Page 17 of When a Duke Desires a Lass
His forearm tightened for an instant, then relaxed.
“I agree,” he said. “Outings to Gunter’s, the National Gallery, Covent and Vauxhall Gardens, and the theater prior to balls, routs, and assemblies over the next fortnight will give Avery a chance to assimilate. I honestly don’t ken if she likes gatherings or not, or whether she’s comfortable in crowds.”
A female duck quacked and took to wing with its colorful male in pursuit.
Heatherston watched their flight, then turned and flashed Emily a blinding smile. The corners of his eyes crinkled, reminding her of his usual good humor.
“Emily, might I persuade ye to join me for a coffee, or tea or chocolate if ye prefer, to discuss our strategies further? There’s a coffee house, Royale Roast Coffee Shoppe and Café, a few streets away.”
He appeared so boyishly expectant that she didn’t even scold him for using her given name again as she ought to have done. If someone were to overhear, they would presume a familiarity between Emily and Tobias that did not exist.
Regardless, how could she say no when her heart cried yes? Yes. Yes.
Emily feared that the protective fortifications she’d erected around herself were unraveling. No, they were well on their way to tumbling down.
Why didn’t she care?
Oughtn’t she to be reinforcing her bulwarks and ramparts?
On the other hand, what harm could discussing Avery’s Season over a warm beverage do?
In truth, a cup of chocolate sounded divine. Unlike yesterday, today was cool and breezy. Typically fickle April weather, and Emily had become chilled.
She mustn’t sound too eager, however. “Yes, that is more practical for planning than strolling in the park, I think.”
Tobias shied an eyebrow high on his forehead as if he knew her game but was too polite to comment on it.
“And I cannot stay long,” Emily said. It was best to limit their time alone whenever possible. Less chance she’d succumb to something foolhardy. “I promised Justina we’d visit Hatchard’s.”
Not until this afternoon, but the duke needn’t know that detail.
“The booksellers?” he asked. Without waiting for her response, he gave a brisk nod of approval. “Excellent. That’s a perfect start to Avery’s introduction to London.”
He acted as if she’d included him in the invitation. Which, of course, she had not, and he well knew it.
The rapscallion.
“But…” Scrambling for a feasible excuse to refuse to exclude him and Avery, Emily came up empty. Resigned, she gave him a gimlet glance.
“I cannot decide if that was cleverly done, or not well done of you, Your Grace.”
“I ken.” He gave her a rakish wink, and her heart toppled over itself.
Lord, I’m in trouble.
