Page 29 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

At least Damion wouldn’t have to watch Cora with Bellamy for the remainder of the night. “Lead the way.”

Chapter 12

Three days later, Cora stood in the drawing room, waiting for Christopher to arrive. She hadn’t seen him since the opera, but he sent a missive late last night that he planned to call on her today. Both Jeremy and her mother had given her space to figure out what she wanted. Cora was grateful for that.

She didn’t need any more time. The moment she saw Damion at the theater firmly confirmed her prior realization that she couldn’t marry Christopher. Even if Damion refused to open his heart, Cora wanted love if she were to marry.

The butler entered and announced, “Lord Bellamy.”

Cora said, “Thank you.”

Christopher joined her as the butler departed. He left the door open, ensuring there was no hint of impropriety.

“Cora, I’m sorry I haven’t called on you in the last few days. I’ve been busy speaking with some of the clubs about my travels. One associate suggested I write a book. Isn’t that a lovely idea?”

Christopher was her friend, but she understood now that he wasn’t her match. They didn’t value or desire each other as they should. “Christopher, you are my dearest friend.”

He frowned at her. “This doesn’t sound good.”

“I don’t want to marry you.”

He walked to her. “I know I became distracted again, but I promise you are the only lady I want to wed.”

“Why?” she asked, wanting to understand his thoughts on what made them a good match.

His brows drew together, confused. “What do you mean?”

She stepped closer to him. “Why do you want to spend the rest of your life with me?”

“Well, we wouldn’t be far from your family. We enjoy the same things, and you would make a good mother.”

Nothing he said was wrong. From another person, it might have been perfect, but she now understood what Damion had tried to make her see. Even though, by society's standards, they fit together perfectly, it wasn’t enough. Now that Cora knew she could have more, there was no going back to her girlhood dreams about marrying Christopher.

“You deserve to be with someone who finds you to be the most interesting person in the room.”

He frowned. “You don’t.”

She shook her head. “And you should feel that way about your future wife too. Do you think I’m the most fascinating person you’ve ever encountered? You dislike my interest in maps.”

“I find it peculiar, but don’t hate it.”

She sat on the sofa and pointed at the empty spot next to her. Christopher joined her. “We should both want more.”

“You have been my friend since I could walk.”

She squeezed his hand. “I hope I always will be, but I can’t marry you. It wouldn’t be fair to me or you.”

“Is there someone else? Did someone compromise you at the party—”

Cora said, “It doesn’t matter. I just now want more.”

“I will call them out.”

“You will do no such thing because I haven’t admitted there is another person. None of that matters.”

He clenched his jaw, clearly unhappy with her answer. “We may not be right for each other, but I still care about you. If a man hurt you, I will fix it.”

“Stop,” she said, squeezing his hand and releasing it.