Free Lady Vivian Defies a Duke by Samantha Grace

turned to her. “I think we could take the ribbon in the three-legged race. You’re a fast runner. Would you partner with me?”
    Her first impulse was to accept, but she held back an enthusiastic yes. Checking to make certain no one sat close enough to overhear, she spoke softly. “We are already a source of gossip. If you have no intention of marrying me, I fear I have already given the townsfolk enough cause to speculate on the reason.”
    His thick, black brows dropped low over his eyes. “You must know I cannot refuse, especially now. You would be ruined. Only you may cry off at this point.”
    She suppressed a sigh. They were back to the same place they had begun. “If I may be frank, I have been more trouble to my cousin than I’m worth. I cannot ask her to assume responsibility for me any longer. I realize you don’t deserve to be saddled with me either, and for that, I apologize. But you are my last hope—”
    “Lady Vivian.”
    “Please, hear me out. All I ask is that you seriously consider my offer. Give me your name then you may do whatever you like. Discover Antarctica or search for the lost city of Atlantis, and I will lead a quiet life in the country. You wouldn’t have to be bothered by me again.”
    “Stop speaking nonsense.” His blue gaze burned into her. “Your father was a nobleman, and some gentleman will make you an excellent husband. Why are you willing to settle?”
    Vivi blinked back the tears threatening to embarrass her. He didn’t understand. To settle implied one had choices. “If I don’t marry you, my brother has resigned himself to send me to a convent in Scotland. My sister-in-law has been harping on the idea for at least two years now.”
    Foxhaven recoiled. “A convent? Whatever for? You would do well in London. Is your brother mad?”
    She shrugged. “I have often wondered the same thing about Ash. As far as his wife goes, I know for a fact she is a bit touched in the head.” She swiped at an escaping tear and forced a laugh that sounded hollow. “On second thought, Your Grace, you are probably wise to put distance between yourself and my family. The madness could be catching.”
    The hardness around his mouth melted away and his foot brushed against hers. “You’re not mad. I clearly recall you telling me as much at dinner the other evening.”
    She winced. “Is there any chance you might forget the other night?”
    “Not even a sliver of a chance,” he said with a smirk.
    “Splendid.”
    “Listen. Don’t fret over anything at the moment. I may have an idea on how we can work this out.”
    She turned a hopeful gaze on him. He smiled in return, showing off the small gap between his teeth. She could fall in love with that smile, so perfectly imperfect.
    Setting his plate on the blanket, he stood then offered her a hand up. “Today is meant to be fun. No more gloomy talk.”
    “Agreed.”
    “Now, come along. I wish to take home a ribbon, but I need your assistance.”
    Vivi set her food aside and took his hand. How could she deny him when he needed her?
    Mr. Fry put his fingers in his mouth and let loose a sharp whistle. Most conversations halted as heads turned toward the deacon.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, the three-legged race is about to begin. Come this way and select a partner.”
    She and Foxhaven were the first competitors to step up to the line, but other participants soon joined them. Lastly, the reluctant stragglers came forward. Miss Heaton blushed as red as Christmas when Lord Goodrich pulled her toward the starting line, paying no notice to her fiercely whispered protests.
    Mr. Fry marched down the line handing out strips of cloth. Foxhaven knelt beside Vivi and lashed their ankles together. When he stood, he slipped his arm around her waist. Her body tingled from her ankle to her hip where his hand rested lightly.
    “You must hold on too,” he murmured in her ear. “You did promise to touch me back if I touched you.”
    Heat flashed up her neck,