What the Duke Desires by Jenna Petersen Page A

had always been patient and kind toward her even in the face of her contempt. Still she shunned her husband, just as she shunned Simon. Nothing was good enough for her.
    “No, your father is not the reason I wished to speak to you.” His mother turned with folded arms. “It is about that girl, Simon.”
    He blinked. He had expected to avoid this conversation until at least after the welcome ball that was scheduled for the next evening. His interest in Miss Mayhew must have been obvious indeed, for his mother to broach the subject so early.
    “Girl, Mother? Which one, there are quite a few here, you know.”
    He supposed his response was childishly purposeful baiting, but there were times when her coldness stung. If she didn’t care about his life, why dictate it?
    Her eyes narrowed. “Please do not play games with me. I don’t appreciate, nor have time for it. You know I am talking about Lillian Mayhew.”
    “I see.”
    “And so do I,” she said, her head tilting. “The way you looked at her all day yesterday during the picnic made it clear you have some interest in her.”
    He shrugged, unwilling to lie, but also unwilling to discuss the subject until forced.
    “And even if I hadn’t seen it, the Duke of Waverly brought it to my attention himself.” His mother’s eyes lit with some kind of petty triumph.
    Simon sighed. Rhys knew how uncomfortable his relationship with the dowager duchess was. His friend would have to be highly concerned to bring her into the discussion about the worthiness of potential brides.
    He leaned against the desk, barely managing not to tip over any of the piles of paperwork.
    “Is this not why the ladies are here, Mother?” he asked, controlling his tone carefully. “You’ve made it abundantly clear that now that I have ascended in title, I have a responsibility to the family name to marry and produce heirs as quickly as I can. This party serves some part in that purpose, does it not? If I have an interest in one of the women here, should you not be delighted?”
    His mother moved on him a few steps. “Great God, Simon! She wasn’t even invited in the first place. It is only out of respect for the specific wishes of Lady Gabriela’s father, the Earl of Watsenvale, that I agreed to allow her to attend at all.”
    “How charitable of you,” he murmured.
    She pretended not to hear his interruption, though by the angry twitch of her lips, he was certain she had.
    “She is entirely inappropriate in every way. You must see that.”
    He shook his head as he thought of the spark in Lillian’s gaze and the fascinating dichotomy in her actions, not to mention the arousing perfection of her countenance and soft body.
    “I’m sorry, Mother, but I don’t see it. I find her both intelligent and interesting.”
    “As if such things matter when making a match!” his mother burst out in exasperation. “Her father was untitled, and had no great fortune to leave her as a dowry. Even if he had, their family connections are questionable! Her brother…”
    “Rhys mentioned he was a bit wild,” Simon said with a shrug. “But few men of his age are not. I refuse to judge him simply because he is overindulging his senses at present.”
    “Then think of her mother! The rumors, Simon, the implication that she might have taken her own life…those things are unconscionable!” She held up her hands. “I forbid a match between you. I cannot support it!”
    Simon almost laughed. He wondered if she knew that her distaste for Lillian only made the girl all the more alluring to him. Certainly it did not deter him.
    He rose from his perch against the desk and moved forward. His mother held her ground, but he could see she wished to step back.
    “You forget, madam,” he said softly, “that I am no longer a reticent child who you can control with the flick of your wrist. I am the duke now, whether you like that fact or not. What I do, who I pursue, and where I go…those things are my affair and