Page 21 of Raising the Duke’s Unexpected Twins

Danae nodded, looking more solemn than Cordelia had ever seen her.

“True enough. Father was the best of men.” She smiled as she sat down, and then she leaned over and took Cordelia’s hand. “I know that I am the youngest, and I shall forever be behind in all things. But I have a feeling, Cordelia. It is rooted deep down inside me, and I cannot be rid of it. I think that everything will turn out well. And that the duke will surprise you in more ways than one.”

Cordelia breathed out, annoyed that yet again, the word ‘surprise’ in reference to the duke was beginning to haunt her.

“Why should you think this? On a mere feeling? He has been a rake ever since I’ve known him.” She let go of her sister’s hand and leaned back, sighing. “I cannot think why Helen and David would devise such a scheme.”

Danae rose to her feet with a bright smile. “Wait and see, dear sister. Anyone could see there is a spark between you, which may grow yet into a blaze that no one could quench.” Cordelia blushed, looking away, fearful that her younger sister would know the thoughts that had plagued her the previous evening. Danae was so very fond of passion and passionate romances. “And do not despair just yet. Your future is before you, and I think it may be ever so bright.

She winked and then was gone, leaving Cordelia to her own thoughts. Danae had ever been buoyant, but there was something that tugged inside Cordelia to believe her.

Eager to think of anything else, Cordelia up and left, touching the back of her father’s leather chair briefly on her way out.

CHAPTER 8

Nicholas turned a page in his accounting book and then turned it back, his brow furrowing in confusion. He had yet again made another false sum. Grumbling, he crossed it out and started again.

“You seem pleasant this evening.”

He looked up with a glare ready to stick the devil at his assistant, Darren Martin, and he snapped the accounting book shut and stood.

“What do you know of pleasant?” he parried, and Darren grinned, leaning against the doorjamb.

“So, what’s this I hear about you marrying a young lady, a viscount’s daughter, is it?”

Nicholas glowered, walking to the corner of his office, where he kept strong whisky. Pouring himself a glass, he swallowed it down and then faced his colleague.

“Who told you that then?”

“It’s all over town.” Darren straightened. “Special license and all that.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter. It’s a matter of business. David died and left me his money and left her his children. We are merely making the most sensible decision.”

“So, she’s beautiful then.”

Nicholas’s grip tightened on his glass, but he refrained from throwing it against the wall. The memory of Cordelia’s lips was still with him and would not be gone. Even if he’d lived a thousand years, he would never forget that moment when he’d been an utter fool and kissed her.

“What of it?”

Darren took a step inside the office, his knowing smile becoming more irritating. “So, she is then.”

“Yes, she’s beautiful. It is no matter. We are to be married so that the children will be safe and protected.” He poured himself another glass of whisky. “If you’re wondering, she loathes me.”

“I didn’t think there was a woman in London who loathed you, Nick.”

He grumbled, thinking back to Cordelia’s embarrassed face when he’d told her he was no honorable man after the kiss.

That kiss.

“Yes, well, this one does.”

“How…unusual.”

Nicholas drank the whisky down and then turned back to Darren.

“Did you come to me for a reason or simply to taunt me at my place of work?”

Darren cleared his throat. “Banbury is here again, doing his usual.”