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Claridge.No, Holcombe.
Startled, Tabitha quickly rose from the bench and backed up until she hit the hedge. Her hand flew to her chest. A fluttering of butterflies erupted in her stomach at being so close to him. Lord, if it was possible, he looked to be even more devastatingly handsome than before. Tabitha had to remind herself to keep her wits about her.
The duke was the first to speak. “I’m sorry if I startled you, Miss Crestwood, but I saw you leave the ballroom and I wanted to greet you before you rejoined your party.”
“That is very kind of you, thank you.”
“May I ask if your plan succeeded?”
Tabitha wrinkled her brow.
Holcombe chuckled. “Your plan to escape the clutches of Lord Vance and to travel.”
“Oh, yes. My aunt and I traveled to Europe. We even visited America.”
“I am glad to hear you got your heart’s desire.”
Yes, but what price had she paid? Now her mother wouldn’t speak to her.
The duke must have seen her frown. “Did I say something to upset you?” He stepped closer, his larger frame taking up the remaining space between them.
Now all Tabitha could sense or focus on was him. His dark hair had a slight wave she hadn’t noticed before. He cut a fine figure in his evening attire, all black except for his white shirt and necktie. Holcombe was the devil himself come to tempt her.
Suddenly the air around her felt stifling, tinged with a hint of whatever cologne Holcombe was wearing. Tabitha peered into the duke’s eyes and saw a glint, a mischievous spark that could spell danger for her. She had to lighten the mood, distract them from whatever was happening between them.
“My aunt and I have only recently returned to London.” She took a step away from him.
“I hope your travels were all that you hoped.”
“They were, thank you. I met a variety of people.”
“Any of particular interest?” he inquired.
How did his stare seem to bore straight through her? As if he could see her deepest secrets . . . or desires. Tabitha didn’t recall him being this way the last time they’d met. But then again, she’d been in such distress, there hadn’t been time for anything but trying to plan her escape. Nothing except a single kiss, which had ruined her chances of ever wanting to kiss anyone else.
Focus on the conversation.
Holcombe had asked a question, and she needed to respond. “I did not meet anyone of great importance, although I received a marriage proposal from an impoverished French nobleman who professed to love me and, in the same breath, asked how much my dowry was worth. Apparently you can’t get away from it no matter where you go.”
“Get away from what?” Holcombe asked, closing the distance between them again.
“The fact that I am a viscount’s daughter and thus shall always have a price on my head. That is all men see when they look at me... a dowry.” Tabitha lowered her head, afraid that he would see too much in her expression.
The duke drew near until he was only a breath away from her. How could a man smell so good? Tabitha inhaled. His scent permeated her skin, sinking into every pore, awakening long dormant desires. His proximity was enough to make her sensitive nipples harden against the soft silk of her corset.
Why him?
Why did she have to be attracted to a man whose life was veiled in doubt? Why was he the only man who made her aware of herself as a woman, who made her feel like she mattered because of who she was and not because of her wealth or status?
He reached out and gently lifted her chin. “I don’t see that at all. I see a woman who was brave enough to follow her own dreams.”
“My mother calls it foolishness.”
“No.” He shook his head. “It would have been foolish to stay. You would have been miserable with Vance, crushed under his oppressive hand.”
“I know. Which is why I intend to enjoy my freedom. Why should I marry? All it will do is put me under the oppressive thumb of a man who will take away all I’ve gained.”
“You are a truly amazing woman, Miss Crestwood. And I’m glad you got your freedom, and that I had a small part to play in you achieving it.”
