Page 103 of Dukes for Dessert

Scowling, he brought the wineglass to his lips and drained half of it. When had he ever cared what people said? Yes, that included his own mother. Not that her opinion didn’t matter. But in this instance, perhaps more than any other, the only one that mattered was his. And Juno’s.

He watched, patiently despite the roil of emotions and sensations inside him, as she conversed with Lady Gilpin.

“Did you enjoy the promenade to the village today, Duke?”

Dare dragged himself to the present and glanced toward the new arrival. Lady Cosford with one of her overly sweet smiles.

“Yes.” He didn’t bother keeping the growl from his answer.

She frowned briefly. “I beg your pardon for my frankness, but has something happened? You were so pleasant at dinner. I thought perhaps you’d finally settled in and decided house parties aren’t so loathsome after all.”

They weren’t, but that was entirely due to Juno. That he couldn’t be with her right now, that he had to allow her to talk with her new employer, drove him mad. This was a new experience. He typically did what he pleased. He’d never before had to consider someone else and whether his behavior would affect them.

He was a rather selfish prick.

“I can’t help but notice your attention toward Mrs. Langton,” Lady Cosford said quietly, leaning toward him. “I’m sorry you didn’t match with Lady Marina, but perhaps all is not lost.”

Slowly, he tilted his head toward hers. “What are you saying?” Did she know something he didn’t?

“It seems to me that both you and Mrs. Langton enjoy each other’s company. I would hate for the party to end without either of you determining how much.”

Her vagueness was also going to drive him mad. “If you have something specific to say, I wish you would do so, Lady Cosford. I am not a man who appreciates innuendo or subtlety.”

She stifled a laugh. “Just so. Juno likes you. She’s attracted to you. She’s also concerned about jeopardizing her employment with Lady Gilpin. So you must be discreet.”

“Has Juno indicated she wants…” He didn’t know how to finish that. Had she told Lady Cosford about what had happened in the coach? He couldn’t see her doing that even if the two had become friends, and it seemed they had.

“She’s indicated nothing specific. I’m only trying to be a good friend. You know where her room is located?”

“Yes.” He swallowed, his body already roaring into full arousal.

“Then you’ll know it’s precariously close to Lady Gilpin’s. You’ll need to find another way inside.”

“Are you certain she wants me to come?”

“No, but if she doesn’t, she won’t be shy about asking you to leave. And you will.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You will, won’t you?”

“Of course. I’m not a scoundrel.” Excitement thrummed within him. “Are you going to tell me how to gain access?”

“I am, but so help me, if you treat her poorly, there will be nowhere you can hide.” She gave him a blistering glower.

“I may be disagreeable, but I am honorable and trustworthy. You have my word that no harm will come to Mrs. Langton. Indeed, I would put myself in the way of that ever happening. With my dying breath.” The ferocity of his pledge surprised him. He meant every word.

Admiration sparked in her gaze. “Excellent. I believed you to be just that type of gentleman. Now, listen to me carefully.”

She explained in exacting detail how he could access the servants’ stairs and find his way to the dressing chamber that adjoined Juno’s room. The idea of seeing Juno filled him with a thrilling anticipation.

What if she didn’t want him to come?

Then he’d leave. Utterly dejected. But he had to try. Anything else would mean regret, and he’d already decided he wouldn’t suffer that. Not with Juno. Not with the only woman who’d ever made him feel like a whole person.

He could hardly wait.

11

By the time Juno had finished speaking with Lady Gilpin, Dare had left the drawing room. Disappointment had dimmed her mood and stayed with her, even now, two hours later.

After speaking with Lady Gilpin, Juno had decided to leave for Bath tomorrow. The house party lasted three more days, but Juno wanted to get home and prepare for her new position.