Page 5 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

Tenderness and understanding flared in Damion. He understood what it meant to be with someone who held no interest in you, even though the world thought otherwise.

She took a sip of her punch. “I’m enjoying watching Bellamy get fawned all over. He returned more handsome than when he departed.”

“Careful, Meredith. I believe our host’s sister has him in her sights.”

Meredith shook her head. “I hope not. He isn’t a man who looks ready to settle down. She is such a lovely lady.”

His friend’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and she added. “Honestly, she would make you an ideal match.”

Meredith’s words shocked him. One, he wasn’t searching for a wife, and two, a young, naïve miss was not his type. “Hardly.”

Meredith nodded at someone, and he turned to find Lady Cora talking with another lady by the refreshment table. “She is stunning, and I heard very sweet.”

Damion had wed a sweet lady who spent most of her time in the country. It hadn’t worked out. Firmly, he said, “I’m not looking.”

Meredith smiled, amused, but sadness lurked in her eyes. “We are a depressing pair, you and I. I’m married only on paper, and you with your tragic love story.”

He’d never revealed the true details about his wife, Lily, to Meredith, but she somehow seemed to understand. “All we can do is embrace small moments of happiness when we have the chance.”

His friend and sometime lover glanced at Lady Cora again. “You are not in my situation, Damion. Don’t waste your chances.”

Damion’s eyes flicked back to Cora. She was a beautiful woman, but not his usual type. Most of his lovers were petite and curvy, not tall and slender like the woman he studied. Her thick, blonde curls were partially tied up on her head, and for a moment, he envisioned them cascading all around her shoulders.

Meredith giggled. “You do find her enchanting.”

He yanked his gaze away. “Many women are attractive. It doesn’t mean I plan to marry any of them. I find you very alluring too.”

They grinned at one another, but Meredith sighed. “Yet, I suspect nothing will come of your comment while we are here. I hear the Dowager Duchess of Stanton is already fretting about your roguish behavior.”

“I’ve promised to be on my best behavior.”

“Pity,” she said. “I think I will join the ladies speaking with Bellamy. I don’t want to be the only lady who hasn’t heard about his travels.”

He smiled. She started to depart but turned back. “But I do mean it, Damion. We aren’t in the same situation, you and I. Don’t be afraid to open your heart back up.”

“You are a dear friend.”

She winked cheekily. “Yes, I am.”

He watched her leave, and then his gaze flitted back to Lady Cora. Why would Meredith think they might be a good fit? He’d met Lady Cora more than once and never thought of her in that way. She was Stanton’s sister after all.

Chapter 3

Cora sat at the long dining room table, doing her best not to frown at Christopher as he laughed loudly with Eliza and Hannah. It was the second evening of the country estate party, and her annoyance with her childhood friend continued to grow.

He was only being polite, Cora assured herself. They didn’t have her history with him. The two of them grew up together, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. They’d always been perfectly aligned. Christopher turned to Hannah and traced something on the tablecloth with his finger. Hannah's eyes widened with excitement.

Cora snorted, doubting that whatever he shared fascinated Hannah that much.

“Are you intrigued by the newly returned Bellamy as well, Lady Cora?” Blythe asked, amused.

She turned to him, surprised by his question. While she and Blythe were acquainted because of her brother, most of their conversations didn’t go beyond superficial topics. “Lord Bellamy and I have known each other for a long time. We are close.”

Eliza giggled, and Christopher grinned at her over his wineglass. Blythe lifted an insolent brown brow. Cora pursed her lips together. Well, right now they weren’t. No, Christopher's interest appeared firmly focused on sharing his adventures with every lady at the party.

“I look forward to us becoming reacquainted when the party is over,” she said.

“I traveled after my wife’s passing. Going to new places changes you. I didn’t realize it until I returned to London.”