Page 62 of A Treacherous Bet to Win a Duchess

“Correct.”

“You aren’t interested in Lady Ridlington or any of last week’s party guests, you have made that abundantly clear. But are you also saying that you are currently not interested inanyoneat all? Say, anyone who wasnotat last week’s dinner party?”

“Correct.”

Without so much as a glance, Kenneth remarked, “Do you mind keeping your voices down? I’m trying to read.”

* * *

“Come in.”

Meredith stuck her head around the study door.

“Mr. Fletcher told me that Lords Farellshire and Gillinghamshire had left.”

Anthony grinned widely.

“I hope you realize that you wouldn’t be remiss if you referred to them as Kenneth and Colin when it’s just the two of us around.”

They sat next to each other on the couch and Mrs. Oakley came in to bring them tea. Both Herbert and Archimedes were squirming for a spot on Meredith’s lap.

Anthony asked, “And what, pray tell, is wrong with my lap, Herbert? I never realized it was possible to be betrayed by a cat.”

Meredith raised her eyebrows smugly, clearly enjoying the attention from the little creatures.

“There, there, Anthony. He’s probably attempting to make you jealous so that you appreciate him more when no one else is around.”

“Either way, he is a rascal.”

“It is often said that pets take on the demeanor of their owners.”

This quip caused Anthony to snort, which he immediately regretted. It was now the seventh day of the designated ninety days. He realized that he and Meredith were now closer than ever, but perhaps not yet close enough for him to be able to laugh uncontrollably in front of her.

“How was your lesson with Cecilia?”

“Oh, it was perfectly fine. But it gave me an idea for a request I would like to make. Only, of course, if it isn’t an imposition.”

Anthony put his cup back on the saucer.

“No, no, not at all. What is it?”

He almost called her darling, but again, he was unsure. He knew how to court, of course. He had seen many friends and acquaintances experience many triumphs and successes in that area.

But this was something completely different. He was suddenly filled with an ironic appreciation for the societal restrictions that he was rebelling against.

Perhaps mankind came up with all of those ludicrous rules and so-called societal norms so that he would no longer be plagued with these nerve-wracking feelings of uncertainty.

Indeed, under normal circumstances, the rules of courtship would be quite clear-cut and straightforward. But this was new territory for both of them.

She straightened her back.

“You mentioned a membership at a subscription library before. Would it be possible for you to bring Cecilia and I some new history or geography books, alongside books or artifacts from other fields, as well?”

“Of course, Meredith! Is that all? I thought you were about to ask for a new gown or some shoes, perhaps.”

Meredith gasped.

“What? Of course not! In all honesty, I am still reeling from the shock of receiving that beautiful evening gown last week. Please do not feel obligated to shower me with such things. I owe you so much.”