Rebecca turned narrowed eyes on Phoebe. “How do you know that?”
Drat, she had said too much.
There was no way her sister would allow the topic to rest now. But what difference did it truly make? Phoebe had always shared her secrets with Rebecca. There was little cause to withhold them now.
She swallowed past the tightness in her throat, then took Rebecca by the elbow and pulled her to a stop. Turning to face her, she said, “Swear you will never speak of what I am about to tell you?”
“You have my promise.”
“Very well.” Phoebe released her sister, then began walking again. “I met the duke while hiding from Lord Owens.”
Rebecca nodded as she strolled beside Phoebe. “Do, go on.”
“Lord Owens chased me from the ballroom, and I sought refuge in a tree out in the garden.”
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “You did not.”
“I did.” Phoebe gave an affirmative nod. “That is where I encountered the duke.”
“In the tree?” Confusion swept across Rebecca’s face. “He was there as well?”
Phoebe shook her head. “No. He came upon me, though, and offered to assist me down. Which I refused, but my doing so hardly swayed him.”
Images from that night flashed through her memory. The way he had looked at her—studied her. His arms around hers. Their mouths pressed together, tongues dancing against each other. Her blood warmed at the recollection.
“You’re blushing,” Rebecca exclaimed. “Why? Tell me what happened?” she asked in quick succession. “Did he take advantage of you?”
“He kissed me. But of course, he did not know who I was, nor did I know his identity.” Phoebe sighed. “It shall not happen again.”
Rebecca’s gaze met Phoebe’s. “That would be wise.”
“You need not worry over it. I know my duty is to marry. Further, it is my wish to do so. I will not allow myself to be ruined, nor will I waste my time on a rogue.” Phoebe shot Rebecca a reassuring grin. “The duke is not for me.”
Rebecca playfully bumped her hip against Phoebe’s side. “He seems to disagree, as do your blushes.”
“He is scandalous.” Phoebe laughed. “I imagine every woman he turns eyes on blushes.”
“Quite right,” Rebecca agreed. “I have seen it time and again. And he never becomes attached.” Rebecca laid a hand on Phoebe’s shoulder. “Honestly, sister…”
Phoebe turned to her. “Yes?”
“I have no wish to see you hurt, so I must caution you. Graham is a good man, but he is also a confirmed bachelor. He differs from most other men. Graham is guarded and stubborn to a fault. I do not believe any woman shall ever posses his heart.”
Phoebe’s chest tightened at the sound of Rebecca’s words. Trying to hide the hurt, she shrugged and forced out a nonchalant response, “I could not care less.”
“Very well,” Rebecca said, warning still shining in her gaze.
Phoebe’s heart raced as she remembered the duke’s piercing gaze and seductive smiles. She shivered with fear and desire, knowing that he was capable of anything. He had already captivated her mind and body, leaving her near powerless to resist his allure. Danger lurked in his every move, yet she could not help but crave his touch and long for his kisses.
If she was not careful, he very well could steal her virtue—or worse—her heart.
Eight
Graham spent the next two days helping Camden with tasks around the castle and doing his best to keep Lady Phoebe out of his thoughts. If only he could control his dreams, for she haunted them nightly.
If she were any other woman, he would not think twice about following his base instincts and wooing her into his bed. The devil knew he wanted to.
For the next two days, Graham tended to tasks around the castle with Camden by his side. As he hammered nails and repaired walls, he could not stop his mind from wandering to Lady Phoebe. Her face appeared in his thoughts like a ghostly specter, haunting him day and night. If she were any other woman, Graham would not hesitate to act on his desires and seduce her into his bed. But as it stood now, even the mere thought of her made him feel guilty. He knew he should not want her. Devil take it. He tried not to think of her, but his mind kept wandering back to her.
