“Then she is quite similar to our Deborah,” Tabitha said, looking at her granddaughter lovingly.
“The two of them will get along very well, then.” Modesty laughed.
The family continued discussing the wedding. The air was charged with excitement, and despite the differences of opinions, everyone was excited about the upcoming festivities.
* * *
Hopestyn Estate was massive. Deborah found herself wandering in the hallways. She wondered to herself how many rooms one small family of three even required as she walked along the hallways, looking at the paintings on the wall.
Eventually, she stumbled across the library and couldn’t resist going inside. All the marriage talk bored her greatly, and she could use the company of a good book.
But as soon as she entered the library, she realized that someone was already there.
She let out a surprised yelp as she realized it was the Duke.
“My Lady,” he greeted her, a glass of wine in his hands.
“My apologies, Your Grace,” she said, backtracking. “I didn’t realize anyone would be in here.”
“It is all right. We seem to have a habit of running into each other in unsuspecting places,” he said, an amused smile dancing on the corner of his lips. “But now that you are here, I propose you stay for a bit.”
She considered his offer, and then nodded, examining the shelves full of books.
“You have a wonderful collection,” she noted.
“I am not too interested in reading any of them.” He shrugged, taking another sip out of his wine. “I mostly use this room when I want a moment alone to myself. Usually accompanied by my drink.”
“Perhaps you should give reading a try,” Deborah countered. “It is far more useful than any wisdom that a drink can provide.”
“I prefer to gain my wisdom through real life,” he said. “Not through the pages of books.”
Deborah resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She thought it was so pompous of him to consider himself above reading.
“Then I am not sure if we have much to discuss. I prefer talking about a good book much more than idle gossip.”
“Now, you are only putting words in my mouth, My Lady,” the Duke replied. “I never said I wished to engage in idle gossip. I merely invited you in out of… how did you put it… curiosity.”
Deborah felt her cheeks burn once again. He was using her own words, for she had referred to their kiss as something that she had done out of plain curiosity.
“Your Grace, if you possess the important virtue of curiosity, then you should most definitely put it to better use than spending time alone with me,” she countered.
“Are you saying that you are not interesting enough to hold my attention?” The Duke raised an eyebrow. “Or simply that any curiosity would be wasted on you?”
Deborah had to scoff at his audacity. He was clearly full of himself, not bothered if he offended those he was speaking to.
It was exactly how she expected a duke to behave. Entitled and self-absorbed in every possible way.
“Both of those things are not true, Your Grace,” she said, smiling coyly. “I was not born with a title as fancy as yours and therefore had to work much harder on being likable to other people. So, holding your interest is not something I am doubtful of.”
The duke put down his glass, seeming taken aback by her confidence. “You are sure that I find you likable?”
“I have reason to believe so.” She shrugged, seeming unfazed.
“I believe you lack manners,” the Duke said bluntly. The change of expression on her face let him know that he had offended her once again.
“My manners are perfect, thank you very much,” she stressed.
“If you say so,” he drawled, thinking back to the kiss but not bringing it up. Reading her face, he knew that the two of them were thinking of the same thing.
