He is in the wrong, not me.
“And you think I do not?” The Duke canted his head, his eyes glinting in the firelight.
“Do you?” Jane asked, letting the challenge seep into her voice. “You have a rather strange way of showing it if that is the case.”
“Do not mistake a disdain for the arbitrary rules of propriety for a lack of care.” The Duke’s voice was silky smooth, but there was an edge to it that Jane could not quite place.
“Is it not through propriety that we show we care?” Jane frowned up at him.
“Propriety asks for nothing more than blind obedience. And life is too short for such things.” The Duke’s eyes were hard, even though his lips curled into a mocking smile. “Do not mistake our society’s rules for anything else.”
Jane shook her head. “Perhaps it just asks us to be the best versions of ourselves. Holds us to the principles so that we may be more than mere beasts.”
“Is that what you truly believe?” The Duke’s eyes searched her face.
“I—” Jane began, taken aback by the intensity of his gaze, frustrated by his smirk.
“Jane, come away at once! There is no use arguing with a man like that.” Lady Cotswalts’ voice cut through the air like a knife.
It was as if something in the room had shattered. Jane took a hasty step back from the Duke, her head spinning slightly as she did so. Her mother gripped her arm. The man raised an eyebrow at her, glanced at the small group, and sighed.
“I will take my leave.” The Duke bowed low. “Please, accept my deepest apologies, Miss Minton. Glassbury, I assure you it was never my intention to cause you or your betrothed such distress.”
The Duke moved towards the door, and Jane couldn’t help but watch as he walked away. At the last moment, he turned, catching sight of her watching him. He grinned.
Jane felt herself flush and glanced away. As she did so, she thought she heard a soft laugh. Irritation pricked at her.
You should have held his gaze. Now he will think he has won.
“It was a pleasure meeting you,” the Duke called softly and then left before Jane could think of anything to say in reply.
She had completely forgotten that they weren’t alone. She glanced at her mother, relieved to see the dislike on her face.
At least she will not tell me off for speaking my mind.
Cressida looked equal parts shocked and angry. For a heartbeat, Jane worried she had gone too far, that she had made the situation worse with her outspokenness.
Fool, you always do this—speak before you can engage your mind.
But as Cressida caught her eye, Jane could see an appreciation there that allayed her fears.
“What an utterly contemptible rogue,” Lady Cotswalts fumed as the door to the library swung shut. “What kind of man behaves like that? In someone else’s house, no less!”
“Indeed. Dear Cressida, are you well?” Jane moved to Cressida’s side.
“I will be. I think Jane’s outburst may have been more of a surprise than the Duke’s actions.” Cressida smiled weakly. “I do not think I have seen you quite so fiery before.”
“Well, I couldn’t let him just stand there and smirk, acting like he’d done nothing wrong. Not when I could see how upset you were.” Jane scowled.
“And you made a valiant attempt,” Cressida acknowledged.
“If I ever have to see the Duke of Caden again, it will be too soon!” Jane exclaimed.
An embarrassed look crossed Cressida’s face, but before Jane could ask about it, a servant entered with a small tray of food and tea. He laid it before them, and they began to eat in silence.
The scent of orange blossom and sandalwood lingered, and Jane scowled. Of course, the Duke would have such a cloying perfume that it would be impossible to remove any trace of him for hours.
“I shall be sorry for whatever poor woman he chooses to be his wife,” Lady Cotswalts said. “There can be no worse fate than being tied to that man until your last day.”
