She began to move hesitantly to one of the padded benches situated at the front of the statue. There were three, big enough for two people to sit on together. A small hearth graced the far wall, and several sconces with lit candles added to the comfort and beauty of the quiet space. There was also a table and four chairs and a painted screen in the other corner. She wondered what was behind the large screen, but decided to sit down instead of exploring. The duke wished to speak with her and deserved her undivided attention.
He joined her on the bench, straddling it and facing her.
She felt her cheeks heat as she tried to avoid his direct gaze.
“Julia,” he said quietly. “Are you afraid to look at me?”
“No, Your Grace. I am afraid of what you are going to say.”
He chuckled, but not to make her feel uncomfortable, for it was a warm and tender laugh.
“These last three weeks have been eventful for us, have they not?”
She looked at him. “Yes.”
“I believe we have gone from enemies to friends, perhaps even more.”
Oh, yes. There was deep affection developing between them. She could feel some kind of magnetic force pulling her to him, a force she could not fight or withstand much longer. “You have taught me so much in such a short period of time.”
“Have I?”
“I judged you harshly,” she confessed, “because you are part of theton. Had you been a commoner, I would have treated you more fairly. For that, I am sorry.”
He reached for her, and she linked fingers with him, liking his big, strong hand resting over hers.
“You have apologized to me before. There is no need for it now. We have both made mistakes with each other. At first meeting, I wanted to seduce you.”
She arched a brow at him. “And you seek my forgiveness for that? Have you changed your mind about seducing me, Your Grace?”
His blue eyes turned stormy and dark as he let out a combination of a growl and chuckle. “Do you even know what you are asking?”
“I know what it felt like to be in your arms and to have your lips on mine.”
He closed his eyes and raised his head, looking as if he was praying. “You are a living contradiction, Lady Julia. Innocent yet bold—sure of what you want.”
His praise gave her courage. “Until I met you, there has never been I man I hoped to kiss.”
He smiled. “Now who is flattering who?”
“I am being honest with you.”
“I know, sweet Julia. That is why we are here. I would like to court you.”
She could not believe it, yet at the same time, she could. A myriad of emotions rushed through her—joy and relief with a touch of fear. Concern that his past—that past being a beautiful woman named Madeline Hershey—would come back to haunt him and destroy her affection for him.
He curled a finger under her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “You are afraid.”
She nodded.
“I know your father has demanded you find a husband.”
“Who revealed that to you?”
“The dowager countess.”
“I wish…”
“She loves you, Julia. Wants what is best for you, as she does her own daughter.”
