Page 31 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

Simon chortled. “That sounds like ayesto me.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “And here I was, thinkingmyhusband was the dramatic one.”

“He is,” Dominic said flatly.

She smirked. “True. But I married him for his other qualities. Verydeep, man. Occasionally useful. Always enthusiastic.”

“Enthusiasm is underrated,” Simon said, lifting a finger sagely.

“You know,” Olivia continued, “you could dance with all three and enjoy yourself. Just don’t dance with the same one twice, or she’ll start dreaming about the wedding announcements.”

“Why does everyone assume I’m trying to wed someone?” Dominic muttered.

“Because you’ve got that brooding look,” Simon said, tilting his head dramatically. “It screamstragic backstory. Women find it quite motivating.”

Dominic scowled. “I wasn’t aware I had a look.”

“You do,” Olivia said. “It’s very Byronic. You should consider blinking more.”

“Thanks for the advice,” Dominic said, dry as bone. “You do know you’re married to an idiot?”

Olivia tutted. “Now, now. That’s no way to talk about your friend.”

“Precisely!” Simon said, throwing his hands up. “I never get the thanks I deserve.”

“Because you only act noble when no one’s watching,” Olivia said fondly. “Except me, of course.”

Simon grinned at her. “That’s because you’re the only one whose opinion I care about.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t quite hide the smile tugging at her mouth.

Dominic watched them for a beat—this odd, strangely well-matched pair—and found himself relaxing more than he had in days. Whatever else they were, Simon and Olivia werereal. Not society masks. Not political allies. Just… friends. Irritating ones, but loyal to the core.

Simon turned back to him, cocking an eyebrow. “So. Are you going to tell us what’s got you glowering like someone spat in your champagne, or are we going to keep pretending you’re merely averse to flirtation?”

Dominic hesitated.

Olivia reached over and patted his arm—gently this time. “You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. But don’t forget, Dominic—we’re your friends. Not just your rescuers.”

“And we’re very good at secrets,” Simon added. “Mostly because no one ever believes we’re serious.”

Dominic let out a quiet breath. “Maybe later.”

“Later it is,” Olivia said, and with an exaggerated little curtsy, added, “Until then, Your Grace, you’re officially under the protection of House Darfield. No ambitious debutante shall pass.”

“Unless they’re particularly pretty,” Simon added.

Olivia elbowed him. “Simon.”

“What? I meant for him. No woman could ever rival your radiant beauty, my darling.”

Olivia arched a brow, clearly amused. “Careful, my lord. Keep saying things like that and we might find an excellent excuse to return to your chambers early.”

Simon leaned in and murmured just loudly enough, “Why wait? There’s a linen cupboard just down the corridor and I do believe it locks from the inside.”

Olivia burst into laughter, scandalized and delighted.

Dominic stopped dead in his tracks. “Good God. I amstandingright here.”