Duchess in Love by Eloisa James

she is,” Gina said, glancing back. Esme was ensconced between Bernie and Cam, and shining with pleasure. Cam was leaning toward her as if she were speaking pearls of wisdom.
    â€œI suppose if she keeps your husband occupied, it will be all the better for the annulment,” Sebastian remarked.
    â€œI expect so,” Gina murmured.
    It was unfortunate that Sebastian was facing Esme’s table, because he didn’t seem to be able to keep his eyes off her. All the way through lamb à la béchamel he kept up a hissing commentary on Esme’s bold seduction of Gina’s husband. “At this rate, your annulment proceedings will be twinned with a bill for divorce from Rawlings,” he said disagreeably.
    Gina was beginning to feel slightly sick. “Sebastian!” she finally said, “don’t you think that I am the one who should be upset, if anyone? And I’m not. Who does it hurt if Cam and Esme grow acquainted? No one.” She took a bite of chicken. It tasted like a wrung-out piece of dishcloth.
    â€œI suppose you’re right. I just don’t like to see a good man drawn in—”
    â€œYou are forming a veritable obsession!” Gina said, exasperated. “To be honest, you are quite impolite to even air this subject in my presence.”
    Sebastian look startled, and then appalled. “You must forgive me, Gina. I completely forgot that you have no more experience of the world than a mere green girl.”
    â€œI’m not quite that uninformed.”
    â€œNo, I insist on apologizing.” Sebastian’s blue eyes smiled at her so warmly that Gina felt more friendly despite her annoyance. “I allowed your innocence to slip my mind. And yet that is one of the qualities I most love about you, Gina: your air of being untouched by the seamier side of life.”
    â€œAnd what will happen when we are married and I am no longer so innocent?” she asked baldly.
    Sebastian smiled. “You will always have an innocent beauty. There is something untouched and untouchable about you—the mark of good breeding bred in the bone.”
    â€œBut, Sebastian—” Gina began, entertaining for one reckless moment the idea of discussing her newly discovered illegitimate brother.
    Lady Troubridge was clapping her hands for attention and Sebastian instantly turned toward their hostess.
    â€œHear ye! Hear ye!” Lady Troubridge cried gaily. “Mr. Gerard has agreed to organize a small performance for the weekend—just a few scenes from Shakespeare. Anyone who would like to take part in a reading, will you make yourselves known?”
    To Gina’s dismay, Sebastian’s brow darkened again. “Performing with a professional actor? Grossly improper !”
    â€œOh, Sebastian,” she said, “sometimes I think that is your favorite word.”
    He opened his mouth and then paused. To her inexpressible relief she saw a glimpse of the old Sebastian, before he became so intent on his rank and title. “I’m getting to be stiff-rumped, is that what you’re saying?”
    She smiled gratefully into his eyes. “Only a little bit.”
    â€œMy father was an old stick. I was thinking about it last night. I reckon you’re right, Gina. I’m getting prudish.” He looked horrified at the thought.
    Gina patted his hand, wishing she could be more demonstrative, but that would shock not only Sebastian, but the rest of the assembly as well.
    â€œI have you,” he said, looking into her eyes.
    â€œYes, you have me,” she repeated, rather heartily.
    â€œWell, isn’t that endearing? We should all be so lucky as to possess Gina,” Cam continued silkily at Gina’s shoulder.
    â€œIn fact, I do believe that we both have the same good luck! Isn’t that extraordinary?”
    â€œI am a lucky man,” Sebastian said, too loudly.
    â€œAnd so am I, so am I.”
    â€œGina and I were about to