Page 10 of Raising the Duke’s Unexpected Twins

Smirking, he put his hands behind his back and walked towards her. Her hand darted out to hold the back of the armchair, as if him approaching made her feel unsteady on her feet.

“I see you do not actually understand, Miss Debrett. I believe that our dear friends were attempting to be quite clever. Apparently, they wanted both of us to be involved in their children’s lives, as their godparents, of course, but in these specific ways if they passed before their time.” He shrugged. “I must say I feel a little insulted that David did not think I could manage on my own. But alas – this is their plan.”

Cordelia pursed her lips in thought as if she was trying to speak but couldn’t quite muster the words. Nicholas’s eyes drew to her mouth briefly but thinking better of it, he returned his gaze to her eyes.

“So, you are saying that they left the money to you and the children to me, just so we would…” she began.

“Get married and help each other raise the children, yes.”

Cordelia’s eyes widened and she let out a breath. Putting her hands on her hips, she turned away to pace closer to the rows of bookshelves. He watched with humor as the feather in her hair truly began to bounce in earnest.

“Why on earth would they think to do such a thing? It feels so devious. So unlike them!”

Nicholas agreed. “However, my old friend was one for tricks, and I so often was able to find out his plans before he could fully trick me. Therefore, I know he found real enjoyment when he was able to surprise me with something.”

Nicholas sat and watched her pace. He could practically see the wheels turning in her mind as her steps increased.

“This is madness. Helen never spoke once to me about thoughts of me marrying you.”

“Nor David to me about you, although I’m afraid to tell you that I’m not all that surprised. Your Helen was a matchmaker through and through.”

Cordelia paused and faced him. “But surely it was only for the sake of the children. She did not really think that you and I—” Her hand motioned between the two of them, and before continuing, her cheeks reddened deeply. His grin widened, and he lifted a brow, awaiting what delightful thing would cross her lips next. “Never mind.”

He chuckled softly. “Whatever their intentions, we know our friends loved us. We always had a good time when we were all together, did we not?”

Cordelia stopped mid-stride, her back to him. She spoke over her shoulder.

“Yes, I suppose we did.” She didn’t resume her pacing but instead turned around and walked over to him. “I never dreamed Helen could think of such a plan. They like to tease us still, from wherever they are now.” For once, her voice was soft when speaking to him, her eyes full of a distant look.

“Yes, they do. In some ways, it makes it seem as though they are still with us.” He smiled softly, matching her own.

“Nicholas, you cannot be serious about marriage, however. You are a rake of the tallest order, as I am so often wont to remind you!” Her voice rose once more, and she threw up her hands again. “You who have so many women to tease and flirt with and so little time! I cannot believe that you would be willing to settle down for the twins.”

Her use of his Christian name gave him a surprising jolt of pleasure.

“Again, I am quite serious about this offer. I know my reputation does little to help itself, and it is true I had not thought of marriage for some time, if at all, but I am the children’s godfather, and I want to be a part of their lives. I want to be the one to help care for them, as their father was so very important to me. I should say – I have no intention of using the money David has left me for my own purposes, if that is what concerns you.”

She frowned. “You will not?”

“No.” He shook his head and rose. A little breath of surprise escaped her as she realized how close she’d been standing to him when he rose from the chair. He could smell the faint scent of her perfume again.

Rosebud.

“Everything will belong to the children,” he continued. “If they are to be under your protection, then it does not make sense for us to live apart. And the only way to do that properly and without compromising your reputation, my dear, is to marry.”

Cordelia worried at her bottom lip with her teeth, her eyes staring anywhere but at him and taking a step back.

“You are concerned about something else?” he asked, a light teasing tone in his voice. He knew what she was thinking of, and he desperately wanted her to be the one to say the words, but he was certain she’d die first. “You obviously need a husband, as you were looking for one this very evening in a gown that is…” he glanced at it again, tilting his head.

She blushed. “You study me as if I am some exotic plant or animal that you do not understand.”

She does not understand how true that is.

He shrugged. “It is only that this gown is not very…you.”

Her eyes widened, and she stamped her foot, making a fresh grin come to his lips.

“How on earth do you know what is ‘me’ and ‘not me’, Your Grace?”