Page 61 of Winning Her Duke

“Then there is only one thing to do.” She let out a breath as if they’d come to a mutual conclusion, though he had missed a vital piece of the plan.

She folded her arms over her chest and gave him a formidable look.

Oh.

“You think to force us into marriage because of one kiss?”

“You just said it was more than one kiss, or rather that you wanted it to be more than one kiss. And no, that is not what I was implying. I know you don’t wish to marry Gia. She would not make a good choice for a duchess. She shouldn’t have to change who she is to fit herself into a marriage.”

He frowned at the woman.

“You do not give her or myself enough credit. First, to think that I would want an ordinary duchess and second, to think even if I did, Gia wouldn’t be able to do her duties and still manage to retain the essence of herself while doing so.”

“Are you saying you do wish to marry her then?”

“Er…” He wasn’t sure how the conversation had become so twisted to the point that he was now arguing all the reasons why Gia would make him a fine wife.

“I know she’s a bit odd,” Lydia said as she walked over to the window.

“She isn’t odd. She’s intriguing. She may have different interests than most women of the ton, but that isn’t a bad thing. Not for the right person.”

When she smiled this time, he realized she’d baited him and he’d fallen right into her trap.

“Someone?” She tapped her index finger against her chin. “You mean a man who doesn’t care about having embroidered linens or someone to entertain him in the evenings with music?”

“Exactly.”

“Someone who shares her interests in horses, you mean?”

“Aye.”

“Someone like you?”

“Aye, but… Nay. Not me.”

“Someone like you, but not you?”

“Right.” Except the idea of this person, who was like him but not him, touching Gia and making her laugh caused him to clench his hands into fists. “I see what you are attempting to do here, Lady Tomison, and it won’t work.”

“I’m certain it already has.” She smiled cheerfully as if she hadn’t just dragged him along on her maddening train of thought.

Rather than entangle himself worse in her trap, he remained silent.

After a full minute, she finally let out a huff and spoke. “You will need to come to the Worthington ball tonight and dance with Gia. Talk and laugh as cheerful acquaintances. Give the impression that everything is as it was before. Make it known that you had other things keeping you from attending activities the past week. Set things right.”

“But… I am leaving in the morning for a trip.”

“Good. Then you will be available tonight.”

What was happening? Speaking with Lady Tomison was like being caught up in a cyclone and put down somewhere far from where you’d been.

“If you no longer wish to visit her or go riding in the mornings, no one will notice, but your evenings for the time being need to be spent as they had before. I will increase my efforts to find a man who would wish to marry her. Lord Duncan seems pleasant enough.”

Lord Duncan was pleasant enough, but he wasn’t for Gia.

“Very well. But make sure this man is able to properly appreciate her.”

“And you’re certain you don’t want the honor for yourself?” She cocked her head to the side, inspecting him carefully. He felt as if she could see into all the dark corners of his soul.