Page 11 of Discovering the Duke

When readying for dinner, they did not talk, but he did take nearly twice as long as her to prepare. The care in his appearance was impossible not to notice, the smoothness of his sharp jawline, the immaculate combing on his hair that made one want to muss it.

Lord Venerton was in attendance at dinner, having made a full recovery. He sat beside his sullen wife, whose sparkle was relegated to her fortune of gemstones.

Without her constant interruption, William devoted his attention to Julia. And if she was being entirely honest, she was not unaffected by her husband’s affection, despite her resolve to remain so. He was a handsome man, there was no denying that. It was equally as impossible to ignore those dizzying circles swirling in her stomach.

If only enjoying that sensation did not frighten her. If only the idea of loving him was not so absolutely terrifying.

So, when Lady Bursbury announced dancing would take the place of separating the sexes before games that evening, Julia knew it would be best to not dance with her husband. It was quite fortunate that he slipped away for a moment before they departed for the salon.

“Lord Hesterton, perhaps you would care to dance?” she asked quickly, while she had the time to do so.

The marquis paused mid-sip of his claret and set it aside to turn toward her. “With all due respect, Your Grace, it would take an act of God to get me on the dance floor.”

She regretted her request even before he answered. Panic seized her, ridiculous and impossible to ward off. She was the worst kind of woman, undeserving of a man such as her husband.

Fortunately for her, Lord Hesterton cast a furtive glance toward Lady Jane on his other side, obviously having assumed Julia had asked on the younger woman’s behalf.

Before William could return, Julia slipped out of the room and made her way to the library. She would return in time for the games, where she would promptly win and claim her prize. She would bear him an heir, and then settle in the country estate on her own.

For now at least, she could escape to the solitude, and recover her senses.

Or so she thought. For no sooner had the beginning notes of a lively country dance strummed to life in the salon down the hall than the door to the library swept open.

William found the library empty, save for a fluffy white dog sitting at the base of a large set of green drapes. A large set of oddly-shaped green drapes.

“What have you got there, Bruiser?” he asked.

Lord Bursbury’s dog gave a sharp yap.

“Is it an intruder that ought to be taken down?”

The shape behind the green velvet gave a little jolt. Bruiser barked again.

William crossed the room to stand by the covered windows. “Or is it a lovely duchess who has a penchant for feeding small hungry beasts, and is clearly attempting to escape the company of her husband?”

Bruiser’s stubby tail waggled with such excited force, his entire body rocked side to side. Julia unfurled herself from behind the cloth, the tilt of her chin indignant.

“I was not attempting to escape your company,” she declared.

William lifted a brow. “I can presume there was another logical explanation for your placement behind the draperies?”

“I was…studying the fabric. I believe we need some drapes like these in our library.” She rubbed the heavy velvet between her thumb and forefinger, her lips pursed in consideration. “We most definitely do. They’re quite heavy. Will you feel them?” She drew the material upright, extending it in his direction.

He did not take the fabric. “You were avoiding me.”

“You are trying to woo me.” She released the velvet and the panel swept back into place with a whoosh, giving Bruiser but a quick second to leap from its path.

“I am.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You don’t even bother to deny it.”

“Why should I? You’re my wife.”

“You know why.” Her cheeks flushed. “Forgive me, but I do not think I can change.”

“I don’t believe that for a moment.”

She blinked in surprise at him.