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bemusedly.
    “I was trying to introduce you to his grace, dearest,” her mother explained through gritted teeth as if trying to keep the scolding she was clearly desperate to dole out, inside her mouth by sheer force of will.
    Rebecca turned toward the duke but refused to look into his eyes again. Instead she concentrated on that lucky cravat.
    “Your grace, may I introduce my youngest daughter, Lady Rebecca Carrington. Rebecca, His Grace, the Duke of Hartridge.”
    Rebecca curtsied and waited with trepidation for him to say they’d met already. A statement, which would lead to an explanation, which would lead to uproar no doubt.
    To her surprise, the duke merely executed a deep bow, lifting her hand to his mouth. His touch, his words, sent a jolt through her and her eyes flew up to meet his. They twinkled mischievously as he smiled up at her. His thumb once again rubbed over the palm of her gloved hands and Rebecca’s mouth dropped open in a little gasp. “A pleasure, my lady. And Lady Mary, I must congratulate you on the charms of both your daughters. They both look quite lovely this evening.”
    Both the mamas beamed at this, as did Caroline. Rebecca rolled her eyes. She’d grown up on the insincere compliments of the peerage. Seen with her own eyes when Sarah Woodchester had been called a radiant beauty. Sarah, bless her, resembled more closely a horse than any other living creature Rebecca had ever seen. Besides an actual horse, of course. She was a little disappointed that the Duke of Hartridge appeared to have as little imagination as the rest of them.
    Looking back at him, she realised that he’d caught her eye roll and wasn’t pleased about it. He lifted a haughty eyebrow in an expression he no doubt rolled out to put mere mortals back in their place. However, given that she never could resist a bit of mischief she raised one right back.
    His mouth dropped open in surprise before his face adopted a cool mask of polite indifference. Ever the boring peer, Rebecca thought cynically, it would not do to show emotion.
     
    ****
     
    He nearly ruined her right there, in front of her blasted family when that mouth dropped open, when the tip of her pink tongue darted out to lick her lips. Dear God, the woman was surely some sort of sorceress. How could such a simple action affect him so?
    His hand tightened involuntarily before he let her go and straightened to his full height once again. He towered over her. He was taller than most men, and she was an entire head smaller than her sister. The difference in size gave him an overpowering feeling of protection towards her. He could imagine her, almost feel her nestled under his arm, leaning her head against his chest…
    For God’s sake! Get a hold of yourself man. Rebecca needed protection like he needed matchmaking!
    She was an utter minx. Imagine. Having the audacity to roll her eyes at him. Did she not realise he was a duke for God’s sake?
    She suddenly grinned at him and gave a sly wink, no doubt trying to provoke a reaction and it was all he could do to keep his hands from grabbing her.
    He turned his attention toward Lady Caroline who looked resplendent in Grecian style white silk.
    “My lady, I hope you are well?”
    Caroline beamed once again, obviously relieved too, that he chose to keep this afternoon’s escapades to himself. Edward was surprised to see the change it brought about in her face. She looked younger, softer and altogether more beautiful.
    Strange, though he could see that she was much more attractive than he first thought, he felt completely unmoved. Perhaps because he was so enraptured with the imp standing beside him.
    “I am, your grace, I thank you.”
    “Am I to receive an introduction to this beautiful young lady then?”
    Tom’s voice floated from behind Edward’s shoulder. He watched in consternation as Rebecca’s eyes lit up with mirth. He was sure they hadn’t lit like that for him. The thought did nothing for his mood.
    This