Page 16 of How the Duke Saved Christmas

“It might be a bit chilly in there, but the windows should give wonderful views of the snowfall. We can even open all the doors and windows.”

“To take the fresh air?” she drawled. How many times had Anthony and Aunt Gertrude bothered her about leaving the townhouse to do just that? She wouldn’t have needed fresh air if they wouldn’t have smothered her with their fussing.

He shrugged. “Or start a snowball fight.”

Her eyes narrowed at that ludicrous suggestion. “Now you’re being silly.”

“I’m trying to be a good host.” His smile faded. “I want you to feel at ease here.”

Too late.She said firmly, brooking no argument, “I would feel at ease returning to my room.”

“It’s a lovely house.” He took a surveying look around him, as if taking in the entire grand building with pride. “I want you to enjoy it. While we can’t go out into the park today due to the snow, you can enjoy the reception rooms—even sitting on the terrace, if you’d like. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Then his gaze settled onto her. “You can’t stay in your room for the next fortnight until Anthony returns.”

She lifted her chin, meeting his challenge. “I think I can.”

His expression softened, but to his credit, there was no pity in his countenance. “This isn’t London. There’s no reason for you to hide away from the world here.”

“I do not hide away from the world,” she bit out with indignation at the bluntness of his comment, which bordered on insult. Yet her reply was a lie. A grand one. She’d admit to herself—if never to him or anyone else—that she’d done exactly that since the accident. Staying inside had been for the best.

“Good. Because we’re in the northern reaches of Northumberland.” His brows rose. “We’re pretty much hidden away from the world already.”

That was the God’s truth.

“You will be safe here, Clara,” he said quietly. “I promise. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed or as if you’re inconveniencing anyone.”

She admitted, “I’m inconveniencingyou.”

His grin returned. So did the flutter in her belly. “Hosting a beautiful lady is never an inconvenience. It’s always a pleasure.”

Apparently, it was his turn to lie.

“Northbourne has a large staff who can help you with anything you need. Just ask, and they’ll provide it.” He added in a murmur, “So will I.”

She needed to end this encounternow,before she asked him to see to needs that weren’t at all those of a proper lady.So she asked, “Including footmen?”

“An army of them.”

“Then please call one to take me upstairs to my room. We’re through here.”In all ways.

He stared at her for a long, uncomfortable moment while he searched her face for all the answers she wouldn’t give.

Finally, he pushed himself away from the chair and brought himself up to his full height. He came forward to lift her from her chair.

“What are you doing?” She slapped at his shoulder. “Put me down—please!”

He stopped, but his arms remained around her. “I’m taking you up to your bedroom.”

Her heart stopped, and the thud that resulted when it started again thumped against her ribs so hard that she winced. She had to fight to keep from curling her fingertips into the hard muscle of his shoulder.

“Please call for the footman,” she rasped out.

“There’s no need. You’re as light as a feather, and I’m strong enough to carry you upstairs.”

“That’s not—” She choked off. She never wanted him to think of her as pitiful, and she certainly didn’t want to be in his arms. Too many memories lived there, too many dreams of a future that could never happen. “You’re a duke.”

“Last time I checked, yes.” His face hovered so close to hers that she could feel the warmth of his breath tickling over her cheek.

“Dukes don’t carry women who are…” She couldn’t say it…Helpless.