Page 23 of Sincerely, the Duke
Peering down at it, she seemed baffled at first, but then faced him with a gracious smile. “Newsprint? I do believe you need to read my father’s book, Your Grace. I’m sure he suggested flowers or confections were appropriate for a lady you’d expect to marry.”
“No doubt, he is right.” Rick chuckled softly, realizing how just looking at her pleased him and teased his senses. “I should have added flowers on top.”
“The ribbons are a lovely touch,” she added, unmistakably trying to keep from widening her smile as a gleam of humor danced in her eyes.
Rick gave her a slight shrug, not minding at all she found amusement as well as pleasure in his unexpected gift. “This isn’t ordinary newsprint, Miss Fine. They are scandal sheets and gossip columns.”
Her lips parted with a silentOand her arched brows lifted. “Really? Are this many printed every day?”
Rick let his gaze scan over her face. She really had no clue about the gossipmongers’ mischief. It was intensely refreshing. “No, only a handful. Most of these are from the past year. Since you had never read a scandal sheet, I thought it was time for you to see what you’ve been missing. Most of these have something written about me. I assumed you might want to read about the man you’re going to marry.”
“Yes, yes, I do. This is superb! I should like to read these very much.”
Her words were soft and breathy, but he could see the excitement in her beautiful face. There was no doubt, he had delighted her with the oldnewsprint. Rick found her enthusiasm for the gossip sheets enchanting.
She knelt before the basket and laid her book aside.
Rick could see the title.Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Centuryby John Nichols. A far different kettleof fish from what his mother was reading. A tinge of concern shuddered through him as he remembered his mother’s most recent book. A sudden feeling of needing to protect Miss Fine buried in his chest. The Dowager Duchess of Stonerick was going to have to bring her reading standards up to match her future daughter-in-law’s. And she was going to have to do it fast.
Miss Fine glanced up at him. All the earlier wariness was gone from her features. Glee seemed to radiate from her as she dug both hands into the rolled papers and then let them drop back on top of each other as she laughed. “How did you get so many? Do you keep them?”
“Me? No. I seldom look at them.” Bending on one knee near the opposite side of the basket, he added, “I think my mother has a copy of everything that has ever been written about me. She keeps them, good or bad, and enjoys reading them from time to time. I had her butler gather some of them for me.”
“I’m so glad you did. I’ll get started on them right away, but…” With eyes sparkling, she paused and offered him a teasing smile that only lifted one side of her mouth in a sensual way. “How will I know what is true and what isn’t?”
Rick enjoyed her eagerness to read the gossip pages and learn more about him too. “If you want to believe it you will.”
“Thank you for bringing these.”
She looked at him with such fondness and appreciation that he had the feeling she wanted to reach over, pull him close, and hold him in a tight hug of thanks. His body responded to the tug of attraction that passed hot and thrilling between them.
By the saints, he’d been with women through the yearswho had excited him, made him come back to them time and time again, but he’d never felt the strength of the pull Miss Fine had. It was different. Before, he always wanted what the women in his life could give him. This time, he wanted to give, and that filled him with excitement.
Filled with impatience to kiss her, Rick quickly glanced around. The portico was small with stalwart, wide posts that shielded most of the front from the street and gave the feeling of warmth and intimacy. He owed her a proper kiss, he reasoned, and it would be easy to reach over and buss her softly on the cheek and then move on to her lips. He knew he needed to start slow and keep his advance tender and intimate.
Feeling anticipation inside him, he leaned forward and watched her shoulders relax as she looked at his lips. An invitation. A slow roll of enticement worked its way from his chest to low in his stomach. He moved closer, and her lips parted. Suddenly, a door slammed from somewhere down the street.
Miss Fine jumped at the sound and stood up so hurriedly Rick didn’t have time to help her rise or convince her they could recapture the desire to kiss that was filling them.
CHAPTER 9
THE ART OF BEING A FINE GENTLEMAN
SIR DUDLEY SAMSON PEMBERTON FINE
One of the first things you must do in order to become a fine gentleman is learn how to win and lose with honor.
Rick pulled the reins to slow his racing gelding as he reached the large grassy field on the outskirts of London. Some of the fifty or so men gathered there clapped and whistled at his approach, signaling they were happy he’d finally arrived. So was he. It looked as if he’d made it in time to honor his commitment to his opponents and friends who’d laid down their wagers. He’d hate like hell to lose by default because he was late.
But he would have been if Miss Fine’s neighbor hadn’t picked the most inopportune time imaginable to shut the door. Rick had wanted to stay and once more evoke the closeness that was building between him and the lovely miss and he would have if she hadn’t told him she needed to check on her aunt. How could he argue against that?
He might not be sure he wanted marriage but he was damn sure he wanted Miss Fine.
Shouts from the small crowd regained Rick’s attention. Men often challenged him to contests, pitting their skillsagainst his, so he regularly obliged and participated in games such as this one. It helped keep his eyes sharp and hands steady. He’d always considered them practice for the bigger sporting events he participated in.
The flat, open land called The Field was a favorite spot for shooting matches. It wasn’t so far from the streets of London that it made the ride out weary, yet not so close the noise of the continuous shots being fired would bother the townspeople.
As Rick hoped, Wyatt and Hurst were waiting for him and rushed to help when he stopped.
