To Bed a Beauty (Courtship Wars 2)

When she inquired how Winifred was faring, her ladyship smiled. “Well enough, my dear. But I am so very grateful to the duke for electing to remain with us for a few days.” She favored Arden with an even brighter smile while Pointon served her guests coffee. “It is comforting to know that you will be here to protect us from a vicious highwayman, your grace. Although we are less than an hour’s drive from London and close enough that you could return home each night, it will be more convenient if you billet here at Freemantle Park. And of course,” Winifred added, “you cannot stay at Danvers Hall while the new earl is gone, since Roslyn and Lily will be unchaperoned. Pointon will send to London for fresh clothing for you.”

“I have already made arrangements, my lady,” Arden replied mildly, apparently prepared to put up with her overbearing supervision.

Winifred proceeded to chatter on about how splendid the wedding had been, as if she was determined to forget the holdup had ever happened. Since Roslyn was of the same mind, the conversation remained light all through breakfast.

When her ladyship had exhausted the topic of nuptials, she proceeded to question the duke about his interest in governing the nation, but Arden replied that most of his work was done for now. Parliament had adjourned for the summer, and many of the noblemen in the House of Lords had left the heat of London for their family estates.

At the conclusion of breakfast, Winifred adopted an innocent look. “Perhaps you would like to see the Park, your grace. Roslyn can show you before she returns home to Danvers Hall this morning. Roslyn, my dear, why don’t you take his grace to the charming little folly by the lake?”

Roslyn shared a brief glance with the duke, who was barely stifling his amusement. But she didn’t protest, since showing him over the estate would allow them to escape Winifred’s watchful eye, and she wanted a measure of privacy so she could continue the discussion they had begun last night.

“The grounds are indeed lovely this time of year,” Roslyn murmured. “Just let me fetch my cloak, your grace.” The sun was out, but the June morning would be a trifle cool.

When she had retrieved the garment from Pointon, she found the duke awaiting her in the entrance hall. She led him through the house to a side door, and once outside, she stayed to the gravel path so the dew wouldn’t stain her slippers.

The park boasted beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens. In the distance atop a rise, she could see the folly that overlooked the ornamental lake, and she headed that way.

“I don’t suppose you have changed your mind about me tutoring you,” Arden began as they walked.

“No, I have not,” Roslyn replied pleasantly. “I would very much like you to advise me on the feminine arts of seduction.”

“I was afraid as much.”

“Have you given any more thought to my questions?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

She glanced up at him expectantly. “I am all ears, your grace.”

“I expect I should start with the easiest question-you asked me what appeals to me in a mistress. I thought of several more attributes I find favorable.”

“And those are?”

“For one thing, a good mistress doesn’t complain about neglect from her patron if he visits her infrequently.”

“Her time is at his disposal, you mean?”

“Yes. And she doesn’t overspend her allowance, running up huge bills at the modiste and milliner, or press him for more jewels.”

Roslyn nodded thoughtfully. “It seems entirely reasonable that a patron wouldn’t appreciate extravagance.”

“Yes, and if he chooses to give her gifts, they should be at his discretion.”

“In other words, if she wants him to lavish gifts on her, she should make his generosity seem like his own idea.”

Arden’s mouth curved at her teasing remark. “Just so. And she should want him for himself, not his wealth-or at least give the appearance of i

t.”

Not replying, Roslyn cast a sideways glance at the duke. He seemed to have a great deal of experience being pursued for his wealth. It was obviously a sore point with him, much the way her appearance was with her. She had no doubt he was seen as a great prize, yet she knew very well his attractions were due to more than his fortune or his exalted title. In looks alone, he was far superior to other noblemen.

Against her will, she found her gaze lingering on him. His fair hair glimmered amber in the sunlight, while his features held an austere masculine beauty.

Admittedly, she herself felt a fierce attraction toward him, despite her determination never to be swayed by appearance. Yet she had discovered there was much more to Arden than met the eye. Despite his aristocratic elegance, he had a commanding look, a virile vital energy that suggested he was a man of substance. And his exhilarating charm and stimulating wit kept her on her toes-

Roslyn shook herself as they reached the folly, a small, circular edifice built of gleaming white marble resembling a Grecian temple. The folly had no walls, merely a roof supported by thick columns, while the open interior was adorned by marble statues and supplied with benches. She mounted the three steps and settled on one of the benches. Arden followed her inside but remained standing.

“What else does a successful mistress do?” she asked, determined to ignore his appeal.