Page 77 of Courting the Wrong Duke

“Ah.” She smiled. “Of course. Our devoted courtship requires witnesses.”

“Precisely.”

“How terribly romantic.”

“I thought so.”

She laughed softly as he guided her toward a table beside the window, where they would be visible enough to satisfy even the most determined gossip.

Once they were seated and the waiter had taken their order, Rosalind settled back in her chair.

“Your brother called upon us before I left.”

William looked up with immediate interest. “Did he?”

“He brought me a watercolor to celebrate our... courtship.”

“I'm glad.”

“You already knew.”

“He told me he intended to.”

She watched him for a moment. “It was thoughtful.”

Relief flickered briefly across his face before he hid it behind a small smile. “I believe he meant it to be.”

She nodded slowly.

“He also told me he intends to assist with your father’s disappearance once he returns from estate business.” William stirred his tea absently. “I know I ask a great deal of you, Lady Rosalind.”

She looked at him.

“But I hope, in time, you might trust him as you are beginning to trust me.”

Beginning. The word lingered.

She was not entirely certain it was true. Yet she could not honestly deny it either.

“I shall try,” she admitted quietly.

“That is all I ask.”

She lowered her gaze to her cup.

She had intended to tell him the duchess's curious story.

Now, she wasn't so certain.

Perhaps she should wait until it could be verified.

The waiter arrived carrying an impressive assortment of cakes, neatly arranged upon a silver stand.

William looked at them gravely. “I fear we must behave like a courting couple.”

Rosalind followed his gaze toward another table where a young gentleman leaned forward so eagerly that he nearly upset his tea.

His companion lowered her eyes at precisely the moment he looked up.