Page 59 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
The thought should have irritated her. Instead it left her strangely eager.
Lavinia slowed her pace until they had drifted well away from the busiest stretch of the promenade.
The chatter of fashionable society softened behind them, replaced by birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Ahead, a quieter path curved around the Serpentine, where only a handful of couples wandered beneath the shade of ancient trees.
Satisfied that no curious ears lingered nearby, Lavinia glanced sideways. “You have been hiding something from me.”
Jane attempted an innocent expression. “I have?”
“You know perfectly well you have.” Lavinia folded her arms. “You have been distracted all morning, you keep looking over your shoulder whenever anyone mentions your brother, and you made the oddest face when the duke greeted us at the garden party last week.”
Jane felt warmth creep into her cheeks. “I did not.”
“You absolutely did.”
“I was merely surprised.”
Lavinia rolled her eyes. “You looked ready either to slap him or kiss him.”
Jane nearly stumbled over the uneven path. “Lavinia!”
Her friend laughed outright. “I knew it!”
“You know nothing.”
“I know enough.”
Jane let out a long sigh. “If I tell you something, will you promise not to interrupt until I’ve finished?”
“I promise.” Lavinia’s teasing expression vanished.
“And you must swear that no one else will hear it.”
“I swear.”
Jane looked around once more. The nearest walkers were far enough away that their conversation would be lost beneath the breeze.
She lowered her voice. “The duke and I… We’ve been searching for Colin together.”
Lavinia blinked. “I’m sorry. I believe I misheard you.”
“You did not.”
“The Duke of Sunderford?” Lavinia asked.
“Yes.”
“The same duke who barely smiled during Mother’s garden party?”
“Yes.”
“The one everyone says scarcely speaks unless absolutely necessary?”
Jane nodded. “The very same.”
Lavinia stared at her. For several moments she said nothing. Finally, she whispered, “Jane… what?”
Jane almost laughed despite herself. “I thought that might be your reaction.”
