Page 61 of Courting the Wrong Duke

Rosalind studied him carefully.

Either William Sinclair possessed an extraordinary talent for deception, or every word he spoke was true.

Only yesterday, she would have known precisely which explanation to believe.

Now, for the first time, she was no longer certain.

“I do not know where to begin anymore,” she admitted quietly.

A thoughtful smile touched his face. “I believe I do.”

She looked at him questioningly.

“My mother has spent the better part of three Seasons attempting to marry me off.”

Despite everything, Rosalind found herself smiling. “That does not surprise me.”

“She has lately become convinced Lady Sophronia Marsh is the answer to every difficulty in my life.”

Rosalind's thoughts drifted, however briefly, to the ballroom.

Lady Sophronia had looked perfectly at home beside him. Beautiful, accomplished, admired. The sort of young woman no one would ever question seeing on Lord William Sinclair's arm.

“And is she?”

“No.”

The answer came so swiftly that Rosalind laughed before she could stop herself.

The unexpected warmth that accompanied it caught her off guard.

She told herself she was merely relieved for his sake. That no gentleman should feel obliged to marry simply because society expected it.

Somehow, she suspected that was not the whole truth.

William smiled as well.

The laughter faded, leaving something quieter between them.

Then, with all the solemnity of a gentleman making a genuine offer, William stepped back and bowed.

When he straightened, he looked directly into her eyes.

“Lady Rosalind Carlisle... would you permit me to pretend to court you?”

Rosalind stared at him. “Pretend?”

“A false courtship,” he explained. “Nothing more.”

She continued staring.

“Hear me out.”

Despite herself, the earnestness in his expression made her nod.

“For the next few weeks, we allow society to believe I have begun paying my addresses to you. We walk together in the park. We dance when propriety permits it. I call upon your mother. Nothing improper. Only enough to give London something new to discuss.”

Rosalind frowned thoughtfully. “And why would we do such a thing?”