He made a sound of what sounded like exasperation. “You are diminishing yourself again.”
“Truly, I am not. I know I am clever, probably more so than most men or women. I am no diamond, but still pretty enough. However, you are a duke. A wealthy, stunningly handsome one, at that. You can have the most extraordinarily beautiful, sophisticated, and accomplished ladies in all of England at your beck and call. So, forgive me if I am dubious about your fascination with me, Miss No Name from Devonshire, whose parents are equally insignificant.”
“Adela–”
“Did you really have to kiss my hand upon your arrival? You could have bowed over it just as you did with the other ladies. There was no reason for the gesture other than to stir more gossip. Have you finished amusing yourself?”
“I see.” He set down his cup and rose. “So this is all you think I am? A thoughtless manipulator.”
This is what he got out of her response?
She put a hand to her heart, too late realizing how offensive her words must have sounded to him. “No, you are nothing of the sort. Well, perhaps not intentionally. But you must admit, you are playing with all of us right now. Even if you were not and were sincerely interested in me, how could it last? You are so far above me, I can hardly see you for the sun blinding my eyes.”
“Good grief. Now you are sounding like all the others.” He shook his head and emitted a soft grunt to go along with the disappointment clearly etched on his face. “I must be off. Forgive the brevity of my visit.”
She rose with him. “Oh, but…I do wish you would stay longer.”
“Why? My coming here was clearly a mistake.”
“Not at all. Oh, me and my big mouth. Please give me the chance to apologize to you. I spoke out of turn.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot stay.” He gave a curt bow. “Another time, Miss Swift.”
“I hope so, Your Grace.” But she had insulted him thoroughly. Well, their exceedingly briefamourwas better ended now before anyone– meaning her– was hurt. “Enjoy the lecture. I don’t suppose…”
“What, Miss Swift?”
“If you ever decide to speak to me again, would you tell me what Dr. Nordberg said in his lecture?”
He tossed her an impatient scowl. “I shall take copious notes for you. Is this all you think of me, worthy only to be your scribe?”
Everyone was looking at them now and trying to listen in on what seemed to be a lover’s spat. She shot him a pleading look not to humiliate her. “That is unfair,” she said in an urgent whisper, hoping no one would overhear them. But was this not the irony of the situation? The more privacy she hoped to have, the more curious everyone was to listen in.
She ushered him out of the parlor and into the entry hall. “You started this, made everyone think I was a diamond when clearly I am not. Do I not prove it every time I open my mouth? And now I have insulted you who deserved it least. You are the most incredible man I have ever met.”
“Blast it, Adela,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes no longer blazing with anger. “Until tomorrow, Miss Swift.”
He took hold of her hand and kissed it.
Would he attend her tomorrow?
She doubted it.
Once the afternoon visits were over, she settled in with their remaining company, all of them now relaxing in Eloise’s parlor. Their neighbor, Sophie Farthingale, and her daughters, Daisy and Dillie, remained. So did Marigold, who was staring at her wide-eyed. Also present were Eloise and Phoebe who appeared eager to give their opinions on the events of this afternoon.
“I knew Huntsford would show up,” Phoebe remarked, nodding her head in satisfaction.
“I had hoped he would,” Eloise agreed.
Sophie pursed her lips. “He did not stay very long and did not look happy when he left. Do you think he was jealous of his competition?”
“No,” Adela insisted. “I’m sure he dismissed them all at first glance.”
Dillie nodded. “I agree. I saw no serious prospects for you in that group. Still, it cannot be overlooked that he was not in good humor when he left. It may not signify anything. Ian was the most difficult duke imaginable, yet he is a wonderful husband.”
“Men like that have a lot to sort through,” Daisy mused, “especially when it comes to losing their hearts. Gabriel did his best to push me away, but love always triumphs in the end.”
Adela tried not to look pained. “Oh, he does not love me. How could he when we only met yesterday? Besides, how can a man like that ever lose his heart to me? If ever there was hope of it, I’ve quite dashed it with my stupid remarks.”
