She didn’t have the enthusiastic reaction he hoped for. He would love for her to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Not that he’d made the offer only because he wished to be kissed. He firmly believed she was a great artist. But a kiss would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? She remained still, her lips flattening.
Damn. “Did I say something wrong?”
“I’ll help you no matter what I receive back because I believe you’ll be a great duke.”
“I want to help you in turn, and before you say I’m doing it only out of my sense of duty, let me tell you that’s not true. You’re an artist. The entire world must know it.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and he wasn’t sure if it was a good or a bad thing.
Verity sighed. “That’s so romantic, especially since Maddie will paint something a hundred times better than that horrible thing.”
“Perhaps we should leave them a moment.” Mr. Merriweather kissed Verity’s hand again before leaving the room with her.
Verity rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re right.”
The moment Hector and Maddie were alone, he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
The rest of his apology was cut off by Maddie throwing herself at him. She hugged him and rose on her tiptoes to kiss him. So, dreams do come true. Laughing, he kissed her tears away, gladly taking her weight and wrapping his arms around her waist.
“I hope you become the next Duke of Blackburn and not because of your promise.” She cupped his face, making him feel like a king. “But because I can’t imagine a better man for the job.”
Had he been doubtful about him becoming a duke? Not anymore. If Maddie believed in him, he wouldn’t disappoint her.
twenty
AFTER THE INCIDENT in the parlour, Maddie moved the manners lessons to her house to avoid another encounter with Lord Quentin and his friend. Unsurprisingly, her mother hadn’t raised any objections. Maddie had never enjoyed so much freedom. In fact, she was practising dancing with Hector in her sitting room without her mother or a chaperone hovering around. It both delighted and concerned her. But then again, seventy thousand pounds was a good reason to forfeit a chaperone, apparently.
She tried not to think of Hector’s big hand sprawled over her waist or his large body looming over her. But what she couldn’t ignore was his stare so intensely focused on her face. He stared at her as if he wanted to memorise every detail, as if she were the centre of his universe. Never a man had made her feel so beautiful and adored as he did.
“Now the left foot goes back,” she said, mirroring his steps.
He moved with precision and elegance without needing to stop or check his position. Despite being such a tall, broad man, who hadn’t danced in years, he danced with a natural fluidity she envied. She bumped against him when she brought forth the wrong foot. So much for teaching him. But he didn’t flinch. When she stomped on his foot, she winced.
“Sorry,” they said together before bursting out laughing.
“I’m afraid I’m not a great dancer.” She wished she’d paid more attention to her dance lessons.
“I beg to differ.” He swept her around the sitting room, avoiding the low table, armchairs, and sofa without hesitation.
“I’ve trampled your feet a few times, bumped into you, and led you the wrong way. You should be the teacher.”
“I’ve been rude to you many times, sitting down before you or not addressing you properly.”
She jutted her chin out. “I’ve sketched you, stealing a piece of your soul.”
“I’ve raised my voice and scared you.”
“You gave me hope to be an artist again.”
“You made me believe I can be the man Robert would be proud of.”
She brushed his hand with her thumb. “I’m sure he already is.”
His face brightened. He twirled her around. She couldn’t contain a laugh. He was an excellent dancing partner, gentle but protective, careful but not oppressive. He led her through a series of turns that made her head spin. The only problem was his closeness. He danced too close to her. It would be the reason for a scandal in a ballroom. Oh, she wished she were the lady at the centre of that scandal.
“You’re enjoying the dance.” He beamed.
“Very much. You’re a natural-born dancer.”
