At the very least, she hoped her uncertainty did not show on her face.
“Will I?” The Duke gave her a measuring look, half challenge and half appraisal.
“Unless you are too blind to see.” She met his gaze, very aware that her cheeks were quite possibly the deepest shade of scarlet they had ever been. “Now what is this important business?”
“Our marriage. Or rather the arrangements once we are married.” The Duke moved away from her. “It will be a marriage on paper only.”
“I shall try to contain my disappointment.” Natalie said sarcastically, as relief and sadness spread through her body.He is my only option, even with what happened at the wedding,half the ton still whispers about me.“I take it this means we will lead separate lives.”
“You shall have your own quarters, and shall be free to do as you please. Except when it comes to my daughter. She is the reason for all of this. The only place our lives will converge will be Melody.”
Natalie nodded.He wants a mother for his daughter, not a wife for himself.She tried to find comfort in the words, even as trepidation filled her. She could not let him see how unsure she felt.
The Duke continued. “You will be given an ample allowance. Your brother has assured me you are good with numbers, and I have enough money that I doubt even the most financially incompetent person could bankrupt me.”
“It is so refreshing to be with someone as humble as yourself.” Natalie muttered, rolling her eyes.
“I know.” The Duke gave her a mocking bow, and then met her gaze, a sombre expression on his face. “Which brings me to my last and most important condition. Under no circumstances must you allow yourself to fall in love with me.”
She laughed and then realised he was being serious. “And you are not worried you might fall in love with me?”
“Men do not fall in love so easily. Especially me.” Duke Blackwood said, his brows lowering for the briefest of moments.
“You have never spent any time with my twin.” Natalie glanced over her shoulder at Peter. “But do not concern yourself, your grace, you have no need to fear the impossible. You are not my type.”
“Dashingly handsome, charming and witty?” Duke Blackwood winked at her.
Natalie gave him a flat look. “Arrogant, vain and predictable.”
She continued before the Duke could say another word, not wanting to be put on the back foot again. “If those are your only conditions, then I think we are in safe territory. Shall we discuss the wedding preparations?”
“Yes.” Duke Blackwood nodded. “We shall marry by special license.”
Special license?“What, your Grace, are you so desperate to be my husband you cannot wait for the reading of the banns?” If she could annoy him into changing the subject, she wouldn’t have to deal with those uncomfortably piercing eyes.
“Melody struggles with crowds, and I have no desire to have her gawped at by strangers. A special license will allow us to be married somewhere private and to restrict the guest list.” Therewas no levity in his voice. “I have no desire to have everyone in the ton and neighbouring villages gawp at us.”
“Is it only at other people’s weddings you enjoy the limelight?” Natalie asked, the words tumbling from her mouth before she could stop them.
Why do I seem determined to goad him?And yet, even more irritatingly, he seemed completely unflappable.
“Perhaps I simply like an appreciative audience.” He said, his voice like smooth honey. “You will send me a guest list by tomorrow at the latest.”
His command immediately irritated her. “And will you have your spies look into all of them?”
“Do you not think I have already looked into your family and friends?” he murmured, his whisper somehow like a touch against her skin. “That leaves the date. I think ten days is ample time to have a dress commissioned and such.”
“Are you planning on marrying in a dress, your Grace? I am sure you would look most fetching.” She laughed, imagining this man in a pretty pink frock.
To her irritation and surprise, he laughed with her, an impish glint in his eyes. “I would hate to outshine the bride.”
Natalie shook her head. “Then I see no reason for a dress to be commissioned. I already have a wedding dress.”
“What do you mean?” The Duke stopped walking so suddenly, that Natalie almost walked into him.
She hastily side stepped and gave him a frank look. “I will simply wear the one made for my last wedding.”
“No,” the Duke said flatly, a hint of a growl in his voice.
