A Duke For All Seasons by Mia Marlowe Read Free Book Online

of his residence, if you please.”
         Arabella's breath caught in her throat. Sebastian was going to protect her Lisette. If he trotted out that ridiculous contract again, she'd sign it without a second thought. Anything to repay this bounty. She gave Mr. Cobb the information he needed.
         “Special attention is to be given to the child,” the duke said. “We have reason to believe she might be in danger. I want regular reports on her well-being. Is there anything else you require, Miss St. George?”
         She shook her head. So that was the full power and majesty of a dukedom. All he need do was give the word and her problems faded away. But he didn't know Fernand, and she did. “However, you should be aware that the Vicomte is formidable. It would be a mistake for you to underestimate him.”
         “And it is a mistake for you to underestimate me.” Sebastian's dark eyes flashed a warning.
         “Of course, Your Grace,” she said, using his title for Mr. Cobb’s benefit. “I ask your pardon and thank you for your assistance.”
         He waved her thanks away as if the fact that he’d just assured her daughter’s safety was a small matter. “Now I think we have delayed your ride long enough. Cobb, please escort Miss St. George to the stable and see that Fletcher saddles the mount of her choice. Then return with all speed. Another matter which requires our attention has just occurred to me.”
         Then Sebastian pulled a sheaf of papers from his desk and buried his nose in them, clearly dismissing her.
         “Aren't you riding, too?” she asked.
         “If I find I can spare the time. In the meanwhile, take Fletcher with you. My head groom is quite knowledgeable and will show you around the estate.”
         She followed Mr. Cobb out, her chest aching strangely at Sebastian's cold dismissal. She’d heard he was called The Ice Duke .
         Now she knew why.
    *     *     *     *     *
     
         As soon as Bella left, Sebastian paced his study, trying to make his body settle.
         Fool , he cursed himself. The woman disordered his entire life and he rewarded her by helping her. If Neville named him cork-brained, he wouldn't be far wrong. At least Sebastian wasn't making her privy to all his plans. By the time Cobb returned, Sebastian was back behind his desk.
         “I have a commission for an expert forger and will need someone whose utmost discretion can be counted upon. Summon that artist we used last time. Cavalli, I believe,” Sebastian said. “And make sure Mr. Harris has a gang of dependable men available on short notice.”
         “Very good, sir. Where would you like them positioned?”
         “London, I should think,” Sebastian said. “That'll be all.”
         But as the butler turned to go, Sebastian stopped him. “Oh, and Cobb, tell the runner I need a full dossier on someone else as well.”
         “Who, Your Grace?”
         “Arabella St. George,” he said. “And send a case of that Spanish port to Lord Granger.”
         “Very good, sir. Would you like to include a note?”
         “No. It's to settle a wager,” Sebastian said. “Neville will know which one.”
     

 
    “If a man entertains the least doubt about his choice of mistress, he should cut off the association instantly. A wife, one must keep regardless of second thoughts. Only a self-flagellating fool keeps a mistress who fails to meet his expectations.”
    ~ A Gentleman’s Guide to Keeping a Mistress
     

Chapter 8
     
         Sebastian mounted his favorite steed in one smooth motion and clattered out of the stable yard, kicking up a swirl of straw and clods of dirt in his wake. He leaned over the horse's neck, urging him to stretch out for more speed as they barreled down the tree-lined drive. 
         “Come on, you big bastard,” he crooned to the gelding as he turned his horse’s head off the lane