Deceived by Bertrice Small Read Free Book Online Page A

that way. Few leave us when their term of servitude is up. We have slaves peopling the fields and the sugar house. I have also trained several intelligent blacks as foremen, and clerks to work with me. They are most trustworthy men. We do not mistreat our people as so many others do. My father would have freed his slaves if he could have. Since he could not afford to do so, he did the next best thing. He treated them with humanity and kindness.”
    â€œWe will speak of this later,” the duke said, brushing the dust from his breeches and coat.
    â€œCome into the house, Valerian,” George said, leading the way.
    The foyer was high-ceilinged and cool, the duke found. The woodwork was all white, as were the walls. It was very inviting. He followed George into a bright room with yellow and white striped wallpaper. The furniture was beautifully carved and fashioned mahogany, the chair and settee seats neatly caned. There were no draperies on the long windows, only tiers of mahogany shutters. The wide pine plank floors were covered with a large and beautiful blue and beige Oriental carpet, one of the finest he had ever seen. Three ladies awaited them. The elder, gowned in black silk and white lace, arose, smiling.
    â€œValerian, may I present my mother, Oralia Kimberly,” George said politely. “Mama, the Duke of Farminster.”
    Oralia held out her hand to be kissed, and then, withdrawing it, said, “You are welcome to St. Timothy, your grace.” The hand gestured. “My daughters.”
    His dark blue eyes quickly swept over the two girls. One wore a simple gown of blue-gray, and her look was almost bold. The other was gowned in white silk with pink painted rosebuds. She did not look at him, but rather blushed prettily as Oralia drew her up.
    â€œThis is your betrothed, your grace, my stepdaughter, Charlotte Calandra Kimberly,” she said. “Greet the duke, my child,” she gently pressed the girl. “He has come a long way for this moment.”
    Calandra looked up, her dainty pink mouth making a tiny “O” of pleasure as she gazed upon the man who was to be her husband. He was divinely handsome! She held out her hand, saying in a soft voice, “How do you do, sir. I bid you welcome to St. Timothy’s.” And she curtsied.
    He took her hand in his. It was an elegant little hand. Then, slowly raising it to his lips, his eyes locking onto hers, he kissed it. “Your brother tells me that you prefer being called by your second name, Miss Kimberly. Calandra, Duchess of Farminster, has a pleasing ring to it, do you not think?” And he smiled warmly at her.
    I shall swoon, Cally thought, but then Aurora pinched her, and she drew in a breath, saying in what she hoped was a detached voice, “It does when you say it, your grace. Since I have learned of our betrothal, I have not dared to even think of it. It was all such a surprise.”
    â€œFor me also,” the duke replied, “but now that I stand in your exquisite presence, I am no longer surprised, simply overwhelmed by the beauty that is to be mine.”
    â€œOhhh,” Cally gasped, the giggle she had been about to utter destroyed by Aurora’s relentless pinching fingers.
    â€œAnd may I present my daughter, Aurora, your grace,” Oralia said, taking advantage of Calandra’s speechlessness to bring the other girl forward in front of the duke.
    Aurora looked him straight in the eye, saying, “Sir, I echo my sister’s welcome to St. Timothy.”
    He kissed her hand too, replying, “I thank you, Miss Spencer-Kimberly. I confess that had I been presented with the both of you and told to choose a bride, I should be hard pressed to do so.”
    â€œHow fortunate it is, then, sir, that you do not have to choose. The choice had been made for you, is that not easier,” Aurora said.
    â€œYou are quick-spoken, Miss Spencer-Kimberly,” he replied.
    â€œIndeed, sir,