“But surely you would prefer someone who isn’t?—”
“Hush,” he said, leaning forward. “You played with fire when you agreed to help your friend out. If you wanted to stay home this Season, then you never should have gotten the attention of a man like me.”
Her cheeks turned pink, even as she raised her eyebrows at him. “And what sort of man are you, Your Grace?” Her voice was slightly breathless, and he relished in the sound of it. It wouldbe so easy to move the tea table out of the way so he could grab her and pull her toward him, perhaps even onto his lap. She was leaning forward in her chair. Her tongue darted out briefly to lick her lips, and she probably didn’t even realize she had done so. Fuck, she had no idea the things he wanted to do to her, if given half a chance.
He forced himself to lean back in his seat and meet her eyes, hoping she would not see how she made him half-crazed with desire. “I am the type of man that people don’t say no to. I promised I would make it worth your while, and I intend to make good on that promise. But you will be mine this Season, I assure you.”
If she were truly uninterested, he would forget the whole business. But her expression was full of longing, just like it was at the gallery. Her only objection so far had been on his behalf. Not hers.
Joanna bit her lip, and he had to focus to keep his gaze from dropping to look at her mouth. He wondered what those sweet lips would taste like if he kissed them. Would she let him?
“I accept your proposal,” Joanna said. “But on one condition. I will be yours in name only. There will be no touching or kissing.”
He smirked, even as he felt a pang of disappointment. “Miss Thorne, just because you have a pretty mouth, it does not mean I want to kiss it.”
She returned his smirk. “So you find my mouth pretty, Your Grace? I am flattered.”
Unable to help himself any longer, his gaze went to her soft pink lips. As he looked at them, he could not think of a single retort to say.
She smiled at seeing him at a loss for words. “There is one more thing, Your Grace. No one can know about this deal. Not even my parents.” She turned to the housekeeper. “Mrs. Lucas, do you agree?”
The older lady looked startled at being addressed at all. But she nodded. “Yes, miss. I think that is prudent.”
Evan frowned. “Why can’t your parents know?”
Her smile turned bitter. “Because if my father knew you were paying me for every date, then he would make sure Aurelia never saw a cent of that money. All of it would be spent at the card table.”
He tried to imagine how it must feel to have a father who gambled away his family’s fortune until they were all destitute. He lost his parents when he was only nine, but he had grown up knowing he could trust them to protect him and Peter. They always did their best to do right by their children.
Meanwhile, Joanna had to look on helplessly as her family’s safety and well-being fell into shambles. “You have my word,” hesaid solemnly. “I will not tell your parents, and I will ensure you and your sister are provided for.”
Relief spread across her face. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I will announce our courtship at the next ball. Of course, I will see to it that you receive a proper invitation. It is short notice, but I am sure you can make the proper arrangements regarding attire. I will take care of any expenses.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The excitement was clear on her face, and it made him feel warm inside. He was happy he could provide at least this for her, even if a real courtship wasn’t in their future. After all, he truly didn’t want to marry. He knew what it felt like to lose a loved one, and if he fell in love and married, only to lose her, then would invoke too much pain in his life.
He turned to leave. “Until then.”
CHAPTER 12
Not two minutes after the duke had taken his leave, her parents came rushing down the stairs.
“What did he want?” her mother demanded.
“What did he say?” her father asked eagerly.
“He wants to court me,” Joanna said.
For half a second, her parents both stared at her, stunned, before they started speaking at the same time. They both talked so animatedly that she could not understand them, so she held up her hands. “Please,” she said, laughing a little. “One at a time.”
“Your mother told me you and Lady Penelope dared to trick the Duke of Ice,” her father said. “But why on earth would he want to court you?”
“Because I am charming,” she said.
“But… well, does he know that you do not have a dowry?”
