Page 20 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess (Wallflower Season #3)
“And I accused you of that crime. If there were any way I could rectify my mistake, I would.” Kate stopped and gazed up at him. Tears welled in her eyes at how wrong she had been.
He touched her cheek with his hand and said, “It doesn’t matter. We have made our peace.” His eyes darkened and a glint appeared in his eye. “I suppose there is one way you could apologize.”
“Anything. I must make things right between us.”
“A kiss freely offered would be a token of your sincerity.”
Kate’s heart beat faster, and she swallowed.
She glanced down the path, but Sally was busy straightening a ribbon that had come loose from one of the tree trunks.
She leaned into Andrew and lifted her mouth.
In one swift movement, Andrew pulled her close and captured her lips with his.
His hand on the base of her spine pulled her so tightly into his embrace that she could feel the stirring of his passion against her own. A clenching pulse of pleasure grew.
Before she knew it, he had released her. She felt her knees weaken and for a moment, she stumbled. He caught her, and said, “Watch for that loose stone, Miss Avery. I wouldn’t want you to lose your balance.”
Kate looked behind her and saw Sally scurrying quickly toward them. “Sorry, ma’am. A bit of ribbon had come loose. I shall speak to Mr. Scoville and let him know. The gardeners will need to come through and check for any others.”
“Very good, Sally. Thank you. I think His Grace and I will head back inside. Although the sky is bright this morning, those clouds promise rain by early afternoon. I’ll need to arrange for parlor games and perhaps some music,” Kate said. She prayed her voice did not betray her desire for the duke.
Andrew waited until Sally was far enough away to not overhear. “I wish to continue this discussion alone. I think one kiss was not enough.”
“It wasn’t?” Kate’s eyes widened, feigning innocence. “It was freely given, Your Grace.”
“Meet me in your library tonight at midnight. I want to continue this dalliance you have agreed to… alone.” His lips touched her ear as his whisper tickled her cheek.
Kate swallowed and nodded. He moved back away from her to an appropriate distance. Kate immediately missed the feel of his lips near her.
They turned and strolled at a leisurely pace back to the castle.
Andrew did not speak, and Kate feared if she did, she would ask to share his bed which would be too bold even for her.
Despite her want for passion, it would be a disaster for her as she would want to repeat the experience. One night wouldn’t suffice.
Andrew left Kate back in her library. He found himself growing more and more attracted to her, and it was a mistake.
Circumstances had thrown them together, but flames of passion burned bright and fast. Andrew enjoyed her company, and if they consummated their attraction, it would destroy the tenuous friendship they had formed.
No. He would enjoy a few stolen kisses with Kate, but anything else could not happen.
The Dowager Duchess emerged from her room with her maid close behind her. “Ah, grandson. What has you out and about so early?” She stopped and narrowed her eyes. “Or are you just returning to your own bed?”
Andrew pretended shock. “Grandmother! How could you accuse me of such a thing? I would never…”
She tapped her cane on the floor. “Ha! You would and you have. But you shall not do it here, Andrew.”
He offered his grandmother his arm. “No worries. I was walking with Miss Avery in the gardens to ensure that all was well. It appears that a storm is coming.”
His grandmother opened her mouth, but he laid his other hand reassuringly on hers. “We were chaperoned by her maid the entire time. Nothing inappropriate or remotely scandalous to fear. I would never dishonor Miss Avery. She is too fine of a woman.” Except for a kiss freely offered.
“Excellent. It would never do to upset the Dowager Viscountess. Rose can be quite the stickler for propriety.”
“Unlike yourself.” Andrew tried to keep the amusement from his voice but failed.
“You are an impertinent grandson. I was too lenient with you and now, you’ve grown cheeky. I adhere to all the social graces and rules. If I had a granddaughter, I would rule the Season. Unfortunately, I have a grandson who refuses to be wed and give me grandchildren.”
“It is your fault, Grandmother. Your beauty, wit, and wisdom have ruined all other women for me. None could compare to you.” He slowed his steps as he assisted her down the stairs.
It pained him to see his beloved grandmother grow frailer with each passing year, however, she was still as outspoken as ever which warmed his heart.
“Balderdash!” the Dowager Duchess declared.
“Your problem is you want everything to be perfect. People aren’t without fault, Andrew.
Yourself included. A wife might be lovely to look at but weak of mind.
Or have the face of a horse but be a brilliant conversationalist and funny. You must make compromises.”
