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‘Because a party is a social gathering and a relationship is a...a connection between two people.’
‘Exactly—and those two people can define that connection in whatever way they want. They can make an agreement, an alliance, a pact to last a few days or a lifetime. You scratch my back, or whatever bit you choose, and I’ll scratch yours.’
Her back positively tingled in response, and her tummy turned to hot, gooey mush at the thought. His smile expanded and a wave of relief washed over her at the arrival of the waiter with their entrées.
As she thanked him, and inhaled the exquisite aromas that arose from her plate, she gathered her thoughts. She would not back down on this. Would not let the ledge of certainty she’d always camped out on crumble.
‘Nope. You’ve got it wrong. Relationships can’t be a pact because relationships involve emotions and you can’t control those or agree on them. Emotions don’t remain static. You may enter into the pact with the best intentions, but feelings could develop. How do you know you won’t fall in love with one of these short-term women or vice versa?’
Ha. Etta forked up a mouthful of her starter and exhaled a small huff of pleasure. The seared venison had a smoky juniper taste, and the tang of elderberries and the crunch of walnuts in the salad made her savour each bite.
Gabe took a sip of wine. ‘So you wouldn’t have a fling with me because you’re worried you’d fall in love with me or I’d fall in love with you?’
‘No! Because neither of those things would happen.’
‘Exactly. So what’s the problem?’
Etta narrowed her eyes. ‘We are talking in general. I wouldn’t have a fling with you because you are not my type.’
‘Oh, yes. I’d forgotten.’
The drawl was underlain with a molten heat that warmed her skin.
But she would not succumb to attraction or distraction. ‘You haven’t answered the question. How do you know one or the other of you won’t fall in love?’
‘The time frame, for one. I keep my flings short. And I’m very clear upfront about the terms of agreement. The only thing on offer is short-term fun—love is not on the table and neither is my title.’
‘So you aren’t planning on marriage?’
That didn’t make sense. Surely the future Duke of Fairfax had to get married in order to ensure the continuity of the line.
‘Not with someone who isn’t within my social circle.’
Outrage rendered her near speechless and she could only gawp at him as the waiter cleared their plates and served them their main course. ‘Excuse me? So you believe all these wonderful, liberated women of yours...are beneath you? That they aren’t worthy to be the Duchess of Fairfax?’
An answering streak of anger flashed lightning-like in his stormcloud-grey eyes and Etta was aware of a strange exhilaration.
‘That is not what I said. You’re a historian. Haven’t farmers and shepherds always wanted to marry farmers’ daughters? Women who understand the truth of farming—the back-breaking labour, the weather, the hours, and the work. Or do they want to marry someone who thinks farming is all about sweet little lambs?’
‘So you’re saying us common people think being a duchess is all about wearing a tiara and going to balls, and a true aristocrat knows it’s more than that?’
‘Something like that. Marriage is an alliance, and I need to ally myself with a woman who will understand what Derwent Manor means to me—who won’t see the house as a money-eating pile better given over to a heritage trust. A woman who will enter into
a life dedicated to fundraising and ensuring Derwent Manor remains in the family.’
His large hand reached for his wine glass and for a second his eyes dropped to the amber liquid. His lips set in a grim line, as if the idea filled him with bleak rather than happy thoughts.
‘And you think a “commoner” won’t be up to the job.’
‘Don’t twist my words. I just think it would be easier for someone used to it. And it will make everyone’s life easier if I marry someone who will get on with my parents. Someone who fits.’
‘So you’re marrying to please your parents?’ That seemed impossible to believe of a man of his strength.
‘No. But I can’t see the harm in marrying someone they approve of.’
A funny little pang assaulted Etta—that ruled her right out, then.
‘It will lessen the chances of adverse publicity and make working together easier. I’m all for an easy life.’
