“Yes. I am.” He nodded.
Emily shook her head, the room spinning around her as she tried to understand what was happening. “But why? You do not even like me.”
He frowned at her. “Do I need to like you to be your teacher?”
“No but… this makes no sense. Why would you help me?” Emily regarded him, unable to keep the suspicion from her voice.
“Because it is one thing to oppose the match for reasons you can help—such as your behaviour. But this is not something that is your fault.” He shrugged. “A lack of education is fixable. And you clearly have a sharp mind, I doubt it would be difficult to teach you.”
“You are serious?” Emily’s heart sped up, and she clenched her fist, trying to contain the feeling building within her.
“Of course, I am. I would rather you fail on your own merit than fail because others have failed you.” The Duke said simply.
Emily decided to ignore the fact that he clearly still thought she would not be able to marry his brother, and focus on the fact that he did think she could learn to read. “You will teach me how to read?”
“And write. If you wish it. I can at least provide you a foundation, the time we have left is not enough to teach you everything. But you will at least be competent and with practice no doubt you will be reading just as well as anyone else.” The Duke said, butbefore he could utter another word, Emily had thrown her arms around him.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed, relief and excitement coursing through her. “Thank you! Thank you!”
“I take it that you are accepting my offer?” The Duke’s voice tickled her hair.
“Of course, I am.” She moved out of the embrace.
“I will not go easy on you. This will require a lot of work.” He gave her a serious look.
“I am ready. I am not afraid of hard work.” Emily grinned at him. “And I promise not to bring any scones.”
For a moment, Emily was sure she saw the Duke’s lips quirk upwards in a smile, but the expression vanished before she could be certain.
“Good. Then I will see you this evening.” He nodded and swept from the room.
As he left, Emily breathed a sigh of relief. She felt as though she would sing. The smell of amber seemed to follow her. It was then that she realised the Duke had hugged her back.
“Perhaps this will be good for us both.” Emily muttered.I will repay you for this kindness.
And she thought she knew just how.
Chapter Eighteen
“You are here.” Emily’s voice sounded from behind Luke.
He had been standing in one of the drawing rooms, scanning a row of books when the sound of footsteps had caught his attention. He turned to her, and found her standing in the doorway, her maid Lucy just behind her.
He raised an eyebrow. “You sound surprised? Did you think I would be late?”
“No.” Emily shook her head and admitted, “I suppose I just did not expect you to be here.”
He frowned at her. “Why not? I told you that I would teach you, that I would be here at this time. Have I given you reason to doubt me?”
“I suppose not.” Her eyes met his.
“Then shall we begin?” Luke gestured to one of the sofas.
Emily swallowed and nodded. She moved towards one of the sofas, her maid taking up a post in the corner of the drawing room, away from them.
Luke noticed the tension in Emily’s jaw, the tightness of her fists as she sat down and surveyed him. He handed her a book, a well-worn piece titled The Invited Alphabet.
He saw Emily frown at it and then look back at him. She made no attempt to open it, instead holding it like she was afraid it might bite her.
