Page 17

"This will not take long," he gave his assurance, "Miss Proctor, everything we discuss here will be in confidence, can I trust you?"

"Yes."

"Good, because I would hate to have to come after you."

Her jaw dropped to the ground.

"I am under a bit of pressure to get a duchess and secure the line," he began, "but as of the moment, I have no interest in that. Which is why I have decided to come to you with a business agreement. You need a husband and I need a duchess. You will have no obligation to me except your duties as a hostess. You will have as much freedom as you wish, a sizeable stipend and as my duchess, you can do anything you want with the protection of my name."

She blinked at him, "y-you want me to marry you?" she screeched.

He leapt forward, slapped his hand over her mouth and then hissed at her, "not so loud."

If she had thought they were close during the dance, now they were pressed together indecently. Anyone who walked in on this scene would surely get the wrong message. Her reputation...

Ah, well, the Duke was offering her marriage after all.

His dark eyes caught hers for a second and he pulled his hand away, but didn't step back. She watched his gaze settle on her mouth.

Something was wrong with her, because she could not for the life of her move away. She was rooted to the ground by a strangeforce. Or maybe it was the intensity of his gaze as she swiped her tongue over her lips and they chased the movement.

"Y-Your Grace," she stammered breathlessly.

It snapped him out of whatever had come over him and he stepped back. The distance managed to bring her back to earth and she pressed a hand to her racing heart, feeling lightheaded and confused.

"That is my offer," his voice came out raspy and he cleared his throat, "it's the best offer you can ever get and you know it."

The arrogance of him!

"How dare-"

"Think about it, Miss Proctor," he cut in, "I will be expecting your reply before the week runs out. Excuse me."

Before she could even tell him that he didn't need to wait because her mind was made up, he was walking away.

She stared after his broad back until his dark coat blended into the night. Lord, but she had never met anyone as impudent as the man.

With an annoyed huff, she turned and stomped off in the opposite direction.

CHAPTER 6

Lavinia was curled up in the chaise lounge in the sitting room, a book open on her lap when there was a knock on the door.

She raised her head from her book to see one of the maids at the door.

"Miss, his lordship wants to speak to you," she said. "He's waiting for you in the office."

"Oh? What about?" she asked even as she got to her feet and tucked the book under her arm.

The girl shrugged and continued on her way.

Her forehead wrinkled, the brown haired girl headed to her uncle's office at the other end of the house. She knocked lightly before cracking the door open and walking in.

She had only been in the space a handful of times. It was a bright and airy space with books bursting out of every end as it doubled as a library annex since the main one was far too small.

"Uncle, you called for me."

"Yes," the Earl of Hartfield responded with a nod, "Please, come in and take a seat."