He cleared his throat. “My godchildren mean the world to me, however. You must forgive me if I seem overly inquisitive.”
No, she mustn’t. And inquisitive put it mildly enough. Although she did, in fact, have a secret. A secret that, in the opinion of most, made her entirely unsuitable for her position.
“I assure you that I give the children my utmost care.” That much she could truthfully say.
“And attention?” he asked with a too-innocent lift of his brows.
“I have their best interests at heart?—”
His gaze lingered on hers.
“—although I should not have acquiesced to Felicia’s sudden insistence on a sweet biscuit. Nor should I have turned my back when she ‘accidently’ tipped the tray.”
He cocked his head. Eyes gleaming, his slow, crooked smile dimpled his left cheek. He wasproudof the little fiend.
She had been, too, actually. Lady Felicia was subject to a great many rules, and occasional subterfuge was her only freedom. Hera very nearly returned the duke’s grin.
She did not. She would acknowledge nothing in common with the arrogant duke.
He swaggered over to the window. “We all have our days, I suppose.” His profile lit with the orangish glow of the long summer evening. “I’d like to take a short ride with Delmare before the darkness sets in. Could his studies be resumed later?”
Delmare glanced up hopefully.Of course,he’d been listening.
“Yes,” she sighed.
“I’m grateful for your indulgence.” He inclined his head. “I’ve left the promised present for Fee on the table.”
“May she open it when she wakes, or would you have her wait for your return?”
“I am not such an ogre as that.” Another smile. “Besides, more will arrive with my luggage—and my man—tomorrow.”
How long did he intend on staying? “I’ll be sure she receives this one, Your Grace.”
“Then I shall thank you for your accommodation and leave you to your rest.”
He exchanged a low conversation with Delmare.
Delmare thanked her for her consideration in the courtliest of manners. She restrained herself from rolling her eyes at Hurtheven’s self-satisfied expression. Then, Hurtheven and his skipping shadow were gone.
She fell back against the wall, realizing she hadn’t taken a full breath the whole time she’d been under examination. For that was exactly what Hurtheven had been doing. Examining.
Probing.
This time, with a sheen of charm, but still...
The man was going to be relentless until either he left, or she gave up her secrets. She wrapped her arms around her waist. She would never give up her secrets. And he would be gone soon. Surely, he was not at leisure to break his journey for more than a few days.
She could rein in her tongue and her temper and her attraction to him such a short time.
She hadn’t a choice, had she?
Her future depended on it.
* * *
Now, Hurtheven admitted, he was skulking.
Alicia had sent him back upstairs to escort Felicia and Mrs. Montrose down to an al fresco supper in the candlelit garden. His progress, however, had stalled a few feet away from their shadowed shapes.
