Page 6 of To Ensnare a Duke

My heart flutters as he swipes a bit of jam off of his fingers with his tongue. "Nothing at all for you to worry about. The spread is completely adequate."

"Adequate," I cry out, forgetting myself, not sure exactly why his pronouncement strikes me so harshly. "Simply adequate? Is the standard of our food not up to yours? Forgive us, Your Grace." Standing, I give an exaggerated bow. "As those whose means do not equal yours, I apologize for the adequate nature of our offerings."

Both men look at me, their expression an odd mix of horror and embarrassment. What in the devil has come over me? Normally I can keep my composure through all manner of ill intent or worse. Heaving a weary sigh, I place my fingers to my temple.

"Forgive me, Your Grace, and Greyson. I fear I am not myself this morning."

In an instant, my brother's expression changes to that of concern. "Perhaps a trip to Hyde Park is not what is called for today. Shall you rest so you may accommodate our guests later?"

It takes every ounce of willpower not to curl my fingers into fists as irritation at his cloying tone fills my head. "You are right, dear brother. No doubt, it is just a passing megrim. No doubt a loosening of my stays and a respite on my bed will ease the matter. If you will both excuse me."

Before they can fully rise from their chairs, I race over to the stairs and make for my bedroom. Megrim, indeed. The only thing causing my head to ache is the pompous attitude of the duke. How dare he look down on our breakfast as if it is below him? He could have eaten before joining us if it were that sad a state.

Taking a deep breath, I urge my maid out of the room and lock the door behind me. Thankfully, this buys me a few hours to get myself back under control. Striding over to the bed, I force my face into the pillow and scream. It's not enough to completely take away that fluttering feeling, but it quells it for the moment.

CHAPTER 4

BENEDICT

Istare off into the hall where Lady Augusta races off, my mind in a whirl. How could the chit have taken offense at my words? I've shared breakfast with them far more times than I can even hope to count, and never once did we have an interaction like that before.

A sliver of fear races down my spine as I sniff the air. The piquant scent of ginger, mixed with hints of green tea and some unnamable spice drifts through the air like snow flitting about on the ground. My cock stirs at the heady mixture. But in God's name, why? Nothing about her scent has called to me before.

Again, I sniff, my heart clenching. But no, she's not quite at her heat. That much is clear, at least. Could such outbursts be a sign that she's approaching that dreadful day, though? Thankfully, my sisters still have a few years yet, but I still worry about them finding husbands before that time.

Shaking my head, I drag my hand down my face, doing my best to dispel the intoxicating aroma threatening to overwhelm me. Underneath her natural scent is a hint of anger, a bite of spite. That must be what's calling to me and not the girl herself. The part of me that longs to chase someone down and consume them surges to the forefront, begging me to drag her underneath my imposing frame and demand her submission.

Nothing more. Nothing less. Such needs are easily met at The Rose and Thorne. Though I've been denying myself since I cannot have exactly what I want, it seems to be to my detriment. Of all the people to stir my lusts and ire, it's should not her. Nothing about this sweet morsel should appeal to me.

Today's outburst aside, she's far too saccharine and compliant to appeal to my darker lusts. Rolling my shoulders to ease the tension gathering there, I vow to find some other outlet for my afflictions. Maybe a hunt is what I need. But then, the way society dictates I do it, it's not nearly savage enough for my liking.

Forcing my thoughts away from errant desires, I slather some jam on my bread and turn to my friend. "Have you given any thought to your sister's... arriving condition?"

With a heavy sigh, he plants his head in his hands. "I think about it far more often as of late. There's just something odd about her I can't place. She's sullen, moody, and not given to much merriment. Not like when she was younger. Do you suppose she's that close to her time? She's my only sister and I do my best to stay away from other omegas who could possibly trap me."

"Since I am not a physician, I cannot say. I have certainly scented an omega in heat before and have even helped with their affliction. Thankfully, she doesn't have that shift in change yet. But there's no telling when that might happen."

Again, he groans and shakes his head. Distress wafts off of Lord Hardon, and I wish I could put him at ease. But I cannot. Soon, it will be my turn to deal with my younger sisters, and very few will be able to assist me. I won't allow anyone near until they're married.

Trying my best to comfort him, I clap his shoulder. "I have heard tales of special apothecaries who make tinctures and potions to help stave off such afflictions. I know many governesses who employ suppressants to keep from entrapping members of the household."

"Yes, but usually by that point, they're spinsters. Augusta isn't near that. Though she's eighteen, her date of birth has not long passed. She's still bright and eager to join the marriage mart."

I snort as I bring up my cup of coffee. "Eager? You know this?"

Lord Hardon frowns as he sips from his own cup. "Has she given you any reason to doubt it? What girl at her age wouldn't wish to settle down and have a family? She's old enough. Any longer and she'll have to worry about spinsterhood."

Shaking my head, I look over to where she ran out of the room, my gut twisting for a moment. "No. She has not confided in me. But if she's as sullen as you say, coupled with that outburst. I worry there's something going on with her. Maybe she fears the change of marriage?"

"Hmm. That could be. I'll observe her while out and about at Hyde Park if she recovers. Hopefully that will tell the tale."

"Tell me, truly. Why have you invited me here for breakfast? Surely you can escort your sister without my help."

"I haven't laid eyes on you since we arrived in London. Can't a friend wish to dine with his acquaintances?"

A laugh rumbles in my chest as I narrow my eyes at him. "I've been at our favorite establishment lo these many weeks. Would that not have been a far more enjoyable place to meet?"

His head whips to the side, ensuring his sister is still not in earshot. "Care to announce it to the entire world?" he hisses.