Thunder crackled.
A hint of rain perfumed the air.
And the heat of his eyes sizzled like lightning.
“At least you were able to see my regiment before the weather set in. By Jove, we beat the storms.”
So glad he was safe, I thanked his god, too.
My pulse ticked up, tick, tock, rattling like the grandfather clock in the dining room. I was too near the duke with Lionel caught between us. This was very much like our dance at the crib, except he wasn’t moving, and neither was I.
This terrified me, this family moment.
My heart grew used to things too quickly. I moved from the duke, me and Lionel fleeing up the stone steps. “There’s lemonade on the balcony, Your Grace. Let me get you some. You look very heated.”
“More words to me.” The duke smirked with dimples and a touch of a hero’s swagger as he joined me on the balcony. He seemed very steady in his boots, only leaning a little on the crutch.
I poured him Jemina’s beverage, then settled in a chair with Lionel bouncing on my lap.
The duke took the glass I’d offered and gulped it down, his lips puckering like Lionel’s. “Tangy. You don’t like shows of force?”
“I do. I just want you to take care, to take your time. Who else will set Lionel’s onerous schedules? In fact, he’s been fed and is ready to nap. I should go put him down and keep your latest dictates.”
“We can relax his schedule today.” Whipping off his hat, he stashed his gloves inside and set it on the table, then sank into a chair. “It’s nice that you care, Mrs. LaCroy. I don’t think I told you that the other day. I should have. I know I was rude.”
He reached out and smoothed my forehead, his rough thumb slipping across my skin. “I want no creases on that brow on my account.”
My heart went into my throat and stuck there somewhere between being beguiled and stupid. I remembered this breathless feeling. This dizzy rush meant I’d fallen for Colin, now it meant I was stupid, again. I had feelings for the duke.
“Is that a command?”
“Yes.”
“See. Simple answers are best.”
Wincing a little as he shifted his weight, he took Lionel from my arms. The duke looked very good holding my son.
My boy reached up and swatted at the duke’s brooch with the star, the graceful medallion he wore on his ivory sash. That was new. He’d made himself extra fancy for us.
Assured that no one would fall, I lowered my clenched palms to my rust-colored skirts, one of the demure gowns of my old dresses. It was not a full-mourning gown, far from it. I didn’t want to be at the duke’s parade grieving.
With a quick glance to the door, the vacant hall behind us, I thought of my trust documents. Maybe this would be like the nursery and I could leave my son safe with the duke and head to the drawing room.
“Lionel, you have to believe in your abilities in spite of other’s fear or doubts, right, LaCroy?”
I looked at the duke, truly looked into those strong, wintry eyes. “I may be guilty of fretting more for you, because I know of your injury. I’ll admit that. But I’ll always be concerned for your safety. You’re Lionel’s guardian. You should be safe.”
“Lionel, you like medals. Believe in yourself, and you’ll win them. Believe when no one else does, then you always win.”
Winning. Winning. I was sick of the talk, especially when my side kept losing.
The countess and Lord Gantry returned.
“Looking very good on parade, Duke,” she said, taking Lionel from him.
The boy cooed. His smile held dimples, dimples like Repington’s?
Lady Shrewsbury snuggled my baby like he was her kitty. “Lord Gantry, you have two daughters. Are any this small?”
