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)
* * *
“Why not?”
* * *
Janice sighed, exchanging exasperated glances with Emily as they walked down the steps to the carriage. Anne was distracted, watching Rhys as he climbed his jet-black mare, Fran. He and Frederick would ride beside the carriage, while their father and Uncle Keith would sit up top and drive the coach. Janice, Emily, Anne, and Leticia would sit inside the carriage.
* * *
“Do you think your duke will come?” Emily whispered.
* * *
“He isn’t my duke.” Janice felt those words even more keenly than ever after Arthur had run off without so much as a farewell when they’d last kissed. She could only assume he was horrified by her behavior.
* * *
I doubt very much he wants to see me again.
* * *
She summoned a smile for her sister. “We’ll see, shan’t we?”
* * *
Anne sighed. “You are so lucky that someone is courting you.”
* * *
Janice rolled her eyes. “Nobody is courting me. Are you listening to a word I say?”
* * *
Anne just cast Rhys a longing look from the window and didn’t say another word. She caught Emily’s eye and realized that there was something like pity in her sister’s eyes. “What is it?” she asked challengingly.
* * *
Emily shook her head. “Nothing.” Her eyes slid away, “I am looking forward to the pirates is all.”
* * *
At hearing the word pirates, Janice felt a pang of despair. We were getting along famously. Why did I have to kiss him again?
* * *
Unfortunately, the church wasn’t far enough away for her to brood properly. Before she knew it, they had arrived. To her shock, the duke was standing outside the church doors, looking, for all intents and purposes, as if he was waiting for them. His face lit up as their carriage came into view and he approached slowly as her father brought the carriage to a stop. Janice could only stare at him in bemusement.
* * *
“Looks like your duke made it after all,” Emily whispered in her ear. She shook her head in bewilderment. This was so unexpected.
* * *
The duke opened the door to the carriage, peering up at them with a smile on his face. “Good evening, ladies. And how are you faring today?”
* * *
Emily immediately stretched out an imperious gloved hand to be kissed. “I am quite well, Your Grace.”
* * *
He bent dutifully over her hand before helping Emily down from the carriage. He turned to Anne next and then Leticia, doing the same before turning to Janice. Their eyes met and they stared at each other.
* * *
“You are lovely,” he said and she jumped in startlement.
* * *
“Oh…Well, thank you.”
* * *
He smiled. “You’re welcome. Will you allow me to escort you inside?”
* * *
Her eyes flicked toward the rest of her family. Anne was already slipping her arm into Rhys’ as they headed towards the door of the church. Emily and Frederick seemed to be having some sort of argument as they walked next to each other, while Lord Benjamin walked with Uncle Keith and Aunt Leticia.
* * *
“Of course.” She held out her hand and he took it, and they walked behind her family. Janice willed her hand not to shake in his. She didn’t want him to know how much his presence affected her. The scent of him enveloped her; an undertone of sandalwood overlaid with the sharp tang of his soap and the lingering notes of tobacco. He’d perhaps been smoking a cheroot before they arrived.
* * *
She was dying to ask him why he left so abruptly last time but was feeling too cowardly, and then it was too late as they took their seats.
* * *
Sitting next to him was a study in torture. She could feel the length of him down her side, warm and solid, and too close for her sanity. She kept flicking glances at him and could hardly focus on the play. He, on the other hand, seemed completely absorbed and she envied him for his focus.
* * *
She deliberately pulled her mind away from him, thinking about her trip to Town and who she might meet there. She tried to think of a man she found palatable – one who might be a prospect for a husband. A man with whom she could converse, who could make her laugh, and who she wanted to kiss. Unfortunately, the only man who fit the bill was sitting beside her.
* * *
She gave a loud sigh and he turned to look at her, cocking an eyebrow in inquiry. “Is something the matter?”
* * *
Slowly, she shook her head and tried to put the whole sorry business out of her mind.
* * *
I am turning into Anne.
* * *
She looked towards her sister, who was even now, busy making cow eyes at Rhys.