‘You are the most conceited creature alive,’ she said, unable to contain herself.
He laughed again. ‘Yes, I am. But you knew that already, didn’t you?’
‘I beg your pardon?’ she said, giving him what she hoped was a confused smile.
‘When you were in my room with me, after the duel,’ he said, smiling back. ‘Surely, you must have noticed that I was selfish. But you did not seem to mind it.’
‘I’m sorry?’ Now she frowned. ‘I do not understand.’
His smile faltered for a moment, though his step did not. ‘No one can hear us. You do not have to pretend that you don’t know me.’
Portia had warned her not to encourage this man and admitting that she’d been alone with him in his bedroom was probably just that. ‘You are my brother’s friend,’ she said. ‘I know you as that, of course. We have been introduced. But only just this week.’
He nodded and his smile turned cynical. ‘So this is how it is to be. We were strangers until just this week, were we?’
She said nothing in response, just blinked at him and waited for him to speak, hoping that whatever was to come was not too revealing.
‘Very well,’ he said with an exasperated sigh. ‘We were strangers until just a few days ago. So, it will mean nothing to you that I wish to apologize to a certain young lady forsomething that occurred on our last meeting. What happened was very pleasant, but I regret that it upset her and would gladly have traded the kiss for even one more minute in her company.’
It was the sort of romantic declaration that any girl would long to hear, especially in the glow of candlelight with a waltz playing in the background. She could feel herself melting, and the truth bubbling up from deep inside her ready to burst out. If she was not careful, she would announce that he could have all the time he wanted, but she would not trade the kiss for anything.
And again, she reminded herself of the character of the man who held her. He was a womanizer with no time for inexperienced women. He might think, because of her parentage, that she was less than pure. If so, this whole conversation was a lie meant to lure her into doing something foolish.
So she smiled at him and said, ‘It is a very interesting story. I hope, for your sake, that you find her.’
He spun her again. And as the room turned about her, she saw Julian and Portia, looking by turns angry and shocked. The conversation on the ride home would be difficult, and possibly soon. By the look on her brother’s face, he wanted to drag her from the room before she could even finish the dance.
The Duke caught her again, and turned with her so they could no longer see him. ‘You look worried, my dear. Is there a problem?’
‘I think my brother means to stab you again,’ she said, forcing herself to smile.
‘If he does, will you nurse me back to health?’ he said with a hopeful look.
‘You would be better off calling a surgeon,’ she said, refusing to be moved.
‘When I spoke to your father the other night, he said that your medical knowledge was almost equal to your local doctor and that you helped with all manner of emergencies.’
She was not sure which surprised her more: the fact that he had spoken to her father, or that he had asked about her. ‘The village we lived in was small and we learned to make do if help was not available. I can set bones, deliver babies and treat simple illnesses,’ she said, then added, ‘I can also help with birthing lambs and cattle.’
He laughed. The sound was unexpectedly genuine compared to the conversations she’d had with other partners. ‘If I see a ewe in distress when I am walking in Piccadilly, I will summon you immediately. Now, tell me, what do you do when you are not helping others?’
‘Do?’
‘For pleasure,’ he prompted. ‘On the rare times you are not being useful to someone else, how do you pass the time?’
When she did not immediately answer, he said, ‘You are allowed some leisure, when at home, I hope.’
‘Yes,’ she said slowly. ‘It is just that no one has asked me about it before.’
He laughed again. ‘You came here full to the brim with polite conversation and have no room for the mundane. I already know all I need to about the weather, the music and the disappointing refreshments. Tell me about yourself.’
Before she could form a response, the song ended and he released her with a sigh. ‘Your answer must wait until our next meeting, I fear. For now, let me show you how to deal with your critics.’ Then, he offered her his arm and escorted her off the floor and past her outraged brother to the place where Lady Jersey waited, her expression stern.
Westbridge bowed deeply to her, then looked up at her with a boyish smile. ‘I have broken a rule again, haven’t I?’
‘Several,’ the patroness said, raising an eyebrow. ‘There is a flask in your pocket. And you know there is to be no drinking here.’
‘I thought it was no drunkenness,’ he replied with a shrug. ‘I assure you, I am quite sober.’
