Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington

Chapter Eleven

Hope returned to the drawing room, directly behind a maid who had brought in tea. She had managed to right herself to a more respectable appearance—her legs and feet were now well covered and she had pinned her hair back simply, leaving a few waves loose to fall around her face. Her ankle was still sore, and walking up the stairs had only seemed to aggravate the injury. She tried to hide her slight limp by opting to sit in the closest chair she could reach, while also making sure it was far enough away from the duke. She avoided eye contact with him as she sat and waited for tea to be served.

Pierce watched as she situated herself into a far chair, noting the slight limp, as she entered the room. He hoped she would take it easy for a few days to avoid further injury. He quickly perused her and found that he much preferred it when she hadn't looked so proper. His fingers itched with the desire to pull the pins from her hair, freeing its silky mass so she would look wild and free like she had before.

Hope had successfully avoided looking at the duke until she had a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She chanced a quick look, only to see him staring at her as he spoke, his dark eyes boring into hers. She couldn't read the expression on his face before she quickly averted her gaze, embarrassed that she had been caught looking at him. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking she was interested in him, for she certainly was not. In fact, she would be fine if she never had to see the man again, listen to him snarl, or have to endure another one of his kisses.

"Noelle, Kerrington was talking to you, have you no manners?" Lord Brattondale barked.

Hope snapped out of her reverie, still avoiding the duke's gaze, instead choosing to look at the earl, "I apologize, what was he saying?"

Pierce interjected, "I was saying that my mother is planning a country party this upcoming week for us to announce our engagement. She also figures it would be a good time for us to get better acquainted with one another. We'll need to leave in two days' time. I trust you will have another maid by then and will be able to accompany me to Ridgecrest Manor."

"Do I have any other options?"

"Noelle!" the earl roared. "You will not speak to his grace in such a manner. From here on out you are betrothed to the man. The banns are scheduled to be read immediately following the announcement of your engagement, and I will not have you disrespecting your fiancé any further. You may not have asked for this marriage but you will cease complaining. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," she mumbled feeling contrite, and then turning to Pierce she muttered, "Please accept my apology. I will be ready to embark with you to Ridgecrest Manor as you have arranged." She tried to ignore the smug look on his face, knowing he was reveling in the admonition the earl had given her.

***

Hope watched as a shiny black coach pulled up in front of the townhouse, feeling a moment of anticipation at the prospect of riding in such a fancy carriage, for it was far fancier than anything the Parrish's owned. She allowed the duke to assist her into the carriage, trying hard to ignore the current of energy that surged between them at the contact. She made herself comfortable on the seat, as he then assisted her newly acquired lady's maid, Esther, up into the carriage, before getting in himself and sitting on the seat directly opposite of her. She felt uncomfortable having him so close, and the constant way he scrutinized her only added to her discomfort.

They rode the first few miles in silence, and though it was early in the day, she kept wishing that he would just fall asleep so she could relax and enjoy the ride in peace. But the duke seemed anything but tired as he stretched his legs, crowding her space as well. She tried to sit as far away from him as possible, in hopes of avoiding any further contact with the man.