Page 30
The comment, although meant as a compliment, annoyed her, and she pushed him away. At the cold air hitting her breast, she gasped and arranged the bodice, her cheeks burning. “This will not happen again.”
She went to round him, but he blocked her way. “You should wait a moment and allow the flushing of your face to cool.”
“Crumpets,” she muttered, knowing he was right. She walked a few feet away from him, keeping her back to the irritating man.
“Why do you do what you do? Turn men away who attempt to court me?” Vivian asked. “If you do not wish to marry me, it would be best if you stayed away from me.”
He didn’t reply, which made her angry.
“I mean it. I do not wish for you to even speak to me again.”
When he didn’t reply, she blew out a breath. “You are very, very annoying.”
“I am?” Penelope asked. “Why? What did I do?”
Vivian turned around to find only her sister standing there.
“I was speaking to Alexander,” Vivian said, shaking her head. “He is quite irritating.”
“Oh,” Penelope said, biting her bottom lip. “What exactly happened? It seems to have angered the duke.”
As much as she wanted to, Vivian did her best to keep her voice even. “Why would the duke care about a conversation between Alexander and me?”
“Because the duke just told Alexander they had to talk.” Penelope gave her a worried look. “He said he’d seen what happened out here.”
Vivian’s stomach plummeted, and her face burned hot. “Oh no.” She covered her face with both hands and sunk to the closest bench. “Oh no.”
“It’s very cold out here. We should go inside.”
“No. No. No.” Vivian shook her head. “How will I ever face any of them?”
Penelope looked over her shoulder. “I am sure the duke’s catching you and Alexander arguing is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“We were not arguing,” Vivian exclaimed, her head falling back. “We were kissing...more than just kissing...my breast... Oh God.” Vivian stood and raced blindly through the house and up the stairs to her room.
It was only seconds later that Duchess Torrington, Clara, Penelope, and even Mary all rushed into the room. Vivian was surrounded as she covered her face, repeating, “Oh my God,” over and over. It was unclear if she was on the brink of crying or laughing hysterically as both reactions threatened.
“The duke caught her and Mr. Yarnsby in the most embarrassing state,” Penelope explained, which made Vivian let out a groan.
Clara lowered so she could look her in the face. Vivian knew this because she peered through her fingers. “Vivian, what exactly were you two doing?”
“They were having a passionate escapade,” Penelope answered for her. “I believe Vivian’s breast was out.”
“Penelope!” someone said.
Duchess Torrington let out a bark of laughter, which made Vivian drop her hands and gape at her.
Then Clara began to giggle. “The poor duke...” Her sister couldn’t finish as she continued to laugh. “No wonder he was so flushed.”
“This is not in the least bit funny,” Vivian said, annoyed they could find humor in her most embarrassing moment. “I can never face the duke again. Or Mr. Yarnsby, for that matter.”
The duchess lowered into a chair next to hers. “It isn’t something we have not seen before. We raised two hot-blooded boys, after all. Right now, my husband is lecturing Alex and demanding he declare his intentions.”
Vivian’s eyes widened. “I don’t want him forced to do something he doesn’t wish. Besides, shouldn’t we be focusing on the fact someone tried to kill him?”
“This is a welcome distraction,” Duchess Torrington said with a warm smile. “That other bothersome business will be taken care of soon enough. For now, I do believe we should wait and see about what Alex does next. I, for one, am exhausted and seeking my bed. I think we should all wait until morning.” She patted Vivian’s hand. “Don’t be embarrassed. I expect to see you at breakfast.” Duchess Torrington stood, and after Clara hugged Vivian, they left.
Penelope lay on her stomach and studied Vivian. “He must be the one you’re meant to marry. Alexander Yarnsby brought you away from your inhibitions. How interesting.”
