The Duchess in His Bed

number of mourners who turned out today.” He ambled over to her, placing himself between her and the earl, effectively creating a barrier between them. “Elverton.”
“Thornley. I was just offering my condolences to the duchess on her loss.”
“I’ve no doubt she was comforted by your words. If you’ll excuse us, I wish to do the same—in private.”
“Of course.” Elverton bowed his head toward her. “Should you need anything at all, I am at your service.”
An offer she would ignore. Angling her chin haughtily, she met his gaze. “In case I don’t get a chance, please relay to your countess how very much I appreciated her presence today.”
He twisted his lips into an ironic smile, and once more she was hit with a sense of familiarity. Perhaps