Harlequin Historical--March 2025--Box Set 1 of 2 by Virginia Heath

Author:Virginia Heath
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2025-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Several weeks later, having made one of their final farm visits, Claire and the Duke walked their mounts back towards Steynling. Having sent their chaperoning groom back to the stables once they reached the estate’s boundaries, they rode in companionable silence, letting their horses stop and graze along the verge.

The duke appeared lost in thought, leaving Claire free to study the face that over the last month had become so familiar. She knew the way he frowned when contemplating some difficulty, how the skin beside his laughing eyes creased when he teased her—as he was wont to do far too often. The compassion and gentle courtesy on his face when he dealt with her sister, the firmly set jaw and frosty eyes when he corrected some recalcitrant.

She’d been dawdling during the last homeward section of their rides for several days now, the remorseless clock ticking in her head telling her she couldn’t delay much longer that inevitable trip to London.

There was little excuse for remaining at Steynling; Edmenton was now familiar with all the tenants, Evans had inspected the estate books with him in detail and he’d made several visits to the village businesses. Liliana continued to improve, her former lethargy fading as her stamina increased, her enthusiasm to return to the city growing apace. Yesterday she’d even declared she felt strong enough to enter society, face down the pitying glances and endure the genuine sympathy friends would express at her loss.

But that was only an excuse; in truth, she’d been delaying because of the Duke.

If the Duke’s kindness and gentleness when dealing with her sister had soon made him a favourite with Liliana, he had gradually grown to be equally appealing to Claire. How could he not, when he so frequently expressed his admiration for her competence, his appreciation for her diligence in handling the estate duties, her patience and persistence in acquainting him with them?

In addition to giving her unaccustomed praise, in a subtle and often unstated way, he let her know how attractive he found her as woman—even while daily interacting with her much more beautiful sister. Having never before had a man pay her much notice in Liliana’s proximity, his continued attentions were balm to a wound deeper than she’d realised.

Over the last month, they’d developed a camaraderie as deep and strong as their potent physical attraction and she was loath to lose it. For once in London, that close bond would end and he would be no longer hers—as much as he’d ever been. He would take his place as Duke and belong ever after to the wider world.

And with him having fully grasped the reins of his role, she would have to finally figure out what do next with her life.

No wonder she was resisting having this halcyon period come to an end.

‘You’re looking very solemn,’ the Duke said, pulling her from her melancholy reflections.

‘Just wool-gathering about the future. Have you accepted yours yet?’

The Duke sighed. ‘“When a ewe’s drowned she’s dead.”’

Claire choked down a laugh.

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