Page 16 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

She imagined war had played a part in shaping that man.

She pushed aside the plate of tarts she no longer wanted. “I hope to be able to excuse myself from the Season due to your brother’s death.”

“Isn’t that where young ladies find husbands?” His teasing tone did not quite make it. “Or are you interested in being a notorious spinster? A bluestocking to scandalize London?”

Well, then.

Clearly, he had no plans regarding the promises they’d made each other years ago. Not that she bemoaned that fact. She wanted to be left alone. No husband, no demands, no bullying. Yet, her body did not seem to get the message as her stomach still fluttered when she looked into those captivating hazel eyes with flecks of gold. His skin was tanned, and when his eyes raked hungrily over her body, the flutters moved south.

“Perhaps I will become a notorious spinster. At least then my life would belong to me alone.”

If only.

Wishing to move the conversation away from marriage, she asked, “When did you grow a mustache?”

The years of sun had brought out the golden strands in his hair, which was unfashionably long, and the mustache added a certain amount of mystique to his countenance. Parts of her body she was rarely aware of came alive as if she were an orchestra and the conductor waved a baton. Sweet music, indeed.

He grinned. There it was. That boyish smile that made her body play a crescendo. Goodness, the heat in the room had increased.

“I thought it would make me look older. I was quite young when I was commanding my men.” He ran his fingertips over his upper lip. “Do you like it?”

Did she like it? She wanted to sprawl across his lap and see if it was as soft as it looked. Would it tickle when he kissed her?

Will he ever kiss me again?

“Well, well, look who has finally decided to come home and see to his duties. I was beginning to think you were going to neglect them as your brother had.” Her father entered the room, his presence sucking out any pleasure Patience had been enjoying with Alex.

“Tea, Father?”

He shook his head. “I’ll have a brandy.” He moved to the sideboard and poured himself a healthy measure. He held up the bottle and waved it at Alex.

“No, thank you.” Alex stood and bowed briefly to Patience. “If you will excuse me, I have duties requiring my attention.” Giving her father a cursory glance, he turned and left the room.

Patience rose to escape her father. Unfortunately, ’twas not to be.

He walked over to the settee and pointed at the seat. She sat back down and regarded him. He leaned back and took a sip of his brandy, observing her over the top of his glass, his eyes never leaving hers. One of his favorite ways to intimidate. “Have you talked to the duke about our conversation?”

Although she’d known the question was coming, she clenched her fingers together and attempted a confident air. “Honestly, Father, one does not simply offer oneself up for marriage like a prized horse. My betrothed of four years is barely cold in his grave. And, may I point out, the circumstances of his death will cast a pall over me for some time.”

He shrugged. “It is of no importance. No one cares about a man and his mistress. Be aware, I intend to speak with your lover and remind him of his father’s wish to have you marry the duke.”

“Frankly, father, I do not understand this obsession you have with me marrying a Duke of Bedford, no matter who he is.”

He took a gulp of brandy. “It is none of your business, gel.” Then with a quick switch to a smirk, he said, “Let’s just say he owed me.”

Her eyes grew wide. The Duke of Bedford had owed her father something large enough to accept her as a bride for the duke’s beloved heir?

Knowing she would learn nothing further, she focused instead on his continued use of the term your lover. “I don’t think you will find Alex as amenable to your plans as you expect.” She wasn’t even sure if Alex had lingering feelings for her anymore. He was a changed man, and his comment about her attending the Season in London to find a husband had stung. She thought she had loved him at one time, and perhaps she still did. But it was too soon. Too soon after her release from the horror of her betrothal, too soon after Alex’s return from America, and much too soon to think they could take up where they’d left off four years ago.

What she longed for, but was unlikely to get, was a year or two without men telling her what to do.

“Then you will have to find a way to persuade him, won’t you, daughter?”

Once again, she stood and shook out her skirts. “If you will excuse me, I would like a bit of a lie-down before I dress for dinner.” When he didn’t stop her, she took her leave, holding her breath, waiting for him to summon her return.

Chapter Five

Patience arrived for dinner in the drawing room in time to find everyone, including Alex, present. She took a small glass of sherry from a footman and made her way to the settee near the fireplace. Hopefully, the warmth from the flames would help take away the chill that had descended on her after the conversation with her father.