Page 99 of Project Duchess

Grey held up his hands. “Don’t blame me for that. Blame Mother.”

“And Lady Gwyn,” Joshua said with a scowl.

Beatrice bit her tongue to keep from pointing out that he’d had quite the hungry look on his face while he’d been watching Gwyn dance earlier. He would just deny it.

Joshua tugged at his cravat, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “I also wanted you to know that I appreciate what you did by buying the dower house from Sheridan. At least I don’t have to worry you’ll turn me out anytime soon.”

“He’s not going to turn you out at all,” Beatrice put in. “Not unless he wants me plaguing him for it.”

“And I don’t, trust me,” Grey drawled.

“Well,” Joshua said, “it may take me a while, but I’ll pay you back. Somehow.”

“You don’t have to pay me back,” Grey said. “You’re my brother now. In fact, if you’d like a better position at one of my estates, I’m sure we could find one that would suit a man of your many talents.”

Beatrice could have kissed him for that, but Joshua drew himself up proudly. “I don’t need charity, Your Grace. I’m content in my position here.”

“But Joshua—” Beatrice began.

Grey squeezed her hand to quiet her. “I understand, sir. If you change your mind, let me know.” As her brother nodded, then limped off, headed for the door, Grey murmured, “Leave him with his pride. He thinks it’s all he has.”

“I still say he should take you up on your offer.”

Grey smirked at her. “Ah, but then he’d have to move away from Gwyn.”

That lightened her mood. “True. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Oh, and look over there.” He nodded across the room. “Sheridan seems fit to be tied. Thorn just asked Vanessa to dance, and she accepted.”

Beatrice eyed him askance. “It’s not as if she could turn him down. Remember? That was one of my lessons—no refusing the dukes when they wish to dance with you at balls. As I recall, you drummed that lesson in very well.”

“How else was I to ensure you never refused me when I asked you to dance?”

She tapped her fan against her chin. “That was quite devious of you. I ought to give you a severe tongue-lashing for it.”

He cast her quite the lascivious look. “I tell you what. You give me a tongue-lashing, and I’ll giveyouone.” He dropped his gaze meaningfully to a particular part of her body, which instantly reacted to his offer. Then his voice turned husky. “What do you think ofthat, Duchess?”

She leaned up to kiss his cheek, then whispered, “I think we have finally figured out the appropriate time for the bride and groom to leave their wedding breakfast.”

His eyes shone with both love and desire, sweetly intertwined. “And when is that?”

“Now, my love.Now.”

Then as slyly as a pair of children sneaking off to the fair, they slipped out the door.