Page 13 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

Cora sat at her vanity, not in any rush to join the guests in the drawing room. They were halfway through the country estate party, and she was already ready for it to be over. Today had been a day of leisure, with most relaxing in their rooms, including herself.

She wasn’t hiding, she insisted silently. Cora touched her fingers to her lips. Her mind flashed to Damion’s fingers gripping her body and his mouth teasing hers open. She squeezed her legs together. It was just an attraction. Damion himself said it could happen to anyone.

Cora hadn’t seen Christopher today either. He’d joined some of the other gentlemen for a ride through the estate grounds. She wondered if Damion went with them. Stop. She shouldn’t be thinking of him. Maybe the lessons were a bad idea? Honestly, Cora wasn’t sure they could even be called that. He’d told her to be herself and use words and actions to increase yearning. Those were not clear instructions. He also showed you what attraction was.

“How is my lovely daughter?” her mother said, entering her room.

Cora rose and forced her thoughts of Damion and Christopher from her mind. “Fine.”

Her mother beamed. “Did you enjoy your rest today?”

“Yes.”

They walked toward the stairs and the drawing room. Her mother tucked her arm through hers. “It sounds quite lively down there. I think a day of rest benefited everyone. Respite at a week-long house party should be a requirement.”

“Agree. How is the bride hunt for Jeremy?”

Her mother groaned. “It is so hard. Your brother reveals nothing. I wish he were emotional like you. You’ve followed after Christopher your whole life.”

Cora flushed. “I have not.”

“Well, the two of you have always been grouped together at every event, especially away from London. I suppose because the Bellamys are our closest neighbors in the countryside.”

“Does that make him a suitable husband?” she asked.

Her mother stopped as they reached the drawing room doors, startled by her question. “You have always thought so. Has that changed?”

“No, of course not.”

A frown marred her mother’s face. “I want you and your brother to wed and soon, but I also want you to be happy. I believe Christopher intends to court you this year. His mother mentioned it. Still, you need to make sure that is what you want. Marriage is filled with ups and downs, and with the right person, it is all worth it. But I suspect with the wrong partner, it can be lonely.”

Cora didn’t want her mother to worry. “I’m fine and would be delighted if Christopher expressed those intentions to me.”

Her mother nodded. “Come, let’s enjoy ourselves.”

They went their separate ways as they entered the drawing room. Cora stopped and chatted with Hannah and Eliza. The twosome always seemed to be together. She sensed Christopher's appearance behind her because their bearing changed.

Cora turned, and Christopher beamed at her. “Good evening, Lady Cora. Your mother has opened up the gardens. I thought we could stroll for a bit before dinner.”

Her childhood friend looked at her so endearingly. Happiness filled her because it was the first time he seemed focused on her. Hopefully, that meant all the excitement of his return had died down. Her gaze drifted to another part of the room where Damion stood with Lady Bennett. He laughed at something she said. Cora’s stomach clenched.

She turned away and took Christopher’s arm. This was the man she wanted and was thrilled to have a moment with him. They departed for the gardens from the terrace stairs. It was just as busy as the drawing room. Her mother had all the pathways lit with candles.

Christopher said, “I’m glad to have time with you. I didn’t realize how fascinated people would be with my travels.”

“It is intriguing. I can’t blame any of them,” she provided, but was unsure how sincere her words were.

“Yes, but know I don’t enjoy speaking with anyone as much as you.”

Cora stopped and placed her hand gently on his. “Thank you for saying that.”

“Have you acquired any new maps since I departed on my adventures?”

She laughed. “I have. I wrote you about most of them. My favorite is one that measures distance by color. The symbology expands across the globe.”

Cora noticed Christopher's attention had pivoted to a group of people laughing on the terrace. She had lost his interest. “Shall we go join them? I’m sure they would be interested in hearing more about your adventures.”

His eyes lit up. “Do you want to?”