“Perhaps I am enjoying watching.” Theodore flashed her a smile that made her knees go weak.
“Hardly a gentlemanly thing to say,” Harriet retorted, grateful her sun hat hid how red she was as she stood up.
“I am a duke.” Theodore stepped towards her, so close she could feel his breath against her cheek as he whispered. “And that means I play to win.”
“Is that so?” Harriet murmured.
Theodore nodded, shifting away from her. “You started this duchess.”
“I suppose I did.” Harriet pressed a hand to his chest, feeling his muscles ripple beneath her fingers. “But I think your niece is about to finish it.”
Theodore’s eyes widened, and he turned around in time to see Phoebe darting away, holding his ball in her hands.
“You are both in for a world of trouble.” Theodore growled, and as he tore after his niece, Harriet watched, her own ball completely forgotten.
“You can’t catch me!” Phoebe leapt over a fallen tree, still clutching the ball to her chest.
“Oh yes I can.” Theodore dove towards her, and in one fell swoop, scooped his niece into his arms.
“Put me down.” Phoebe laughed as she dropped the ball in her hands.
“If you wish.” Harriet watched as Theodore swung Phoebe, throwing her into the air and catching her with ease.
Phoebe clapped her hands in delight as Theodore threw her again, and kicked his own ball back towards the hoop. His deep, earthy laughter mingled with his niece’s and Harriet felt the pressure build in her chest.
She watched Theodore score a goal, saw Phoebe take advantage of his distraction to score her own point. They chased each other with ruthless efficiency, each trying to outdo the other. They were both just as stubborn as the other, just as cunning and just as determined to win.
Theodore was just as competitive as his niece, but he could temper it, never putting her at too much of a disadvantage. There was an ease between the two of them, and the more Harriet saw them play with one another, the more she realized who he reminded her of.
A father.
The wind caressed the side of her face.I think it is time I asked my question.
Later that night, she stood outside of Theodore’s door. She had not yet changed for bed, and she was glad because the thickness of her evening dress hid the shaking of her knees. She wrapped her knuckles against the door.
It swung open and Theodore stood in front of her, his shirt open. Harriet’s eyes traced his well-muscled chest and she swallowed.
“Harriet?” He canted his head towards her. “Is everything well?”
She shook herself and nodded. “Yes.”
“You do not usually come to visit me at such an hour.” He leaned against the doorway. “Are you sure everything is all right?”
“Yes. I…” Harriet licked her lips. “I wanted to thank you, for today. It… It meant a lot to me and I know you had your doubts.”
“I did.” Theodore smiled at her. “But you proved me wrong. As you so often do.”
“Do I?” Harriet wished her mouth was not so dry.
“Frequently.” Theodore reached towards her, his fingers lightly brushing against her cheek. “I do not think I have ever enjoyed being wrong quite so much.”
“I rather like doing it.” Harriet leaned into his touch. “Especially when you laugh like you did today.”
“It is easy to do, especially when I am with you.” He let his hand drop, but did not step away. “I had forgotten how good it felt.”
“I am happy to remind you.” She reached to his forehead and brushed a lock of hair from his face. “You caught the sun today.”
“So did you.” Theodore’s voice was husky. “You… Harriet, youwerethe sun.”
