?”
“When we danced, of course. I offered my arm when we went on a stroll about the gardens. I kissed her hand when she accepted my offer of marriage.”
She stared at him. “You’ve never done more than kiss her hand?”
“I am a gentleman.”
“Are you a virgin?”
“Good God!” He seemed absolutely appalled. “A lady doesn’t ask such impertinent questions.”
“But I’m not a lady. So, are you?”
“What has that to do with anything?”
“Are you?” she insisted.
“Of course not.”
“Did you not desire her?”
He studied the little bit of whisky that remained in his glass. “I do not see how the specifics regarding our relationship are going to help us find her.”
He was correct, of course, but some little devil inside her was envious of a woman she’d never met, because she’d garnered his affection. Still, she could not help but wonder what about him had caused a woman to run off. While searching for the elusive bride, it might behoove her to make inquiries about him as well. Maybe he wasn’t the sort to whom she’d want to return the girl, but even as she had that thought it seemed incongruous with what she knew about him thus far. “Description?” she asked, changing the path of her inquiry as he had the right of it and her previous question had been rude and truly none of her business. Nor would the answers assist them in their search.
He lifted his gaze to hers. “Short of stature. I barely have to raise my arms when we waltz.”
