The Duke's Indiscretion by Adele Ashworth Page A

bedding acold lady who is only performing her wifely duty, or will I have an intense love affair with the woman of my dreams?”
    The woman of my dreams…
    Charlotte squirmed in her seat, now feeling the steady heating of her blood to the roots of her hair, her heartbeat quickening. She had no idea how to answer his question in a manner that would satisfy. Instead, she asked, “I assume you want the love affair, your grace?”
    He watched her for a second or two, giving nothing away, then fairly whispered, “Only if it’s mutual, Lady Charlotte.”
    She swallowed, then allowed herself to admit what she felt deep inside. “I think, sir, that you are the most handsome man I’ve ever personally known, or even seen from afar.”
    His eyes lit with a trace of amusement, even pride, and he almost grinned.
    â€œBut then all the ladies think so,” she added matter-of-factly before he could comment. “You already know that, I’m sure.”
    His features tightened; his shadow of a smile gradually hardened. She carried on before she lost her nerve. “I have every intention of being your lover, your grace, giving you what I can intimately, but I won’t do it without marrying you first. It’s your choice.”
    He looked irritated again, and certainly he had to be, for she was more or less baiting him, forcing him to choose between his rational needs and those desires of a baser nature.
    â€œAnd one more point, sir,” she said carefully, eyeing him closely.
    He fairly snorted, then drawled, “I can only imagine what that might be.”
    She brushed over the sarcasm. “I’m a very understanding lady where men like you are concerned.”
    He frowned, crossing arms over his chest. “Men like me?”
    She absentmindedly straightened her skirts at the knees. “Men like you who have…trouble remaining faithful to one lady for any length of time.”
    That audacious comment irked him again, but he didn’t say a word to counter, only stared at her blatantly with cool, appraising eyes.
    She offered him a reassuring smile. “I have no illusions about what married life will be like for us, sir, and I will remain ever practical. That is, of course, should you decide to take me up on my offer.”
    He rocked back, his head tilted to one side. “Of course.”
    After only the slightest hesitation, she asserted, “I’m an intelligent woman, and I understand that men have certain…instinctive needs. You may rest assured that I will always look the other way when you tire of me and choose another. I’ve never been, nor shall I become, a lady prone to fits of jealousy.”
    He didn’t even blink. “That’s very good to know,” he returned, his tone contemplative. “And quite generous of you, Lady Charlotte.”
    She beamed, relaxing to her bones at his gracious understanding. “Yes, I think so. But then I plan to travel and it’s more than likely we won’t see much of each other, which I’m sure you’ll agree is for the best.”
    â€œIs that what you think?”
    â€œNaturally.”
    He studied her for a moment, once again lowering his gaze to her breasts, and she had to thank God then and there that at least she’d been blessed with a full bosom. Her voice was undoubtedly her greatest asset, but she very well knew men didn’t much care about how well a lady could sing. They always, however, cared about breasts.
    â€œAnd what if you take a lover, Charlotte?” he asked thoughtfully, rubbing the side of his jaw with one large palm.
    That flustered her. “I beg your pardon?”
    He straightened a little in his rocker. “What if I want you all to myself? Am I to let you out of my sight on a European operatic tour that gives you opportunity to take lovers in France, Italy, Spain?” He snickered and folded both hands in his lap. “Is that what you