Page 45 of To Ensnare a Duke

His throaty chuckle gathers the attention of several people, including my guardian. "Do you mean to play a prank on the stuffy Duke of Portswell?"

"Why, one and the same. It seems as if we are of one mind."

"In some manner. I do so wish you'd be willing to turn your devious attention toward me. But, alas, a gentleman knows when he is bested. How may I be of service?"

I resist the urge to roll my eyes at his proclamations. "Are you well acquainted with this residence?"

"Whiteham and I are fast friends. I know this location as I do the back of my hand. What do you need to know?"

We join back up with the group and dance, my irritation rising to the surface. The dance is almost done, and I have no means to fully communicate what I wish. As we bow, I look up at him, noting how Portswell hovers on the fringe, waiting for me to return.

"I will make leave to freshen up. Perhaps we can meet then?"

"Oh, I do love a good intrigue. But take care, Miss Hunt. It is far too easy to get caught up in the wrong company."

"Do you proclaim to be such company?"

Before he can answer, Portswell comes over to us and cups my elbow, yanking me away from my new ally. "The dance has been concluded, Lord Harhall. Your presence is no longer necessary."

He gives the duke a wicked grin as he leans forward. "With such a lady in attendance, I fear my presence will always be necessary. I concede for the moment, but only for the moment. She has, in fact, dances still free on her card. That is, if I'm not mistaken."

Without saying a word, Portswell grabs my card and pencils his name down for the next open spot. "Seems as if she's quite occupied. But I thank you for your concern. I must insist she rest for a spell before taking to the dance floor again."

"What a brilliant idea," Lord Harhall sneers, no doubt goading the duke. "Shall I fetch the lady some punch? I fear our excursions on the dance floor have left her quite parched."

Portswell takes a step forward but is thwarted by Norhaven sliding in between them. "Now, gentlemen. Whatever differences you may have, I suggest you battle them out in parliament. Now is not the time nor the occasion." He flashes a bright smile to all those milling around, hopefully putting them at ease.

The duke harrumphs and straightens his jacket. "‘Tis only fair to keep private business private. But understand this. Lady Hunt is under my guardianship and will remain so until Lord Hardon returns. Once he is back, he will decide who is desirable for his sister."

The baron crosses his arms, seemingly bored with the conversation. "And I trust you'll make it your business to inform him I'm undesirable? You cannot possibly allow another man to think for themself?"

Norhaven rests a hand on Lord Harhall's shoulder and urges him to back away. "No good will come from this line of conversation. I believe it's best to allow this woman peace while you prey on some other upstart."

His gaze slices over to Norhaven, his entire demeanor shifting. In that scant moment, he goes from personable to predator. Despite keeping control of my emotions, a shudder goes down my spine, making me shiver in the icy blast of his expression.

"You would do well to keep your opinions of my purpose to yourself. You never know who may hear tale and form the wrong conclusions." Turning from the others, he bows in front of me and winks. "You were a magnificent partner, Lady Hunt. I look forward to a repeat performance at some other venue. Hopefully without your watch dogs to guard you."

Before the dukes can so much as move a muscle, he slips into the gathering crowd. My heart pounds in my chest as they eventually disperse, their entertainment now lacking. What have I gotten myself into?

Miss Campbell stands next to me, a glass in her hands. With shaky fingers, I take it from her and take a sip. The slight burn calms my nerves as I watch Portswell and Norhaven converse. Perhaps this idea is a bit foolhardy, even for me. But as I watch his fingers flex, my core clenches with abject need.

He's the only one to truly see me, to truly understand me. If I don't make this happen, then I fear I will never have the one person who can make the buzzing in my brain stop. I'd rather it be at his punishing hand than the strangers of Bedlam.

Besides, as my brother's best friend, who better to walk me down the aisle and take me in hand? Truly, I can think of no other. Certainly not Lord Harhall. There's something in his eyes, a darkness I cannot understand or fathom. Though he seems jovial enough, I fear he might turn on me at the worst possible second.

Still… he's the only option I have. Sipping on the drink, I watch as the dancers whirl about for a few numbers until I catch Lord Harhall's glance. It is time.

I give Lady Cambell my glass and place the back of my hand on top of my forehead. "You were correct, Portswell. All this dancing has me quite fatigued. Miss Campbell and I should freshen up."

Taking the bait, he shakes his head and brings up his shoulders. "Your aunt will attend you, or you will not leave this spot."

I do my best to hide the small smile as I look over at my aged guardian. Even now, dark bags line her eyes. I need but have her sit for a moment, and she'll drift off.

"As you wish, Your Grace."

CHAPTER 22

BENEDICT