“You don’t need to remind me about that,” Dorothy snapped. She swallowed and glanced away. “Forgive me. I do see your point. I just don’t like … well, I’m not keen on lying.”
“It’s not lying. You can tell the truth; just adjust the truth a little bit.”
“How?”
“I’m sure you can figure it out.” Lucas looked at the book with its brand-new spine. It looked like it had never been read. “You like art, then? Are you something of an enthusiast?”
“Sort of.” Dorothy slowly lowered the book, running her fingers over the cover. “I love to draw and paint. There’s something relaxing about it when you’re outside, allowing nature to soak into your bones. And the history behind all of the art produced is fascinating. You wouldn’t believe the scandal there is in the art world, especially during the renaissance period.”
“I can imagine,” Lucas murmured, watching her as she talked. There was something in her voice that just lit up when she spoke. He could hear the love in her tone. This was a woman who genuinely loved art.
Lady Dorothy Napier was far more complex than he realised. She was beautiful, sharp-tongued, competitive, and intelligent, and she was an art lover who didn’t mind taking risks even to the detriment of her physical health.
She was a remarkable woman. Lucas was beginning to regret never meeting her while they were engaged. If he had, he might have gone through with the marriage; Dorothy would certainly make things interesting for him.
“I … I think I’d better return to everyone else.” Dorothy stood up, hoisting the book into her arms with ease. “Lady Derbyshire said I could choose any book I wanted, but if I stay here too long, she will think I’ve got lost.”
“We’re hardly doing anything. Merely talking, aren’t we?”
“Like you said, rumours have been spread over less.” Dorothy gave him a small smile. “Thank you again for saving me. I do appreciate it, and I know how reckless I was. You saved me from a lot of bother.”
Was she actually softening up to him? Lucas could only hope so. His hands were still itching, wanting to reach for her. For what? he wasn’t quite sure; his thoughts were getting into a mess.
What was wrong with him? He always knew how to talk to women and flirt with ease when needed. Now he was fumbling over his words and felt like he was making a fool of himself. Lucas didn’t know what was going on in his head.
“Good evening, Lord Dashwood,” Dorothy said quietly, dropping a curtsy before moving around the settee and heading towards the door.
“Dorothy …”
Dorothy stopped, but she didn’t turn around. Lucas tried to find the words that didn’t make him sound like a fool.
“I … I wish I had met you while we were engaged.” That was honest enough. “Then we … things would definitely be different between us.”
“Would they?” Dorothy looked over her shoulder at him, her piercing gaze rooting him to the spot. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
A ghost of a smile coasted across her mouth. At that moment, Lucas had to fight back the overwhelming urge to kiss her. God, she was beautiful, even when she was sly.
“Because you wouldn’t be able to keep up with me.”
And with that, she walked out of the room, the door closing with a firm click. Lucas sagged onto the settee, his mind whirling around and leaving him confused. Not how he had planned anything, and his attempt at flirtation had backfired. Well, that’s what appeared to have happened.
Slumping forwards, Lucas ran his hands through his hair. He knew he should leave Dorothy alone; after all, he had been awful during their engagement, and he had been the one actively breaking it. But now he had met her, even in their verbal jousting …
Lucas was beginning to regret what he had done. And that just made him feel worse.
#
Dorothy’s heart was pounding so fast it was leaving her breathless. She could feel it pulsating against the book as she clutched it tightly against her chest. Was she actually starting to sweat as well? It felt like something was trickling down her forehead.
How embarrassing could it get? Dorothy had thought she had made sure it looked like she hadn’t fallen onto someone, and she had almost bared her breasts to Dashwood. If he hadn’t said anything …
But he had said something. There was something in him that was somewhat decent, so it seemed. Then he had to ruin it by saying he was sad they didn’t meet while engaged because things would have been different. Did he just imply that he thought she would be ugly? That he would have been swayed to an arranged marriage if he had seen how attractive she was?
Dashwood was handsome, no denying that. But he was simply shallow. Dorothy knew she should give him a wide berth as much as possible, even after he saved her from serious injury and helped her out.
Even though he made her flustered and drew her in regardless of her thoughts about him. No matter how much she wanted to dislike him, especially after showing his shallow behaviour, her body reacted as if he had run his hands over her bare skin. Everything felt like he had touched her physically.