Page 12

“H o there. Is that you, Peregrine?”

Analise snuggled closer to the warmth beside her. What was wrong with her mattress? It felt as if she were laying on a block of wood. And her bed was rocking.

Like a rowboat.

She sat straight up, blinking at the early morning sunlight. And her naked breasts. And the sound of the Duke of Ware.

Oh no. No. No. No.

Finley was wrapped around her, but at least he still had his trousers on. They’d fallen asleep. In the middle of the bloody lake.

Analise grabbed her shirt to her chest. “Tenburgh,” she hissed, nudging him. “Finley.”

He made a sound before his eyes opened. “Good morning, my little entomologist.” His hand stretched over her thigh, squeezing.

She pushed his hand away. “Don’t raise your head. Don’t—”

“Peregrine?” The booming, amused sound of the Duke of Ware traveled to her from the edge of the lake. “Looking for this?”

Grabbing her shirt, she clutched it to her chest and dared a glance at the shore. Ware stood with a bemused look on his features, her chemise fluttering from his hand like a flag.

“Oh God,” she whispered. The sun was high overhead. Close to noon by her estimation. Ware hadn’t been expected to return to Orchard Park until tomorrow.

Oh, it is tomorrow.

And she was somewhat naked lying next to the Marquess of Tenburgh.

“Peregrine.” The duke held her chemise higher.

“Your Grace,” she yelled in his direction, putting a hand on Finley’s chest to keep him from sitting up. “Stay down,” she hissed.

“Ah, there you are.” Ware waved at her. “We returned this morning. I expected to find you looking for specimens. But came across this,” he held her chemise aloft, “instead.”

Finley ignored Analise’s instruction to stay put. He popped up and had the audacity to wave at Ware. “Good morning, Your Grace. Looking for insecta ?”

“Not at present, Tenburgh.” The duke shouted back. “I see you’ve made the acquaintance of Peregrine.”

“Does he always address you as such?” Finley murmured, looking at her.

“Yes. As he does the other entomologists who are male. I don’t wish to be treated any differently. But that is hardly the issue at hand, my lord.” Analise squeaked. “He has my chemise. He will assume you have ruined me. At the very least we’ve—”

“Well I absolutely did.” Finley winked at her. “You enjoyed every moment.”

Ware paced back and forth, watching as the boat came closer to shore, Analise’s chemise dangling from his hand. “Will you be joining us for refreshments, Tenburgh? The duchess mentioned to me she wishes to discuss a stallion with you.”

“I am not presently in possession of a shirt, Your Grace. Or boots.”

“I’ll send someone to Ten Oaks.” Ware placed Analise’s chemise carefully on the ground. “Try to make yourself presentable, Peregrine.” A snort left him, as if he couldn’t contain his amusement a moment longer. “I expect you to be honorable, Tenburgh. There will be consequences if you aren’t.”

Finley grinned at Analise. “Consequences. Ware will smite me.”

“Stop smiling. I’m horrified.”

“You aren’t.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “It’s for the best, Analise. I wasn’t looking forward to a lengthy courtship.” His eyes on her were solemn, the depths glittering with tiny bits of gold. “Unless you truly do not want this, or me.”

Analise cupped his cheek. He would let her go. And her existence would be poorer without him in it. She was half in love with him already.

“I won’t give up my work. I will not negotiate on that point.”

“I don’t want you to. Pin beetles to every wall in my house if it pleases you. Chase moths about the woods with Ware. I will learn to enjoy beetles. But I draw the line at gnats.”

“Agreed.” Analise thought her heart might burst.

Finley kissed the end of her nose. “I intend to be honorable, Your Grace,” he said loudly. “I’ll do the right thing. Drag me before a vicar.”

“Splendid,” Ware turned to stride back up the hill. “Wonderful news. I enjoy a good wedding. I’ll inform the duchess.”

The End