“A second dance then, my lady?”
“Hm? Oh. Oh, yes, very well.”
Verity accepted the dance but she was less focused on him now, more interested in the people around them. Seeing her crane her neck toward the talkative Duchess of Hardington, Duke wondered if this dance was worth their time.
“We can stop if you like,” he reminded her. “You can read my copy.”
“No, but thank you.” For all she showed clear interest in everyone’s reactions, she paid little mind to even glancing at the paper in his pocket.
Dominic let it go for now. The answers would come eventually, he was certain. His years had taught him patience. Determined never to be like his father, the prior duke, who carried control over his people and domain in a tight fist, Dominic would let the truth reach him eventually.
Whether they had crossed paths before this month, he couldn’t say. All he had known was her name with a few sparse details from several months ago. Dominic wondered what else he needed to know of her.
By all accounts, Verity Ashbourne is a proper young lady of veritable skill and good breeding. Her sharp tongue could not have been accounted for, but I hear her now.
“Very well.”
Dominic dropped their hands slowly as the song ended. His eyes studied hers to understand her intentions. “You have reached a conclusion?”
“I accept your offer. Not that you particularly made one,” she added pointedly, “but I will accept this marriage.”
There was no denying the satisfaction that spread warmly through Dominic’s veins. His chin lifted slightly as he studied her. What he would pay for an inkling of her thoughts.
But then he reminded himself that it didn’t matter. Verity would make a proper wife as far as he could tell. There was safety in this action, and he was prepared to handle what risks remained.
Through all of this, I am confident we shall conclude with what each of us want and need at this point in time. The sooner we can have the matter sorted, the better. I’m only surprised Verityisn’t asking more questions now or arguing. What made her accept my suit?
Dominic decided not to ask her. Not now, at least. Not until they understood each other a little better.
Apprehension filled his guts while he wrestled for any emotions of joy or happiness. There was that relief at having a wife in hand now. And Verity would do well. He certainly carried some curiosity toward the lady. But whatever came next, he couldn’t be certain. Not yet.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he responded with his calmest manner. “I shall set the date forthwith and have the contract drawn up with your brother.”
“All right. That is good.”
“Good.” They stared at one another before he caught himself and offered an arm. “Shall I return you to your sisters so you might spread the joyful news?”
Her eyebrow raised in amusement. “Joyful, indeed.”
Verity accepted his arm and away they went.
CHAPTER 4
“Do behave yourselves,” came the usual order from Cassian before he disappeared down the lane.
“We shall!” Elowen promised even while Octavia laughed.
Verity stood between the two of them and watched their eldest brother disappear. While Lucien was left at their side, complaining about being their nursemaid for the evening fun at Vauxhall Gardens, she wondered what on earth their viscount was doing.
Not just tonight. But lately. Ever since our uncle passed away, Cassian has become another person entirely. I had hoped after our half-mourning ended that all would go back to normal. He’s carried his title for five years now. Still rude and unbending, but at least he wasn’t impossible.
“Where do you think Cass is off to this evening?” Verity asked her siblings aloud.
“Does it matter?” Lucian asked sardonically. His long curling hair was unfashionable and wicked, just the way he liked it, and he flashed her a tired grin. “Say, you’re an appropriate enough chaperone, aren’t you?”
Octavia rolled her eyes with almost her entire body. “She’s unwed, you nitwit.”
“That’s why I said ‘enough,’ and not entirely, you smart mouth.”
