4
“Have you ever skated before?” Rowena asked as they approached the edge of the lake.
Glancing out over the smooth expanse, Josephine watched the men and women already out on the ice. “Yes, but it has been a while.”
“You will remember how to do it quickly enough,” Snowdon said. “I will see about some skates, shall I?”
Josephine watched him walk away with a sure stride. Heavens, he was handsome, even when seen from behind.
“You’re staring,” Rowena said, nudging her arm.
Josephine blinked. “What?”
“Am I mistaken to think you might be smitten with my brother?”
“Don’t be silly. I am no such thing.”
Taking a seat on a nearby bench, Rowena waited for Josephine to sit beside her. She then crossed her arms and tilted her chin. “You sound soooo convincing.”
Swallowing, Josephine tried to hide her concern. The last thing she wanted was for the duke to be made aware of her growing affections. It would never lead anywhere, which meant she would risk severe humiliation if he ever found out. So she told his sister more firmly, “Your brother and I have been at odds from the moment we met. To suggest I might be smitten with him is absolutely ridiculous considering how infuriating he can be. In fact, I dare say he’s the last man on earth with whom I would ever imagine forming an attachment since—”
“You flatter me, Miss Potter.”
“Oh God.” Josephine squeezed her eyes shut before opening them again. “He’s standing right behind me?” Rowena nodded with mischievous smugness. Josephine cringed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Her friend actually grinned – devilish girl. “Where would the fun be in that?” And then to make matters worse, she got up from the bench and immediately yelped before sinking back down. “I think I’ve twisted my ankle.”
Josephine frowned. “Really?” She wasn’t sure how she might have done so.
“Yes…oh yes…ah…it hurts.” Her face twisted into a pained expression. “I am sorry, but I’m afraid you will have to go skating without me.”
“Or,” Josephine said, convinced Rowena was trying to force her to spend some alone time with her brother, “we could go home, so you can get the rest you need.”
“No.” One word, spoken by the duke with accurate precision. “My sister can easily rest her ankle here while you and I go skating.” Leaning over the bench so his head came close to her ear, he whispered, “That should give you ample opportunity to explain your infuriation with me. Or how I have come to be the last man on earth with whom you would ever consider an attachment.”
Heat raced up her spine, and as he rounded the bench and crouched down before her to fasten the skates to her feet, she knew she had to be blushing, not only from embarrassment but also from his touch.
She sucked in a breath, holding it while his fingers worked the leather straps across her boots. One hand steadied her ankle, lingering there so briefly no one would notice the impropriety of it, but long enough for her to feel the careful scrape of his thumb sliding over her stocking. And Lord help her, it did something to her, strange and wonderful things, just as his gaze had done in her parlor. The promise it held, the hint of desire and want, was shamelessly evident in that one touch. It stoked a fire in her core and made her skin tingle in anticipation of more.
Fearing her legs were too weak to carry her weight, she remained where she was while he put on his skates, as well.
She focused on her breaths, deep inhalations to steady her racing heart. And the way she felt in other more intimate places…the curious ache he’d managed to stir with nothing more than the briefest of touches…was horribly distressing. So she sat, quietly listening to Rowena talking about the upcoming Season and how she would love to take Josephine to some balls.
And then the duke was before her once more. “Come,” he said. His expression set in serious lines, he offered her his hand.
With eager reluctance, she allowed herself to accept his assistance. She would not dwell on how perfectly her hand fit into his or how lovely the contact felt. Nor would she ponder the way her body clamored for his attention, for more wicked glances and more discreet touches.
Heavens, she was turning into a veritable wanton, the sort of woman a man might lure into a dark corner and ravish. Most troubling of all, she didn’t mind the prospect of such a thing happening. Not anymore, and certainly not with him.
“You must forgive me for overhearing you earlier,” he began as he led her slowly across the ice. “What you said—”
“Was inexcusably rude. It is I who should be apologizing. The last thing I wish to do is to cause offense, but your sister suggested I might be developing atendrefor you, so I said what had to be said in order to dismiss such a notion.”
“So you’re saying she was wrong to presume such a thing?” His voice was gentle and somewhat curious.
“Of course!”
“Of course?” His hand tightened on hers and he led her around in a wide circle.
