Page 32 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

He moved the cushion aside. He might have been playing chess. He said carefully, “Elopement is another possibility. With your relatives naturally in on the ruse.”

“I don’t think so.”

“It’s not the best idea,” he agreed. “For the time being you are safer with your family nearby.”

“I’ve no inclination to remain housebound indefinitely, threat or not,” she said. “I’ll go genuinely mad. Your assailant may never be found. Would you lock me away forever?”

“It is a tempting thought, having you all to myself. However, I’d rather have a compliant bride than a captive one.” He glanced back at the door, his voice falling conspiratorially. “There are countless ways for a dedicated husband to entertain his wife in the privacy of their own home. Books, kisses, conversation, lessons in love. Long walks in the hall.”

“And these lessons are to instruct me on how to entertain you?” she said with an arch smile.

“How perceptive you are.”

“I shall probably regret asking this, but what do you desire in a duchess?”

“I’ve never put together a duchess file,” he said, his eyes kindling.

“Do you have a standard of beauty?”

“I wouldn’t say that a woman’s appearance is the only quality that attracts me. It certainly isn’t enough to keep my interest.”

“Then?”

“Passion, I think.” His brow furrowed. “By which I am not referring to carnality. Character, as I’ve said, is what ultimately matters -- a lady who lives life to the fullest and cares as much for others as herself. Not a saint, mind you. I appreciate a woman who can laugh deeply. And love.”

“I perceive blank pages in this file.”

“I suppose my ideal duchess is whatever you are. Do I measure up to your standards?”

“That remains to be seen,” she teased him. “I can’t fault your appearance. You’re too handsome for your own good. As to your character, well, I once thought you were aloof, but perhaps you’re sad. You scowl more than you smile. You always did. You were lonely when you were young, weren’t you?”

“How could I have been? I had a passel of servants and advisors to shadow me. And two siblings.”

“But the three of you were kept apart,” she said slowly.

“We have all our roles to play,” he said. “I was raised to be the heir to a dukedom. You were raised for marriage.”

“It appears I wasn’t raised properly. I made a tragedy of my betrothal. You at least act as befitting your position.”

He crossed his arms behind his head, openly amused by her analysis. “I didn’t realize you’d given me that much consideration. Or that my brooding countenance displeased you. Do you want me to grin like a marionette all day long?”

“You’re the one who insisted I smile at Grayson’s party.”

“That was for your family. You can do as you like when we’re alone.”

She fidgeted, wondering when the actual courtship would begin. “Did you come here to see me or Heath?”

“Both of you, although I’d rather spend time sitting here for a while.”

“We won’t get away with much romantic folly in this house,” she whispered. “Heath was a spy, and I vow that if speck of dust changes position, he’ll take notice.”

“He’s still involved in espionage,” he whispered back, lowering his arms. “A man with his intellect isn’t content to read newspapers at his club and discuss politics with other gentlemen.”

“I expect he’s listening to our every word.”

“He might be if he were home. He was called away on business. I was told to make myself comfortable until he returns.”

“Julia invited you inside?”