“We must try to prove we are worth the merit, love,” the Duke pretended to whisper to her, though it was audible for all to hear. “Our conversation must be very interesting now.”
Love!?
She realized he must have noticed the shock on her face, for he elbowed her subtly with their arms connected, making her shake on her feet.
“What pressure,” she murmured back. “What if our conversation is only interesting to one another though? We are sure to disappoint.”
“Everything you say interests me, love,” he said even quieter. Clearly, Lady Beatrice caught a few words of it, for she giggled and fluttered her fan in front of her face. The words left Julia dumbstruck, staring up at the Duke as he inched back from her a little.
What must it be to like to experience those words if they were truly meant?
Julia felt herself swallowing past a sudden lump in her throat and bringing a false smile to her face. She knew she had no business in wanting the Duke to truly like her, but when he said such things and came so close, she was sorely reminded of their kiss in the garden.
That kiss…
She longed to know what another could be like.
What is wrong with me?
“Oh! See what I mean, ladies?” Lady Beatrice appealed to the two ladies at her sides. “The most fascinating couple of the season so far, I do declare!”
“Another high accolade,” the Duke said, turning his attention to Julia. “At this rate, we’ll be winning all the awards.”
She smiled at his words, then shifted as Lady Beatrice’s eyes fixed on her. The humor that had been there slipped a little, into something of suspicion.
“The strangest piece of news has reached my ears today, Lady Julia. I have resolved to ask you about it, to ensure there is no misunderstanding further.”
“Go on,” Julia encouraged, trying to hide her nerves at what Lady Beatrice had to say.
“I heard a little whisper. Apparently, Lord Gillet had a claim to your hand before the Duke of Stapleton.” Lady Beatrice’s words made Julia freeze, for the lady was looking at her with glee. “Tell me it is not true, My Lady. I would hate to think Lord Gillet has a broken heart.”
“Such words imply he had a heart in the first place.” The Duke’s statement made Julia flick her head toward him, startled. “Whatever whispers you have heard, Lady Beatrice, they do no credit to repeat them. You would not want to be thought of as a lady who repeats things that are not true, would you?”
“Yes, quite so,” Lady Beatrice said with a faltering smile.
“You have other guests we need to greet. If you would excuse us.” The Duke led Julia away before she could summon any words at all. They were half across the room when she found her tongue again.
“I did not need your assistance. I could have defended myself.”
“Yes. That is why you stood there like a China doll and did not say anything at all.” His retort made her subtly step on his foot. “Ow! What was that for?”
“Justice,” she murmured with a small smile, watching as he seemed tempted to smile. “I do not need your help, Your Grace.”
“I’m going to give it anyway. It protects us both to speak of such things. Besides, you might as well get used to it.”
“Why?”
“Because we are to attend events all week with theton.”
“All week!?”
“How else are we supposed to convince them we are in love?” His words were coupled with moving their connection to a hand hold. Julia tried not to think too much about the jolt in her stomach such a touch had made as he led her toward the nearest group of guests.