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“Like this?” she asked, locking eyes with his.

Her lips were slightly parted, a row of pearly whites gleaming through them. She was smiling. A siren if he had ever seen one.

“Yes, exactly like that,” he grinned. “Now, to hit the ball, swing the mallet smoothly, like this.” He demonstrated the motion then placed his hands over hers again to guide her through the swing. As they moved together, their bodies brushed slightly against each other. He realized he had never wanted a woman so badly, so desperately.

He tried to remind himself that it was probably because she refused to succumb to his charms as quickly and easily as the other ladies did. She made him work harder for her attention, something he was not used to. That had to be it.

“Try aiming for the wicket,” he said, pointing to the small hoop ahead of them. “It is all about precision and control.” He stood behind her, his chest almost touching her back, and helped her aim. The proximity made it difficult to focus solely on the game, but he was determined to teach her well.

Ciara took a deep breath and swung the mallet. The ball rolled forward, not quite reaching the wicket, but her face lit up with determination. “You’re getting the hang of it,” Jonathan encouraged, smiling at her progress.

Each touch, each moment of contact, seemed to build a subtle connection between them. When Ciara finally managed to send the ball through the wicket, her triumphant smile made Jonathan’s heart swell with pride. “Well done!” he exclaimed, unable to hide his admiration.

As the three of them continued to play Pall Mall, Jonathan couldn’t help but steal a glance in Ciara’s direction, admiring the way her body swayed to the motion of her hands. His gaze lingered on her a bit too long, taking in the curve of her waist, the way her dress clung to her breasts as she leaned into her swing, and the soft flush of her cheeks. He wanted to have his hands on her waist, his lips on her breasts. He wanted to be the reason for that gentle flush of her cheeks. He wanted her more desperately than he was ever willing to admit, and it was driving him insane.

“Jonathan, are you paying attention?” Rebecca’s voice broke through his reverie, bringing him back to the present moment. “It seems you have a bit of drool dribbling down the side of your mouth.”

He blinked at her and instinctively brought his hand to his mouth.

“Rebecca,” he growled under his breath, and his cousin raised her eyebrows at him.

“All I’m saying is that it looks like you’re quite taken by her,” she said.

“Don’t be absurd,” he replied, waving his hand at her dismissively, tearing his eyes away from Ciara, and forcing a smile. “I was merely focusing on whether she was following my instructions, and I can see that she was. That is all.”

“If you say so,” Rebecca replied with a mysterious smirk he didn’t want to dive into.

Instead, he stepped forward to take his turn, but his thoughts remained on his wife, her presence stirring a deep desire within him.

As the game drew to a close, Rebecca, ever the socialite, brought up the upcoming dinner party. “I hope you’re both ready for the Weatherly’s dinner party this weekend. It should be quite the event.”

Ciara’s expression shifted, a flicker of anxiety crossing her features. “Do you know who will be there?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope. “I was wondering if my uncle or Adeline might be attending.”

Jonathan shook his head gently. “I’m afraid our hosts have invited mostly other married couples. It’s unlikely your uncle or Adeline will be there.”

Jonathan could see Ciara’s face turning pale as she took a small step back, her hands clasping nervously in front of her. He could conclude that the thought of facing a social event without the comfort of her uncle filled her with unease. However, before he could say anything, Rebecca spoke.

“You’ll be wonderful, Duchess,” she assured. “You are a lovely lady, and everyone will be as charmed by you as I am.”

Ciara smiled back, blushing gently. “Your words are beyond kind, Lady Kirdale. And please, Ciara is more than fine.”

“Ciara,” Rebecca repeated cheerfully. “Also, Lady Kirdale is for those who are not family. You are family. Rebecca will do.”

“Thank you, Rebecca,” Ciara acknowledged with a smile. “It’s just that navigating these gatherings is still difficult.”

Jonathan stepped closer, feeling a need to speak. “You will be fine, Ciara. Rebecca and I will be there. You aren’t alone.”

His words, coupled with the warmth in his eyes, seemed to ease some of her anxiety. She nodded, taking a deep breath. “All right. I will do my best.”

Rebecca clapped her hands together, her usual vivacity returning. “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s head inside and have some tea. All this playing in the sun has me thirsty and hungry.”

Jonathan and Ciara chuckled as all three of them headed back to the house.

He couldn’t explain what had happened, but he also couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun without it being in the bedchamber.

CHAPTER 17

The grand hall of Lord and Lady Weatherly’s manor house was resplendent with glittering chandeliers and opulent décor. As Ciara and Jonathan stepped inside, she tightened her grip on his arm, feeling the weight of the evening pressing down on her. She forced a polite smile as Jonathan led her to the hosts.