Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,42
to him.
“Why is this book special?” he asked, surprising Elise as he climbed into the bed next to Claire.
“Papa gave it to me. But it got wet.”
He rifled through the pages. “I can see that.”
“Mama’s atlas got wet, too. It made her sad.”
His eyes met hers. “Is it ruined?”
She felt tears sting her eyes as she nodded and looked away.
He turned back to Claire. “Which is your favorite story? We’ll read that one together.”
Claire turned to it. “Read this one.”
“I will try to do as good a job as your papa did,” he promised.
“Papa didn’t read me this book. He died,” Claire said solemnly, causing Elise’s heart to ache.
“I heard about that. It’s good that you have your book to remember him, though.”
Claire didn’t say anything so the duke began reading. Elise went to sit in a chair by the window and stared out. The day was dark and overcast, with skies that threatened to open up again. If the rain didn’t end, she wasn’t sure they could make it to Christmas dinner at Colebourne Hall. She was still torn about accompanying Treadwell to a family dinner but knew it would be selfish to stay behind and have his servants wait on her and Claire when they could begin their own holiday celebration in the servants’ hall.
The duke’s voice soothed her and she became lost in thought. Suddenly, it stopped. She looked up and saw him easing from the bed, tucking Claire’s stuffed rabbit next to her. He brought the bedclothes over the girl and then bent and kissed her brow, moving Elise. She rose and came closer, reluctant because she didn’t want to smell him. He had a clean, masculine scent that seemed to fill her every time he was near.
Treadwell handed her the book. “She seems worn out.”
She clasped the book to her bosom. “She has been tired ever since the accident. I’m just happy to hear that she is recovering nicely.”
“Did you give her the book and tell her it was from her father?”
Her grip tightened on it. “No. Ruthersby purchased it at a bookstore. He was on his way home after that when the accident occurred. The doctor who tended to him discovered it nearby and brought it to me, along with the news of his death.”
He stepped closer to her, placing his hand atop her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been.”
His touch did terrible—no, wonderful—things to her. His warmth seemed to permeate her, causing her to come alive. Quickly, she turned away to break the contact and placed the book on a nearby table. When he touched her, it put foolish ideas into her head. Ideas that shouldn’t be there.
“Where is your atlas?” he asked.
Elise retrieved it from where it rested and handed it to him. He opened it and the pain struck her anew as she saw the ruined pages.
“It was in my satchel. It was large enough to protect Ralph Rabbit and a few other books. I suppose I should throw it out.”
“No. That would be unwise. It was a gift from your husband. Obviously, one you cherish.”
She sighed. “All my life, I wanted to go places. Not just to London but to see the world. Or at least the Continent. I read about far-off places, such as Egypt and the Far East. I imagined sailing to the Caribbean or to America. Ruthersby understood how much I wanted to travel. He was not the least bit adventurous himself, so I knew we would never leave England, but as a wedding gift, he gave me this atlas.”
“Most women would expect jewelry upon their marriage,” he noted.
Her gaze met his. “I am not most women.”
“No. You aren’t,” he said softly. His hand reached out and took hers. He laced his fingers through hers.
Elise thought he might kiss her again. She desperately wanted him to do so and yet warred with herself. What good would it do? He was looking for a woman with a multitude of fine qualities. Ones she didn’t possess. He would never consider her for his duchess. He needed a woman far more important than she was. One of beauty and wisdom and everything she would never be.
The duke squeezed her fingers lightly and then released her hand. Disappointment flooded her even though she understood his gesture to be one of kindness toward her.
“I don’t know what it feels like to lose a spouse. I am very sorry for your pain. It seems fresh even now.”