Page 31 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

“Blythe, what do you think?”

Damion turned back to Harrington, confused. “What?”

“Do you want to travel to the Continent with me? Leave England for a bit.”

It wasn’t a bad idea to escape. Maybe he could somehow purge Cora from his thoughts. Yet, he doubted that was truly possible. Damion knew a trip away wouldn’t cure his feelings for the lady. While he thought he’d love Lily, he now understood that wasn’t the case.

No, he loved Cora. It was strange that he was so certain after only a week, but he didn’t have any doubts. Harrington sighed, “Just think about it?”

Damion nodded and watched as Harrington joined Bellamy’s group. They were certainly more festive. The attractive server came back and handed out drinks. She then whispered in Bellamy’s ear. The young lord pulled her onto his lap, and Damion saw red.

He was up and across the room within seconds. He lifted the server from Bellamy’s lap, careful not to be rough, but then grabbed him by his cravat. “You are engaged. What do you think you are doing?”

Bellamy, embarrassed, attempted to wiggle free but couldn’t escape Damion’s grasp. Eventually, he did free himself. The younger lord wiped at his jacket. “I have no idea what you mean, Blythe.”

“You are betrothed to Lady Cora.”

Bellamy’s eyes narrowed, but they also became filled with understanding. “You are the reason she turned down my offer.”

Damion looked at him, confused, but didn’t have much time to consider his words because Bellamy launched himself at him. “You have done something to confuse Cora.”

They tumbled to the ground, sending chairs flying. Bellamy punched him in the jaw, and his head snapped back. Angered, he slammed him to the ground and held him in place. “Enough.”

Bellamy glared at him. “Cora was supposed to be my wife, but now she wants something more.”

Damion released him and rose to his feet. She’d turned him down. Joy coursed through him because he now understood that Cora didn’t want Bellamy anymore. “I must go.”

Bellamy stood. “Promise me that you will do right by her?”

He frowned at the young lord, shocked by the insistence on his face. Bellamy added, “We may not be right for each other, but Cora deserves only the very best.”

“I will make her happy,” he said sincerely.

Bellamy nodded, and then Harrington, fascinated by their fight, asked Damion, “Are you involved with Stanton’s sister?”

He needed to go straight to Stanton’s. The gossip sheets would have details about his and Bellamy’s fight by morning. What had he been thinking? Cora would be ruined.

Ignoring Harrington’s question, he said, “I need to leave.”

Damion rushed to his carriage and ordered the driver to take him to the Stanton Townhouse. It was late, but he had no other choice. He needed to see Stanton and Cora. As much as he’d bungled things tonight, he couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Cora refused Bellamy’s courtship.

He would propose to her tonight and spend the rest of their lives making her understand how much he cared for her. The carriage came to a stop, and Damion hurried up the front steps, knocking loudly. The butler opened the door, surprised. “Your Grace, it is late.”

“I need to speak with Stanton; it is urgent.”

He let him into the foyer and disappeared into the study Damion had visited dozens of times. Eventually, he returned and said, “The Duke of Stanton will see you.”

Chapter 13

Cora stared down the stairway landing, watching as Damion headed toward Jeremy’s study. What was he doing here so late? Her mother joined her, peering over the railing.

She bit her bottom lip, worried Damion had decided to do the noble thing. Cora didn’t want that. She took a deep breath. Maybe it had nothing to do with her.

“Do you fancy the Duke of Blythe?”

Her gaze swung to her mother as her cheeks went hot. “Why would you ask that?”

“Why are you avoiding answering my question? Did something happen between the two of you at the country estate party?”