Page 66 of An Unwanted Bride for the Duke
The way he saidfunmade Seraphine feel suddenly aware of herself. His eyes briefly traveled over her gown, not rudely, but certainly appreciatively. To her surprise, she felt herself smiling. Perhaps she ought to speak with gentlemen beyond Damien's carefully selected candidates.
Mr. Harper guided her towards a dice table. “Do you gamble, Lady Seraphine?” Mr. Harper asked as he pulled out a chair for her beside the dice table.
“Not successfully,” Seraphine admitted, smoothing her skirts as she sat down.
“Excellent.” His eyes lit with amusement.
She laughed and tilted her head. “Why is that excellent?”
Mr. Harper rested one hand against the edge of the table and leaned slightly closer. “Because it means I may teach you.” A grin tugged at his mouth as he gestured towards the dice. “And I assure you, teaching inexperienced gamblers is one of my finest talents.”
The game began. Within minutes Seraphine discovered she understood almost nothing. Mr. Harper patiently explained every rule, every strategy, and every opportunity. He stood beside her throughout.
“Try again,” he encouraged, sliding the dice towards her with an encouraging smile.
Seraphine picked them up and shook them between her palms before releasing them onto the table.
The dice bounced once, then twice, before finally settling. Her eyes widened as she leaned forward to inspect the result. “I won.”
“You did,” Mr. Harper said, laughing as he rested one hand against the edge of the table.
“Perhaps I am naturally gifted.” She lifted her chin with mock pride and gathered her winnings.
“Or perhaps I am an excellent teacher.”
“That seems more likely,” she replied, shooting him an amused look as she tucked a loose curl behind her ear.
Their laughter blended together. Soon she was winning regularly, not enormous amounts, but just enough to make the game exciting, and each victory delighted her.
“I cannot believe this,” she said, staring down at the dice before looking up at him with a delighted smile.
“You doubted me,” Mr. Harper replied, folding his arms and leaning casually against the edge of the table.
“I doubted myself.” She laughed and shook her head. “That seems the wiser course.”
“A sensible woman,” he said with a grin, inclining his head towards her as though awarding her a compliment.
His shoulder brushed hers, and his hand briefly grazed her arm while reaching for the dice. A small tingle traveled through her, not unpleasant, not overwhelming, merely noticeable. Seraphine found herself studying him.
He was handsome, pleasant, attentive, the sort of gentleman many ladies would happily pursue. And unlike Damien… her thoughts stopped abruptly.
No. I refuse to compare every man to Damien. That is exactly the problem.
The Duke of Wexford had occupied far too much space in her mind already. She needed sense, practicality, and a husband, not impossible dreams. Mr. Harper smiled down at her as she won another round.
“There,” he said proudly. “You are becoming quite dangerous.”
Seraphine laughed. “Dangerous?”
“Absolutely.” He lowered his voice. “If you continue winning at this rate, the gentlemen shall begin avoiding your table.”
Her smile widened. For the first time all day, she managed not to think about Damien, at least for a few minutes.
Unfortunately, the moment Seraphine looked across the crowded drawing room, her breath caught. Damien was watching her. Not merely glancing in her direction. Watching. His expression was dark enough to make lesser men retreat. A faint scowl pulled at his mouth as his green eyes remained fixed on her from across the room. It surprised her.
If anything, he ought to be pleased. Was this not exactly what he wanted? A suitable gentleman has finally appeared.
Mr. Harper was charming, handsome, amusing, and capable of holding a conversation without discussing estate ledgers or livestock. By Damien's own standards, he should have been delighted. Instead, he looked positively murderous. The thought nearly made her smile.
