His fingers covered mine. It was an easy touch, a light hold. “Can I pretend to have fallen head over heels for the mysterious Miss Wilcox? Can I for once walk into a dinner and know I have a partner without someone politely looking around for another person with wealthier pockets?”
Looking up to the magpie, who’d suddenly gone silent, as if it too waited for me to gain courage and agree, I decided to try. “You sound desperate. Our situation is desperate. Maybe a lie is right? No. That can’t be.”
“Then let’s make this as true as possible.” He cleared his throat. “Can I be daring and protect you? Can I dance on the edge of scandal and know that my reputation can only increase? This union serves me well.”
“You sound envious of Byron. You want to be Lord Byron? He’s a scoundrel.”
“I want his freedom. And for the first time in a long time, I saw more of my song in my head when I kissed you. So if a little courtship can get you away from scandal, enhance my reputation, and provide the notes to complete my sonata, it will be worth it. I will be truly heartbroken when you break off with me at whatever event the duke has planned.”
“What if we do this and you remain unable to compose?”
“I’m positive that a live muse, one talking with me, is what I need. But we could kiss again and test my theory.”
“You make me laugh, Lord Mark Sebastian. I trust that the passion to protect me will remain. I’m not to be in more danger with you.”
His face tensed. The blue eyes clouded like a winter day. “Of course.”
“I need to think on this. Let us go back to the duke’s study.”
He didn’t offer to take my hand, but he walked at my side.
Stepping into the duke’s study, the calm I’d regained shattered under Katherine’s withering glare.
Chapter 12
MARK—BACK INTO THEFIRE WITHMUSIC
We held our breath in unison and reentered the duke’s study.
Her sister and the duke talked low but their odd bickering continued.
As his gaze took notice of us, the duke said, “You should be impressed, Lady Hampton. Sebastian possesses a lovely courtesy honorific. His connections are impeccable. That’s all that matters to you.”
“Can you be serious for at least a full moment?”
“I have a watch and a schedule, Lady Hampton, pick the time. Oh, look, the young lovers have returned.”
The duke stood with vigor next to the frowning viscountess. “Miss Wilcox, have you decided in Sebastian’s favor or have you fallen for me again? Must I best a new suitor once more with my cane?”
I offered him a smirk. “If I wasn’t in the wrong and didn’t respect my elders, I’m sure I could have given you a better fight.”
“Stop it,” the goddess said, “Your Grace, your lordship. I’m glad you didn’t hurt him or break that cane. It looks like an antique.”
“It is. Belonged to my grandfather.”
Truly? The cane didn’t seem Scottish or Russian. It must be something his father’s father acquired on his travels. Livingston mentioned something about him coming from a line of explorers. The faces carved into the cane looked African.
Sort of an odd thing to have in a room of Blackamoor women. I hated to think of the liberal duke possessing a relic of colonization or worse.
Torrance picked it up and hooked it under his arm. “Did you two have a nice chat?”
I thought so, but the lady who’d decide was quiet.
“Miss Wilcox, you haven’t kissed him again in the garden and changed your mind? If you have, I think that clears me of your sister’s charge that I’m your favorite.”
Lady Hampton groused. “Heaven help the next woman who’ll be sentenced to your love. But do continue telling us your plan. Tell us your gamble.”
“My plan? You mean my way of helping your family and Sebastian out of scandal.” He offered a hearty chortle, then made a softer expression at Georgina. “Lovely Miss Wilcox. I need to hear your thoughts. Though I begrudgingly think highly of Lady Hampton, I need your voice. I only want the best for you.”
