Page 57 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“Congratulations.” She began to turn away, but he grasped her arm.

“Wait! Forgive me.”

“Pardon?”

“I often lose sense of time when I’m working.”

She stood still. He could hear the chirping of the birds and feel the slight breeze through the trees. At that moment, her response meant more to him than all his work for the day, for the week, even longer.

“This once.”

“Yes, I promise to do better. But you should know something else. I didn’t like seeing you with another man.” His heart thundered at the confession. Her lips parted, then closed, and he wanted to know what she was thinking.

She sighed. “I didn’t enjoy spending time with Lord Bowen.”

Male satisfaction coursed through him. He offered his arm once more and she took it, and they turned to go back. “Will you visit me at my home soon?” he asked. “There is something you should see.”

“Why? I’ve already toured your country workshop.”

She worried her bottom lip with her teeth, and he found it near impossible to tear his gaze away from the full, pink lips. If he hadn’t arrived when he had, would Lord Bowen have taken the opportunity to escort her into this very maze and attempt to steal a kiss?

Bloody hell. When she’d slanted her blue eyes up at Lord Bowen, smiled and laughed at something the bloke had said, his heart had hammered and his fists had clenched and he’d feared he’d do something barbaric—something he’d regret.

Only fools would behave that way. Rogues with nothing else but lust and debauchery on their minds. He was not like those men. He had a purpose, a brain, and self-control.

Then why was he still staring at her mouth with hunger? He must not think of kissing her. Any kind of intimacy could change things between them, and she didn’t want that. Nor did he. He was simply trying to get her to understand him in case he was late in the future.

“Ah, but this is different. If you see, perhaps you will understand my challenge with the clock. Miss Hasmik can accompany you.”

She tilted her head. “Fine. I’m visiting the dressmakers with your godmother tomorrow. But I shall come the day after, at noon.”

“I look forward to it.” Together, they left the maze and he escorted her back to where his godmother awaited. Dozens of eyes seemed to focus on them, followed by hushed whispers.

Her fingers tightened on his sleeve. “It seems we have caused an unintentional stir, Your Grace.”

Warwick’s gaze never left her upturned face, and he grinned. “Aren’t they the best kind?”

…

“Well, well, if you were trying draw more attention, you and Warwick certainly accomplished your goal.” Lady Heywood sat cross from Adeline as their carriage progressed through the busy London streets. It was the following day, and they were on their way to the dressmakers. Afterward, Adeline planned to see Mary.

“It was unintentional, I assure you,” Adeline said.

“I don’t blame you for spending time with Lord Bowen, my dear. My godson is often tardy, although not that tardy. He must have been delayed by one of his inventions.”

“He assured me as much.”

“Well, the Scandal Sheet is brimming with gossip about both of you. Shall I read it to you?” Lady Heywood opened the paper that sat upon her lap.

Adeline didn’t believe she was being asked. More like being prepared. “Will it cause me discomfort?”

“That depends, my dear, on how sensitive you are.”

“Go on then. It’s best if I know what it says.”

The countess raised the paper and read out loud.

A lover’s quarrel? It appears as if Lady Adeline Cameron is causing quite a stir when it comes to the gentlemen this Season. A viscount or a duke? The Duke of Warwick may have been notoriously late to a garden party, but the lady may have been the one to steal the show.