Lady Vivian Defies a Duke by Samantha Grace Page B

me feel better.”
    “If you are certain…” Vivi nodded and Patrice’s worry lines faded. “Thank you. Vicar Ramsey relies on friendly faces in the sanctuary when he is delivering the liturgy. The vicar gets nervous when he speaks to a crowd.”
    Foxhaven’s brows shot up. “What an unfortunate choice of vocation for the man.”
    “He was never cut out for the cloth, but his father insisted. Vicar Ramsey’s sojourn to America did not reap the benefits he had hoped it might. I’m afraid he is stuck with his vocation.”
    Vivi had never known Vicar Ramsey’s history. In truth, she had never given much thought to him beyond his association with Patrice, but this explained his lack of rousing sermons. “How awful for the vicar.”
    “I am certain he would appreciate your sympathy, Vivian, but please say nothing to him.” Patrice was beginning to sound hoarse.
    “Perhaps we should call it an evening,” Vivi said. “You need your rest.”
    Her cousin stifled a yawn. “I am rather tired this evening.” Leaning her elbows against the table, she pushed to her feet. Foxhaven stood to assist then tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and escorted her toward the door.
    “The vicar may count on another friendly face Sunday, Lady Brighthurst. I’ll make certain Lady Vivian arrives to the church on time.”
    Pardon? Vivi scrambled from her seat.
    “I would be grateful if you ensured her safe arrival, Your Grace.”
    “It would be my pleasure. Lady Vivian shall come to no harm under my watch.”
    They spoke of her as if she were a child or a dimwit in need of supervision.
    “I don’t require an escort.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how ludicrous she sounded.
    Foxhaven halted at the threshold and looked back over his shoulder. Patrice turned to stare at her too.
    “I meant to say, I would employ the services of a footman.”
    Foxhaven’s smug grin chafed. “It’s no trouble, my lady. A day of picnicking sounds delightful.”
    A full day of the duke toying with her sounded anything but delightful to her.
    ***
    Luke frowned when Lady Vivian scooted farther to the edge of the bench of Lady Brighthurst’s curricle as they drove to church Sunday morning. Any farther and she might tumble out.
    He held out the ribbons to her, but she stared at them as if he offered her poison. “Don’t you know how to drive?” he asked.
    His condescending tone had the effect he hoped for.
    “Of course I know how to drive.” She snatched the ribbons from him, gripping them tightly in her kid gloves.
    With his hands free, Luke wrapped his arms around her waist and hauled her toward the middle of the seat. She stiffened in his embrace.
    “I promised your cousin you would come to no harm under my protection. Now do stop risking your neck by sitting close to the edge.”
    He meant to release her, but her warmth and the sugary scent of her perfume made him hesitate for several pounding heartbeats. Telling himself he didn’t trust her to stay put, he kept one arm around her back. She tried to scoot away, but his fingers curved around her narrow waist, the seams of her corset imprinting his palm.
    “Release me, Your Grace.” Her voice held a sharp edge.
    “I thought you wished to marry me, my dear. I shall embrace you often once we speak our vows.” He was goading her, trying to represent the facts clearly. If she despised his touch, as it seemed she did, the lady should speak with her brother.
    She took a deep breath, glared at him briefly, and then returned her attention to the lane. “If you think to frighten me into doing your bidding, you are wrong. You’re not that scary.”
    Luke smiled to hide his surprise. Lady Vivian had even more pluck than he’d imagined.
    She shifted the reins to one hand and placed her free one on his thigh. His breath whistled on an inhale. She slanted a smirk in his direction and squeezed.
    “Jiminy!” Luke captured her hand and forcefully returned it to her lap. He