She raised his hand she held and confessed, “I must.” She gave him a light, reassuring squeeze and then attempted to release her hold.
He wouldn’t let her. “Why?”
“You know why.”
“Because of what others think?” He laughed. “I make my own rules.”
How simple life was for the entitled.
“You barely know me, Your Grace—”
“What I know I like—very much. I’ve just spent the morning with you. I’m not here because I am not interested—”
“I am well aware that you are interested, Your Grace—”
“Then say ‘yes.’” He stepped toward her, his booted toe touching the tip of her shoe. “Say, ‘I would be honored to attend the dance on your arm, Your Grace.’ See? It is easy to give me the answer I wish.”
It had been ages since Kate had allowedanyman this close. The young duke smelled of cloves and the open air. He was taller than Kate, which was unusual. She looked most men in the eye. She’d had to duck under those branches as well.
“Your Grace, I am not good at this.”
“What? Refusing invitations? Then don’t. Or being told that you are lovely?” He attempted to pull her closer.
“I’m as vain as the next woman and I am also realistic,” she answered, trying again to retrieve her hand without yanking.
“I am pragmatic as well and I merely state the truth. It isn’t vanity to recognize that you are a beauty.”
Kate was annoyed. “You are being ridiculous. I am as old as a crone when compared to you.”
“Age is not an impediment to attraction.”
Oh, he believed he was silver-tongued. “Itiswhen I am old enough to be your mother.”
“We both know that is not true. I am almost one and twenty.”
“Dear Lord, you are younger than I thought—”
“Then don’t think.Feel.Embrace what could be between us.” In turn, he tried to embrace her. Kate ducked under his arm, the movement forcing him to release her hand.Thank, God.
“Miss Addison, listen to me,” he said, reaching for her again.
“No.I don’t want to hear it.” She stepped back to ward him off.
“And what do you believe I’m going to say?”
“It doesn’t matter, because you truly are an innocent. You are sincere, so I must save you from yourself.”
“I don’twantto be saved. I have been waiting for you all my life.”
“Yes, all yourtwentyyears.”
“Age is only a number,” he countered. “Besides, I’m wise beyond my years. At least wise enough to recognize that you are not like any other woman I have known and therefore worth pursuing.”
She could scream.
“Your Grace, I built this troupe from my own hard work.”
“And I admire what you have done.”
