Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,30

minor burns in the process.

“Now then, I’m certain you all know how to play the game or will quickly learn if you don’t.” Burbridge’s grin caused much laughter. “Each person who successfully takes a raisin may request a boon of their choice.”

More laughter followed his announcement.

Eleanor knew immediately what she wanted as a boon. She was confident she’d successfully pluck a raisin from the flames but whether she had the courage to request her boon remained to be seen.

At Burbridge’s nod, a footman set the brandy aflame then doused the candles in the room. The raisins floating in the brandy danced with blue flames, making their location easy to spot. The game began and Burbridge drew names to determine who would go next. Most were successful and only a few were left with empty, stinging fingers for their reward.

Lady Elizabeth was among the first to try but walked away with nothing other than her sore fingers in her mouth. She looked unhappy with the outcome.

Lillian easily snatched a raisin and popped it into her mouth when her name was called then walked directly to her husband. “A kiss, if you please.”

“I please.” Burbridge gave his wife a heated look before pressing his lips to hers.

Watching the pair sent Eleanor’s stomach dancing with nerves. How could she possibly demand a kiss from Douglas in such a public manner? What if he refused? No, she couldn’t risk it.

Burbridge called Douglas’s name next. For a brief moment, she thought he might refuse as he studied the brightly burning flames in the bowl. Then he drew close and with a quick movement, he snatched a raisin and the guests cheered at his success, especially Eleanor.

He ate the raisin then pivoted to face her, causing her heart to leap. The amusement in his expression allowed her to keep her smile in place despite her uncertainty as to what he intended.

“Well done,” she whispered when he stood before her.

“I believe I am allowed a boon.” His steady regard heated her cheeks along with everything else from head to toe.

“Indeed, you are.” She was breathless as he took another step closer.

“I believe Burbridge has the right idea. A kiss, if you please.”

Her heart nearly beat out of her chest. Yet he made no effort to take the kiss, despite what he’d said. Whatever did that mean? The moment drew long and her nerves stretched taut as whispers from nearby guests filled the air.

Then suddenly she knew. She had to meet him partway. Much like their marriage, she had to make what she wanted clear, and even more important, show him. She placed her hands around his neck and took his mouth with hers.

The calls from the others nearly caused her to lose her nerve, but she remained in place. His lack of response had her considering retreat. Why didn’t he kiss her back? Yet somewhere deep inside, determination rose to sweep over her. She placed one hand along his cheek and kissed him as if her life depended on it.

Then he returned the kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, even as the calls from the guests grew louder. He held her waist carefully, gently as if he cherished her.

Eleanor’s heart swelled with emotion. She drew back, wanting to look into his eyes, hoping to see something more than a teasing glint in their depths. She wanted—more than she dared to put into words. Yet as she searched his green eyes in the dim light from the burning bowl, she couldn’t tell what glittered in their depths.

“Duchess Rothbury, it’s your turn,” Burbridge called. It took a moment for the words to sink through her reeling emotions. “She’s too enamored with her husband to hear us!”

Eleanor smiled, wondering if Douglas knew how much truth was in the statement. Perhaps the time was drawing near when she needed to tell him how she felt and what she hoped their future might be.

Somehow, reaching into a bowl of flames for a raisin seemed to carry less risk.

Chapter Eight

Douglas’s nerves stretched taut as he raised his hand to knock on the door of their bedchamber the following evening. He’d already dressed for the ball and had been visiting with the other gentlemen in the billiard room. Or perhaps listening would be a better description.

It hadn’t occurred to him that he should escort Eleanor down to the ballroom, but when the majority of other gentlemen had mentioned they were doing so, he realized he should do the same. Having never witnessed a