“What are you doing talking to plants?” he countered, twisting to view her.
The trouble with Duke was that he was not only exceptionally handsome, even when slightly tired around the eyes, but that his mouth was forever curved in amusement, making one feel vaguely warm and fuzzy and wanting to know what amused him. She focused her attention back to the fledgling plant. Far easier to focus on green leaves than the fullness of his lips or the flashing dimple.
“It helps them grow.”
“That’s a scientific fact?”
She resisted the desire to roll her eyes. Behind the looks, was the quick mind of a lawyer who would only work from facts. It was perhaps the one thing they disagreed upon. Sometimes one just knew when something was correct.
“Plants like it,” she insisted. “Do you not, little Florence?”
“It has a name?”
“Yes, it has a name.” She straightened and folded her arms across her chest. “I can hardly talk to it without giving it a name, can I?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I’m learning all sorts of things about you during my stay here, Vi.”
“Like what?”
“Like the fact you talk to plants.” He took a step closer to her. “And the fact you sing when bathing.”
Her cheeks heated instantly. “How could you possibly know that?”
“I heard you yesterday when I was taking my daily stroll down the corridor.”
Tapping his arm, she shook her head. “You should not have been listening to that.”
He smirked and moved nearer still. “You were rather loud.”
“How did you know I was bathing anyway? I could have just been singing to myself.”
“I heard splashes.” His gaze skimmed over her.
The warmth in her cheeks increased. The idea of him by her door whilst she had been naked and wet created the strangest twisting sensation low in her stomach. She gulped down a breath and willed away the heat in her body. It did not help she swore he was creating a mental picture to the very scenario. Whatever they were doing here, it was wrong. She took a swift step back, keeping her arms folded to act as some sort of shield.
“I have to oversee getting the decorations hung.” She motioned to the greenery. “You should probably be resting.”
“If I have to rest for much longer, I might become addled.” He nodded toward the hallway doors. “I was going to find a book from the library to ease at least some of the boredom, but I did also want to see if there was any word from my father.”
“Nothing yet.” She put a hand to Duke’s arm. “I’m sure he is simply delayed on the road. They are no doubt busy and quite muddy after the rain on Wednesday.”
He smiled but it didn’t warm his eyes like usual. “You are probably right.”
“Perhaps there is a correspondence at your house. He could have sent it to the wrong address by mistake?”
“That does sound like my father. I suppose I should check.” He turned toward the door that led to the front of the house and Violet took a step in front of him.
“I hope you are not thinking of going to check yourself.”
“It’s quicker than sending a letter and waiting for yet another letter from Shaw.”
“You are in no fit state to go anywhere as you well know.” She gestured up and down him. “Just look at you.”
“My ego thanks you, Vi.”
“You can scarcely hobble down the stairs.” She put hands to his shoulders and twisted him in the direction of the wide doors. “You go find that book and I shall take the carriage and go to your house.”
Furrows appeared between Duke’s brows. “I thought you were busy.”