Page 59 of Corrupting his Duchess

The murmur of conversation faded behind her as the doors clicked softly shut. She was alone.

She leaned her hands on the balustrade and closed her eyes.

Her pulse had steadied, but not her thoughts. She still felt the heat of Henry’s words at her ear, “If you find yourself restless before retiring...”

She wasn’t sure what she felt. Desire? Excitement? Or…want? The weight of being wanted in a way that had nothing to do with duty or fortune?

“Anna.”

Her eyes opened slowly. She turned.

Isaac stood just behind her. He gave her a slow once-over, the kind that made her skin crawl.

“There you are. I was beginning to think the Duke had spirited you away entirely.”

She met his gaze coolly. “You sound disappointed.”

He gave a thin smile. “Not at all. Encouraged, actually.”

She said nothing.

He leaned one shoulder against the wall, as though this was a casual conversation. “You’ve made an impression. You’re not naïve. You’ve caught his attention. A rather strong one. The Duke is interested. Everyone can see it. Even Lord Vaun. I daresay half the room saw it. And with a little effort, it might amount to something beneficial.”

Anna’s posture tightened. “That’s hardly your concern.”

He ignored her. “It’s a good thing. The best, actually. Do you have any idea what that kind of match could do for us?”

She stared at him. “Us?”

He chuckled. “Why, for all of us. Stenton. The family, you especially. But your mother and Heather too. You’ve always said you care about them.”

Her breath caught, offended by the sheer audacity of it.

She folded her arms. “Don’t pretend this is about my mother. Or my sister.”

“Fine,” he said, voice lower. “It’s about the estate. About appearances. About what happens when a family like ours fades from the papers and the parlors. Lord Vaun is still interested, of course, but the Duke... well, he outranks us all.”

“You want me to... pursue him?” she asked, voice low but sharp.

Isaac smiled like a man offering sage counsel. “Not pursue. Position yourself. He’s already looking. You’d be a fool not to encourage it.”

“I’m not for sale, Isaac.”

“You’re not being sold,” he replied smoothly. “You’re investing. And quite frankly, this is the best opportunity you’ll ever get.”

She stepped back, shaken, not from surprise, but from the revulsion twisting in her stomach.

“You’re serious.”

“Your father never saw potential. I do. You always wanted to help the estate,” he said calmly. “Here’s your chance.”

“And if I say no?”

He shrugged carelessly. “You won’t. You’re not selfish.”

She stared at him, willing herself to stay composed. “Is that what this is now? Strategy?”

He leaned in slightly. “If he takes you seriously, and there’s a chance he might, you could change everything. His backing would settle the debts. Secure Stenton. And…”