Page 41 of My Dearest Duke

A mouse streaked across the floor before squeezing itself into a coin-sized hole between the wall and the floor. So absorbed in her planning, Vanessa hadn’t noticed the terrified creature’s hasty escape.

Kingston made a mental note.

Ridding the place of rodents was also a priority.

“It makes sense, Kingston. Helmstead is only half a mile away. We can renovate the entire house at once rather than room by room, which is what we’d have to do if Quail Hollow is occupied during the renovation. And it will save money too. The laborers' work won’t be interrupted, which means they’ll finish quicker.”

She’d done it again. Faced facts straight on and made the most of the situation.

Just like at Fortuna.

There’d be no need for them to share a bedchamber either, thus removing the temptress standing a few feet away from his randy presence. Until now, his celibacy hadn’t been an issue. Simply thinking of that day when Gabriel had died was enough to shrivel his bollocks. But from the moment he’d held Vanessa’s hand in his at Fortuna, he’d sported a half-erection.

“What do you think?” Eyes wide and beseeching, Vanessa nibbled her thumbnail. Her sign of nervousness. “Would your brothers and sisters object to a temporary change in residence, or would they think me presumptuous?”

Yes, and yes.

At least Dorena and Gareth would think the latter.

Planting his hands on his hips and chin tucked to his chest, Kingston considered her proposal.

Would his brothers and sisters really balk?

To each having their own bedchamber?

No vermin or insects skittering about?

Heat throughout the house and servants to wait upon them? Not to mention plenty to eat and greater creature comforts than they’d had in a goodly while?

An idea sprang to mind.

He needn’t move to Helmstead Gate, even if the rest of the family did.

“I’ll agree to move the household to Helmstead Gate on the morrow, but I’ll be staying here. To guard the place and to prevent any thievery of construction or other supplies.”

That was a valid point she couldn’t bring an argument against.

Vanessa’s face fell, but a heartbeat later, she squared her shoulders and angled her chin upward. “That seems wise. It also provides us with a legitimate excuse to not share a bedchamber that won’t give rise to speculation and gossip.”

Her gaze slid to the bed, and a becoming flush stole up her face.

“We should probably go below. I’m sure dinner is nearly ready.” She moved toward the door with the regal grace of a queen.

“Vanessa?”

Her fingers on the handle, she half-turned toward him. “Yes?”

In a few swift strides, he stood before her and cupped her shoulders. At once, the yearning to pull her into his embrace again engulfed him.

Kingston had vowed to God, to Gabriel, and to himself that he’d never again yield to passion’s seducing allure.

“I shouldn’t have kissed you, Nessa, but I don’t regret it. I must, however, make certain it never happens again. I pledged an oath to you that I mean to keep. I never intended to marry, but circumstances made it a necessity. I want you to know that it isn’t because I don’t desire you or that I don’t believe you would make an exceptional wife. However, I swore an oath some time ago that I cannot break.”

What oath?

The unspoken question flashed in her eyes. Her mouth parted, and her warm honey gaze drifted to his lips.

Desire bolted through Kingston, and his pantaloons grew uncomfortably snug.