Page 11 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“And can I assume there is another you’d rather be wed to?”

Once more, I nod.

“I see. Such a pitiful plight. Did you have any warning? Any say?”

“Father,” I hiccup. “Father told me Saturday afternoon. Henhaven was with us in the parlor. It’s the first I’ve seen of him. And he is to be my husband. Unfortunately, I know not what sort of man he is.”

She pulls me back into an embrace. “I know your father, and he would never knowingly tie you to a man not worthy. Though I know your heart is set on another, you must understand that sometimes Providence has something even better in mind. You have at least two more weeks. Get to know the man. He might yet surprise you.”

With that, she lets go and runs a hand down my hair. Her soft smile is warm and loving. Though I know she means well, it makes the pain hurt all the more. What I would give to have her as my mother.

“Come,” Penelope says. “Let us put all this behind us and prepare for dinner.”

As I glide down the stairs, I stop midway as my breath catches in my throat. That scent. I know that scent as well as if it were my own. There, off in a nearby parlor, Norhaven slides out and glances up. His gaze darkens for a brief second, but I see it.

“Miss Campbell,” he murmurs as he gathers my arm in his. “Are you well? I heard you had a fit of pique.”

Heat rises in my cheeks as I pull away. “No thanks to you,” I hiss. “What are you even doing here?”

“Excellent question,” the dowager duchess says as she slides into the foyer. “Do you not have your own house and cook, Charles? Are you so enamored with your family that you are to dine with us two nights in a row?”

“I didn’t realize my presence would vex you, Mother,” he grins. The sight of his smile nearly takes my breath away as my pulse pounds in my ears. “Do you now deny me because you have another woman to occupy my seat?”

“Never,” she laughs as she kisses his cheek. “I am surprised, is all. I figured you’d be out and about gallivanting as young bucks do.”

Norhaven’s gaze slides over to me. “I find I’d much rather see to the care of my family instead.”

Does he mean me? Does the cad really think to pluck at my heartstrings when I am the injured party? Granted, it’s not as if he made me any promises. There was never an understanding between us, just an undeniable heat that never seems to fade when he’s nearby.

“Well then, as long as you’re able to escort me to dinner.”

“Always.”

Once she leaves, Norhaven turns to me, caging me between the hot, molten steel of his body and the wall behind me. I want nothing more than to lean in and kiss him, to show him the desperation crawling through my veins.

“So naughty,” he murmurs as he slides his nose up my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “I can smell the desire simply dripping off of you. What would your intended think to know just a bit of proximity to me and you’re perfuming the air like a cat in heat?”

“I’m sure he’d think you to be simply horrid for engaging me so. And in your family’s home no less. Suppose they see you?”

“Trust me, little flower,” he groans. “I am keeping a close ear out. We will not be compromised.”

“No,” I snap back. “Because that would be simply horrid.”

He runs his thumb along my bottom lip as he breathes me in. “I want there to be no mistake. I do not wish for us to be discovered simply because I lack the desire to see our lives tied together in an unwilling manner. Not because I do not want you. Nor do I wish your reputation sullied. Less of a concern, but I also do not want to bring scandal to Henhaven. Not yet, at least.”

“What does that-” He cuts me off by jerking away and examining his shoes as the triplets come into our space.

“There you are,” Penelope chuckles. “Mother said you were here, Charles. Come. Let us proceed to dinner and leave Cynthia to escape the confines of the stairs. She must be as hungry as we are.”

Tears burn in my eyes as they drag their brother away. He glances back behind, giving me a look I can’t quite decipher, but then, to try to guess would be a lesson in madness. I’ve never known what truly goes on in his mind.

As we sit there, making polite conversation, I push my food around, eating enough to not be rude. The triplets, however, continue to urge the footmen to pile more on, fattening me like the sacrificial lamb I feel myself to be at the moment.

“Now dears,” their mother chuckles. “I’m sure Miss Campbell is more than capable of asking for more if she’s truly that famished. No doubt she’s wanting to fit into a pretty dress for her wedding. It won’t do to have you three sabotage her.”

“Yes, Mother,” they all say in unison as they hide their grins behind their hands.

Glancing up, I notice Norhaven staring at me, his gaze intense as he picks up his fork and brings it to his mouth. “Are you not hungry, Miss Campbell?” he murmurs. “Cook has outdone herself with this feast.”