Miles Lesson - Jennifer Connors.pdf

the duke. As she broke through the trees, she felt his presence very
close behind hers.
“Miss Tibbets, please allow me to escort you.” His gentleman act was
not fooling her. Although she had about as much chance of making a
match for herself as a nun in the convent, that didn't mean she would
willingly give her body to the first good-looking rake she met. Even
though Natalie had to admit that he was the best looking rake she'd
ever met.
She stopped abruptly, causing Miles to walk past her and have to turn
around. Miles felt a sense of delight upon seeing the righteous
indignation on her face. It certainly didn't diminish from her beauty.
“Surely you would allow me to offer you my arm.” Watching the play of
emotions on her face, Miles simply smiled in return.
“That won't be necessary. I thank you for your offer, but must refuse.
It would be unseemly for the two of us to be in each other's presence.”
Natalie was trying to school her voice into something unemotional, but
it came out like a plea.
Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Unseemly? Am I not an appropriate
escort for a young lady staying on my estate?”
Feeling her face flush, looking anywhere but his beautiful, blue eyes,
Natalie was without words. There was a part of her who would like to
parade in front of her aunt and cousin on the arm of this season's
most eligible bachelor. After all, he was rich, powerful and gorgeous.
He could have any woman he wanted and her cousin was desperate
to make him want her. But to give into him would make her life a living
hell.
Deciding to play on his sympathy, she begged, “Please. If I'm seen
with you, Elinore will be most unkind to me. Not to mention her
mother. I am simply a companion. I am supposed to blend into the
woodwork and never insinuate myself where I do not belong.” Meeting
his eyes after giving her speech, she saw something she didn't expect
to see: compassion.