Free The Duke's Quandary by Callie Hutton Page A

slightly turned up nose, and full, plump lips brought together features that made her countenance lovely and desirable.
    Almost of their own accord, his feet moved his unresisting body forward until he stood directly in front of her. The scent of flowers from the nearby garden, or perhaps from Penelope herself, rose to his nostrils, coaxing his lungs to inhale deeply. The blush on her smooth cheeks grew deeper as he raised his hand to cup her jaw. His head descended.
    His lips brushed lightly against hers, soft as a whisper. She tasted like the sweetmeats he used to snatch from Cook as a child. Rich, dark, and honeyed. If she’d been surprised by his move, she didn’t show it. No stiffening of her body, no pulling back. In fact, she leaned in closer, and seemed to melt into him, all soft curves and warm woman. Dear God, she tasted good. The earthly smell from the garden suited her.
    Drake drew back slowly, watching her eyes as they slowly drifted open. For a moment they remained unfocused, then she stiffened and drew back. “I don’t think you should have done that,” she whispered.
    “I know I shouldn’t have. But I can’t find it in myself to apologize.”
    What the devil was wrong with him? Of course he should apologize, and she should slap his face. She was his mother’s houseguest, and an innocent. And while he had every intention of finding a bride this Season, it would never be Miss Penelope Clayton.
    But he’d be lying to himself if he pretended the kiss hadn’t affected him. Indeed, it made him want more. More of her softness, her scent, the feel of her lips against his. He ran his fingers through his hair. “I think you should return to the house.”
    Confusion marking her face, Penelope hurried away, then turned back when he called her. “If you wish to conduct your scientific work in the garden, please do so in the daylight. I shall instruct the gardeners to allow you free reign.”
    She nodded quickly and disappeared behind the bushes, leaving him puzzled and more than a little frightened.
    …
    The next morning after breakfast, Penelope hastened up the stairs to gather her journal, pencil, and magnifying glass to do her research. It would be such a pleasure to be able to see the plants clearly in the sunlight.
    The previous evening, when she’d returned to her room, she was still shaking from the kiss. Her first. And most likely her only. No man had ever shown an interest in her, although, truth be known, she’d never shown interest in any man, either. Until now.
    Why in heaven’s name did she feel drawn toward the one man she could never have—who would never want her? Whom she stumbled against, dropped things on, and had pointed out, rather emphatically, that she was a danger to society at large. But why, then, did he kiss her?
    Surely not because he found her attractive. That was laughable. No man would be attracted to a plain, bespectacled, clumsy woman. Especially someone like the Duke of Manchester, with the exquisite Lady Daphne setting her cap for him. No, it was best to put it out of her mind. Most likely he was merely reacting to saving her life. She’d heard that happened to rescuers.
    She groaned inwardly. Another mishap he was witness to. She needed to focus on her work, and forget Drake, the Season, and London. In a few months she would be released from her duties and be able to return to the country. She would put this behind her.
    “Penelope, come visit,” Marion called from her room.
    Penelope made an abrupt stop and pushed the partially open door. “Good morning, Marion. How are you today?”
    “I feel good now that you’ve stopped by. I enjoy your company.” She waved to the empty spot next to her on the settee. “Please, have a seat. I hope I’m not keeping you from something important. You seem to be in a hurry.”
    “No. I was planning on taking a stroll in the garden, but with the weather so fine, I’ll have all day to do that.” Penelope settled her skirts