He watched, patiently despite the roil of emotions and sensations inside him, as she conversed with Lady Gilpin.
“Did you enjoy the promenade to the village today, Duke?”
Dare dragged himself to the present and glanced toward the new arrival. Lady Cosford with one of her overly sweet smiles.
“Yes.” He didn’t bother keeping the growl from his answer.
She frowned briefly. “I beg your pardon for my frankness, but has something happened? You were so pleasant at dinner. I thought perhaps you’d finally settled in and decided house parties aren’t so loathsome after all.”
They weren’t, but that was entirely due to Juno. That he couldn’t be with her right now, that he had to allow her to talk with her new employer, drove him mad. This was a new experience. He typically did what he pleased. He’d never before had to consider someone else and whether his behavior would affect them.
He was a rather selfish prick.
“I can’t help but notice your attention toward Mrs. Langton,” Lady Cosford said quietly, leaning toward him. “I’m sorry you didn’t match with Lady Marina, but perhaps all is not lost.”
Slowly, he tilted his head toward hers. “What are you saying?” Did she know something he didn’t?
“It seems to me that both you and Mrs. Langton enjoy each other’s company. I would hate for the party to end without either of you determining how much.”
Her vagueness was also going to drive him mad. “If you have something specific to say, I wish you would do so, Lady Cosford. I am not a man who appreciates innuendo or subtlety.”
She stifled a laugh. “Just so. Juno likes you. She’s attracted to you. She’s also concerned about jeopardizing her employment with Lady Gilpin. So you must be discreet.”
“Has Juno indicated she wants…” He didn’t know how to finish that. Had she told Lady Cosford about what had happened in the coach? He couldn’t see her doing that even if the two had become friends, and it seemed they had.
“She’s indicated nothing specific. I’m only trying to be a good friend. You know where her room is located?”
“Yes.” He swallowed, his body already roaring into full arousal.
“Then you’ll know it’s precariously close to Lady Gilpin’s. You’ll need to find another way inside.”
“Are you certain she wants me to come?”
“No, but if she doesn’t, she won’t be shy about asking you to leave. And you will.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You will, won’t you?”
“Of course. I’m not a scoundrel.” Excitement thrummed within him. “Are you going to tell me how to gain access?”
“I am, but so help me, if you treat her poorly, there will be nowhere you can hide.” She gave him a blistering glower.
“I may be disagreeable, but I am honorable and trustworthy. You have my word that no harm will come to Mrs. Langton. Indeed, I would put myself in the way of that ever happening. With my dying breath.” The ferocity of his pledge surprised him. He meant every word.
Admiration sparked in her gaze. “Excellent. I believed you to be just that type of gentleman. Now, listen to me carefully.”
She explained in exacting detail how he could access the servants’ stairs and find his way to the dressing chamber that adjoined Juno’s room. The idea of seeing Juno filled him with a thrilling anticipation.
What if she didn’t want him to come?
Then he’d leave. Utterly dejected. But he had to try. Anything else would mean regret, and he’d already decided he wouldn’t suffer that. Not with Juno. Not with the only woman who’d ever made him feel like a whole person.
He could hardly wait.
Chapter 11
By the time Juno had finished speaking with Lady Gilpin, Dare had left the drawing room. Disappointment had dimmed her mood and stayed with her, even now, two hours later.
After speaking with Lady Gilpin, Juno had decided to leave for Bath tomorrow. The house party lasted three more days, but Juno wanted to get home and prepare for her new position.
Normally, she’d be filled with a joyful anticipation at the prospect of working with a new young lady. This time, however, she felt a slight unease, as if she was forgetting something. Not forgetting—ignoring.
She was apparently doing her damnedest to pretend Dare didn’t exist. Or that the smoldering attraction between them had petered out. Only it hadn’t. Not for her anyway. She had no idea if he felt the same, especially since he’d left the drawing room without a word.
Rising from her dressing table, she flipped her long braid over her shoulder as she made her way to the bed, which a maid had turned down invitingly. Juno stared at the empty space and wished she wouldn’t be sliding into it alone.
Not in the six years since Bernard’s death would she have described herself as lonely. Yet tonight, she felt that emotion quite keenly.
Oh, hell.
She wished she hadn’t dismissed Cecilia’s matchmaking efforts so hastily. She did want Dare. For tonight, at least.
Pouting, she altered her direction and went toward the dressing chamber. She stopped short, gasping as a large figure appeared before her.
“Dare!”
“Forgive me for barging in. It was the best way to reach you, I’m afraid.”
She took in his banyan, dark black silk against his black pantaloons. “You look like a man on his way to an assignation.”
He glanced down at his costume and gave her a fleeting smile. “I suppose I do. But then I am.” His gaze met hers. “Hopefully.”
Juno hesitated. He was behaving rather presumptuously. But was he really, given her behavior in the coach? She’d certainly given him the impression she wanted him. And anyway, didn’t she?
She narrowed her eyes. “How did you find your way here?”
“Luck?” He was clearly lying and realized she knew it. Exhaling, he said, “Lady Cosford told me how.”
Juno swore, which drew a broad grin from him. “Why are you smiling?”
“I like it when you curse.”
She swallowed a laugh. “It’s horribly crude. I shouldn’t do it. I’m afraid it was a bad habit of Bernard’s, and once I adopted it, I haven’t been able to shake it. Unless I’m in polite company, of course.” She flinched. “I didn’t mean to insinuate you aren’t polite company.”
He didn’t look insulted in the slightest. “No need to feel bad. I’m quite flattered. I hope you’ll swear in front of me often.” He smiled again, and her heart flipped over.
“You’re so handsome when you smile. Irresistible, really. It’s good that you rarely do, for every woman in England would throw herself at your feet.”
He stepped toward her until they were merely a breath apart. “I don’t want every woman in England. Just you.” His voice, always tinged with a growl, had dropped to a feral rasp.
If she hadn’t wanted him already, she definitely would now. She slid her hands up his chest and curled them around his neck. “It’s very convenient, then, that I want you too.”
He clasped her in his arms and lifted her against him as their mouths crashed together. If she hadn’t been wearing a dressing gown and night rail, she would have wrapped her legs around his hips.