A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,97

brought her close. The warmth of her body next to his was a heady solace for all his past heartache. “Maybe I could have tried harder. But after he ruined my horse…” Saying the words felt as if his heart was being ripped from his chest again. “He didn’t care. He had turned into my father. Whatever brought him pleasure.”

“I’m sorry.” She brought their clasped hands to her heart. “That had to be hard to live through.”

No one had cared about his loss. No one but her. The simple act undid him. He bit his lip to keep the tears in abeyance, then took her into his arms and held her. Burying his head into her neck anchored him from drowning in the memories.

“You’re kind to say that. In many ways, it was harder than all the times I faced the enemy.” Christian kissed her on the forehead, a thank-you for letting him share this part of himself. “But as far as I am concerned, the duke ruined the duchy. He was a poor excuse for a father. He never grieved for my mother. I’m not even certain he loved anyone but himself. His entire life was a lie.” He laughed to hide his pain. “But I’ll rebuild the Randford duchy. Ensure that its reputation is transformed and buffed to a shine.” He smiled down at her.

“I have no doubt about it,” she said with a grin. “You can do anything.”

Her smile brightened everything in the room, including his mood. The effect she had on him grew every day, and he was richer for it. Never had he felt this close to another. Frankly, she was the most unique person he’d ever met. Being with her made him want more in life. The charity was a start, but they could accomplish so much more together.

“The charity will help rebuild the duchy. The second shall be a soiree at Rand House.” He kissed the back of her hand. “You’ll be my hostess and stand by my side. We’ll invite all of London to the event.”

Katherine pressed her lips together, and her eyes flashed. “I don’t know if that would be appropriate … at least, for me … not now.”

“What are you about?” he murmured, truly surprised at her response. “We’ll announce your royal appointment and your efforts with the charity. We’ll have your linens and some of the furniture on display. We’ll even invite the Prince Regent. I want to show you off to everyone. Your name will be famous throughout the land.”

Indeed, it was the idea Grayson had suggested, and it was brilliant. It would be a night to celebrate the charity, but more importantly, Katherine and all of her accomplishments.

* * *

Bile threatened to choke Katherine at Christian’s words. For a moment, she thought she would become ill, but the sensation left as quickly as it came. His idea of a soiree as a way to launch his arrival in London along with the start of the charity was sound.

But she didn’t want any part of it. Having ladies come into her shop was nothing like a society event where she would be front and center. Her customers weren’t focused on her. They wanted to shop and have an experience that was uniquely their own. She was just a vehicle for them.

But to appear as the hostess for the Duke of Randford in all of London, she couldn’t risk it. Someone might recognize her. My God, would these fears ever leave her be? What would he think of her if he ever discovered the truth? She had little doubt that her face was paler than the full moon outside. She had to escape before he knew something was wrong.

“I think Willa and Morgan should attend the soiree along with Reed and the other men.” Resting on a propped elbow, he peered down at her. “We can work out the details later. Probably the one good thing that came out of the war was my friendship with Morgan. I think of him much like you think of Willa.” He took her hand in his. “May I tell you a story?”

“Of course,” she murmured, not really listening. Her ears were still ringing with his earlier comments.

“In the military, a so-called career scout entered my regiment after it became common knowledge that we wouldn’t see any battles for a week or so. He sang his own praises of finding the perfect defensive positions. My commanding officer believed him, but I had a