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He tilted his head from side to side, contemplating his options. “Let me think on a proper repayment, but I can guarantee it would be worth it for both parties.”

The devilwinked.

The music ended, and the couples began to disperse, leaving the two of them standing, staring at each other.

“You are not serious.”

“Oh, but I am.” He stepped aside to let a couple pass. “Think on it, kitten. Send word if you decide to take me up on my offer.”

He turned to step off the dance floor, but she reached out to grab his arm, forgetting all about decorum.

“Wait. I don’t even know who you are. How will I send word of my decision?”

Was she truly considering this?

The man turned back to her. “Did I not introduce myself, Miss Bennett?” She froze when he said her name. “Please forgive my lack of manners. My name is David Elkins, the Duke of Marlow.”

With an exaggerated bow, he winked at Jenny and left her standing on the dance floor, her mouth agape.

Did he just say he was the Duke of Marlow? The one everyone is talking about? The scoundrel and the rake who preys on young maidens? The voices and music around her became muffled before she heard a ringing in her ears.

Not only was she alone with one of the most notorious rakes of the ton, but the scoundrel of a duke offered to tutor her on how to find a husband. He said he didn’t think she was one ofthoseladies, but what if he was actually insinuating the opposite?

Jenny’s head began to swim. She needed air. She needed to leave. She needed to have her head examined because, in the end, she was contemplating taking him up on his offer.

CHAPTER 4

Jenny stared out the window from her place at the breakfast table. It’d been three days since the ball, and she could not stop thinking about the Duke’s proposal. If she was honest with herself, she couldn’t stop thinking about the way his body felt close to her while they danced. Her cheeks flushed at the memory.

But he wasn’t just any duke—he wastheinfamous Duke of Marlow, known for his rakish ways and irresistible charm.

Jenny let out a laugh.

Irresistible charm? They must not have had an honest conversation with the man if that’s what they think.

“Jenny?”

“And who istheyanyway?”

Frances stopped bouncing the cooing baby in her arms and just looked at her. “What?”

Jenny propped her head on her hands. “I’m sorry, Jenny, I’m a bit out of sorts this morning. What were you saying?”

Frances returned to the child in her arms. “I was just asking if you have anything planned for today. I was thinking of taking Simon out for a walk before the rain starts falling. Would you like to join us?”

Jenny took in the mother and child opposite her. What she wouldn’t give to be in her shoes. The Duke’s proposal pushed its way to the forefront of her mind.

There’s someone who said he could help you get your wish.

She scrunched up her nose at the thought. Maybe she should go on a walk with Frances and the baby? She obviously needed a change of scenery—sulking around the house was doing her no favors.

“I suppose s?—”

“Excuse me, Your Grace.” Helen, the head housekeeper, interrupted their breakfast. “There seems to be a problem with the renovations in the library.”

Frances groaned. “Let me guess, His Grace has changed the plansagainand is being difficult.”

Helen dropped her eyes and smiled at the accuracy of Frances’s guess. Neither woman envied anyone who tried correcting the Duke of Pilton.