Loved By a Duke by Caldwell Christi

Author:Caldwell, Christi [Caldwell, Christi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-04-27T07:00:00+00:00

Daisy stared bewildered between the gentlemen. The mottled flush on Auric’s cheeks, the muscle ticking at the corner of his right eye, uncharacteristic for one so composed, so austere, and so perfectly ducal. And yet, the icy fury emanating from his frame hinted at a man about to come to blows with the marquess. She cleared her throat. “My lord,” she said, calling the marquess’ attention. “I had forgotten my promise to reserve this set for the duke,” she lied. A chill raced along her spine, at the dark glint in the man’s eyes.

Auric took a step closer and extended his elbow. She placed her fingertips upon his coat sleeve and allowed him to guide her onto the dance floor where the dancers were assembling for the next set. Daisy raised her hand to his shoulder and a thrill shot through her as he settled his large, warm palm at her waist.

The haunting, slightly discordant hum of a waltz filled the ballroom Auric and Daisy moved in a strained, tense silence. They, who through the years had never been without words or jests or even insults, now had no words. When her mother had proposed assembling a new wardrobe, Daisy had recognized the futility of the woman’s goals. Even as the ice blue satin creation was by far the grandest, most luxuriant, if daring, piece she’d ever donned. Yet, she’d not roused anything more than a dark glower from Auric.

He’d say nothing to her?

“I don’t want you near Rutland.”

She looked at him through the thin slits of her eyes. That is what he’d say? “I beg your pardon?” He’d order her about as though he were nothing more than a protective brother. Jagged pain ripped through her at the remembrance of Lionel.

Auric angled her closer, dipping his head lower. “This is not a game, Daisy.” Her breath caught at the nearness of his lips, remembering his mouth upon hers and shamefully longing for the heady passion she’d known in that all too brief embrace. “Rutland is a dark, vile reprobate.” His mouth hardened. “And he is assuredly not the devoted, caring, and resolute gentleman you spoke of.”

She jerked. Did he dare throw her longings back in her face? Daisy spoke in hushed tones. “You’ve spent so many years being the Duke of Crawford, ordering others about and coming to expect blind subservience, that you’ve forgotten how to speak to a friend,” she chided. His frown deepened. “You took it upon yourself, Your Grace, to decide I required a husband and even were so bold as to drum up a suitor.” With each word, the implications of his actions these past days filled her with a hot rage. She continued, speaking through gritted teeth. “You would find me a husband. For what end, Auric?”

He opened his mouth to speak, but she spoke over him. “To absolve yourself of a guilt for Lionel’s death.”

He went white and a momentary wave of remorse slapped her for throwing that charge at him in this public manner.

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