Built of honey-colored stone, the residence had an impressive portico with tall columns topped by a stately triangular pediment. The classical style reminded her of the president’s house in Washington, though this building was much larger and more magnificent. She counted a dozen immense windows stretched across the ground floor alone. It was a crown jewel compared to the more modest brick town homes that lined the square.

A tug on her skirts brought her gaze down to Leo, who stared up with rounded eyes. “Does the king live at this palace with Mr. Duke?”

Laughing, Natalie tidied his tousled hair. “No, darling. Though it does look vast enough to hold a royal court.”

“Never fear,” Hadrian said, “you’ll learn your way around Clayton House soon enough.”

Her heart quaked at the sound of his deep voice. He’d just dismounted after having ridden on horseback for much of the journey, leaving the luxurious post chaise to her and Leo. Although he appeared the perfect gentleman in his greatcoat and hat, there was a banked heat in his eyes, a rakish curve to his lips, that once again made her doubt the wisdom of accepting his invitation to London.

He desired her. Their passionate kiss had merely whetted his appetite. She felt a slow burn deep within her core every time he looked at her.

Despite his assurances, Natalie was aware she didn’t truly know the Duke of Clayton. Nor could she shake the vague suspicion that he had some unspoken reason for bringing her and Leo here. He had appeared entirely too satisfied when she’d finally acquiesced.

During the long hours of travel, she’d had ample time to ponder. He had visited Oak Knoll for the purpose of affiancing himself to Lady Ellen. Yet he’d seemed eager to clarify that he was not yet betrothed. What did it mean? Had he finally realized the girl had no interest in a man much older than herself? Or was he intending to win Lady Ellen’s hand over the course of the season?

And how did she herself fit into the picture? She’d grown up hearing her father decry the indiscretions of the nobility, and their arrogant manner of using women they perceived to be of the lower orders. Yet Hadrian could hardly be scheming a seduction with his mother in residence.

Perhaps she was reading too much into the matter, Natalie thought. Perhaps he merely wanted her here for Leo’s sake.

It was a dispiriting thought. Imprudent though it might be, she wanted to matter to Hadrian. She wanted him to toss and turn at night, dreaming of her. She wanted him to miss her when she departed for America. As much as she herself would miss him …

“In my experience, brat, some ladies are frightened by a mouse. But it appears that Miss Fanshawe is frightened by a house.”

The low rumble of Hadrian’s voice pulled her back to reality. So did Leo’s giggle at the rhyme. She blinked to see they were regarding her with shared male amusement. Realizing she was frowning, Natalie immediately corrected her expression with a smile. “Don’t be silly. Though it is by far the largest house I’ve ever seen.”