Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
I do not want to be Anne.
* * *
She took a deep breath and forced herself to focus on the play.
He could feel Janice’s gaze on him, burning him like a brand. His fingers itched to reach out and cover hers, the warm soft curve of her breast brushed now and again against his arm, making him grit his teeth in an effort not to react. He needed to find a way to limit the damage of what he’d done to her.
* * *
Perhaps I can find her a suitable husband.
* * *
He wracked his brains for a gentleman who would be worthy of her. He frowned, knowing that all the people he’d brushed shoulders with would not do. Most were rakes or dishonorable men – men who might help him achieve his aims. He did not know any man that he would recommend to anyone, let alone Janice.
* * *
In his experience, men were only good for ruining lives, not building them. He sneaked a glance at her, feeling sad that she could not just stay as she was, carefree and wild – not to be confined in the cage that marriage would be for her.
* * *
No more breeches or early morning walks by herself – no, she would be forced to conform.
* * *
And what a tragedy that would be.
* * *
If he could possibly have done something to save her from that fate, he would have. He perked up as a thought crossed his mind.
* * *
She could marry an old man on his deathbed! He would die, and she would be free and own his fortune as well.
* * *
He immediately deflated, knowing that she would never agree to do such a thing. If he’d learned anything of Janice Raven, he knew she was an honorable woman.
* * *
He sighed, shaking his head. The entire situation was impossible.
* * *
When I go to London, perhaps I should not return here.
* * *
It was truly the most humane thing that he could think to do.
CHAPTER 17
The play was over, and they gave the cast a standing ovation before filing out in ones and twos. Lord Benjamin was detained by this person and that, wanting a word. Rhys hovered nearby, as their father’s right hand, while Anne watched him longingly. Janice didn’t want to be in the church any longer than she had to and began to stride towards the door. The duke kept pace with her.
* * *
She noticed that he did not speak to anyone and aside from the occasional bow or nod, nobody spoke to him either. She frowned, before remembering what he’d said about never leaving the compound much especially when his father was still alive.
* * *
She turned to face him and smiled. If nothing else, she at least could still be his friend. “Did you enjoy the play?”
* * *
He sighed. “I cannot lie, the pirates did not live up to my expectations.”
* * *
She laughed, nodding. “Yes, I suppose they weren’t as swashbuckling as one assumes the real ones are. But one must give concession for it being a church play and therefore perhaps a certain amount of decorum was expected of them.”
* * *
“Ah yes, they certainly could not speak of swiving or kidnapping damsels.”
* * *
“There was plenty of pillaging though.”
* * *
“Ah, the saving grace.”
* * *
They smiled at each other, coming to a stop next to the carriage. The rest of the family was nowhere in sight.
* * *
“What now? Shall you go straight home? Or should I say, straight to Avebury manor?”
* * *
He laughed. “Well, I hardly have anywhere else to go.”
* * *
“You could join us, for a night cap.”
* * *
“Could I?” He watched her keenly.
* * *
“Of course. Why not?”
* * *
“Are you sure that you want me to?”
* * *
“I asked you, did I not?”
* * *
“Because you want my company, or because you feel sorry for me?”
* * *
She sighed. “I do no-”
* * *
“Don’t lie to me please, Janice.” His voice was low and soft, for her ears only. Her lashes swept downward, hiding her eyes.
* * *
“Just because I am sorry for your situation does not mean I do not desire your company as well.” Her voice was equally soft.
* * *
“Even after…?”
* * *
She took a deep shuddering breath and looked up at him. “I should like to know what happened. Did I do something wrong or-”
* * *
“No!” He grabbed her arm, holding on tightly, “It was nothing you did. Please, if you believe nothing else, I say, believe that. It was me. I was…overwhelmed.”
* * *
She stared intently into his eyes. “Overwhelmed by our…kissing?”
* * *
Slowly, he nodded.
* * *
She frowned, finding it hard to believe. By his own admission, the duke was no blushing virgin. He was a seasoned rake. Why would he feel overwhelmed by her? She found that a little difficult to believe.