Dinner went on smoothly tonight. Thanks to Hannah careful planning, the guests all had a good evening. They admire the decorations, and complimented the choice of menu.
Hannah was escorted to the dining room by the elderly Lord Aubrey. The Duke offered his arm to the Countess, while her husband escorted his godmother, Lady Lacey, the Duke's aunt.
The Duke's heart leaped when he found himself seated next to Hannah. He did not realize that Hannah had arranged it that way. Like him, she was most anxious to be with him again, hearing his voice, and sensing his masculinity in close proximity.
The evening was filled with numerous toasting, one of them congratulating the Countess for being a succesful hostess.
Catherine eyes met Hannah's, smiling her gratitude towards her sister in-law. Hannah nodded and smiled back, feeling very happy.
"It was all your doing, is it not?" asked the Duke suddenly.
"Pardon me, Your Grace. What was my doing?" Hannah asked back, confused.
"This house party. You planned and organized the whole thing, did you not?"
Hannah blushed. This man is very perceptive, she thought.
"Yes, but please do not let anyone else know about it. I want to make Catherine happy."
"You are such a kind person," said the Duke admiringly.
"It is my way of thanking my brother and his wife for taking care of me. They never once considered me a encumbrance, or a poor relative. They respected my decision not to marry. They even gave the east tower just for myself so I would have some privacy."
The Duke smiled at her. Loyalty between siblings is something he valued in life.
Hannah attention turned to the guest on her right, her old schoolmaster. Mr Potts was eighty years old, almost deaf, but still eager to engage in conversation.
Hannah patiently shouted her answers to his ear, before she could turn left back to the Duke.
By that time, the general conversation was turned to a topic of men's fashion. She heard the Duke commented,
"I was thinking perhaps I should get a clean shave. Beards are passing from style."
Hannah leaned towards the Duke as said in low voice only audible to the Duke,
"What a shame, Your Grace. You know, I have always had a thing for handsome men with facial hair."
The Duke looked at her with a strange expression, then said back in low voice,
"How about me, Lady Hannah? Do you have a thing for me too?"
Hannah smiled and whispered with bated breath,
"For you, Your Grace, I have several things."
With superhuman effort, The Duke refrained himself from kissing the woman next to him. He wanted her so bad he felt ashamed of himself.
YOU ARE READING
The Perfect Mistress
Historical FictionLady Hannah Winston was always generous with her favours to any gentleman who pleased her. Catching a Duke's attention, although unable to offer for her, the two of them embarked on a most thrilling experience in the sensual universe. * This book c...
