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“What are you doing here, Duchess?”

Georgiana’s wide eyes stared up at him as though he was a specter. “I am walking.”

He stuttered with surprised laughter, having expected her to look caught out. Her matter-of-fact words brought him up short, as though it was reasonable to be out strolling unaccompanied in the drizzle.

“In the rain?” he asked. “But why, may I ask?”

“Why areyouriding in the rain?” she asked in return.

He gaped at her, lost for words. “I…needed to think,” he said slowly.

She nodded. “I did too.”

“About?” he asked directly, sensing an opening, wondering if this was the opportunity he had been searching for.

“I do not believe that is any of your business,” she shot back.

He blinked at her in surprise, once again caught wrong-footed. He noticed that it was becoming a habit.

“Well…” he said at last, shaking his head.

They regarded each other expectantly.

Finally, Robert indicated to his horse. “Would you like a ride home?”

Her eyes drifted down to the horse, and then up to him.

Slowly, she shook her head. “I am all right. I shall walk back on my own.”

He hesitated for a moment, torn between continuing his ride and making sure Georgiana was safe.

Finally, with a sigh, he got off the horse. “I shall walk with you.”

“You do not have to.”

“I want to.”

“But I did not ask you to do so. I have not invited you to walk with me. Go on, ride away. No need to feel obligated.”

Georgiana stood in front of him, arms folded, looking resolute.

He did not want to force his presence upon her but also did not want to miss the opportunity to hash things out between them.

“Are you certain?” he asked.

There was a moment of hesitation on her part, and he pounced on it.

“I can get just as much exercise walking as riding. Come now, Duchess, let us walk together,” he suggested cajolingly.

She gave a loud sigh of acquiescence. “Fine. You may walk with me, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Duchess,” he said, alighting from his horse. “Georgiana, may we discuss what happened last night?”

At last, a sign.

CHAPTER 11

That morning, Georgiana had woken up from a dream that left her wet and wanting, her bosom heaving as though she had been in the midst of a passionate encounter.