Regency Surrender: Powerful Dukes: An Unsuitable Duchess / An Uncommon Duke. Laurie Benson
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She held back a smile and faked eagerness. ‘Do you have any?’
‘I honestly couldn’t say,’ he said dryly.
‘Well, it matters not. I am interested in a historical read.’
He let go of her arm. ‘Follow me. I will show you where to look.’ He led her behind the last row of shelves. ‘Is there anything about our history you have a particular interest in?’
It wasn’t necessary for him to know that she wanted to learn more about his family. She was certain that would make him strut about for the remainder of their time together. He had mentioned a King Henry. She could start there.
‘Since we have no monarchy in America, I’d like to read about yours.’
He slid the brass and oak library ladder towards her. ‘You should look on the upper shelves.’
* * *
Julian picked up a book on Greek mythology and began skimming the contents while he waited for Miss Vandenberg to make her selection. He had read this book before, many years ago. From what he could recall he had enjoyed all the fantastical tales. Maybe he would read a few pages this evening, before he turned in for the night.
He should allow her to peruse his collection without hovering around her like some lovestruck youth. It would be the polite thing to do. But Julian had no desire to be polite.
‘What do you know of King Henry the Eighth?’
She really did have a lovely voice. When he lifted his head, his reply caught in his throat as he found himself at eye level with the delicate curves of her breasts.
Her creamy skin was flushed with a warm glow as his gaze fixed on a small birthmark on the upper swell of her left breast. How he wished he could spend hours exploring that one small spot. How many birthmarks did she have? Did she have them in other enticing places?
The catch of Miss Vandenberg’s breath broke his concentration. He quickly raised his gaze to meet her amused expression.
‘Well?’ she prompted.
That birthmark had caused the blood to rush from his head to his groin, and Julian had no recollection of their conversation. She rolled her eyes and lowered herself to the next step down. Her breasts were now out of his direct line of vision. He wasn’t certain if he was relieved or disappointed.
‘I asked what you know of King Henry the Eighth. There are a number of volumes of books on him here.’
Books. They had been discussing books. Would she think it odd if he banged his head against one of the shelves? Probably. He snapped the book on mythology closed.
‘He ruled England during the sixteenth century and altered the course of our religious practices. You may find it interesting that he had six wives.’
Her shocked expression made him laugh. ‘Six? How could one man have six wives?’
‘One died by natural means, he beheaded two, divorced two, and the last outlived him.’
‘He beheaded his wives?’
‘Two of them, yes.’ He backed away from the ladder to give her room to step down. Curious as to the book she had chosen, he held the tome that was still in her hand and read the title. ‘Excellent choice,’ he informed her.
‘Why would any man behead his wife?’
‘It is said he found them...unfaithful.’ This really was not a discussion one should have with a young, unmarried lady.
She stepped closer to him. ‘So he killed them? I have heard of many instances of wives being unfaithful here. Are they still beheaded for it?’
‘If that were the case there would be quite a few ladies missing.’
‘I really cannot begin to comprehend you English.’
‘And what puzzles you so?’
‘Your ideas on marriage and what constitutes a good one.’
‘And what constitutes a good marriage to an American?’
‘Love, fidelity, friendship...respect.’ She tilted her head to the side and a loose blonde curl caressed her long neck. ‘Have you ever been in love?’
A duke did not fall in love. Duty came before personal interest. Everyone knew that. He shook his head.
She nodded, as if she understood. Since she was an American, she would never have to concern herself with duty. This woman would be able to marry for love.
As an unmarried gentleman, he knew he should tread lightly in conversations of marriage. Yet she had been the one to broach the subject first. It would be poor form to end a discussion she was clearly interested in.
‘Have you ever been in love?’ he asked.
A wistful look crossed her beautiful face. ‘I have not fallen in love yet, but I have witnessed it enough. Have you not seen two people so in love that it appears their hearts will stop beating if they are not together? That is the love I believe my parents had and what I wish for myself. I want to wake to thoughts of one gentleman and close my eyes to dream of him.’
‘The sounds rather consuming.’
‘I believe love is consuming—in the most wondrous of ways.’
‘Now you are waxing poetical, Miss Vandenberg.’
‘Laugh if you will. But I shall live my life in America, in a marriage of love and fidelity, happy to keep my head.’
The thought of her married to someone else and living far away disturbed him. He could not fathom why it should bother him. He did not believe her silly notions of love. He certainly did not want her to love him!
‘And you, Your Grace—what is your idea of a perfect marriage?’
He had no idea. A knot formed in his stomach. His marriage had not been perfect. Even in the best of times it had felt awkward. His grandmother said she had been happy with his grandfather, but the man had died before Julian was born.
‘I do not know,’ he replied honestly.
‘Maybe some day you will discover what it means to be happily married.’
‘I doubt that.’
‘For that I am truly sorry.’
She proceeded to walk past him, and he moved his arm across the aisle to block her passage. It was mere inches from her breasts. He didn’t want her to leave. Not yet.
Their eyes locked and he lowered his head towards her, taking in her lemon scent. She was unaware of how captivating she was when she smiled.
‘You think I’m vexing,’ she said softly, with those tempting lips.
He lowered his head closer. ‘I think you’re enchanting.’ Just one taste was all he needed. ‘Katrina...’ he whispered, testing the sound of her name.
‘I don’t know your name,’ she said, their breaths mingling.
‘Carlisle.’
‘What Carlisle?’
‘Julian Henry Michael Charles Carlisle.’
‘That’s quite a long name.’
‘We English like to impress.’
When their lips finally touched he closed his eyes.
Almost instantly she pulled back and ducked under his arm. Reaching the end of the row, she paused and gave him a devilish grin. ‘As impressive as your name is, I do not believe it is impressive enough to warrant a kiss from me.’
By the time he walked out from where they were hidden, he caught sight of her walking out through the library door. Crossing his arms and leaning against the bookcase, Julian chided himself