Lady Vivian Defies a Duke - By Samantha Grace Page 0,71
chance to thank you for entertaining Lady Vivian today. She said the two of you had a pleasant walk in the gardens.”
“She did?” When he slanted a look at Johanna, she twittered. “Yes, we did. It was a very pleasant afternoon, even if Mr. Collier joined us without an invitation.”
Luke’s frown returned. Now he had no doubts about Collier’s intentions to woo Johanna. He would caution Vivian when he claimed the next waltz and request that she keep Johanna close for the duration of the house party. There was safety in numbers, and he would see his household protected. Perhaps he would even assign a footman to accompany them outside of the castle.
“Promise you will be careful of Mr. Collier,” he said to his cousin.
Johanna nodded, her eyes wide. “I will do whatever you command of me. Anything at all, Your Grace.”
He didn’t know what had gotten into her, but Johanna’s fawning was beginning to make him uncomfortable. With a gentle push at her elbow, he directed her back toward the crowd. “Perhaps you would be kind enough to see that Mother is having a good time.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Of course it would.
***
Luke stoked the fire in the grate to keep the chill in his study at bay. If he intended to take Vivian for a ride tomorrow, he needed to attend to the some of the correspondence on his desk. The authors of the letters had been kept waiting long enough for a response.
He shouldn’t have suggested he wanted to make love to her when she’d asked to speak with him. It was not well done of him. Nevertheless, he had and he did. He wanted her with an intensity that made him feel as if pieces had been ripped from him, vital parts that he didn’t know how to live without, and only she could put him together again.
He remained adamant he would not take her innocence until they had signed the marital contract, but in reality, every romantic encounter chipped away at her naivety. A greedy part of him liked that she would come to his bed with some experience, and therefore no fear.
Desire, thick and hot, surged through his veins.
As he replaced the poker, a light knock sounded at the door. The door eased open and Johanna’s anxious face filled the crack. “Is everything all right?”
His desire receded quickly, and he waved her inside before someone discovered her. She slipped into his study, closed the door, and leaned against it. Her tongue darted across her lips.
“I saw the light burning underneath the door on my way to the kitchens. Your mother couldn’t sleep so I’ve requested chamomile tea for her.”
He came forward, prepared to go comfort his mother as he had in those first few months after his father’s death. “How is she now? Did she have another bad dream?”
Johanna shook her head and halted his exit. “It’s nothing like that, Your Grace. There was a lot of excitement today with your arrival. She is having difficulty settling in. The dreams appear to have stopped troubling her.”
She sauntered into his space as she had done on many occasions.
“I’m glad to hear that is the case,” he said and swept a hand toward the desk where the pile of letters lay. “I will be sorting through my correspondence awhile longer, but it’s late. You should get some rest.”
She drew up short, her lips turning down. “Very well. I’ll leave you to your work. But before I go, I would like to thank you again for warning me about Mr. Collier.”
“I felt it was my duty.” He returned to his desk, hoping she would take her leave. He had no desire to be rude, but it was highly improper for her to be in his study at this hour.
Johanna looked down at her hands, pink splotches appearing on her neck again. “Luke, may I ask what danger he poses? I realize it may be none of my concern…”
He didn’t agree. It was her concern since an association with Collier could bring her harm. He didn’t believe in hiding the truth to protect the fairer gender’s sensibilities. How else were they to know of the dangers around them?
“It has come to my attention Mr. Collier has no honor. He is a threat to unsuspecting young ladies, and he should be avoided.”
She blanched. “I see. Well then, I won’t go near him again.”
“Very good. I will rest easier tonight knowing you are aware of the danger and plan to