you just apologised.’
‘Because I insulted your honour with my action.’ He rubbed the back of his neck and eyed her sideways. ‘You pulled away from me in my library. Did you want me to kiss you?’
How could she answer that and not sound wanton?
‘Did you?’ he prodded.
She was struggling to find a response when Wilkins arrived with the tea tray. He placed the tray on the table between them and quietly left the room, once again leaving the door open.
‘Oh, look! The tea is here,’ she said.
‘So it is.’ He shifted in his seat and then straightened. ‘How fortuitous,’ he said dryly.
It was taking quite a bit of effort to hide her relief. ‘Tea?’
‘Yes.’
‘Milk and sugar?’
‘Neither, thank you.’
Katrina glanced at him in surprise.
‘I don’t enjoy my tea sweet,’ he offered.
‘Apparently,’ she replied, handing him his cup.
He looked over at Meg and then back at her, and then placed his cup and saucer on the table. He kept his voice low. ‘Aside from offering my apologies to you, I also have another reason for calling on you today.’
‘Which is...?’
‘While I was out this morning I saw this and thought you might enjoy it.’ He held out a wrapped package she hadn’t noticed he had been holding when he entered.
‘You know I cannot accept it,’ she said, pouring a splash of milk into her own cup.
‘Please—think of it as a way for me to extend my thanks for the book you sent to my grandmother.’
‘Or a peace offering?’
Amusement sparkled in his eyes. ‘If you like.’
She hesitantly placed her cup on the table and took the package. As she unwrapped it her eyes widened. ‘Frankenstein. I want to read this.’
‘I thought you might. You were looking at it the day we met at Hatchards.’
Her hands fell to her lap, still holding the book. ‘You remember that?’
He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. ‘I also remember your maid’s love of gothic tales, so you might want to consider hiding it from her.’
Thunder boomed in the distance.
‘That is probably a wise suggestion.’
‘I thought so.’
‘Have you read it?’
He shook his head and leaned back. ‘No. However, I purchased a copy for myself as well and thought to begin it tonight.’
This time thunder shook the room, and Katrina glanced at the closest window. Rain poured down the panes, obstructing the view of the street. ‘It does appear to be an ideal day to read such a tale. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this atmosphere. Would you like to begin reading it now?’
‘You mean together?’
‘Certainly. Unless I am keeping you from a pressing engagement?’
‘I’m intrigued by your suggestion. How do you propose we begin?’
‘I suppose each of us could read silently, if you find that acceptable?’ It might prove difficult to concentrate on the words if she had to listen to his deep voice read them.
He nodded, and then his eyes widened as she lifted her delicate chair and placed it next to the settee.
‘I do not believe I have ever witnessed a lady moving furniture before. You do have other servants, do you not?’
‘Of course. But I am fully capable of moving this chair, and it would have delayed our enjoyment if we’d had to wait for them.’ She settled herself into the chair and smiled over at him.
‘You do realise you could sit here on the settee with me? There is room for both of us,’ he said.
Thunder boomed again. ‘No, I do not believe that would be a wise idea.’ He smelled heavenly—like clean soap and leather.
‘You are next to me now.’
But this way there was no risk of her caressing his arm or making a cake of herself in any other way. ‘I am already settled quite nicely here. Please—won’t you open to the first page so we may begin?’
Lyonsdale arched his brow, appearing every inch the aristocrat he was. ‘So I shall be the one to hold the book?’
‘You are the man. I thought it was your chivalrous obligation to hold the book while I read.’
‘But I am a duke, so I thought you would be holding the book for me,’ he said with amusement in his eyes.
‘Yes, but I am an American. We believe that every man is created equal.’
His gaze raked her body. ‘But you are not a man.’
‘You’ve noticed.’
‘It has not escaped my notice.’
Katrina found the room suddenly quite warm, and she smiled at him through her lashes.
He gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘Very well. I will be your chivalrous bookstand.’
She handed him the first book of the three-volume edition. ‘I will be very grateful.’
‘Will you show me how grateful?’
‘What did you have in mind? I could make you more tea?’
‘Not exactly what I was thinking.’
‘I shall have biscuits sent up.’
By the time Wilkins arrived with a plate of biscuits Katrina was leaning over the armrest of the settee, her chin almost resting on Lyonsdale’s shoulder. The Duke was actually reclining back on the sofa in a most inelegant pose, with his legs crossed. Their heads were almost touching and they were reading from the same book, completely unaware of the butler’s presence.
The two engrossed readers remained that way for over an hour. When they finally stopped reading for the day Lyonsdale closed the book and stared straight ahead, chewing his lower lip. It was proving impossible for Katrina to take her eyes off that soft skin.
‘I must confess I have never read anything quite like that in my life,’ he commented, still appearing very relaxed in his reclined pose.
He twisted his head towards her
