Page 26 of Betting on a Duke
Chapter Eleven
Samuel led themout onto the pavement as the four of them left Gunter’s. Clarice’s arm was wrapped through Samuel’s, and Letitia’s through Mr. Hunter’s. Once a clear path across the street appeared, they crossed the road and entered the park. Samuel distanced them from Hunter and Letitia. “Sorry if I made you walk fast to keep up with me, but I wanted a word alone with you.”
“I managed fine.”
He led her to a bench under a large elm tree, and they sat down. He turned to her and took her hands in his. “How are you today?”
Pink tinted her cheeks. It was a telltale sign she understood he was referring to last night. “I am good. Better than good.”
He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. “No regrets, I hope?”
“None.” She glanced at their joined hands and smiled. “In fact, I look forward to doing it again soon.”
He moaned, slightly surprised by her assertiveness. Surprised, yet completely elated.
“That is, if you are agreeable to it,” she added.
“I am most agreeable. In fact, are you free this evening?”
“Why, yes. My social calendar is wide open.”
Raising her hands to his mouth, he kissed the sensitive underside of one wrist, then the other, and he could see her body tremble visibly.
“You are a rakehell, Samuel Radcliff, duke or no duke.”
He burst out laughing.
“I love your laugh. I was worried I’d never hear it again,” she said.
“Since it makes you happy, I will laugh often.”
“We should go. Letitia and I have one more shop to visit. Come for dinner. I have an excellent cook.”
“Dinner it is.”
He stood and held out his hand, and she placed her hand in his and rose to her feet. They strolled, hand in hand, over to where Letitia and Hunter sat on a nearby bench. Hunter was talking nonstop, and Letitia was laughing at what he was saying.
“I believe Hunter is spilling secrets about Greyson,” Samuel said, chuckling. “When he finds out, they will come to fisticuffs.”
“Truly?” Her eyes widened as she looked concerned.
“No. I’m teasing. Let’s get you ladies back to your shopping.”
*
“Here is theglove shop,” Clarice said, hurrying to the door and stepping inside, only to find herself face to face with her neighbor across the street, Lady Hornsby.
“Lady Clarice, my dear, what a lovely surprise to run into you,” Lady Hornsby said with a worried expression. Then her eyes scanned the room where several old biddies were whispering and glancing their way. Lady Hornsby frowned, leaned in close, and whispered, “I should warn you that rumors are going around that the Duke of Stanton spent the night with you.” She touched her arm. “I dispelled the gossip, saying I witnessed him drop you off in his carriage just after midnight, and he left immediately after escorting you to your front door.”
Clarice suddenly felt a queasy sensation in her stomach. Many widows took lovers and had affairs, and it was perfectly acceptable, so the gossip shouldn’t bother her. To some members of thebeau monde, it would ruin her reputation in their eyes, but to others, not at all. Not that she was terribly worried about her reputation. It was nobody’s business but hers and Samuel’s. Except it was something of a sport for thetonto spread rumors and gossip. She didn’t want to cause undue discomfort for Samuel. Not with his upcoming races. No doubt he had enough worry to deal with.
“Thank you, Lady Hornsby. I appreciate you dispelling the rumor. As you know, His Grace did not spend the night, but he did visit for a spell.”
Lady Hornsby smiled sadly. “My dear, after being married to that horrible Lord Chesterfield, you deserve to live your life as you please.” Her eyes twinkled. “And good for you for snagging Stanton. He is a fine and worthy duke.” Lady Hornsby paused, looking thoughtful. “I’m just shocked that after what your father did to him and the months of recovery it cost him that he would want to have anything to do with you while your father still lives.”
The patrons’ voices in the shop grew louder, and the walls seemed to close in around Clarice.
Her whole body trembled, making her heart beat irregularly.
