An Unsuitable Duchess (16 page)

Katrina gave her an encouraging nod and Meg placed her mending aside and slowly stood.

‘I will not be long,’ Meg said, curtsying and leaving the room without closing the door.

When Katrina turned back to Lyonsdale she noticed his satisfied grin. ‘I simply sent her for some tea because she has been sitting by that window for hours. She needed a respite.’

He raised both his hands. ‘I did not say a word.’

‘Would you care for more tea?’

His gaze dropped to her lips. ‘What I really want is to kiss you before your maid returns.’

Pointing her finger at him, Katrina let out an exasperated breath. ‘I did not send her away so you could kiss me.’

His brow wrinkled in confusion. ‘You truly do not want me to kiss you?’

She should never have sent Meg away. Lyonsdale was much too charming. Kissing him would be a great mistake. They had no future together. What if his kisses made her lose her breath? What would she do then?

With the tips of his fingers he gently raised her chin. ‘Tell me now, before your maid returns. Will you allow me to kiss you?’

Oh, how she longed to know what his kisses would feel like. Losing her ability to speak, Katrina simply nodded her head. His lips curved into a slow smile as he traced her lower lip with his thumb. Then he lowered his head and kissed her softly.

The simple touch of his lips against hers left Katrina wanting more.

* * *

Julian knew from the moment he stroked Katrina’s tempting lower lip that stopping at one kiss would be close to impossible. As it was, it took all his effort not to pull her on top of him after one innocent kiss. Shifting his head, he nipped her mouth until her lips parted. She tasted like sweet tea and something wonderful.

With her hand tentatively resting on his chest, she hesitated a moment before deepening the kiss. This was heaven.

She was kissing him back, gently exploring his mouth. His cravat was growing tight, along with his breeches. He needed to stop, but it was painful to think he had to release her from his arms. Reluctantly, he pulled his head back.

Her eyes were still closed, and her lips held a faint smile. He was about to kiss her again when her lashes fluttered open, revealing eyes that were his favourite shade of blue. Transfixed by the sensuous sight she made, Julian knew at that moment that he never wanted Miss Vandenberg to kiss anyone else.

‘I thought you said just one kiss,’ she uttered breathlessly.

‘Forgive me. I will strive to do better next time,’ he teased.

‘I believe you are much too confident in your charms.’ She smiled as she lowered her hand from his chest and placed it on her lap.

‘Perhaps I am.’ He picked up a loose tendril of her hair and rubbed the silky lock between his fingers before hooking it over her ear. ‘It was a pleasure reading with you.’

‘I enjoyed it thoroughly.’

That smile of hers warmed him even further. ‘How long do you anticipate remaining in London?’

She gave a slight shrug. ‘It is difficult to tell. A few months, I suppose. Hopefully the negotiations between our two countries will progress smoothly.’

The notion of her leaving and his never seeing her again was burning like acid in his gut. Soon he would approach Morley about his daughter. Then his life would be spent devoted to his responsibilities in the company of a woman he was indifferent towards. Deep down he knew he would never feel as happy as he did at this very moment with Miss Vandenberg. He didn’t want the feeling to end. Not now, anyway.

‘I have a proposition for you.’ Even before the words were out of his mouth he couldn’t believe he was actually going to ask her. He needed to spend less time in Hart’s company. ‘Would you consider finishing the book with me?’

‘You mean continue to read it together?’

‘Yes. I realise it is highly irregular. But you were the one to originally suggest it. You once told me you have no intention of marrying an Englishman. And a man in my position must marry a woman from the highest levels of English Society. But you must admit we do enjoy each other’s company. I see no harm in spending some more time together before our lives change course.’

She bit her lip. ‘Even as an American I know it would not be proper. My reputation would be ruined.’

‘I assure you we would see each other in secret. No one would ever know.’ He took her hand in his and placed it over his heart. ‘On my honour, I would not do anything to jeopardise your reputation.’

She leaned towards him and a mischievous sparkle lit her eyes. ‘Then it would be our secret?’

He liked the idea of sharing something only with her. It felt...intimate. ‘Yes. It would be our secret.’

