Page 33 of His Stolen Duchess

“Of course,” she said. “I know that. But I also recall you telling me we should be content together. Friendly. At least for the time being.”

“I did.”

“I suppose I misunderstood what that would look like.”

Lysander braced his elbows on the desk and interlocked his fingers. “Duchess?—”

“No, let me finish. I’m not asking you to be someone you’re not, Your Grace, and I’m not expecting roses and poems.”She hesitated, then added with a sardonic smile, “Although I wouldn’t object to a simple conversation now and again.”

“You’re having one now.”

“Am I? Because it feels more like being dismissed.”

He stood, pushing the chair back with a quiet scrape, and walked around the desk until he was facing her. “What do you want me to say?”

“That you didn’t kiss me out of pity.”

He paused. “I didn’t.”

Her expression didn’t change, but something in her posture eased ever so slightly.

“I don’t regret it,” he added quietly. “But I do think it was unwise.”

“Because it complicates things?”

“Yes.”

“Because you think I’ll expect more.”

He said nothing.

She nodded slowly. “And do you think I will?”

“I think… it would be easier for us both if we avoided anything further.”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

He ran a hand through his hair, a rare lapse. “It is the closest I can offer.”

Georgina’s voice gentled. “I know this wasn’t what either of us wanted. But we’re here now. And whether we intended it or not, something did happen between us. I don’t think ignoring it will make the situation disappear.”

“I’m not ignoring it. I’m… managing it.”

A charged and uneasy silence fell between them.

“I didn’t come here expecting anything from you,” she said after a moment. “Not another kiss. Not a declaration. Just… honesty. And perhaps some clarity about where we stand.”

Lysander considered her question for a long moment.

“I won’t make promises I can’t keep,” he said. “And I won’t pretend this is something it’s not. But you’re right. We married to quell a scandal. We agreed to present a united front. I’ve failed at that.”

She didn’t speak, letting him finish.

“I will do better. I’ll ensure we’re seen together. We’ll resume swimming lessons. If you’re still willing.”

“I am.”

“But,” he added, “those lessons will be just that. Lessons. No more… lapses in judgment.”