Page 70 of When a Duke Loves a Woman
Rather than answer, she said, “We’re going to the zoological gardens with the duke tomorrow.”
“That’s where all the animals are.”
“That’s right. So tonight we’ll be taking a bath.”
“But it’s not Saturday.” She always made him bathe every Saturday. It was a condition she’d put in place when she’d agreed to let him sleep inside her tavern. In addition, he had to keep his hands and face clean. Clothes had to be changed every two days. She paid the woman who laundered her clothing to launder his.
“I know, but it’s what one does when going out with a duke.” She turned to find Hannah smiling at her.
“About time you set those puppies free.”
“I was hoping no one would notice.” That morning, she’d gone to a shop and purchased some undergarments. The silk and lace with purple ribbons made her feel rather feminine which was an odd thing when she was the only one who knew what all was there. This afternoon she intended to go in search of a new blouse and skirt for tomorrow’s outing. Perhaps a bonnet.
“They’re going to notice, love. A particular duke especially.”
She almost blurted that he’d already seen them. “I’m running behind this morning. We need to get open.”
“You might want to check the taproom first.”
That statement caused apprehension to rush through her, and it wasn’t at all quieted when she walked into the main room and saw all the flowers—a vase of different assorted blooms on every table.
“Aren’t they beautiful, Gillie?” Polly asked.
“Looks like a bloody park in here.”
“Your gent sent them,” Roger said.
She almost reiterated that he wasn’t her gent, although she was beginning to feel as though he might be—just a little. He hadn’t gone home with Polly. He’d been content to sit with her on the steps and indulge in a couple of kisses. And he’d sent flowers. Enough for every table. He had to have counted them, made a note, remembered how many there were. What a silly thing that was to bring her such pleasure. He’d gone to the trouble to count her tables. “Cheers the place up a bit.”
“Suppose it does at that,” Roger said.
“We need to get the doors open.”
He edged by her, stopped, looked back. “Notice you’re not telling me he ain’t your gent.”
“You’re getting a bit bold. I’d be careful if I were you, else you might find yourself let go.”
“You deserve someone who does nice things for you.”
“They’re just flowers.” But it was amazing how they made her smile.
And how her smile grew when Thorne walked through the door later that evening. She poured whisky into a glass for him and reached the table where he’d been heading almost as soon as he did. “I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow.”
“Why would I deny myself the pleasure of watching you?”
Such sweet words. She wanted to believe them, but her mum had warned her so many times about honeyed words. Yet she couldn’t seem to stop herself from believing in Thorne. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re all quite lovely.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed them.” His gaze never wandered from hers, and she wondered if he’d even noticed she wasn’t bound up as tight as a drum.
“Robin is excited about tomorrow.”
“As am I.”
She set his glass on the table. “I need to get back to business.”
But before she could make her retreat, he stepped forward and touched his fingers to her cheek. His gaze dipped only a fraction of a second. “I like the new look. I hope you spoiled yourself with silk.”
She nodded stupidly.
