Simon muttered a curse under his breath and turned back to his drink, but his mind was firmly distracted now, encompassed only by the thoughts of the duchess alone.
The way she looked at him. The way she trembled when he touched her.
And, most of all?—
Just how much he wanted to do all of that all over again.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Ithought you’d be happier to see me.”
Rachel stood beside Marina, her hands lightly clasped in front of her. She had finally arrived at the ball. Yet, it wasn’t exactly as exciting as she had hoped.
“I am happy to see you,” Rachel said to her sister, though her gaze still drifted off into the distance.
Where was he?
They had arrived together, of course, buthe had left her the moment they stepped into the ballroom, disappearing into the crowd with no further explanation.
Typical of him. She ought to be used to it by now. For her own sanity, if nothing else.
“You’re looking for him.”
Rachel blinked, then shook her head. “I am merely surveying the room.”
“It’s rather fine if you are,” Marina continued. “He is your husband. It’s not a crime.”
“It feels like one,” Rachel muttered under her breath.
“What was that, now?”
“Nothing.” Rachel pushed it away, not wanting her sister to worry. “Besides, I would much rather discuss anything else. Tell me, has Letitia been giving you any trouble?”
“Oh, she was not too happy about being reprimanded by the duke,” Marina noted with some delight, “but she’s been behaving herself since. I suppose he was quite effective in getting his message across.”
“Good,” Rachel nodded. “She ought to watch her step. If she does anything to bother you, you must write to me immediately.”
“Already behaving as a duchess should.” Marina smiled, pleased. “The position suits you.”
“Does it really?”
“Yes,” Marina laughed. “No need to sound so unsure about it. You fit the part splendidly, and I am sure that Simon must have taken note of it as well.”
Rachel stilled at that. She was not surewhatSimon had taken note of, if anything. He confused her.
“How is your marriage going?” Marina continued. “I am sure that the two of you must have grown quite close now.”
“It’s…” Rachel considered her words carefully, and then a blush formed on her cheeks. “He’s seen a lot more of the world than I have. He teaches me sometimes.”
Well, it was only theone time,but it had been seared into her memory.
“How endearing. You’re blushing just speaking about it,” Marina gushed, unbeknownst to the real reasoning.
”Yes, well,” Rachel cleared her throat, looking for any distraction. “Who is that?”
“Who?”
She pointed in front of her where Christopher stood, but it was not her father who held Rachel’s attention.
