She closed her eyes and sighed.
Breathe. Just breathe. No one knows that I was in the Duke’s room last night, and hopefully, His Grace will not feel inclined to share that information with anyone.
With that thought resounding in her mind, Lavinia’s eyes flew open.
Oh, please let him show some decorum. Please do not let him tell Mama what transpired between us.
Her fingers tingled, so she interlocked them, then thrust them into her lap, effectively hiding the ink spots and the sense of his lingering touch underneath the table.
“I’m so glad you could join us for breakfast,” her mother said with much enthusiasm.
Lavinia dared to sneak a peek at the Duke and found that he looked quite dashing. His blonde locks were tied back into a low ponytail, but errant wisps framed his face, giving him a windswept look. His light brown eyes were bright with exertion, and there were pink spots high on his cheeks.
Has he been running? Or perhaps gone out riding this morning?
“I must introduce you two!” her mother added as he drew to a stop next to them. Her bangles jingled as she swept her handtoward Lavinia. “This is my daughter, Miss Lavinia Fitzroy.” Her eyes glinted with pure pleasure. “She is my greatest treasure.”
“Mama,” Lavinia hissed, slightly embarrassed by the praise.
“It is an honor to meet you, Miss Fitzroy.” Peter took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles.
Although Lavinia meant to show resistance, or at the very least, jerk away quickly, she couldn’t ignore the flutter in her stomach at the brush of his lips. The caress was brief, but she could not deny the effect it had on her.
“I must say, you look quite lovely in the light of day,” he murmured.
Lady Crawford squinted her eyes as if analyzing his words. “Have you met before?” she asked, looking between them.
Lavinia cringed and hurried to come up with an acceptable response.
“Oh no, Mother. It seems the Duke is just trying to shower us with compliments. And I believe that his attempts at flattery are working, for I already feel elated by his kind words.” She smiled, but widened her eyes as she stared at him, hoping that he’d receive the message.
“Such flattery would make Lord Crawford eye you with caution. He watches over our dearest girl with such diligence, Your Grace,” her mother warned.
The Duke pulled a face, as if he was dismayed at the thought of provoking the ire of her jovial father. “I apologize, Lady Crawford. I shall endeavor not to let any words escape my mouth without thought from now on.”
The Baroness let out a playful laugh, and Lavinia joined in because she could think of no other way to react.
“I am only teasing, Your Grace,” Lady Crawford began when she finally found her words within the uncontrollable laughter. “My Ambrose does not watch our daughter like a hawk. He would never shoo away possible suitors, especially ones who have come here as guests. So, please, keep the compliments going, as I do love to hear them coming from the young ones.”
The Duke perked up a little at her encouragement. “Do not worry, Lady Crawford. I do believe I am good with words, and I shall not fail to sing Miss Fitzroy’s praises,” he assured her.
“You may join us if you’d like.” The Baroness gestured to the seat next to her. “There is tea and biscuits and toast, of course, as it is Lavinia’s favorite.” She blew out a long sigh. “I do not understand why she asks for it every morning without fail, but I tell Cook to appease her, nonetheless.”
Lavinia picked up a jar of gooseberry jam and held it aloft. “I eat toast, Mama, but only when it is spread with something delicious.”
“Ah, I see you have a taste for jam.” The Duke slid into the open seat and turned to face her, his eyes twinkling. “Might I have a nibble?”
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and it was all she could do to hand him the jar without dropping it in his lap.
When their fingers brushed, she yanked her hand back quickly, conscious of the flare of something that had made her whole hand and arm tingle.
It’s going to be a long day.
Lavinia rested her hand in her lap once more and stared at the Duke. He took his time selecting a piece of toast and slathering it with the tart and tangy gooseberry jam. Then, he lifted the treat to his lips and took a large bite.
Lavinia tried to look away from his mouth, but she could not.
It’s going to be a very long day, indeed.
