Page 80 of Courting the Wrong Duke

Rosalind had no intention of dismissing either lead until she knew which, if either, deserved to be believed.

She looked up and realized they had been sitting in thoughtful silence for several moments.

Then, remembering their arrangement, she set her teacup down rather more abruptly than she intended.

“We ought to promenade.”

William blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“If we're to convince London that we're courting, we cannot spend the entire afternoon discussing missing earls over tea.”

Understanding dawned almost immediately. A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. “An excellent point.”

They rose together.

Unfortunately, they both stepped aside at precisely the same moment.

Rosalind moved left. William moved right.

They collided gently in the narrow space between the table and the window.

She caught herself against his sleeve.

He steadied her almost instinctively, one gloved hand settling lightly around her forearm. “My apologies.”

“No, it was entirely my—”

They stopped.

Once again, they had spoken together.

Heat crept into Rosalind's cheeks.

They stood far closer than propriety—or common sense—recommended.

She became unexpectedly aware of the faint scent of sandalwood lingering about him and of the afternoon sunlight catching in his fair hair.

William looked equally caught off guard. His lips parted, as though he meant to murmur some private observation meant only for her ears.

Instead, he hesitated.

The moment stretched just long enough to make Rosalind wonder what he had almost said.

Then he smiled—a small, almost embarrassed smile—and stepped back, offering her his arm with exaggerated formality. “Shall we give London something to discuss?”

Rosalind slipped her hand through his arm, willing her pulse to settle. “I believe,” she said, hoping her voice sounded steadier than she felt, “we already have.”

William guided her toward the street, smiling easily at everyone they passed.

Rosalind smiled back. She told herself it was for London's benefit.

She only wished her heart seemed equally convinced.

Chapter 11

They left the tea shop together and wandered without any particular destination, allowing the afternoon crowds to carry them along Bond Street.

Elegant ladies drifted from one fashionable shop to the next while gentlemen paused to exchange greetings beneath striped awnings, and more than once William noticed curious glances lingering a little longer than courtesy required.