An Impossible Attraction. Brenda Joyce

instance was my pleasure. The second, my choice.” His mouth curved.

      Still, she wondered why he had bothered. “It was certainly an unpleasant choice and one you did not have to make. Again, thank you, Your Grace. Your kindness is astounding.”

      He studied her for a moment. “Kindness had nothing to do with it.” He bowed. “You seem to have a suitor waiting in the wings. A gentleman knows when it is time to take his leave.”

      She tensed, glimpsing Squire Denney hovering behind them, his eyes wide, and she knew she hadn’t mistaken the mockery in Clarewood’s tone. Her dismay increased. So did a sense of embarrassment. Somehow, he’d ascertained that Denney was courting her.

      The duke gave her an odd, almost promising look, as if telling her that he would return, and then he was gone.

      Alexandra just stood there, feeling as if she’d somehow withstood a hurricane—or some other impossible force of nature.