Page 74 of One Night with an Earl

A duke? She’d never been introduced to a duke. She made a deep curtsy. “Your Grace.”

The duke was strikingly handsome with a swath of fair hair, but it was his green eyes, watchful and inquisitive, that captured her attention. His Grace arched his brow, and she wondered what he found amusing.

“I see why Lord Drake is enchanted,” Warwick said.

Enchanted? Had Oliver talked about her to the duke?

Oliver cast him a humorless look. “Do not listen to His Grace’s rantings. I hit him one too many times today.”

Rather than be insulted, the duke merely grinned. “Good day, Miss Gardner.”

“Good day, Your Grace.”

“What did the duke mean about—”

“Never mind him.” Oliver took her arm and steered her to the back of the boxing salon where they could speak privately. She was highly conscious of other men—boxers, assistants, even one or two attendees—staring at her.

“Do not pay them any heed, staring as if they’ve never seen a lady before.”

Most likely because they had never seen a woman in this male domain before. She needed to explain her unexpected presence. “I know what you must be thinking.”

“No. I don’t think you do.”

“You think I shouldn’t have intruded here.”

“Not exactly. But come to think of it, how did you know I’d be here today?”

“You mentioned you enjoyed boxing several times a week. I took a chance.”

“A chance?” He watched her carefully. “Did you receive my note?”

Her skin prickled pleasurably where he touched her arm. Without a cravat, waistcoat, or jacket, the thin cotton shirt did little to hide his form. He was inches away, all pure exquisite male. Even his scent, sweat mingled with his cologne, was temptation itself. It was terribly distracting.

He was closely watching her, and she almost forgot what he’d asked. “Yes. I received your note.”

“Good. I’ve thought of little else since I wrote it.”

Had he? She’d thought of it, too, although her summons and lecture from Lady Malvern had been unexpectantly unpleasant.

His brow furrowed and a questioning look lit his eyes. “Is something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No, you don’t understand. I’m not changing my mind about meeting you tonight. It’s just that…that—”

“You are worried?”

“Panicked, to be more accurate.”

“Tell me what happened.”

Her fingers tightened on the strings of her reticule. “The marchioness knew we were together, not once, but twice at Rosedown.”

“How?”

“My young maid must have told her.”

An alarming muscle ticked at the earl’s jaw. “Please don’t dismiss the girl,” Ana said. “Lady Malvern can be quite fearful. Either way, the damage is done.”

He took her arm and led her out the back door and into the alley.