The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(7)

She found herself cursing him all over again as he bent his wickedly angelic head over her hand and brushed his soft lips across her knuckles. It was the most proper of kisses, yet she felt positively heated as the feel of their momentary touch lingered on her person.

Recoiling, she stepped sideways and took a seat on the nearest chair. Naturally it wasn’t because she needed to. No, it was because at any moment she was positive she would swoon, and Emma Gates never swooned.

“To what do we owe this pleasure, Miss Gates?” The duke’s low baritone caressed her body.

Shivering in response, she answered, “Why, your grace, I should think that would be obvious.”

“Is it now?” He seemed perplexed. “I await with baited breath. Please, do share.”

“I’m to be married.”

“To whom?” He took a seat next to her, eyes riveted on her face.

Saints above! Did the man blink? Since squirming in her seat was out of the question, considering gentle bred ladies did not shift, she clenched her dress between her hands and managed to calm her nerves. His eyes seemed to read her soul. She should have prayed before entering the room.

Always known for her bluntness, she admitted, “I haven’t yet chosen him. Never fear, I’ll be sure to notify him before the wedding. Naturally.”

The duke coughed to hold his laugh in, failing miserably. “Isn’t that a bit presumptuous, dear girl?”

“Not at all!”

“How do you figure?”

“Well.” She shrugged and watched in fascination as his eyes scanned the curve of her neck as she did so. She should be outraged. Instead a feeling of pleasure descended on her. Warmth pooled in her belly. Looks like his were what cause innocent debutantes to abandon their chaperones.

Angel duke indeed.

“Do you mean to tell me men attend all of the Season's balls for the sport of it? No, sir. I hate to disagree, but men go for the same reasons women do. They too need to find a mate. So I should say any man would be thrilled to get it over with as soon as possible. I find myself doing them a service.”

His eyes flared for a minute. Looking away he swallowed slowly, muscles tensing in his classically lined jawbone, before answering, “A service, of course.”

Whatever he meant by that comment was obviously lost on Emma as she focused her attention on Sara, who had just entered the room.

Bringing in an heir of sensuality and sweetness matched by no one in Emma’s social circle, she embraced her as if they were more than cousins. Sisters, in fact. If only that were true.

Emma’s own sister despised her. It wasn’t always that way, but after the incident, her parents had felt so responsible for not keeping an eye on her that they were positively insane when it came to the youngest of the family. Abigail, her sister had not been pleased that during the year that was to be her come out, her parents had decided the eldest, Emma, should be launched first. After all, it was only proper that the eldest get at least one Season, even if it was in vain. The last thing they had wanted was whispers of scandal concerning the oddity of having a younger sister out before Emma was even presented to society. And Emma could only feign illness and staying with her grandmother for so long before people became curious as to her situation.

Embarrassing as it was, it became apparent that in order for her sister to be a success as well as scandal free, Emma needed to go to London first.

Either way, Abigail was not pleased. She had cried for days until Emma had promised she would quickly find someone to marry this Season and be done with it. Besides, Abigail was still one and seven—young for the marriage mart to be sure. She was also the favorite. Emma was fortunate her parents still chose to feed and clothe her after everything that had happened so many years ago. It hadn’t mattered that nothing had taken place. What mattered were people’s impressions, and because of appearances, she was now forever stained with ruin. All before ever receiving her first kiss.

Emma watched as Sara went over to Nicholas and whispered something in his ear. His darkly handsome face glowed with contentment, Emma sighed. What would it be like to have a relationship where both people respected each other so much? It was a dream that would never be her reality. It was better for her to steel herself against affairs of the heart. She would only end up disappointed, for her parents had reminded her several times that tied in with her dowry was their version of the truth of what had happened. And with that, any person who proposed would know of her disgrace. Only after they married, so they would be stuck with her. She would never do that to someone she cared for. Attach herself to their family name, making it impossible to get out of the marriage without even more scandal.

Her eyes fell on Nicholas, someone who was all too familiar with scandal. It gave her hope that one day she might find peace and happiness. With a bow, Nicholas excused himself, mumbling something about his youngest getting jelly all over his nanny.

The duke’s laughter jerked Emma back to reality as she noticed him shake his head in amusement.

“Do you find something amusing, your grace?” Emma inquired.

“Smiling about your fate are you, dear friend?” Nicholas paused before exiting the room with Sara. “It seems he and you are in town for the same reason, dear girl. The duke must find a bride this Season, and you must find a husband. Although bets are on you landing a husband before he even sets foot at his first ball. He has the uncanny ability to repel any lady of class within miles.”