Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,34

“She had a father. She doesn’t need another one.”

“You know what I mean,” he protested. “You—and she—could benefit if you get out of that household and move on.”

She shook her head, anger spotting her smooth, porcelain cheeks. “You men think it’s all so easy. I’ll tell you, it’s not. I’m in a precarious position with the boys close to going away to school. Cousin Leonard and his wife, the new Earl and Countess of Shelby, already made it clear they don’t want me or Claire at Shedwell. You see how little they think of us, sending us out in a carriage that should have been scrapped years ago. And even if Ruthersby and his wife agreed I could participate in the Season, I haven’t any funds for gowns. I also haven’t been to any social events in London since before my husband’s death. Who would issue me invitations? What would I wear?”

Lady Ruthersby stood and began pacing. “I am doing the best I can, Your Grace. Hanging on by a thread. Trying not to rock the boat and have it capsize on me. Yes, I do have Claire to think of. Yes, I would like to wed again someday. But I can wish all I want and none of that will ever come true. I am dependent upon relatives who think little of me. I’m not going to alienate them and have them toss us to the street, especially when I know my cousin and father’s heir wouldn’t bother to take us in.”

He sprang to his feet and came to stand in front of her. He took her elbows in his hands. Being so close to her, he could smell the soap from her recent bath. The scent of rosemary rising from her hair. No woman had tempted him since Juniper.

Until now.

Weston lowered his mouth to hers. Their lips touched and electricity raced through him. He fought the urge to plunge into her and brushed his lips against hers instead. She was a wounded little bird and he couldn’t scare her off. He had plans for her and needed her cooperation.

Then a knock sounded at the door. She jerked away from him and hurried to the fire, her back to the room.

“Come!” he called, irritated beyond words.

A footman rolled in a cart of food. “Where would you like it, Your Grace?” he asked.

Lady Ruthersby turned, her face drained of color.

“I find I am feeling ill, Your Grace,” she said. “You’ll have to eat without me.”

She fled the room.

He was an idiot.

*

Elise hurried from the winter parlor, her heart pounding violently. She found her way back to the massive staircase and hurried up it and down the corridor to the bedchamber where Claire awaited. No servants were in the hallway so she paused, leaning against the wall, trying to compose herself on the chance Claire might awaken and see how upset her mother was.

The Duke of Disrepute had kissed her.

And she had wanted him to.

From the moment he’d pulled her from the carriage and she’d recognized him, an odd sense of yearning had filled her. It was ridiculous, of course, to think a wayward, handsome as sin duke would look twice at a widow with a child. When he’d scooped Claire up and chatted with her, it tugged at her heartstrings, this big, wealthy, titled gentleman talking to her little girl, teasing her like a father would. It made Elise want even more to wed again. To have children. To have a husband who would be a companion. Someone to take away the deep loneliness that filled her.

When the duke had escorted her downstairs, the scent of his sandalwood soap filled her, along with a clean, masculine smell that made her want to cling to him. She’d never experienced such a physical attraction before. At least, not since the last time he’d held her in his arms and danced with her.

“Blast,” she muttered to herself.

She was delusional. He was the Duke of Disrepute. He bedded women left and right. She happened to be available. Of course, he would try to worm his way into her good graces and then slip into her bed. Worse, she wanted him there. She knew from what the gossip columns reported that he only spent one night with the women he chose. They only came together the one time and then he moved on to the next female who caught his fancy.

Tonight, the Duke of Disrepute would come to her. She knew it in her bones.