“I think it might have been,” he agreed. “And I mean no offense in saying that, by the way.”
“You mean you aren’t trying to tell me that you find me totally unsuitable to be your wife?”
“To bemywife? Certainly I do. You’re all wrong for me. And I’m all wrong for you,” he added with a smirk. “But I don’t think you should take that to mean you would never be able to make any man happy. There are plenty who would find you engaging, who would enjoy having a wife who has something to say at every turn.” He smiled. “And you’re pretty besides.”
Her heart fluttered traitorously at the thought that he found her attractive. Why should she care about that?
“I need someone more cooperative,” he went on. “Someone who wants this to be a partnership, not an adversarial relationship. But if you want to marry, I don’t doubt you’ll find someone.”
She lifted her chin. “I don’t want to marry. I’ve never wanted to marry. Not you, and not anyone else either.”
“You don’t want to marry at all? Not ever?” He raised his eyebrows appraisingly.
She wasn’t going to explain this to him. They weren’t close enough for that. “No,” she said simply, though her heart raced at being asked such a personal question.
He chuckled, but his blue eyes were serious and seemed to penetrate right to the core of her being. “Well,” he said, “if that’s what you really want, I don’t imagine you’ll have much trouble making that come true either.”
CHAPTER 6
Everyone woke up late the following morning. Susan had expected that she would be walking into a crowded breakfast room, and she was startled to find that, with the exception of Lady Keethroad, she was the first one out of bed.
“Well, that was a lovely party, wasn't it?” Lady Keethroad asked her by way of greeting. “I certainly hope you enjoyed yourself last night.” Her smile was warm and genuine, but Susan thought she detected something shrewd in the Countess’ eyes—or was that just her own guilty conscience reminding her that she was lying?
“I did enjoy it,” she managed, pasting on a smile. She joined the Countess at the table and helped herself to coffee.
She had expected to feel a sense of relief today—after all, they were going home after this meal. When they’d arrived at Heathmare, this had been the moment she was looking forward to. She had been counting the hours until they could go home.
But something had shifted. She didn’t know quite how to explain it.
It wasn’t that she liked being here, exactly. In fact, being here had begun to drive her mad. Every moment spent with the Duke was a reminder of just how much he got under her skin. He was so arrogant, so sure of himself. And so sure of her! From the very moment they had met, he had seemed to believe he knew all there was to know about her—and of course, he didn’t know her at all.
But that was who he was, and that was why she was so sure she didn’t want to marry him. Even if shehadfancied the idea of marriage generally, she knew she wouldn’t have wanted it with him. Maybe it was the fact that he was so much older than she was—though she knew that could have been worse. For the sake of a title, her father wouldn’t have hesitated to marry her to a man of his own age, or even older. Maybe she ought to have been grateful that the man he had found for her was at least young enough to make a good dance partner… a good conversation partner…
None of this matters, because I’m not marrying him anyway,she reminded herself.
But in spite of all that, she had enjoyed something about their time together. Yes, it had been filled with constant bickering, but that had turned a bit playful once they’d realized nothing was at stake. It had been like sport, arguing with him. Shewouldmiss that, in spite of everything.
The Duke was next to appear at breakfast. He greeted his mother and then took the seat opposite Susan. “I trust you slept well,” he said, smiling at her.
“Very well,” she agreed. “Just as I have every night since I’ve been here, Your Grace. The hospitality in your home is unparalleled.”
“I’m so glad to hear it,” he said. “But I’m surprised you’re up so early, after all the fun of the party last night. I would have expected to be the first to the table.”
“I hope it’s not an unpleasant surprise, finding me here,” she said. And then, because she felt she ought to add something, she gave him what she hoped was a flirtatious wink.
He laughed in surprise and delight, and she thought,that isn’t an act. He really did enjoy that.
She wondered if she was right. Part of the problem with the way they were dealing with everything was that even she couldn’t be completely certain about what was real and what was for show. Had he laughed like that for his aunt’s benefit? Maybe he was just a very convincing actor.
But this is what I’ll miss! These games of chess we seem to have with one another in every conversation. He wouldn’t make a good husband for me, nor would I be the wife he’s hoping for, but I enjoy spending time with him in small doses. It will be unfortunate to have to say farewell to all of this—to him.
“Not unpleasant at all,” he assured her. “I could never be disappointed at walking into a room to find you within it, Lady Susan. You light up every room you enter.”
Lady Keethroad opened her mouth as if to comment on that, but she was cut off by the arrival of Marina, who yawned and stretched as she made her way to an open seat. “What a marvelous night that was! You two looked so happy. Thank you for hosting the party, Your Grace, I don’t know when I’ve had more fun.”
“Perhaps at the last ball you attended?” the Duke suggested with a smile.
“Oh, no, this one was special,” Marina assured him. “My sister is going to be married! I never expected to feel so cheerful about it all, or… forgive me, Your Grace.” She blushed.
