The Widow (Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School Book 5) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

As Alden dressed for dinner, his thoughts continuously returned to Jane. He had rather enjoyed sledding with her. On a few occasions, he was forced to wrap his arms around her, and he couldn’t help but notice how perfectly she fit there. They may have only won a few races, but he didn’t care. He felt like he had secured a small victory with her. She was becoming more comfortable in his presence, something that he once thought would never be possible.

Although, Jane was anything but predictable. She could be lively and engaging, and then in the next breath, he had to treat her like a skittish horse. But that was not entirely surprising, considering what she had experienced at the hand of his cousin.

He walked over to the large looking glass and began to tie his white cravat. Jane had informed him that he would be sitting between Lady Mary and herself. He dreaded speaking to Lady Mary. The few times he attempted a conversation with her, he felt dumber because of it. She only seemed to speak about her many accomplishments.

Alden picked up his brush and brushed his brown hair forward. At least he would be able to converse with Jane for some part of the dinner. He always looked forward to spending time with her. When would she begin to trust him, to let him in? For some reason, that meant a great deal to him.

He exited his bedchamber and saw the duke at the top of the stairs. He attempted to place his hand on the banister, but the boughs of holly made it nearly impossible.

“Blasted holly,” the duke muttered under his breath as he shoved it away.

“May I help you down the stairs, Your Grace?”

The duke looked over at him like he was a simpleton. “I do not require assistance.” For someone who looked so frail, his stare was rather terrifying.

“I apologize for implying that you did.”

The duke slowly started descending the stairs, and Alden kept the sedate pace with him.

“Why aren’t you married, Dunsmore?” the duke asked.

He was so surprised by the question that he stopped on the step. How did one respond to such a ludicrous question? But it was asked by the Duke of Kembleford, which meant he expected an honest answer.

“I suppose because I have not found the right woman.”

The duke glanced over at him. “What about Jane?”

“What about her, Your Grace?” he asked, feigning ignorance. He truly did not want to have this conversation.

The duke’s withered face went slack. “I have seen you speak on the floor at the House of Lords and I know you to be an intelligent man, so please refrain from asking stupid questions,” he said bluntly. “My daughter needs to marry, and I think you might be a fine candidate to win her affections.”

“I am sorry to inform you, but Jane barely tolerates me.”

“If that is the case, then why has Jane only spoken favorably of you?”

“I cannot say, Your Grace.”

The duke stepped down onto the last step and rested his body against the banister.

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