“You are unattached, I presume,” she murmured.
“And proudly so,” he replied.
“Is that not unusual, especially for a Duke?” she asked.
“How so?”
“I would expect a man in your position to consider the siring of an heir to be his utmost priority.”
“Found it!” Jeremy exclaimed triumphantly, beginning to insert the front cover of the book between bookcase and floor. “And no, it has never been something I cared overmuch about.”
There came the sound of metal against stone, and Jeremy looked up with a grin of triumph. Harriet could not help smiling back.
He is so very handsome. I cannot decide if he is more handsome when he looks angry or when he is smiling. It transforms his face... what am I thinking! This is an arrogant and depraved rake who does not deserve my good thoughts! I should run a mile as soon as I am able.
But the idea of running from him and never seeing him again, in all likelihood, was curiously anathema. She told herself it was how this episode would end, and she would count herself lucky if no one ever got to hear of it.
Yet a feeling of emptiness persisted.
Jeremy was scrambling around the bookcase on hands and knees, pulling Harriet with him. He scooped up the keys and undid the shackle around his own wrist.
Harriet held up her own, annoyed that he had addressed his own needs first. Jeremy reached over with the key but then paused. Harriet frowned.
“What are you waiting for?” she whispered, suddenly afraid that someone could walk in at any moment. Now that freedom was in sight, that fear rose up in her like a nightmare beast from the depths.
Jeremy seemed lost in thought, key hovering inches away from the lock, frowning. Harriet reached for the key herself, but he held it out of her reach, standing up. He still looked thoughtful, but his eyes were focused on her now and were sharp.
“Lady Harriet, I must implore you for your help. I am sorry that you have been dragged into this, but that cannot be helped now. It was an honest mistake and one I cannot undo.”
“Whatever are you talking about? Please give me the key,” Harriet pleaded, reaching for it.
Jeremy effortlessly held it up out of her reach, and Harriet began to feel desperate. Was this man some cruel-hearted rake who enjoyed humiliating women? That might explain the shackles, except that he had shackled himself as well.
“I must ask you for a favor, Lady Harriet. A… big one. You heard what the Winchesters’ said, they would not consider selling to me unless I am betrothed. And they must sell to me. All my plans for my future depend on it.”
Harriet listened in confusion, thinking only that she could hear footsteps outside, that time was running out.
“I don't understand what you're saying to me or why,” she hissed, “I only know that if my brother finds out that I went to the ball against his wishes, he will be furious. Please, Your Grace! Do you wish me to beg? I would do so on my knees, but I cannot while you remain standing.”
Jeremy laughed at that, a sudden explosion of mirth that Harriet found contagious. She laughed, too, at the absurdity of the situation. It was no less serious than it had been moments ago, but she laughed nonetheless. His hand lowered automatically, and Harriet snatched the key from it, fumbling to get it into the lock. His hand closed over hers and the shackle both. He stepped closer, face suddenly intent.
“Play the part that you have already acted out. Be my betrothed, in name at least, until I can get Lady Margaret's signature on a contract of sale. A month at most.”
Harriet felt the click as the lock opened. She pulled her hand away, or tried to. Jeremy's own hand tightened, refusing to let her go.
“Will it be so bad? You've already seen how we can have fun together. A month of diversion and pleasure as my betrothed. A month of freedom from your brother. I know how protective he can be. How overbearing.”
Harriet tried to pull free again, but could not break that iron grip. Part of her did not want to. That part wanted to kiss him again, wanted him to hold her tightly. Wanted more...
No, I have risked too much already. I will risk no more!
She stamped on Jeremy's foot as hard as she could. He winced in pain, jumping back and releasing her hand. She threw down the shackle, stepping back a dozen paces.
“No. Absolutely not. I willnotpretend to be your betrothed simply to help you conclude a... a business arrangement! What is it with gentlemen and business? It obsesses Ralph also.”
Jeremy looked frustrated, as though he had not expected her to refuse and could not understand why she did. He pocketed theshackles before stepping closer to her. He smiled, and Harriet felt her pulse flutter.
No doubt but a smile elevates his handsomeness to ridiculous levels. It is the smile of a rogue.
