Page 12 of A Deal for the Duke’s Virgin

In a voice that was just a little more strangled than it should have been, Christian managed: “I beg your pardon?”

She blinked, something like panic flashing in her eyes. “I d-d-didn’t mean… That is to s-s-say, I didn’t quite express… I, ah…”

He waited patiently. It seemed the right thing to do.

At last, she composed herself, shooting him a steely glare through her round spectacles. He stared back, mildly fascinated.

She’s got more of a spark than I expected.

She was certainly bold to meet his eyes after saying that.

“I misspoke,” she said sharply. “I shall explain. Whatever you’re thinking, the answer is no.”

“What I was thinking was that you were more feisty than I had anticipated,” he chuckled.

“And I bite,” she retorted.

“How fascinating. But then, as to your spirit, I did think that there must be something about you to attract my sister. I imagine wallflowers do not interest her.”

“Didn’t you say that you weren’t as close to your sister as you once were?” she shot back. “By my reckoning, you have been back in England for two or three years, and yet your sister is still a stranger to you. For shame.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Have a care, my dear. Besides, some gentlemen are fond of biting.”

She breathed in. “Oh, this is a nightmare.”

“I must confess,” he added, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “that out of all the ladies who have sought my attentions, you are the boldest.”

“I am not seeking… I do not want your attention! I do not want you to touch me!”

“Now, that I believe,” he chuckled, shaking his head.

Some of the panic faded from her eyes. He wanted to laugh aloud. Did she really think that he was going to attempt to ravish her right here on the balcony with a door that opened directly onto a busy ballroom?

He supposed she might believe that. After all, he had a distinctly rakish reputation amongst the ton these days, and it was not all unearned.

“You promised an explanation,” he reminded her, watching with interest as a blush crept up her neck. “Let’s hear it, then.”

She took off her spectacles, the lenses flashing in the moonlight. After angrily polishing them, she shoved them back onto her nose and fixed him with another scathing glare. Once again, he felt the urge to grin but forced himself to stay calm.

She was as nervy as a thoroughbred horse, and it seemed a real danger that she might lose her nerve and do something ridiculous, like vault over the stone balustrade and plummet down onto the courtyard below, where she would either suffer a broken limb and floods of tears or hare off into the darkness of the garden.

He was jolted out of that somewhat ridiculous imagining by Lady Thalia clearing her throat once more.

“I do not wish to marry,” she stated flatly. “At least, not yet. This shocks you, I daresay.”

“Not at all. My sister is not inclined towards matrimony at present. I consider that to be her business and none of my concern.”

Lady Thalia gave a tense smile. “Yes, well, my own brother is not quite so forbearing. He is determined that I marry, and quickly. He keeps throwing suitors at me, and I cannot… c-c-cannot breathe. I want a rest from it all. And so I want an engagement. A betrothal in name, that’s all I require,” she finished, meeting his eyes. “I shall be sure to release you at the end of it. And if I do not, well, I’m sure you’ll be quite happy to jilt me. Or you can release Laura in my direction if you prefer. She would knock some sense into me.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “You do not enjoy your pernicious suitors? I’m reminded of a passage from Much Ado About Nothing.”

“Do spare me the Shakespeare. That is my request if you’re amenable to it. Well?”

Her eyes brightened. After a moment, she awkwardly stuck out her hand, as if hoping to shake his. He took her hand carefully. Her palm was warm and a little damp. She really was nervous.

He turned over her hand, bent down, and pressed his lips to her knuckles, careful to meet her gaze and hold it. The flush shot back into her cheeks, turning her as red as beets.

“We have a bargain,” he said softly. “It is done.”