Natalie turned to him , folding her arms across her chest. She ran through the options in her mind. On the one hand, she could turn him down and likely remain a scandalised spinster and social outcast. That did not see a particularly tempting option.Not when it will impact my family as well.
If she accepted the Duke’s proposal, he would win. He would get what he wanted, but she would hardly be left with nothing. She would be the wife of one of the most powerful men in the ton. And he did not seem to want a full marriage, but rather a mother for his daughter.
She pictured the small, blonde face and something within her slid into place.
She nodded to the Duke. “I will accept, but you must ask me to marry you properly. On bended knee.”
The Duke stood up and moved towards her, closing the distance between them. She swallowed, but did not move away from him.
“I will ask you to marry me, once I have spoken to Duke Emberly.” He reached towards her face, and for a moment, she thought he was going to stroke her cheek.
His fingers simply moved a stray lock of hair out of her eyes, brushing against her neck as he did so. “But I don’t kneel.”
He stepped away and Natalie shook her head, trying to clear it. He smirked and gestured to the tea.
“Would you like to pour? After all, I would hate for the tea to get cold.” He sat down.
Natalie moved towards him and took the tea pot, breathing deeply to steady her hand. She poured two cups.
“To the lady of the house.” The Duke lifted his cup to hers.
She hoped that this was not another mistake.
“I do not think I have ever known such happiness.” Peter swanned into the library, placed a hand to his forehead and pretended to swoon as he collapsed into the chaise lounge. “I am in love, dear sister.”
Natalie did not bother to look up from her embroidery. “Let me guess, you have found ‘the one,’ the perfect woman, and your heart will know no joy unless you can have her.”
He sat up from his affected swoon and looked at her in confusion. “How did you know?”
Natalie sighed and put her embroidery down, giving her twin a flat look. “Because you say this every few months. And not once has it ever been true.”
“I do not.” Peter frowned at her.
“You do.” Natalie retorted. “Honestly, it is surprising there is a single woman left in England you have not fallen in love with.”
“Well, excuse me for having the heart of a romantic.” Peter sighed theatrically and clutched his heart.
“And the attention span of a squirrel.” Natalie laughed.
“That was a low blow, sister.” Peter gave her a wounded look. “I shall have you know, I really am in love this time.”
“Of course you are.”
“I am. And this time it is different –” Peter began, standing up but Natalie interrupted him.
“- she is different. There is a connection between us, I just know it. She is the one.” Natalie imitated her brother’s voice and then laughed. “I’ll wager you do not even know her name.”
“Aha! Well you would be wrong. Her name is-” Peter began but before he could say more, the door to the drawing room swung open.
The waft of amber, cinnamon and myrrh told her exactly who it was even before he entered the room. The Duke of Blackwood strode into the room, behind Alexander, smiling like a cat who had found the cream.
Natalie swallowed.
“It was good to speak to you, Sir. But I am afraid I must take my leave of you, I have business to attend.” Alexander shook the Duke’s hand. “I trust you have things to discuss with my sister.”
“And you. Until we meet again.” Duke Blackwood replied inclining his head towards to her brother.
Alexander returned the gesture and left. A part of Natalie almost called out to him, half wanting her brother to stay, before the Duke turned his attention to her. His eyes stole the breath from her.
