He narrowed his eyes. “So hehastold you.”
“No, but I can imagine the scene.” She could imagine it very well. Clearly, the duke had played right into her father’s plans. “Undoubtedly, my father lost to you over and again so you would feel overconfident and be willing to wager what he wanted.”
“I was swindled. Is that what you’re saying?”
“My father doesn’t play fair, especially not when it comes to you. But I shouldn’t even be talking to you.”
Carlisle held up a hand. “Hold on. Are you saying your father hasn’t been quite above board? He is a gentleman.”
“And gentlemen never cheat?”
“They do, but we weren’t at a gaming hell. We were at White’s. He could be banned for that sort of behavior.”
“I doubt he cares. I imagine he was only at White’s to see you. But I’ve said too much, and you should not be here. We should not be alone in my chamber.”
Carlisle set down the teacup. “Do you think I’ve come to ravish you? I went to the front door and left my card. That stone wall you call a butler won’t let me in. What happened to Cannon?”
“Who is Cannon?”
“He was my butler. Regardless, I had no choice but to climb through your window if I wanted to speak to you.”
“Have you ever considered, Your Grace, that I did not want to speak to you?”
“Despite what my mother claims, I’m not an idiot, Lady Katherine. I take it from your display of anger on the lane the other day that you are not fond of me.”
“Not fond—”
“But I had to risk your wrath and your sharp tongue, as well as the insults you lobbed at me, because my purpose here is more important than my pride or your female sensibilities.”
“Finally, you are coming to the point. What is your purpose, Duke?”
“I want to know why your father hates me.”
Katie shook her head. She was absolutely not about to discuss this with him. “You should ask him.”
“I am asking you.”
“And what makes you think I know?”
“I didn’t think you would know. I wasn’t even certain the marquess had anything against me until I spoke to you. But in the last ten minutes you’ve accused your father of cheating and spending time at White’s solely to observe me. You know something.”
Katie wanted to kick herself—again. She should have thrown the man right back out the window when he first climbed in.Instead, she’d been charmed by his smile, his genial manners, and his story about his sister. She’d given away more than she intended or was allowed to, and now what was she to do?
“Be that as it may,” she said, straightening, “I’m not at liberty to discuss my father with you.”
Carlisle rose, and Katie looked up at him. Was he this tall earlier?
“And who has taken that liberty from you, my lady?”
“My loyalty is to my father.”
Carlisle stepped closer and put his hands on his hips. “Why?”
Katie felt an odd sensation in her belly now that he was close to her. She could smell the scents of damp wool and a sort of musky citrus that was either his soap or cologne. Moreover, she was all too aware of his tight breeches. But she would not look down. “Why?” she repeated.
Shewould notlook down.
“Yes, why are you loyal to him? He’s sent you away to the countryside with no one for company but a woman old enough to be your mother. I doubt he treated you any better in London. The few times I saw you, you wore a veil so heavy everyone speculated you were disfigured.”
