Page 85 of The Duke's Vice

She slipped her hand through his offered arm and allowed him to escort her outside to his garden.

It wasn’t as big as Sarah’s or as luscious as her mother’s but it was a quaint patch of land that gave the air of tranquility in the middle of a bustling city.

“I hope you don’t find me too forward but is there anything I can do, other than getting you outside in fresh air, that may help boost your spirits?”

Beatrice furrowed her brows. “I really am sorry I am not fit for socializing lately. You have been most kind and patient with me. My mother was ready to disown me if I didn’t accept your invitation.”

Amos chuckled. “We’ve already established how well motivated your mother is. If I was a betting man I would put my money on her.”

Beatrice laughed. “I wouldn’t blame you.”

They walked in compatible silence for a few steps.

“Amos,” Beatrice voice was hesitant. “May I ask you something? It may be too personal, but I’m curious.”

Amos lifted a shoulder. “For you, I am an open book. Ask away.”

Beatrice took a breath as she looked over the hydrangea bushes that lined this part walkway. “Have you ever been in love?”

Amos was quiet for a moment. Beatrice was afraid to look at him for fear of offending him. She opened her mouth to dismiss her question when Amos sighed.

“I have been.” He said then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I don’t recommend it.”

Beatrice laughed at his comment, relief flooding through her. “Why not?”

Amos considered her words. “Love is everything that is good and everything that is bad. When it’s good it’s the best feeling in the world, nothing can top it. It energizes you, fuels you, gives you a purpose to wake up.”

His eyes met hers before dropping to the ground in front of them. “And when it’s bad, it feels as if the ground has been ripped out from underneath you. Everything hurts. The sun hurts your eyes, your clothes feel funny, air coming into your lunges can even feel like razor blades.”

Beatrice scrunched her nose. “Are you sure you just didn’t get a bad head cold?” She laughed, hoping to ease any pain she just caused.

Amos laugh held no mirth. He lifted his eyes to focus on a distant spot on the horizon only he could see. “I would take a bad cold over love any day. I have survived many colds, I don’t think I could survive another love.”

Beatrice’s heart broke for her friend. While she was glad that there was no pressure to be anything more with him, she hated to see such heavy sorrow within his eyes.

“Now, may I ask you a question?”

Beatrice huffed a sigh. “I suppose, an eye for an eye and all that.” A corner of her lip quirked up into a small smile.

Beatrice held her breath hoping it wouldn’t be a follow up to her question. What if he asked if she had ever been in love? What if he asks with whom?

“If I propose, would you accept?”

Beatrice pushed out the breath she was holding. “That was not what I thought you were going to ask.”

Amos chuckled as his eyes washed over her. “I don’t feel you’re ready to admit what you’re feeling.”

Beatrice’s brows furrowed. “How do you mean?”

Amos shrugged. “It’s just I’ve been where you are. You’re hurting and you don’t know why. But I do.”

Beatrice chewed on her bottom lip. “Care to enlighten me? Perhaps I can move past whatever it is that I’m feeling.”

Amos smiled lightly. “If only it were that easy. I fear I cannot be the gold that glues you back together. But I can help you pick up the pieces. When you’re ready I think you’ll be able to bond yourself back better than ever.”

She rose an eyebrow. “Do you always speak so cryptically? I may have to reconsider my answer.”

Amos’s eyes widened in glee. “Ah. So you have thought of what your answer would be if I were to ask.”