Goodness, she wished she could have punched him, except she had a very strong feeling that if she had, he might prove less gentlemanly than the duke.
She did not put it above Viscount Drexel to punch her back. And she had to be far wiser, and more careful. She could not be alone again.
She hated being a young lady, needing protection from men wherever she went. Why did they have to live their lives in fear?
As if her thoughts were echoing about her, a voice called out behind her, “You must be more careful, Jack. You never know who’s going to be in these dark corridors.”
“You mean like dukes?” she snapped, her insides jumping.
Placing a hand to her middle, she turned about to face him. Good God, he was even more handsome in the shadows than in the ballroom, if that were possible.
“That was extremely badly done of you,” she rushed. “Scaring me like that.”
“I agree,” he replied. “Forgive me.”
She stared at him. He was so entirely different from Drexel. “That simple?” she asked.
“Indeed.” He inclined his dark head. “Forgive me.”
She swallowed, feeling safer by the moment in his formidable presence. “You’re forgiven, but I’m still most upset with you. That shan’t pass just because I’ve forgiven you.”
“I understand,” he replied, “but Jack, I do not jest. You really must avoid being out by yourself. Surely you know that.”
“I do,” she confessed, shoulders sagging. “But you were most vexing, and I needed a moment to collect myself. “
“Well, next time,” he said, “find company. Otherwise, you might end up in a situation that is most unpleasant for you, and I won’t be able to extricate you from it. You’ll have to marry whoever you get caught with.”
She thought about that for a long moment. The very idea of being forced to marry Viscount Drexel…
Such a thing would be even worse than what had happened to Maria Anna. She had little doubt that Drexel would prove cruel on many fronts, and not simply in regards to her music.
She squeezed her eyes shut and felt her skin prickle with dismay at the idea of being in his bed and at his beck and call.
“Jack?” the duke prompted, his voice a low rumble. “Are you well?”
She nodded. “Let’s just get out of this corridor,” she said. “I do not wish to be caught with you. I don’t wish to force you into marriage. I know that it’s the last thing that you wish.”
Stone stepped a little bit closer to her, and oh so gently, he cupped her chin with his gloved thumb and forefinger. “Jack, you don’t seem well at all.”
That touch… How she longed to linger. But such a thing was madness.
She pulled back, shook her head. “Your warning? I am already aware, and I’ve learned my lesson.” She let out a brittle laugh. “I’ve found a husband, you see.”
“I beg your pardon,” he said blankly, his hand falling to his side.
“Viscount Drexel wishes to marry me,” she said flatly.
Something not quite readable flashed through his eyes, and a muscle tightened in his jaw. “No.”
She sucked in a breath, wondering why the devil she was doing this. Shock? Was she still so unnerved? Yes. Yes, she was. “Whyever not?” she replied, her hands shaking. “He’s young. He’s handsome. He has money.”
“He’s not that young,” he growled softly. “He’s handsome, and he does have money, but he also has a reputation. He likes to fight dogs; he likes to fight cockerels; and he likes to fight people. He likes a good fight, I think, even with the ladies.” He locked gazes with her. “Do you understand me, Jack?”
“Yes,” she said. “I actually understand quite well, which is why I told him that it will never happen.”
“Good,” he replied. “You mustn’t allow yourself to be alone with him again. I’ll kill him before he tries to force you to wed him if I must.”
His unflinching declaration shook her. For he seemed most serious, and suddenly he seemed more intense and full of feeling than she had ever seen him.