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Eleanor was caught in his gaze, and she couldn’t move. Time seemed to stop.

“Eleanor?” Caroline nudged her friend.

“What? Oh, sorry.” She shook her head from the trance she kept falling into when her eyes connect with the Duke’s. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that about Micheal.”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “Why not? It’s the truth,” she said with a wiggle of her eyebrows. Both girls giggled at the silliness of it all.

“Why don’t you go say something to him? You know, I always thought he liked you.”

Eleanor laughed. “Hardly. He was always so horrid to me, pulling my hair, taking my books. He was not a kind child.”

“Oh, Eleanor,” Caroline teased, “haven’t you ever heard the old wives’ tale that if a boy likes you, he shows it by picking on you?”

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “Sounds made up to me.”

Caroline carelessly shrugged. “True or false, I say you go over there and catch up with an old friend.”

Without realizing it, Eleanor found herself looking back to where the Duke was standing. He was still in conversation with the man, but once again, his eyes were focused on her.

Well, if he wanted to keep a watch on her, then she’d give him a show.

With a confident smile, she sauntered over to where Michael stood, pouring himself a glass of punch. She made sure to put an extra sway in her walk, not too much, mind you, but just enough.

“Good evening, Michael, it’s good to see you.” Eleanor made sure her voice was soft and demure. She kept her eyes trained on his until he looked at her at which time she let them fall. She didn’t want to seem too forward.

“Lady Eleanor? Is that you?”

Eleanor smiled and nodded. “It is. I hear you’re back from Oxford. Are you just visiting or…”

“Just visiting. I’ll be returning for my next term in a few weeks.” Micheal smiled proudly.

Now that she was closer, she could still see the young boy who used to torment her.

Michael shuffled his weight. “I heard of your father’s passing. My condolences. He was a good man.”

Eleanor dipped her head. “Thank you. It has been quite the adjustment.”

Michael nodded. “I heard that a distant relation has taken over the title.”

Eleanor blew out a breath. “Yes. That, too, has been interesting.”

Michael’s eyes glazed over as he leaned over to whisper in her ear. “I hear it’s Derek Fletcher. We actually learned about some of his business deals in our studies. Is he here?”

The prospect of reconnecting with an old friend evaporated before it even really took root. Even if he were to act interested in her, it was the Duke he would have his sights set on. He would most likely use her as a way to get to him and get a leg up on his future plans post Oxford.

“He is. He’s right over there.” She turned to nod in the direction when, once again, her eyes collided with his. Of course, he was still watching her. Only now, the other man was no longer there. He must’ve realized the Duke was too busy staring inappropriately at his ward to pay attention to him.

Eleanor shook her head.

Well, he might not be a prospect, but while she had Micheal’s attention, she might as well as use him.

Eleanor leaned into Michael. “Would you like me to introduce you?”

Michael’s eyes lit with excitement. “Would you mind?”

Their faces were closer than what would be considered appropriate, but all she needed was to stay there for a breath. Once the moment was noted by the pompous arse across the room, she straightened and feigned a blush.

“I wouldn’t mind at all. His Grace loves talking business. I’m sure he would love to hear all about your studies at Oxford.”