This was an ideal solution to his problem. It would be easier for him to proceed with marrying Lady Mary if thoughts of Miss Vandenberg weren’t floating through his head all the time. He’d wager that familiarity would lead to boredom. The more time he spent with her, the more quickly he would realise she was not that remarkable. It made perfect sense.

There was just one more thing that would make this arrangement perfect. ‘And when we are alone together you can call me Julian.’

She eyed him sideways and he thought she was going to refuse, until another mischievous smile crossed her lips. ‘Very well, Julian. Then you must call me Katrina.’

He knew in his bones that from this moment on she would always be Katrina to him.

Her body appeared to dance with excitement as she shifted in her seat. ‘Do you promise not to tell a soul?’ she asked.

They grinned at each other like two children conspiring to steal all the Christmas treats.

‘I promise. And you? You must also promise not to share this with anyone.’

‘My lips are sealed,’ she said through a smile. ‘Fortunately for you I have a strong desire to know how this story ends.’

Chapter Fourteen

T
hree nights later, Katrina noticed two things about the Whitfields’ impressive entrance hall. The first was that her drawing room could easily fit inside it. The second was that the large black and white marble floor resembled one large chessboard, which was appropriate since the happenings of the
ton
always appeared to be a strategic game.

She had not seen Julian since he had called on her and proposed their secret pact. It felt like weeks, although she knew it had only been days. He’d said he would call again when he was not busy with his affairs at Westminster. She did not want to interfere with his duties, but if this continued it would take them over a month to finish reading the book.

Sarah tapped her wrist. ‘Do not look to your left,’ she whispered into Katrina’s ear. ‘Lyonsdale is standing by the staircase and has eyed you very intently from your slippers to your hair. You cannot tell me that man does not have an interest in you.’

Katrina’s heartbeat quickened and she had an urge to adjust her hair. Reliving his kiss, she refused look at him, certain she would blush. Surely Sarah would be able to tell they were now more than passing acquaintances.

‘Sarah, you have to stop. Someone might overhear you.’

‘But do you not want to know that his eyes are still on you?’ Sarah looked at Katrina with a wrinkled brow. ‘Why will you not even acknowledge him?’

At this moment she couldn’t acknowledge him. If she did, everyone around her would know they shared a secret. It would be impossible to hide it in her expression.

Katrina was saved from responding by the appearance of Madame de Lieven, who glided up to them on the arm of Mr Armstrong. It was the first time she could recall being happy to see the woman.

‘Miss Vandenberg, Miss Forrester—how lovely to see both of you again. You remember Mr Armstrong?’

Katrina recalled the hawk-like features of the youngest son of Lord Greely. ‘Of course. How do you do, Mr Armstrong?’

‘Quite well. I had the opportunity to speak with Wellington at length earlier.’ His chest was puffed out a bit more than usual. ‘I am acquainted with him, don’t you know?’

Katrina watched him raise his quizzing glass and observe the room. When his quizzer rested on her, Katrina raised her chin until he lowered the glass.

‘Pray tell, Miss Vandenberg, have you found the time to explore Town yet? I am certain it’s like no place you have imagined,’ he said.

‘I find London most diverting,’ she replied politely.

His lips rose in a superior smile. ‘I notice you were extended vouchers to attend Almack’s. You dance very well for an American.’

How exactly should one respond to a comment like that? She was never certain. Glancing to her right, she noticed Sarah’s attention was on her slippers, her pursed lips giving away her amusement.

‘I understand you know how to waltz?’ Mr Armstrong continued.

Oh, no. No. No. No.
Why couldn’t she have talked with him later in the evening, when her waltzes might have all been claimed?

‘I do,’ Katrina replied slowly, glancing at Madame de Lieven. She caught the knowing glint in the woman’s eye.

‘I believe that’s the beginning of one now. If this dance isn’t claimed, would you do me the honour of dancing with me, Miss Vandenberg?’ He held his arm out to her.

She wanted to flee. If she waltzed with him she would have to spend time with him for longer than any human being should be required to be in his company. However, if she declined his invitation she would be forced to sit out every dance. That would lead to a very dull evening.

She had no choice but to take his arm. If only he were Julian.

