“Very well. That may be the case, but do not act so unaffected,” he smirked.If only he knew.“You’re determined to parade me through polite society regardless of whatever word you might have in mind about me.”
“It is not a parade. It is a dinner,” she corrected him, but there was some truth to his words as much as she hated to admit it.
“Do we need to go over lessons?” he asked. “So that I may act… properly during the dinner?”
“Oh, no,” Isadora said immediately. The idea of being alone in a room with him, giving him lessons—she just did not trust herself enough to do that again—not until she’d settled whatever strange emotions she had suddenly developed for him. “I do not think you will need that.”
“Oh?” Evan’s tone perked up immediately. “So, you believe I have improved?”
“I believe that you will do fine on your own,” she insisted. “It is only Violet and Nicholas. You know them, and they knowyou.So, there is no need for lessons on what is already familiar.”
“In many words, what you’re saying to me now…” Evan’s tone dripped with amusement. “… is that you trust me.”
He said the word with such ease, and yet it sent a shiver down her spine. “Trust is a rather strong word. I am just saying that Violet and Nicholas will not mind, even if you decide to behave improperly.”
He pressed a hand over his chest in mock offense. “That is a rather low bar, sweetheart.”
“Considering how much you seem to enjoy pushing the limits of propriety, I think it is fair,” she shot back, not letting him see the impact his words had on her.
“You truly think me such a lost cause?” he asked, teasingly.
Isadora took a moment to consider his words.Do I?“I suppose I’ve made my peace with it already.”
“How kind of you.” If he was offended by what she had said, he certainly did not let it show. “Well, I suppose you leave me no choice then, do you, Duchess? I will have to accompany you to this dinner.”
“Yes,” she exclaimed.Finally.He was conceding to something.And she could exit this conversation—away from him, safe from the temptations he brought along with him.
He let out a low chuckle, reaching for his pen again. “Very well. But do try to contain your excitement. I know you quite like being out in public with me.”
Isadora rolled her eyes and turned toward the door, ignoring the warmth creeping up her neck.
“Wear something nice, sweetheart,” he called after her.
This time, she did not grant him the satisfaction of a reaction.
Isadora was happy to find Daphne and Violet already standing together when she arrived at the dinner party. She had excused herself from Evan the moment they exited the carriage—not wanting to be around him when he wore his suit and looked so…
Yes, she needed to get away.
“She’s here.” Violet grinned in her direction, waving her forward. The two exchanged a hug. “Oh, you look lovely.”
“The arrangements are gorgeous.” Isadora gave a customary compliment. “As is the host.”
“It seems that the Duchess has learned the skill of flattery,” Daphne teased as she joined in with the conversation. “You are rather good at it, too.”
“Is it truly flattery?” Violet argued. “Perhaps she genuinely likes the decor.”
“Yes, but that does not mean it is not flattery,” Daphne chuckled. “Besides, I doubt you were the first recipient of her compliments tonight.”
Daphne’s mouth twisted into a smirk, as she gently nudged her friend. Isadora felt her cheeks warm.
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” she dismissed. But the subtle churn in her stomach reminded her what or ratherwhomthey were going on about.
Violet and Daphne exchanged a knowing look. “How was the ride here?” Violet asked.
“Pleasant,” Isadora said quickly. Truthfully, it had been painfully awkward. She spent the entire ride trying to avoid speaking to Evan, but they both kept looking at each other, regardless.
Daphne’s grin widened. “And how is Duke Evan?”
