Page 39 of The Duke’s Wager

“No, my lady. They are yours – despite the rather unfortunate effect they seem to have on you. You’re free to do with them as you wish.” He nodded in her direction. “I’ll see myself out.”

Edward did not wait for her to accompany him.

Though Lucy had remained rather cold and aloof, something told Edward that he had managed to get to her – and this meant that there was hope.

It wouldn’t be easy, but he’d never been the type to shy away from a challenge. He was going to enjoy tearing down her walls. No matter how difficult it may prove to be.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Lucy breathed a sigh of relief when Edward left without insisting that she accompany him to the door. She had to admit that she was rather proud of the way she had handled the situation.

That’s what you get for being an arrogant fool! He had looked so disappointed when she’d mentioned that roses made her ill. Ha! As if his silly little flowers would solve anything.

Another sneeze burst out and she pressed her hand to her mouth irritably. To think that he left the flowers here...

“What happened?”

Maria awaited her as she walked out of the drawing room. “Oh, Maria. He was an absolute imbecile, that’s what happened.”

Maria grinned brightly. What on earth could be so funny?

“I shall need a much more in depth report on this, my lady. I only know he upset you.”

Lucy scowled. “Upset? No, I was not upset, I was offended. I am offended! And to make matters worse, he brought me roses as an apology. Roses, Maria!” As if the word were enough to make her illness flare up, another sneeze escaped her, and Lucy shook her head. “He just makes everything worse.”

Maria didn’t even attempt to hide her amusement. She laughed blatantly and shook her head. “I see the ladies’ man of London met his match in you, dear Lucy.”

Lucy giggled at this and shook her head. “Please, Maria. I have no desire to be his match or anything at all.”

Another sneeze overpowered her, and she groaned audibly. Maria quickly squeezed her hand with a motherly grin.

“Let me get you some medicine for the sneezing.”

“Thank you.” Lucy looked at the woman, relieved. “You take the flowers, please. I must say, they are rather beautiful. It is a pity that they…” Another sneeze overpowered her, and she sighed. “It truly is a pity that they have this effect on me.”

Maria left with a wink. She could not deny that she had rather enjoyed Edward’s company. The poor man had been so awkward and uncomfortable… yet, he had tried his hardest to make her feel good and though she did not show it, she had to admit that she rather appreciated it.

It helped, of course, that he was reasonably pleasant to look at. Lucy blushed at the thought and shook her head. She could hardly believe that she’d allowed her mind to drift towards Edward in such a manner. She knew better, and yet…

He had gone through the trouble of apologizing over and over again for his blunder.

Is he really that bad?

The cheerful feeling in the pit of her stomach told her that perhaps she had underestimated him. For some reason, his visit left her feeling rather giddy.

“Lucy.” It took just one word in her father’s voice for her cheer to dissipate immediately.

Lucy turned to face him slowly. He had deep lines next to his mouth – he was angry. Again. This was not an entirely new experience for her, and one she did not enjoy. She knew without doubt that she would be on the receiving end of whatever caused this horrid mood.

“See me in my study. Now.” He bit out the words.

There was no telling what had set him off this time.

When she entered, he was sat behind his desk with an air of self-importance. She lingered in the doorway nervously.

When he looked up at her, his eyes spit fire.

“I hear you had a visitor.”