Beth’s lips tightened, and Nathan realized that was new also. She never got angry, well, in front of people anyway. It seemed he’d learned to control his temper and she’d found hers.
“Come along, Miss Carlow. We do not have all day,” the duchess snapped.
“For what, Duchess?” The smile on Beth’s face could in no way be termed friendly.
“Why, a reading, of course!” The duchess was standing in her lumbering open coach, which was large enough to house an entire group of musicians comfortably.
“I shall leave you to your readings,” Beth said, and Nathan wanted to laugh at the defiant look in her eyes.
“As if escape was ever possible when the Duchess of Yardly is in control of the situation,” Zach muttered.
“Well now, this is fortunate timing on our part!” Nathan watched another carriage pull up next to the last. Cambridge Sinclair flung the door open, and his twin sisters appeared in the windows.
“He can sniff out these things,” the Duchess of Raven said, looking annoyed. “I’d so hoped to tell him all about it later, which would have annoyed him excessively.” She looked at Nathan. “You know how it is, Mr. Deville. Annoying one’s siblings is important.”
“I believe it should be considered one of our nation’s most treasured pastimes, Duchess.”
“Will there be food?” Cambridge asked.
“I had wondered that also,” Zach added.
“How is it possible there can be food in the park?” Nathan felt the need to ask.
“I know you are right, but I’d hoped for food.” Cambridge looked forlorn.
“We have roasted nuts,” Mary Blake said. “Come here, Beth.” She waved her closer.
Reluctantly, Beth did as she was asked. Michael moved, trying to avoid Phillipa, who was attempting to wedge herself between him and Zach, and a gap opened up beside Nathan. Beth stopped.
“Hurry up, gal!” The duchess, who seemed to have eyes in the back and sides of her head, roared.
Michael backed up his horse and took the reins of Beth’s. He then led her forward. Nathan glared at him; his brother crossed his eyes.
“Does it matter that I have not read any of the previous books?” the Duke of Raven said to anyone who would listen as Beth moved to Nathan’s side.
“Only for your benefit, Duke,” Gabe said. “It won’t affect your storytelling.”
“Imagine my relief,” he muttered.
“Best to just get on with it, Duke,” Plunge said, smiling like an imbecile. “Live for the day. Carpe diem. Seize the day—”
“Yes, Plunge, I think he understands the concept. No more idioms are required,” Nathan said before the man found any more words to encourage the duke.
The giggle to his right had him facing Beth, eyebrow raised. “Problem?”
Her face was perfectly still, so still he thought he’d almost imagined the sweet little sound she’d made. Not sweet, he reminded himself. This woman no longer had the capacity to be sweet in his presence.
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Deville?”
“You giggled, Miss Carlow.” God, she was beautiful. Her lips were a soft pinky apricot, and her lovely breasts looked superb in that fitted jacket. She looked lush and innocent all at once. He hated that she had this effect on him.
“I did not giggle,” she said, stony faced.
“Why am I not surprised you can lie with ease now.”
His words had her turning away and presenting him with the back of her head.
Nathan battled the guilt that settled on his shoulders. Yes, she’d hurt him, and yes, she’d left him, but it had been her right to do so.
