Page 31 of The Duke’s Defiant Love

"I find it rarely takes long to determine whether a conversation is worth continuing." Amelia turned her attention to Julian, and something in her expression sharpened with genuine interest.

"Tell me something, Your Grace, is His Grace always this difficult?"

Julian's mouth twitched. "Always."

"Julian."

"Occasionally worse."

Amelia laughed, and Sebastian gave his friend a look of quiet betrayal.

"I had thought you were meant to be my friend."

"I am. Which is precisely why I feel obliged to prepare Miss Hartwell for what she has undertaken."

"I have undertaken nothing."

"No?" Julian looked between them, amusement dancing openly in his eyes. "Then I have clearly misunderstood the frequency with which your paths appear to cross."

Amelia's cheeks warmed, though her smile remained. "We have interests in common."

"Of course."

"And frequent similar circles."

"Naturally."

"And His Grace happens to be a very interesting man."

Sebastian glanced at her.

Julian's eyebrows rose. "Does he?"

"I did not say he was an agreeable man."

Julian and Nathaniel laughed outright.

Sebastian shook his head at his friends. "I am beginning to regret bringing either of you with me."

"You brought yourself," Amelia pointed out.

"An error in judgment."

"One you appear to be repeating."

Julian laughed again, and Sebastian found himself fighting a smile.

"You see?" Amelia said, looking at Julian. "He does this constantly."

"Does what?"

"Acts as though he has been gravely inconvenienced when, in truth, he is enjoying himself."

Julian considered this with exaggerated seriousness. "That is, in fact, one of his most enduring qualities."

Sebastian looked between them. "I have never been so thoroughly discussed while standing in the company of the people doing the discussing."

"Perhaps," Amelia said sweetly, "you should learn to listen more carefully."