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“Duke,” Frannie said, casting a knowing look at Jenny, who was now standing to the side, fidgeting. “How nice it is to see you tonight. Although, with how crowded it is, I dare say most ofthetonis in attendance tonight.”

David’s eyes never left Jenny’s. “Yes, it appears to be that way.”

Jenny’s body flushed under his stare. She found herself staring at the top button of his shirt. She couldn’t bring herself to hold eye contact. Standing this close to him after what transpired athis house a few nights ago was causing her brain cells to misfire. She felt like she had the memory displayed on her forehead for the world to see whenever she looked at him.

“Is your husband here, Duchess?” David finally tore his eyes away from her to acknowledge Frances.

“I’m afraid not. He is away on business, so my darling sister has agreed to accompany me for a night out on the town.”

David’s eyes flicked back to Jenny, once again causing her heart to race.

Damn this man and the effect he has on me.

Her emotions were a chaotic whirlwind while he stood there, seemingly unaffected.

Does nothing rankle this man?

She took a few deep breaths and focused on what she and David went over during their last lesson. Men like subtle confidence and eye contact. Straightening her back and squaring her shoulders, she lifted her eyes to his.

“How thoughtful of her.” His voice was soft and smooth.

Jenny offered a coy smile.

“Would you ladies care to join me this evening? I have a center box, and it would be my honor to share it with you both.”

Frances looked at Jenny and shrugged. “That would be lovely. Thank you, Your Grace. Our box is off to the side, and I’ve always wanted to see a performance from one of the center boxes. What do you say, Jenny? Shall we join the Duke?”

“I think that would be a wonderful idea. Thank you, Your Grace, for the kind offer.” Jenny nodded her head in thanks.

“Splendid. Please, follow me.”

David walked them up the stairs to their left and down the hallway to a center box. All the while, Frannie kept glancing at Jenny.

“What?” Jenny mouthed behind David’s back.

Frannie, afraid of being overheard, tilted her head towards the Duke and back to Jenny, raising her eyebrows, insinuating that something was going on between them.

Jenny scrunched up her nose. “No.”

But as usual, her face betrayed her.

Frannie didn’t miss her blush. Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to say something, but Jenny nudged her, pleading for silence.

Frannie eyed the Duke, who was now standing in the doorway, holding the curtains open for the women to walk through.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Frannie said with a sideways glance at Jenny, who just rolled her eyes.

David gestured to the front row. “Please, sit here, it offers the best view in the house.”

Frannie waved him off. “No, thank you, Duke. I like to be higher up. Why don’t you and Jenny sit in the front row, and I’ll sit right behind you.”

Jenny cringed inwardly.

Very subtle, Frannie.

She knew she would have a lot of explaining to do on the carriage ride home tonight. There is no way that Frannie was going to let this drop.

“Very well, if you insist. Miss Bennett? Care to join me in the front row?”