* * *

Julian stood near the threshold of the ballroom and watched Lord Greely’s whelp escort Katrina onto the dance floor. Even in the low light coming from the chandeliers above he had no difficulty tracing her graceful form as she moved through the waltz. She was a vision in white organza and blue silk. He could watch her all night...

‘I would not wait too long to pursue her. She will be taken if you do,’ Hart commented casually.

Julian took a sip of what he was certain was watered-down Madeira and wished he had borrowed his grandmother’s flask. ‘I don’t need your advice.’

‘Apparently Armstrong has no objection to the lady’s nationality. Maybe he likes leprechauns...or would the children be wee beasties? I cannot recall.’

‘What do you suppose he is up to?’ Julian wondered out loud as he narrowed his gaze.

‘Isn’t it obvious? The man appreciates a pretty face and a lithe form. He might even enjoy dancing.’

‘I’ve never trusted him,’ Julian said, eyeing the couple over the rim of his glass.

‘Really? You don’t trust him with all things or with your Miss V?’

‘She isn’t mine, and I have never trusted him about anything. He is a sycophant and always has been.’

‘You are aware there is a bet placed in White’s about the two of you.’

‘Me and Armstrong?’

‘No, you dolt. You and Miss V.’

Julian’s heart began to pound. He had only called on her that one time, and he had taken pains to walk to her house in the pouring rain with a rather large umbrella. How could someone know of their secret arrangement?

‘How was I not aware of this?’

Hart shrugged. ‘Do you really care? There are plenty of bets placed about me. I pay them no heed.’

A tic formed in Julian’s jaw. ‘What does it say?’

‘The bet is on how long it will take for you to enter into a liaison with her.’

Julian had a sudden need to crush something—or someone. He consciously relaxed his hold on his glass. At least the bet was not about
if
he was having a liaison with her already.

‘Who placed the bet?’

Hart resumed watching the dancers and crossed his arms. ‘Don’t recall. They really are stunning together...all that golden glory. I imagine their children will be very attractive. Unless, of course, they do take on the appearance of green beasties.’

‘You’re an ass.’

‘So you have said—time and again,’ Hart replied with amusement. ‘Shall we play some cards? I have a hunting box in Scotland that Lord Middlebury must be missing. I am feeling generous and may lose it to him.’

* * *

Helena stepped to the edge of the dance floor and studied the woman who had captured Lyonsdale’s attention. Could this be the woman who had somehow persuaded Lyonsdale to waltz with her at Almack’s?

Elizabeth, the Duchess of Skeffington, approached her side. ‘I am amazed we are listening to a quartet this evening. And the wine is positively insipid. It appears, Helena, that the Whitfields are not as prosperous as they once were. I would not be surprised if young Whitfield is hunting an heiress this very night.’

When Helena made no reply, her friend continued. ‘That is a lovely gown she is wearing. I believe by the cut it’s French. It certainly cannot be American-made.’

Helena shifted her gaze. ‘To whom are you referring, Lizzy?’

‘Oh, forgive me. I thought you were watching Miss Vandenberg—the woman dancing with Mr Armstrong.’

‘Why would I concern myself with someone dancing with a mere third son?’

‘Because she is the woman Lyonsdale waltzed with at Almack’s. I was watching them that night. He appeared quite taken with her. I assumed you had heard. It was on everyone’s lips the next day.’

Of course she had heard about his waltz. She paid attention to every bit of gossip in the papers. One never knew when it might be used to one’s advantage. However, Lyonsdale had danced with the woman only once, and she had assumed it was for political reasons.

‘You never said anything to me.’

‘As I said, I assumed you had already heard. You know how much I loathe gossip. It was astonishing to see, though. He appeared to be smiling that night. I don’t believe I have ever seen him do so with a woman.’

The American was still turning about the floor in her waltz. Her hair was the colour of straw, and her lips were too thin. The gown she wore covered a form that did not possess breasts or hips that would bring a man to his knees.

‘Who is she?’ Helena asked her friend.

Lizzy’s eyes brightened. ‘She is the daughter of Mr Peter Vandenberg, the American author who is here on diplomatic affairs. One would think London was full of bluestockings, with all the talk of his book.’