Page 42 of Always a Princess
“No.”
“Well, that makes this quite a shock then, doesn’t it?”
“Quite.”
The duke paused. “If you didn’t know … then why are you here, Miss Templebourne?”
“I thought I was going somewhere else,” Thea replied.
“Meeting someone else?” the duke clarified.
She met his dark gaze. “Yes.”
“Karalovy,” he said immediately as his expression darkened.
“Yes.”
“At least you’re honest.”
“He is expecting me.”
“Which is why you weren’t expecting me.”
The duke walked away from the fireplace and lowered himself into a wingback chair in front of it. “Is it because he’s a prince?”
“No, Your Grace. It isn’t.”
“Good. Because even I can’t compete with that.” He leaned forward in the chair, resting both elbows on his knees. “Then what is it? The money?”
Thea shook her head. “No.”
“What then?” He asked, then paused. “Because he’ll marry you.”
“In part, because of that. I have no desire to be a man’s mistress. I was raised better than that.”
“Then I’ll marry you. My mother’s opinion be damned.”
Thea couldn’t help but shake her head and chuckle quietly at the unexpected turn of events. “As flattered as I am, Your Grace, I have already accepted an offer of marriage, and I am a woman of my word.”
“Well, this is bloody awkward. The first time I offer for a woman, I am rebuffed.”
“It truly isn’t personal, Your Grace. And it wouldn’t matter who you were. My heart is engaged.”
The duke rose. “Then he is a lucky man. And I, on the other hand, have made a mess of things. You have my deepest apologies, Miss Templebourne. It seems I have acted totally out of line. I was so sure of myself, and now I have a house I don’t need.”
His humility in the moment was endearing.
“You seem like a good man, Your Grace. And I do appreciate your offer. Some woman will be very lucky to marry you one day.”
“They aren’t like you, Miss Templebourne. You would make a wonderful mother.”
The unexpected compliment warmed her. “Thank you for that, Your Grace.”
“You’re sure you won’t marry me? I believe I would prove to be a very agreeable husband.”
She smiled. “Have you ever been in love, Your Grace?”
“I’m English. The eighth duke of my family line. Love isn’t part of the bargain, Miss Templebourne.”
