The Duke's Twin novel Chapter 5

Rebecca was given her own chamber, which had a massive four-poster bed with pale-blue hangings and yellow walls decorated with paintings of flowers. It was a lovely room, and she felt rather spoiled knowing she would spend the entire week here. Her lady's maid, Sarah, was already setting out her evening clothes.

The maid shared a conspiratorial grin with Rebecca. "Did you see those gentlemen, miss? Not often you see men who are as handsome as they are rich."

Rebecca was never gladder that she enjoyed a close relationship with her maid. She could talk with Sarah about things she dared not speak about to her mother or sister. A furious blush on both their faces sent them into a fit of giggles.

"They are beautiful, aren't they? Gentlemen aren't supposed to be beautiful." She gave a deep sigh. "No doubt they'll both fall in love with Lydia, and I'll somehow have to sort out the mess." Her tone was a little bitter, and a knot of self-loathing grew inside her.

Is it so much to ask that a man should be interested in me? That I might be found desirable? The truth was, it didn't matter what she wanted or desired. Men always chose the prettier woman.

Her maid seemed unconvinced. "Perhaps. His Grace seemed to like the look of you when you fell into his arms. He's a rake, that one. I could tell. He liked holding you, miss. 'Twas plain as day."

"I think he was just relieved that I didn't fall flat on my face at his feet." Still, Sarah's words gave her a flicker of hope-not that she put much stock in the emotion. Hope had always let her down. It was far better to accept the truth and move on. Lydia would have her choice between the duke and his brother.

With a weak sigh, Rebecca let Sarah help her dress for dinner.

Lord, let this be over with quickly. May Lydia and the duke fall in love so I can return home. There would be no more Seasons amongst the ton, not for her. Rebecca was giving up on finding a husband. She was weary of disappointment and tired of hope. At least when it came to love.

"Well, Miles, what do you think of her?" Justin whispered.

Miles blinked and came back to himself. They were all seated in the drawing room, and Miss Lydia had recited some damnable poem that had put him to sleep. He'd managed the feat with his eyes open somehow, but now they were dry and itchy. Lord, how did his brother stand to play the part of a duke like this? Miles had been the duke for only a few hours, and he already wanted to ride home and drown himself in the nearest bottle of brandy.

"I assume you mean the little blonde creature? She's a delight. I wish you all the happiness-"

Justin snorted. "Of course you do, brother. Now, swear to me you will keep Miss Livingston occupied over the next several days while I get acquainted with Miss Lydia." Justin's hopeful expression made his mouth curve in a way that had Miles nodding in agreement. He may have been only fifteen minutes younger, but Miles would deny Justin nothing he if had the power to give it.

"Do not worry yourself. I'll tend to the sister as needed." He glanced over at Miss Livingston. The young lady was perusing a stack of books he'd left on a table, her hands tracing the spines of several of his favorite novels. She took the time to rearrange them in order of publication. A well-read lady-he rather liked that. Her figure was pleasing enough, with wide hips and full breasts that would fill his hands. Her hair was a shiny chestnut, a color sometimes disparaged in favor of blonde curls like those of her sister. Miles pictured tunneling his fingers through her hair, grasping the strands and tugging her head back for his kiss...

He shook himself. What a silly notion. He couldn't contemplate bedding Miss Livingston. She was pleasant looking, in a subtle way. She might even be considered beautiful, but he couldn't become involved with an innocent young lady like her. Lusty widows were more to his tastes. No expectations, no consequences, and most importantly, no wedding bells.

Still, he had found Rebecca rather pleasant at dinner. She conversed well when the topics proved interesting, but she seemed to slip away into her own thoughts when the topics turned dull. It was something he did on occasion. But he'd spent much of dinner watching her and her family. It was clear that Lydia was the favorite child, both for their mother and their father. Whenever their mother had made a disparaging comment, he'd seen hurt in Rebecca's eyes. As a second brother to a duke, he'd seen favoritism for Justin over him. He remembered all too well the sting of that. And he hadn't liked seeing Rebecca suffer it one bit. She was undeserving of any criticism.

"Becca!" Mrs. Livingston whispered loudly, calling Miles's attention back to the young woman.

He could watch her play for days, years even. Her soul was laid bare as she indulged in the passion of her heart, and she had no idea what she was doing to him. He pictured her fingers stroking him, her lips locked on his as they...

He shook the lustful thoughts from his mind, which was not easily done. He had never seen a woman so beautiful, so lovely. Her passion breathed life into her face and held him enraptured. Would she look just as lovely beneath him, her eyes glimmering with sated pleasure, her body shivering with aftershocks? He wanted to know-had to know.

It was only when the music stopped that he realized he hadn't heard Lydia's voice at all. There had been only Rebecca's music, lingering in his head now with its haunting melodies and visions of her bright eyes alight with passion.

"Bravo, ladies!" Justin was on his feet, striding over to them as he clapped.

"Yes." Miles stood, regaining his composure. "Beautifully done."

It was said for both ladies, but his thoughts were only for Rebecca. For a long moment she met his stare, her blue eyes as bold and brave as any man's, yet fiery in the way only a woman's could be.

Had he misjudged her? Had the quiet, submissive woman he'd glimpsed at dinner been a ruse? Was there a tigress beneath that subdued demeanor?

Justin can have his little Lydia to his heart's content. I will unravel the mystery of Miss Livingston.