“All right. But I am not interested in the Duke of Durham in that way.”
Molly arched an eyebrow. “Sure, I believe that. Then why are you fluttering like a crazed butterfly this morning?”
“Nonsense.” Fiona blushed. “I am too old to be fluttering, and I am certainly not crazed.”
“Then what is it that has you in a dither? Flux? Loose bowels? Indigestion?”
“Molly!” She shook her head and laughed softly.
“Every woman alive is going to swoon whenever that man is around. And you are not too old to count yourself out, m’lady. He certainly does not think so. We’ve all seen the way he looks at you. I’m surprised this house has not burned to ashes with thosefiery glances he casts your way whenever he thinks no one is looking. But I won’t say another word because I know what you are thinking and feeling.”
She gave Fiona a hug, knowing she could do this because Molly had been a savior to her after Shoreham had died. “Grab your moment of happiness, m’lady. Do not care what anyone else may think. You are a lady through and through. Nothing you do will change this.”
Fiona had Molly next help her fashion her hair in a simple bun at the nape of her neck. Her hair was softly pulled back except for a few curls that fell over her brow and framed her face. “All done, m’lady.”
“Thank you, Molly.” She cast her a warm smile before hurrying downstairs.
Rob was standing in the parlor, staring out one of the large windows, when she walked into the room. He turned, smiled, and gave a low whistle. “You’re looking lovely this morning.”
She laughed. “So are you.”
Hedidlook magnificently handsome.
She could not suppress the blush that now stained her cheeks at the recollection of his big, muscled body atop hers last night, and the things he did to her with his magical touch. The man understood a woman’s body, this was for certain. He especially understood hers, but this was because of the deep connection of their hearts.
Perhaps this was the reason he had made her feel cherished. The entire night was an expression of his abiding love.
“It looks nice outside,” she said. “Shall we have our breakfast on the terrace?”
“Sure.”
Since the salvers were already set out atop the dining room buffet, they served themselves there and then carried the food out to one of the outdoor tea tables.
Fiona did not know whether it was his company that made her eggs and sausages taste better than ever, or whether she was just famished after last night’s exertions. She had soared amid starlighttwicelast night.
By the way he looked at her this morning, she knew he meant to make that a dozen times more before the week was through.
Perhaps she ought to stop thinking of him as a Silver Duke—he was too young to be admitted into their ranks, even though thetonhad now dubbed him as one because of the dash of silver threaded through his dark-gold hair.
He could be her Starlight Duke.
Yes, that was better.
“What’s our plan today, Fiona?” he asked before taking a sip of his coffee. “Other than swimming later.”
“Well, we could play lawn games. Take a long walk in the countryside. Take horses and ride.”
He shook his head to dismiss all the suggestions, which surprised her, because he rarely voiced a preference when it came to house party activities, and usually just went along. Well, this was no true house party, not with him as her only guest.
Still, was it not the same sort of thing?
“Then what do you want to do, Rob? Any better ideas?”
“Let me take you to Brighton. We can walk around and do a little shopping. Perhaps find a pretty spot overlooking the water and grab a bite to eat. Then return here for a late afternoon swim.”
She smiled at him. “Actually, that sounds wonderful.”
“Good. Grab your things and let’s go.”
