Loving Her Duke

eason to hurt you." Again he stepped closer and she stepped back in response, her heart mis

m could hurt anyone." He put his hands down and sent the one bearing his cigar to his mouth for anothe

did you...? How were yo...? How did you know I have only

ely smell. Makes you want to smile all day long for absolutely no reason at all

n tricked, how wonderful! Her breath slowed down but her heart was still erratic. "Why were you follow

s his free hand found his pocket. "I wasn't following you, at least, not un

t he was a... "Bu

oo." He st

in the morning?" She demanded. "Isn't it too

you." Then he continued as though

to the hill, with a complete stranger. "You were walking behind me; naturally I thought the worst and ran. Then you ran after me, scaring me e

ld be frightening if put into good use. There was no expression on his face, not even the anger she thought she heard. She couldn't tell much from his expression and the light, but it defini

lright. I suppose that settles things. I apologize for my thoughts." Beth bowed slightly and waited

ter. "You never ans

d. "What

back into the grass, tensed. This gentleman was totally ob

eone she didn't know of where she was headed? What if he really wanted to harm her? Still, something about him made her feel

ht no reply was to be heard, she nodd

oad will take you there. Have a good day, Sir." She bowed and started walking away and he sta

boot. "Courtesy demands I ensure you arrive at your destination safely." She stop

dness, but I assure you neither I, nor the people need your courtesy. A

husb

unwe

lov

no suc

u are promi

ed she could hold the conversation so long. "Thank you for your courtesy and kindness but I would rather make this

o are you? I don't think I've had th

? Was it some sort of tactic? "I am a young woman who has p

ou don't know who I am?" Beth kept her eyes on him and his surprise

know who you are, so I apologize." Of course, she was insincere. "And I thank you for your consideration to see me safely to my destination but I would politely decline and appreciate it if you would delay me no further. I wis

out, louder. "Will it be pos

as possible. In the time they were together, he had frightened, entertained, annoyed and

f forth to gain more grounds. Her bag rode on her hip and she struggled not to ruin

spot, to watch the sun rise, the right place. Pushing herself even more, she ran with all her

as the s