He leaned on one elbow moving closer to look down at her. “Where would you go? This is your bed.”
“Of course. It is just that I know you have no wish to share my bed, therefore I thought-”
“What?” His tone was curt and she sensed he was angry with her.
“I had believed…I was told you would want to leave after -”
“I thought I told you to forget everything those idiots you call brothers ever said to you, Duchess.”
“It will take some time for me to do so, your Grace, they were part of my life for many years.”
“My name is Daniel, Eva, and I would ask you to try. They are fools and not worth a minute more of your time.”
A yawn surprised her.
“Sleep now, Duchess. The morning is soon enough for you to don your worries once more.”
Eva didn’t fight him as he pulled up the blankets and then wrapped an arm around her easing her into his warm body and in minutes she felt the blissful tug of sleep.
Eva woke alone. Looking to the curtains, she noticed the sun had already risen. What time had he left her?
Stretching, she felt several unused muscles twinge. Remembering how she had incurred the aches made her feel warm inside. Last night had been one of the most wonderful of her life. Being held in Daniel’s arms was something Eva was sure she could get used to. He had been so gentle and caring with her. Touching her lips, she felt them tingle. They were still sensitive from his kisses. Had he felt what she had last night?
“His lordship said you may need a bath, your Grace,” Molly said, bustling into her room.
Realizing she was still naked, Eva pulled the covers to her chin as the maid opened the curtains.
“Tis a beautiful day, your Grace, and the duke said you would be leaving for church in an hour. I will bring your tray directly.”
When Molly left, Eva found her discarded nightdress and slipped it on and was sitting up in bed when she returned.
“Molly, the sheets will need changing.” Eva studied the teacup as she spoke. Evidence of her innocence was on the linen and she knew Molly would realize instantly what it was.
“I shall see to it once you are gone, your Grace.”
“Thank you.”
While she bathed, Eva reminded herself that for the duke, last night had probably been no different from many other nights. According to her brothers, he had shared his bed with plenty of women and would have a mistress in London. Eva needed to understand that even though to her the night had been special, to him it was not. Still, she loathed the idea of a mistress, the idea that Daniel would keep a woman just for his pleasure. Dressing with care, she made her way downstairs and outside to where the duke and Simon awaited her.
“Good morning, your Grace.”
“Lord Kelkirk.” Eva nodded as Daniel opened the carriage and held out his hand to help her inside. Once they were all settled, the carriage started down the driveway.
“Why must I go to church when it is you that Mrs. Potter wants to see, Daniel?”
Eva watched Simon scowl across the carriage at the duke who was seated opposite her, his long legs and large feet taking up most of the space. She couldn’t look at him directly, as memories of last night filled her head, so instead she chose to study the scenery.
“Because if I must attend, then so must you,” Daniel said.
“We are not children, Stratton. That rule no longer applies.”
“Is this a new rule? Because correct me if I’m wrong, but a few months ago you had to visit your Uncle Horatio and you made me go with you because - and I quote -he terrifies me spitless,” Daniel drawled.
Eva could feel his eyes on her but hers remained out the window. She had never had to deal with anything like this before. The man seated across from her had seen her naked, he had done things to her that Eva had never imagined and she was struggling to not blush fiery red at the thought. She could see his hands – fingers splayed - resting on his beige breeches, and remembered how they had felt upon her body.
“For some unfathomable reason, that mean-spirited old reprobate - excuse me, Eva - ” Simon nodded to her “- likes you. Something to do with similar personality traits, I believe.”
“I’m fairly certain that was a compliment, Kelkirk, and if not, I will take it as such.”
