Page 35 of Sincerely, the Duke
“Probably not. I have many things to do, and so do you.”
He looked down at the fabric pinned to her dress. “You’ll be busy with your sisters too. They may want new gowns for the wedding and Season. I’ll give you the time you need to be with them.”
His consideration warmed her even more. “Thank you for that, but shouldn’t I at least meet your mother before we marry?” she asked, even though she felt apprehensive at the prospect. She may not be as forward thinking as her son about old superstitions and falsehoods.
The duke remained calm but suddenly seemed in deep contemplation before stating, “That can wait until the wedding.”
Edwina tensed. There was only one rational reason he would want that. “You are afraid she won’t like me.”
“No.” He quirked his head again and gave her a dismissive smile. “My mother has been waiting a long time for me to marry. She’s very happy about you. And don’t worry about Palmer either. I’ve already spoken to him and told him to be expecting a copy of your father’s book.”
Lightly shaking her head, she unfolded her arms and clasped her hands together at her waist. “I’m not sure I agree, Your Grace. He seemed very adamant he needed no instruction or suggestions from anyone.”
The duke shrugged. “I thought about it and decided one of us should read it and determined it would him.”
“Oh!” Edwina laughed. “You are terrible.”
“And you are beautiful.”
Edwina could hardly contain her happiness. The way he looked at her so sweetly let her know he meant what he said.
He nodded and made a move as if to go, but then stopped and looked at her with what seemed to be quiet respect.
“I agree with your sister, Miss Fine. None of the fabrics pinned to your dress work with your coloring, your countenance, or your spirit, but I would love to see you wearing a dark lilac to enhance your hair and eyes.”
She had never worn such an exceptional color.
The duke moved closer to her again and bent his head toward hers. “Maman suspects you can read minds.” He gave her playful grin. “I know better.”
Even though he had told her he wasn’t superstitious, and she’d believed him, he was so confident and cocky with his statement, Edwina had to challenge him. The color of her eyes and hair might be easy to dismiss, but how would he feel if he knew she was one of three at birth?
With the same cool assurance he presented to her, she asked, “And how can you be so sure, Your Grace?”
Without batting an eye, he reached up and ran the pads of his fingers slowly down her face. Every nerve ending in her body came alive with his touch and she swallowed hard against the soaring inviting sensations.
“If you could read my mind, Miss Fine, you’d be blushing right now,” he whispered in a suggestive voice. “I can’t wait to make you mine.”
CHAPTER 12
THE ART OF BEING A FINE GENTLEMAN
SIR DUDLEY SAMSON PEMBERTON FINE
A gentleman of good breeding should always speak well of his intended’s family.
Edwina pulled the pins and offending swatches of fabric off her bodice as she walked back to the drawing room. Her sisters’ bonnets, gloves, and capes were off but determination to get to the bottom of what was going on with her and the duke was evident in their posture. Eileen stood with hands pressed lightly on her hips and one leg cocked out to the side while she gently tapped her foot on the floor. Eleonora seemed a little more relaxed with her arms folded casually across her bosom, humming to herself.
A broad smile stretched across Edwina’s face. “It’s about time you two got here. I’ve missed you terribly.” She rushed over and hugged and kissed the cheeks of first one sister and then the other as they laughed, hugged, and kissed some more.
“I hope I am never away from both of you at the same time again. I had no one to talk to but Aunt Pauline. I’m so glad you came.”
“We’ve been dreary without you too,” Elle said, and planted another kiss on Edwina’s cheek. “We felt as if apart of us was missing. We missed Auntie too. Where is she?”
“Resting. She’ll be down shortly. Come sit down,” Edwina said, scooping up a big pile of fabrics to make room on the settee.
“After being in that carriage for days, I don’t want to sit down for a week.” Eileen rubbed her backside and smiled. “It feels good to stand up straight, walk around, and put some weight on my legs.”
Edwina agreed and dumped the armful back into one of the empty boxes. “It’s such a beautiful day. We’ll go for a walk with Auntie when she gets down. I’ll go ask Mrs. Needlesmith to bring tea and apricot tarts.”
