An Unsuitable Duchess

‘No, I have not. Fortunately for us there are lanterns placed along the pathways so we can enjoy the beauty from up here.’ He would soon learn she was not a woman who dallied in the shrubbery. Perhaps he would move on.

When Katrina glanced over at him, she was surprised to discover the handsome gentleman she had clumsily bumped into a few minutes before. He was standing tall, facing the garden, in formal black evening clothes, with the moonlight shining on the waves of his neatly trimmed dark hair. She studied his profile with its chiselled features and square jaw. He must have noticed, because he turned his head towards her and their eyes met.

It happened again. The ground seemed to shift, and this time their bodies hadn’t even touched. Deciding it was best to focus on the flowering shrubs and manicured lawn, she diverted her attention away from the man at her side.

* * *

Julian closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. Was he actually reduced to discussing the weather and gardening with this woman? When had he become this dull? And he was certain she had just dismissed him. No one ever dismissed him.

For the first time in his life Julian felt the need to capture a woman’s attention. ‘Are you new to town?’

In whose world was this captivating conversation?

‘I suppose. I have only been in London for a few weeks.’

‘Your accent escapes me.’

She crossed her arms under that pair of lovely small breasts and turned towards him. ‘I’m American.’ When he remained silent, she tilted her head and studied him. ‘Pardon me, but have we been introduced?’

He shook his head, amused at her candour. ‘Not that I recall—and I am fairly certain you are not someone I would forget.’

‘Then speaking with you would not be proper.’ She glanced at the French doors, as if she expected to see someone. ‘Did you follow me out here?’

Julian never followed women, and he never acted improperly. He had needed to get away from Lady Morley, and that smell had been unbearable. There had been no reason to consider it further.

‘We must have had the notion to step outside at the same time.’

‘And you just happened to find yourself standing next to me?’

He shifted under her sceptical expression. ‘It appeared to be a pleasant spot.’

She narrowed her eyes momentarily before she turned her attention back towards the garden and began to drum her fingers on the stone.

Below them, a figure walked in and out of the shadows, along one of the garden’s gravel paths, as the flames inside the lanterns flickered. Julian traced the figure’s movements. ‘You wouldn’t happen to be hiding from someone, now, would you?’

She looked at him with a curious glint in her eyes. ‘Why would you think that?’

‘When a woman as striking as you is alone at a ball teeming with men, one must conclude that her solitude is by choice. Are you attempting to avoid a foolish suitor?’

Her lips twitched. ‘What makes you believe I have foolish suitors?’

‘Ah, I said suitor. Apparently there is more than one.’

‘Perhaps I was simply seeking a breath of fresh air.’

‘Then I would say any man who wasn’t wise enough to accompany you out here to take the evening air was foolish.’

The silk of her ice-blue gown shimmered in the moonlight as she turned her body to face him. ‘And why is that?’

He had the strongest urge to step closer. She smelled like lemons. ‘Because in this secluded spot he has left you free to be charmed by another man.’

‘Are you attempting to charm me?’

‘Do you find me charming?’

‘Not in the least,’ she replied, even though her expression said the opposite.

‘Then I suppose your suitor is safe in his position of favour.’

A soft laugh escaped her lips before she quickly pursed them together.

‘Or perhaps not,’ he amended, revelling in the odd satisfaction that she found him amusing.

‘My purpose in coming out here was simply to enjoy a bit of solitude.’

‘And I have intruded on your privacy—not well done of me at all. Perhaps we might enjoy the solitude together?’

‘Then it would not be considered solitude.’

‘Semantics,’ he replied with a slight shrug. ‘So, why are you seeking solitude?’

She looked down at her slippers and appeared to give her answer great consideration. ‘I grew weary of people telling me how important they are.’

He wondered if he was like that. He didn’t think he was. Nevertheless, it was probably best not to let her know how important he really was. ‘A bold admission.’

‘An honest one. And what brings you out here? If you were planning on having a clandestine meeting, I fear you are keeping some lady waiting,’ she said with a teasing smile.

‘I’m not. Perhaps I too grew weary of spending time with people I have no interest in.’

‘Than we are of a like mind.’

‘It appears we are.’

Her lips rose into a full smile and for the first time in his life Julian forgot to breathe. ‘You are lovely,’ he admitted, before he could stop himself.

‘Thank you, but I have been told I am much too expressive.’

‘Not to me.’

‘You’re trying to charm me again.’

‘Am I? I thought I was simply being honest. I appreciate a true smile. I find the false ones maddening.’

What in the world had got into him? Perhaps her candid speech was infectious. Her unguarded manner and their frank discussion should not appeal to him, yet he found her entertaining.

She shifted her stance, and her skirt rustled as if she was shaking out her foot. ‘Well, it appears that you, my lord, are not a typical member of the ton.’

If she only knew.