An Unlikely Duchess by Nadine Millard

jolt of awareness that she now associated with even his slightest touch. She had nearly expired on the spot when lying across his body. He’d felt so strong, so muscular and warm. Her throat dried at the mere memory. She could not allow herself to think this way.
    “Your grace?”
    “What did you mean, when you said I was to wed her and take her away? To whom were you referring?” He knew. But he wanted to hear her say it.
    She sighed, resigned and looked up at him, pinning him with her doe eyes.
    “You are well aware your grace.”
    “I am afraid I am completely at a loss as to what you are referring, my lady. Enlighten me, please.”
    Rebecca studied him for so long he feared she’d fallen into some sort of comatose state.
    “You really do not know?” she finally offered.
    He shook his head.
    She muttered under her breath, shaking her head and huffing and puffing a little.
    Finally she looked up again and asked, “Are you aware of the contract that existed between our fathers?”
    His confused look was answer enough.
    “Oh dear,” Rebecca bit her lip worryingly. Deuced lucky lip. “I do not think I am the best person to speak to about this, your grace,” she began.
    “Please,” he interrupted, his curiosity well and truly peaked at the moment, “I am having a rather difficult time getting an answer from my mother as to what is going on here. And I can hardly ask yours.”
    Rebecca studied him intently for a few moments longer then seemed to make a decision.
    “Very well. Forgive me for being so blunt about this but, well, there is no terribly easy way to soften the blow as it were.”
    He wished she’d hurry along. She was too damned distracting and he felt he needed a stiff drink. Or seven.
    “Your grace, our parents made a contract before any of us were born. Before either of them were even married, if my father is to be believed. A marriage contract. The eldest son of the Duke of Hartridge to marry the eldest daughter of the Earl of Ranford.”
    Her announcement was met with a deafening silence. Rebecca gulped as she looked into his face. She thought she’d seen him angry up until now but clearly that had been mere irritation. For the look of fury currently on his face would be enough to send demons scurrying back to hell itself.
    He did not speak for several minutes. Rebecca was just thinking of sneaking away, she doubted he’d notice so locked in his anger he seemed.
    His clipped question halted her plans of escape.
    “You were all aware of this, this contract? You all believe I’ve come here to pay my addresses to your sister? To honour this marriage deal?”
    She wasn’t sure what the right thing to say would be. He seemed frightfully angry but she could not be sure at whom it was directed.
    “Er – yes?” she ventured.
    “I see. So, your sister— she believes we are to be soon engaged?”
    He noticed the flash of pain cross her face and it made his heart stop. Did the idea of his marrying her sister cause her pain?
    Interesting.
    “Well, well yes, your grace. That is was everyone believes. You really did not know? About the contract?”
    “No, I most certainly did not.”
    “How strange.”
    Not strange at all. His mother knew him better than anyone. If he’d known about it he’d have taken steps to break it immediately. He would never follow through on such a ludicrous scheme. Never!
    Even if it was the younger sister? Where had this voice suddenly come from? Full of difficult questions.
    He would not be forced into anything. By anyone.
    And he certainly had no interest in Lady Rebecca’s sister. Lady Rebecca however…
    His eyes turned smouldering as they raked her from head to toe.
     
    ****
     
    Rebecca shivered, wondering at the sudden change in his mood. In the atmosphere.
    He took a step toward her and her skin prickled in anticipation.
    “I cannot possibly honour this contract, Rebecca.”
    So enraptured by him, she barely noticed his casual use of her name, though she had