“Is that what you did?” Andrew asked.
“Of course not. Your grandfather was the finest man who walked the earth. If only he hadn’t lost his hair at such a young age.” She chuckled. “Now, lead me to the dining room. All of this worry over your prospects has made me hungry.”
In the dining room, Andrew found the Dowager Viscountess seated next to Julia. He led his grandmother to a seat next to Mrs. Avery and sat down next to Julia.
“Good morning, Miss Roves. You look as pretty as a morning glory today. My cousin will be happy to see you when he arrives later,” Andrew said.
Julia blushed prettily and ducked her head. “Thank you, Your Grace. Harry has often spoken to me of you. Although I believe we have met in the past, I haven’t had much occasion to speak with you. Now that we will be family, it is time we became better acquainted.”
“I agree. Miss Avery is quite fond of you. She has fretted that the wedding will not be to your liking, but I have assured her that everything is magnificent,” Andrew said.
“Your granddaughter has done exceedingly well, Lady Pembrooke,” the Dowager Duchess said. “You have raised her well. I am surprised that you’ve been unable to find her a proper suitor. Although, you struggled yourself when you and I had our first Season.”
The Dowager Viscountess gave her old rival a toothy smile that would give anyone with a weaker spirit pause.
“My granddaughter has been raised to expect the highest caliber in all things. Not any man will do. Unlike some girls, Kate expects him to do more than look fine in a suit and know the latest dances. She wants a man of intelligence and character.” She paused, then added, “And I acquired my husband during my first Season. How long did it take you to meet the Duke of Devonport? Two? Three years?”
“It was my second Season as you well know.” The Dowager Duchess turned away from the Dowager Viscountess and focused on Julia. “Miss Roves, I am acquainted with your parents, but tell me about your siblings. Have you any brothers and sisters? I find my memory has failed me this morning.”
“I lost my brother to fever when he was very young, and I have no sisters. It is why Miss Avery and I have grown so close through the years. It was as if we were sisters,” Julia said.
“Excellent. It is good to have friends. Of course, enemies make things more entertaining, wouldn’t you say, Lady Pembrooke?” The Dowager Duchess gave her old rival a pointed look.
“Definitely. I enjoy a spirited discussion much more than a desultory one about the weather and the latest gossip,” the Dowager Viscountess agreed.
“Although, gossip can serve a purpose. One must be warned if something is afoot in our social circle. It would never do to be unaware of poor character or habits like gambling that could come to light after the wedding day.”
Julia looked concerned. “Is there something about the Earl of Winfield I should know?”
The Dowager Viscountess laid a reassuring hand on Julia’s arm.
“No, my dear. I was speaking in general terms. No need for you to worry. I’ve heard nothing untoward about the Earl.
” She turned her eyes to Andrew. “I hope you don’t find me too bold, Your Grace, but you seem to avoid attachment as a mouse evades a cat. ”
“Boldness is a fine quality. Your granddaughter displays it frequently,” Andrew said, wryly.
“I feel no need to marry someone who I am not suited to. A man needs a helpmate and a companion. Someone who he trusts implicitly. Not a match made based on appearances and a fleeting attraction. Until I find such a woman, I shall remain unattached.”
The Dowager Viscountess appraised him and after a moment, nodded. “Well said, Your Grace. It’s nice to see a man such as yourself having a depth of character not often seen among many. You remind me a bit of my own husband. May he rest in peace.”
Julia arose from her seat. “This has been an enlightening conversation. So much so that I regret leaving in the midst of it, but I fear I must prepare for the arrival of my groom. If you’ll excuse me.” She nodded to each of them in turn.
“She will make Harry a fine wife,” the Dowager Duchess commented. “At least one of my grandsons will marry while I am alive. After that pretty speech of yours, Andrew, I believe that I will be many years turned to dust before you take a wife.”
“We shall be cemetery neighbors. I fear both my grandchildren will leave me in a similar situation. It is unfortunate that there is nothing we can do to solve the problem,” the Dowager Viscountess said.
“Perhaps there is,” the Dowager Duchess replied, a scheming smile appearing on her face causing Andrew a momentary pang of anxiety.
What is Grandmother planning? He, too, needed to prepare for Harry’s arrival.
“I should check on wedding preparations. If you’ll forgive me, I must leave you both to your breakfast.” With a restrained bow of his head, he hurried out of the dining room before any more could be said of his unwed state.