Page 40 of How Not to Marry a Duke

If they were lucky, the gossip would travel like wildfire and reach London before they did.

Warwick may be awkward with social mores, but he was handsome enough to draw every eye. His prized title was icing on the cake. They must pull off their ruse long enough to survive the Season.

…

“What ails you now, Your Grace?”

Warwick dropped the wrench he’d been using to adjust the pistons. Nelson was showing more and more familiarity toward him. The country air must have loosened the rigidity of his proper English butler.

“Pardon?”

“You forgot your notes.” Nelson held up a leather-bound book. Warwick always meticulously inscribed his progress with his various machines. He was religious about carrying the book with him when he worked.

“I must have misplaced them.”

“Are you unwell? In pain? I can continue with the flour.” Deep furrows marred Nelson’s brow.

Nelson’s concern was obvious. Warwick often became engrossed in his work and could take his long-time staff for granted. Only his work wasn’t the reason for his distraction today. It was entirely due to his attractive and argumentative neighbor.

Warwick had been trying not to think about the prior evening but his efforts were in vain. He couldn’t stop thinking about Adeline—how her slender hand had felt on his arm as he’d escorted her around the country fair. Or how she’d looked up at him, blue eyes wide with wonder, when he’d given her the apron. No one had ever looked at him that way, and it had stirred a long-buried pang in his chest.

It hadn’t lasted long, though, before they’d crossed the village green and entered Lady Furlong’s ballroom. Oh, he knew he’d said something wrong to their hostess. But who could help it after seeing that ridiculous contraption of a birdcage teetering on the lady’s head?

Then there was later during the evening. He’d told Adeline that he knew how to dance, but the flash of surprise on her face was unmistakable. The country dance hadn’t offered enough opportunity to touch her, only the briefest moment to feel her lithe body brush against his. His gaze had been drawn to her full lips, the graceful lines of her neck, and the glimpse of smooth skin above her bodice. It was enough to distract him then…and now. For a man who had never had trouble focusing on mechanical drawings and machinery, his baffling emotions were frustrating.

Warwick grew aware of Nelson waiting for his response. He leaned forward in his chair. “No. I’m not ill or in pain. The burn is healing nicely.” He hadn’t been in pain for more than a week, thanks to Adeline’s treatment.

“You have been unusually quiet, Your Grace.”

“Have I?”

He was to return to London with Adeline soon, and they’d both have to deal with their families. He knew how to handle his godmother but Lord Foster was an entirely different challenge.

When he’d first discovered she was Edwin’s sister, he’d believed she would be like her brother. Arrogant, self-righteous, judgmental of everyone. He realized he’d been just as judgmental during his first encounter with Adeline. Oh, she was quick to put him in his place when she’d deemed it necessary, but her reactions hadn’t stemmed from a belief she was superior to everyone, like Edwin, but from a deep intelligence and sharp wit.

She was nothing like her brother.

Half brother, she’d been quick to point out.

The same half brother who had tossed her out of her home.

Adeline was brave and courageous and driven to help others—villagers who couldn’t afford to pay her for her services other than to fix a broken shutter and make a new table. She hadn’t asked for coin in return.

Mrs. Posner appeared in the doorway of the study. “The morning post arrived, Your Grace. A letter from Lady Heywood.” She handed it to him.

Nelson scowled, his displeasure obvious that the housekeeper had answered the door and intercepted the morning post.

“Let me see.”

Warwick broke the seal. As he’d expected, his godmother was surprised but thrilled to learn of his interest in Lady Adeline Cameron, and she was even more excited for Adeline and her companion, Miss Hasmik, to reside with her.

I was against your decision to abandon the Season for the country. Never did I anticipate that you would meet a lady in Kent. I eagerly look forward to hearing your love story.

His love story? Damn! He’d have to concoct a believable tale of how he’d met Adeline. She’d have to approve. “Well?” Mrs. Posner wrung her hands. “What does the countess say about your romantic interest?”

Warwick grew aware of Nelson and Mrs. Posner awaiting his answer. “It seems we are to return to London with Lady Adeline. My godmother eagerly awaits our visit.”

…