“I did? I swear in the moment it did not feel so,” she confessed. “I felt so clumsy and out of place. Like they were going to see the truth of me at any moment. All this talk of gossip is tiring to keep up with. Why do they all care so much? Is every member of thetonlike this?”
To her surprise, she heard a rumble of laughter from Algernon’s chest.
“Not all,” he clarified, “but most.”
Then his grip on her chin slid down a little. Not much, just enough that his fingers could circle around her throat. She leaned into the grip, too weary to be afraid of it.
“Do not be disappointed in the evening, Beatrice,” he commanded. “And remember, despite how you were brought up, youarea lady. You were produced by two people of noble blood who were legally married. That title is yours. You are deceiving no one by acting as such.”
More of Beatrice’s discomfort slid away as she realized the truth of his words. Shewasa lady, even if she was only now being given the opportunity to learn how to be one.
“You are sure Henry enjoyed my company?” Beatrice asked.
Algernon lifted an amused brow as he slowly drew his hand from her throat. She swayed on her feet, almost as if she had needed his hand there to stay upright.
“I am quite positive of it,” Algernon replied. “Henry is a preening creature. If he does not receive enough attention from one person, he flits to another until he is satisfied. Did you notice how he only spoke to you throughout dinner and then again after? He likes your attention.”
“Hmm,” Beatrice hummed thoughtfully.
“If that is true, why did he not attempt to kiss me? Or should I have tried to kiss him? I am still not quite certain when I am supposed to exercise that particular lesson.”
To her amusement, she watched Algernon’s ears grow red at her question, and he even shifted a little on his feet.
“Well, that is my mistake I did not explain it to you properly,” Algernon said after a moment of seeming discomfort. “I did not expect him to want to kiss you this evening. And it is good that you did not kiss him either. It would have been too soon. There is a… a process that occurs in order to get to kissing. I just want you to be prepared for it when the time arrives.”
“Process?” Beatrice echoed, tilting her head in curiosity. “What sort of process? Are there a certain number of days that must pass? Is there a particular place?”
“No,” Algernon stated quickly. “Though there is a particular place. Not one I can name, but—well…”
Before she could stop it, a giggle slipped between her lips. She could not help it! She had never seen the Duke so flustered before!
“I noticed the last couple of times I came into your room that you have been reading,” Algernon stated, taking a step back as he pressed his hands together before him.
Beatrice raised a brow, surprised by the sudden change of subject.
“Um, yes,” she agreed. “I was curious to see if I still remembered how to do so. I forgot how delightful it is to spend time with a book.”
“Good, good,” Algernon answered readily. “That is what I shall have you do then. There are books on this particular subject.”
“On kissing?” she asked, shocked.
Algernon’s nervous nature abated, and he smirked almost wickedly.
“Kissing,” he agreed, “and so much more. The storylines will help better explain the process to getting to the kiss much better than I can. I shall bring you some to read tomorrow.”
Beatrice drew her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded.
“Tomorrow sounds good. I am so exhausted by this evening, I am sure I could not read a thing tonight.”
Right away Algernon stepped aside and bowed as he waved an arm toward the staircase.
“Yes, by all means, take your rest. It is well-deserved.”
Beatrice took a few steps toward the stairs, but before she could reach them, something inside of her stopped her, and she turned around. In doing so she nearly collided with Algernon, who, unknown to her, had followed. He steadied her immediately by putting his hands on her upper arms.
“Did you forget something?” he asked, a small smile on his lips as he saved her from falling.
Pushing past her embarrassment of the moment, Beatrice drew in a steadying breath and nodded, ignoring how his touch made a blush rush to her cheeks.