Sebastian’s eyes dropped to her reaching fingers, cocking his head. “Missing anything?”
“Nothing of your concern,” she answered quickly.
“But you seem genuinely distraught,” he whispered. “So, I feel as though I should be concerned.”
“That is not your place.”
“Why do you say that?” The Duke gave her another quizzical look. “In one breath, you claim that no one cares for you, but when I show real concern for your welfare, you tell me to mind my own business.” He made a tutting sound as he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “You cannot have it both ways, Lady Phoebe.”
Her hands scrambled to clutch her necklace once more and when she realized that she had made another mistake, Phoebe felt flustered and mortified.
She looked up into the Duke’s laughing eyes and whispered, “Do you always feel so entitled to know everything?”
Sebastian laughed roughly. “Only when I am curious.”
“So, I assume you are not used to be told no, then?”
“No.”
Phoebe scoffed, shaking her head, but Sebastian’s expression sobered a little.
“Why are you out here instead of enjoying a lovely discussion about a brilliant opera with your?—”
“Do not call him my betrothed again,” she begged.
Phoebe did not love the way her voice sounded while making this plea but spoke earnestly and hoped that the Duke would be merciful.
“It is bad enough that I must endure his company. I cannot stand to think of the future that lays ahead.”
“All right.” The Duke nodded slowly, as if conceding properly. “I shall not tease you again, either.”
“I appreciate the kindness.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. She nodded at the closed door. “We should get going now. I only slipped away for a moment so I could catch my breath and you… well, you needn’t concern yourself with my affairs.”
Her eyelashes fluttered as she lifted her eyes and met his gaze. Heat radiated from him and even though Phoebe had been the one to suggest it was time they departed, she wanted to say something so that she could hear him speak again.
She cleared her throat. “I am certain your companion must be missing your company. I saw the way the ladies swooned over you after your performance at the musicale the other night, Your Grace. By hiding away like this, you are sure to break more than one heart.”
Sebastian’s responding laughter was rolling, deep, and beautiful, and Phoebe inched closer to him so that she could revel in his radiance.
“What do you know of heartbreak, Lady Phoebe?”
“Enough,” she muttered.
Again, her hands flew to her throat, and she heaved a chagrined sigh when she realized that she was without the necklace, the talisman that reminded her of how someone had loved her unconditionally once.
His eyes followed her movements. “Truly, or are you like other young ladies who break their hearts over the simplest matters?”
Phoebe did not answer. She could not. It was difficult to dredge up memories of her dearly departed grandfather. When she thought of the time she spent living on his estate, under his terms, her heart felt as if it were torn to bits.
“Ah…” the Duke said after a significant pause elapsed between them. “I already knew that you were not like other young ladies. Forgive me for my forgetful nature.”
She lifted her chin and stared at him. “I do not imagine that you forget much, Your Grace. Something tells me that you have a long memory.”
“Indeed.” A small smile quirked the corners of his lips. “I am usually able to recollect most events with terrific clarity. Sights, sounds, smells…” He paused and tapped a long fingertip to his forehead. “I remember it all.”
“Perhaps I can understand why you made such an error in judgement, Your Grace. After all, you spent all evening sitting next to a lovely young lady. Your brain is likely full of stuff and nonsense related to your encounters with her.”
The Duke blinked rapidly. He momentarily seemed taken aback by Phoebe’s words. “Why, Lady Phoebe, that is the second time you have mentioned my companion for the evening. Does it bother you that I brought a guest to the opera tonight?”
