Page 56 of The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke

“Nothing.” His innocent shrug bespoke more than she truly wished to know. “Shall we return to our box?”

“Of course.”

“And you are all right?” he asked, offering her his arm.

“Why would you think otherwise?”

“Well, you did express a desire for a little air.”

“I’m fine now.”

He patted her hand. “That’s all I wanted to hear. And remember that I am always here if you wish to talk.”

“Talk about what?” she asked tightly, her gaze fixed straight ahead.

“Well, I don’t know.”

“The weather?”

He glanced at her. “If you like. Rain, sun…love affairs.”

She grinned inwardly. “I shall bear that in mind.”

She should be grateful for Drake’s timely intervention. Thankful that the protective arms of the Boscastle family would not only shield her from harm but from temptation. Thankful that her brothers cared enough about her to guard her like a citadel.

Yes, indeed. The Boscastles took care of their own.

Chapter Thirteen

Adrian was still plotting how to meet Emma alone the next day when he accepted an invitation to fence at Angelo’s with Dominic Breckland. Dominic was not only his closest friend, he was also married to Emma’s younger sister Chloe, which meant he might be able to serve as a neutral party as well as a potential go-between for Adrian and Emma.

Adrian thought that during some friendly sword-play he could casually drop a few hints about his position. Presumably Dominic, an intelligent man in love with a Boscastle woman himself, would offer to act as Cupid.

Unfortunately, Dominic thwarted this scheme by inviting Heath Boscastle to join them at the last minute. At any other time Adrian would not have objected to practicing with another capable partner. But Heath took a few jabs at him that might have been considered less than sporting. Adrian, who could have easily countered with equal skill, decided to allow Heath the advantage.

Even Dominic commented on Heath’s uncharacteristic aggressiveness when the three of them dropped Heath off at his town house. “I think Adrian and I should be glad to count you as our friend,” he said jokingly as the coach drew to a halt. “I was afraid for a moment that you forgot who your opponent was.”

A spell of silence fell.

Adrian merely shrugged as if the matter were of little consequence. Only a fool would quarrel with one who had treated him as well as Heath had.

Still, it had become apparent to Adrian that he would be reduced to subterfuge if he wanted a few private moments with Emma to state his intentions. He did not relish hatching any intrigue against the family who had befriended him. If he had not promised her secrecy, he’d have gone straight to her brothers and bared his soul.

Should he write her a letter? No. It could easily fall into the wrong hands and disgrace her.

Should he send a message to her to express his deepest feelings through an intermediary? His valet, perhaps? Even Adrian realized that sending a servant would offend her sensibilities. And he could not imagine Bones being able to keep a straight face in the situation.

But Heath Boscastle was an honorable man no matter what his personal suspicions about Adrian. He regarded Adrian steadily as he stepped from the coach to the sidewalk.

Somehow Heath knew that Adrian was pursuing Emma. Of course Adrian hadn’t gone about it in the most discreet manner possible. But he hadn’t revealed their secret, either.

“Perhaps you would care to come in for some refreshment, Adrian,” he said in a guarded voice. “Just to reassure Dominic that I have not lost my manners.”

Adrian was torn. He and Heath both knew what had instigated Heath’s physical display at Angelo’s. The proper thing to do would be to accept Heath’s apology, to laugh it off, and go on his merry way. But to do so would be to miss an opportunity to see Emma. And, God help him, he was desperate for a glimpse of her.

“A brandy would be pleasant,” he said, meeting Heath’s scrutiny.

Heath’s face betrayed no emotion. He nodded pleasantly enough. “Dominic?”