Lord Darvy’s smile lit up his face. “I will see you then, Miss Dowell.” He bowed. “I look forward to continuing our conversation.”
“As do I, Lord Darvy.” She dipped her chin with a smile as the gentlemen walked away.
“Fascinating,” she repeated in wonder as she watched them leave.
Maria and Evelina both grabbed one of her hands and squealed.
“That was amazing!” Maria said.
“Who would have thought you would have found a match discussing stuffy old men?” Evelina added with a laugh.
Theodora turned to both women in confusion. “Whatever are you two talking about?”
“Lord Darvy?” Maria stated. “If the conversation continued and he was still in town he would definitely be calling on you tomorrow.”
Theodora scrunched her nose. “Well, then I am glad he will be leaving.”
Evelina cocked an eyebrow to her sister and tugged on the hand she was holding. “What do you mean? He is handsome, he likes the same things you do.” She tugged again. “You found a compatible match or whatever you were blabbering on about before. You found common ground with Lord Darvy and all that.”
“You even said, ‘fascinating’ twice. Were you not fascinated with him?” Maria added.
Theodora closed her eyes, finally understanding. “Oh, that. I was fascinated because while we have much in common, I did not feel anything.”
Maria dropped Theodora’s hand with a groan. “Then why did you say you would like to see him at the next ball?”
Theodora frowned. “Since we have common interests, he would be an excellent conversation partner. I imagine we could continue discussing classical literature and dramas. I, too, like Greek mythology and philosophers,” she added proudly, “but that does not mean I see myself developing feelings for Lord Darvy.”
Theodora shook her head as she reached into her pocket for her book. Sometimes she truly did not get how women of thetonwere so quick to jump to marriage when two people had one thing in common. Which was why this experiment was so important. If love could be proven scientifically, then it could also be avoided scientifically.
“If you ladies excuse me, I would like to write down this interaction.” Theodora left the two women standing as she sat down on the bench a few feet away from them. She opened her book and started furiously writing about her conversation with Lord Darvy.
“Avoiding love altogether for the sake of science? You are being too clinical with your research, sorceress.” Heat pooled in her belly as she slapped her book shut and looked up.
Not only did she recognize the lilt in his tone, but Theo could feel the Duke standing behind her. As much as she wanted to turn to him, she refused to give in so readily. He came around the bench and sat next to her. Her eyes flew to her sister and Maria before they landed on him. Theodora’s breathing shallowed when she saw the Scarlet Duke’s full face without it half hidden beneath a mask. She hated to admit that he was handsome.
Too handsome.
The Duke smirked. “Do not worry, sorceress. Your research is safe with me. I shall not put you in any danger.” His body leaned ever-so-slightly towards her and whispered, “Unless you want me to.”
Her cheeks heated as she made to stand up.
His hand shot out, covertly grabbing her hand to hold it to the bench. “Calm down, Miss Dowell. I do not wish to ruin anyone’s reputation. I am sorry if I gave you any indication that was my motive.”
She pulled her hand from underneath his and held it in her lap. Her hand felt as if it was on fire. She kept glancing at it to make sure there was nothing amiss with it.
Why does this man cause such distress within my body?
“What is your motive, then?”
The Duke stretched his long legs out in front of him as he laid his arm along the back of the bench. His fingertips just grazed her shoulder, sending tingles down her spine. Theodora inched closer to her side of the bench until the arm rest dug into her side.
“You need my help, remember?”
Theodora barked out a very unladylike laugh causing a passing couple to gawk at her. She covered her mouth and dipped her eyes in apology.
“I do not need your help, Your Grace,” she whispered. “I am doing just fine with my studies.” She lifted her chin proudly.
The Duke drew her attention to a cove of trees where the Earl of Bixby was wiping his brow. “Not according to the dear old Earl over there.”
