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seduction but rape, his mouth crushed down on hers again. She realized with horror that he was tugging at her skirt. Dear God, she would never be able to break free. He was too strong, too intent on having his way. And if he did, she would have no choice but to marry him.
    In her mind, she heard the cool words You wanted a beauty that would drive men mad. Lord Ranulph again? But she hadn’t wanted this!
    Suddenly a hard voice snapped, “Let her go!”
    The newcomer enforced his command by physically breaking the duke’s hold on Leah. Panting for breath, she retreated several steps and tried to see her rescuer. In the darkness he was only a faceless shadow. Of middle height, perhaps, with broad shoulders—and wonderful timing.
    “Damn you, sir, do you know who I am?” the duke snarled at the interloper.
    “I believe so,” was the icy reply. “You do yourself no credit, Your Grace.”
    “You criticize me ?” Hardcastle said, incredulous. “How dare you interfere between a man and his affianced wife!”
    “She looked like an unwilling woman to me,” the other man retorted. “Was I wrong about that, miss?”
    “Tell this lunatic that we’re betrothed,” Hardcastle ordered.
    Leah wanted to say that she wouldn’t marry the duke if he were the last man in Christendom, but barely in time remembered that it would not be wise to humiliate a man so powerful. And in fairness, he’d had no reason to think she would not accept an offer.
    “Though I do not question your honorable intentions, Your Grace, you neglected to go through the formality of making an offer,” she said carefully. “You do me great honor, but . . . but I do not think we would suit.”
    “Wouldn’t suit!” Hardcastle said with disbelief. “A nobody like you is turning down the chance to become a duchess?”
    “Yes,” she said in a small voice.
    His jaw dropped. Then his expression changed to disdain. “I thought you worthy to be my wife, but you’re only a foolish, impertinent little girl. You’re quite right—we would not suit at all. I shall tell your godmother to summon her carriage because you are not feeling well. And I suggest that in the future, you avoid your sly tricks that lead a man to misread your affections.” He spun on his heel and stalked off.
    Leah stood there, shaking, until her rescuer said gently, “Sit down.”
    He guided her to a bench. She folded onto the cold stone. “Thank you,” she said unevenly. “When we came out for air, I . . . I had no idea what he intended.”
    “It’s a fair guess that a man who takes a girl into a dark garden is up to no good,” her rescuer said dryly as he peeled off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. “I suggest that you accept no more such invitations unless you are in favor of accepting the gentleman’s advances as well.”
    He had a really wonderful deep voice. As she gratefully wrapped the body-warmed fabric around her, she tried again to see his face, but couldn’t. He was simply a silhouette against darker shadows. Wanting his good opinion, she said earnestly, “Truly, I did not encourage the duke’s advances, despite what he said.”
    “Then I presume you are very beautiful,” he said cynically. “Wealthy men tend to believe they are entitled to beautiful women, and beautiful women tend to assume that they deserve wealth. It’s a bargain that has existed since time immemorial, so perhaps the duke can be forgiven for misunderstanding.”
    “What nonsense,” she retorted. “Marriage should be more about love than wealth and beauty.”
    “You are very young,” he said, but his voice had softened.
    Her mouth curved ruefully. “I suppose so. But I don’t appreciate having that pointed out to me.”
    “Neither would I,” he agreed. “If you’re feeling well enough, allow me to escort you around the house. Your godmother should be waiting for you there.”
    Silently Leah rose and took his arm. It was firm and well muscled beneath the linen of his