“Thank you, but no. I have no expertise in that. I work with ladies, not gentlemen.”
“Can’t you see I’m in need of learning flexibility and charm? It can’t be any harder than working with young ladies.”
She laughed then and touched his hand. Though they wore gloves, the connection jolted him. He wanted to take her in his arms and rekindle the kiss they’d abandoned yesterday.
He glanced toward the people who were now rather far in front of them, for they had managed to stop walking. While the others weren’t close, any one of them could look back and would see them embracing. If he kissed her. Which meant he couldn’t. He let the anticipation and sexual tension curl inside him as she withdrew her hand.
She licked her lower lip, and he nearly groaned. “I don’t think I can help you. Indeed, I believe you already possess the ability to relax and allow your humor and charm—yes, I think you possess charm—to come through. Just stop keeping everyone at arm’s length. I understand it’s difficult, but the more you allow yourself to be vulnerable, the more rewarding relationships will be.”
Yes, he wanted exactly that. With her. He’d already shared more with her than he ever had with anyone. He liked how that felt. He didn’t want to go back to locking everything up inside.
“We should keep moving,” she said with a smile before hastening into a fast walk.
He wasn’t going to let her avoid answering his question. “Even though you’ve refused my offer of employment, will you stay? At least one more day?”
She looked over at him, another smile—how had he ever disliked them—teasing her lips. “I’ll consider it. Now don’t pester me. I’d much rather hear about your favorite horse. I assume you have more than one.”
Dare launched into a discussion of his favorite horses and did his best to enjoy the present. He’d savor every moment he had with her.
Chapter 9
By the time they reached The Wayward Knight, Juno wasn’t sure she knew the duke at all. She also wished she wasn’t still calling him “the duke” in her head. She knew his name. He was Alexander Brett, Duke of Warrington. Did his family, which seemed to just be his mother, call him Alexander? Alex? Probably not. Presumably, he had a courtesy title, not that she recalled what it was. His mother likely called him that.
Juno noted that Cecilia hadn’t slowed along the track even once for Juno and the duke to catch up. She had, however, cast a few glances backward, which told Juno that her hostess was aware they’d been lagging behind. Had others noticed she and the duke walking together?
Not wishing to spark any gossip or speculation, Juno made a point of leaving his company when they reached the inn. She made her way to the refreshment table to fetch a tankard of ale and moved to the edge of the private dining room allotted for their party.
As soon as Juno sipped her ale, another woman from the house party approached her. Lady Gilpin was perhaps forty with dark auburn hair and a warm disposition. She was a close friend of Cecilia’s. “Mrs. Langton, did you enjoy the promenade?”
“I did, thank you. What a splendid day.”
“Indeed. I pray you won’t find me intrusive, but I’ve heard you’re no longer employed by Lady Wetherby. Dare I hope you’re looking for a new position?”
“I am, actually.” Juno assumed Cecilia had told her. “Seeking a new position, that is.” She refrained from mentioning Lady Wetherby or Marina at all. It was better that way.
Lady Gilpin’s eyes lit. “How fortunate for me—and my daughter. She will be embarking on her first Season in the spring, and I would dearly love for you to prepare her.”
“Tell me about her,” Juno said with a smile.
“She’s quite shy. She can never seem to find the right words when in social situations. It’s as if her tongue is twisted in knots.”
“I see. Well, that is something we can work on. How are her other skills?”
“Good, I think. Though, she could use a bit of help with comportment. If there’s something to be spilled or an item of clothing to be torn, Dorothy will be the one to suffer it. I suppose she’s clumsy.” Lady Gilpin flashed a worried smile.
“I’ve helped other young ladies who are very similar to how you describe your Dorothy. I’m confident we can have her ready to conquer London next spring.” Did that mean Juno would accept Lady Gilpin’s offer? Companion to the daughter of a baronet wasn’t the most illustrious position, but it was right in front of her. What if no one else responded to her inquiries because Lady Wetherby made quick work of denigrating her? Better she secure a position now before she wasn’t able to.
“Does that mean you’ll come?” Lady Gilpin looked so happy that Juno couldn’t possibly decline now. “Your reputation is exemplary. Indeed, I considered writing to you a few months ago, but my mother assured me you would be too busy to help someone such as my Dorothy.”
Juno winced inwardly. The inquiries she’d sent were to a viscountess, two countesses, and a marchioness. If given the choice, would she have selected Dorothy?
It didn’t matter, and she wouldn’t feel bad for working to place herself in the highest echelons of Society. She was a woman alone in the world, and she’d been fortunate to build an independent livelihood. She’d be a fool not to take the best-paying, most distinguished position she could find. Just as she’d be a fool now to decline a job that was hers for the taking.
“I’d be delighted to help Dorothy,” Juno said. “I don’t ever commit to a specific time period, however. It may be that we complete our work together before the Season begins. I’ll be able to give you a better assessment after I spend time with her. Is that acceptable to you?”
“Oh yes. Thank you so much.” The woman’s relief was palpable, and Juno was doubly glad she’d agreed. “I can barely contain my excitement. When can you start?”
“I need to return home to Bath first, but I can come to you a week after the house party ends. Will that give you time to recover?”
“That would be just lovely. Dorothy will be so pleased to have help. She can be so nervous.”
Juno looked forward to helping her. She sounded a far sight easier than Marina had been. That thought made Juno feel bad. She’d come to care for Marina a great deal, but she was rather difficult. She was the only young woman Juno had tried to help who hadn’t really wanted assistance. Indeed, she would rather have been left alone.
They chatted a few more minutes before Lady Gilpin excused herself. Juno felt her own sense of relief at having secured a new position before Lady Wetherby could malign her. And now she had a bit of time before she had to start.
Her gaze strayed to the duke. He stood across the room with a pair of gentlemen, but he seemed rather disengaged. He was staring at her. When her eyes met his, he lifted his tankard in a silent toast.
An unexpected flash of heat swept through her. Unexpected? It shouldn’t have been. Not after yesterday’s kiss or the way her entire body had tingled when she’d touched him during the walk to the village.
The idea of spending a few days tucked away with the duke was incredibly alluring. And she was nearly certain he’d be interested in a liaison. Weren’t house parties perfectly suited to such endeavors?