Page 18 of To Ensnare a Duke

Each step is heavy, wooden, as we make our way back home. I'm not quite sure what will await me in my brother's study, but it cannot be pleasant. The only times I've been in there were for the occasional punishment or bad news. But since Portswell is not my brother, father, or other family member, he cannot presume to do anything more than a stern discussion. Right?

It doesn't ease the apprehension dripping down my spine as we grow closer. Next to me, Lydia shivers, the fear palpable in the air. I resist the urge to roll my eyes as she fiddles with her fingers in front of her. No one is truly upset at her. Portswell merely said he'd speak with the butler: such a kindly fellow.

The duke even went so far as to actually smirk at the girl. That has to account for something, right? The sullen ennui threatens to shroud me as the girl sniffles by my side. Oh, enough of this.

I've only gotten surly responses and frowns from Portswell. She gets an actual conversation. Between the two of us, I should be the one afraid. Stopping off to the side, I pull her closer to me. Again, the shudders get worse as she attempts to pull herself out of my grasp.

"No, Miss," she cries, tugging away from me. "He said to not tarry. We cannot stop here, or he'll know."

"And what?"

"Miss?"

"And what? What can he possibly do to us?"

She glances over my shoulder, her eyes wide with fear. "I do not assume he will do all that much to you, but I could lose everything. My job in your household is at stake. Or worse, the butler may punish me. I've yet to be punished by him, but I know of his heavy hand."

"Shall I speak in your stead?"

Her eyes widen as she takes a step back. "No, Miss. That is nigh unheard of. I will not have you taking responsibility for what is clearly my fault. I simply do not wish to make it worse. That's all."

Again, that niggle of guilt slides down into my gut, driving all other thoughts from my head. It's not really her fault. I chose to walk away when her back was turned. But I can't tell her that. If Portswell were to know my actions were purposeful, that would ruin everything.

"Think nothing of it. I will explain to the butler what happened."

"You do not understand, Miss. I am the help. Your help. It will always be my fault." Tears shimmer in her eyes, driving that knife further into my heart.

Unfortunately, what's done is done, and we both need to face the consequences. Only, it's not her fault at all, and I hate that I cannot make anyone else see reason.

Arm in arm, we continue walking, our steps the only sounds. But then, what really is there to say? Although I do my best to stretch out the journey, we inevitably arrive. So far, there is no sign of Portswell. Perhaps if I dart away to my room, I can escape his wrath. Would be unseemly for him to chase me down.

However, as the door opens to let us in, the infernal man shows up by our side. "Seems to me you would have made it here a bit sooner," he growls.

I look him up and down, sizing him up. "The fact that we arrived around the same time speaks to our speed. Your legs are much longer and have a far greater stride. Not to mention that you are unencumbered by layers of clothing. I would surmise your breeches give you far greater freedom of movement. Besides, as ladies, it is unseemly to hasten. Would you like all of the Ton inquiring as to the speed in which we travel?"

The duke lowers his head and rubs the area between his nose and forehead. "I suppose you make a bit of rational sense."

I resist the urge to preen as I force Lydia past the threshold. "You will find, Your Grace, though I am a woman, I do have the ability to be rational on occasion."

He remains silent as I push past him. At this point, I no longer care if I'm just a touch rude or not. His high-handed, pompous ways grate on my nerves in a way I never expected. As I stride forward, about to make my exit to my bedchambers, his hand catches my elbow.

"You are to be in your brother's study when I finish with the butler. If I have to hunt you down, it will not be a pleasant experience for you."

Biting down on my lower lip, I once more attempt to soothe the savage beast. "Please, Your Grace. The poor thing is terrified. She's worried about being cast out, or worse."

With a sigh, he rubs his hand down his face. "I see I must change the order of operations. To your brother's study, so we may finish this conversation without an audience."

CHAPTER 10

BENEDICT

Iwatch the purposeful sway of her arse as she strides ahead of me. Easy to deal with, indeed. Granted, she's not as bad as I've heard from others who have females to contend with during the Season, but she's still taking my attention in a way that I'd rather not spend it. Walking behind her, I make sure she feels my presence in case she wishes to make some sort of detour.

Glancing back and forth, I watch for members of staff as we make the journey through the hallways. Oddly, they seem missing. Though it's certainly untoward to have this woman in the study with me by herself, what I have planned is for her ears and hers alone. If the others catch wind of what happened today, she'll be just as ruined as if I defiled her in the study.

Irritation flows down my spine as I clench and release my fingers. The fact that she put herself into so much danger and doesn't even seem to realize it. Is she really that naïve? Shaking my head, I curse Lord Hardon for being away at this time. He'd be able to deal with this with far more grace and diplomacy than I can right now.

As it is, all I can think about is if it were my sister found in such a position. Or worse, my wife. For a moment, I stop as she continues on ahead. I certainly shouldn't be thinking of her in those terms. I want fearless and not reckless. Once she passes through the door, her demeanor changes.