Dizzy Dilemmas by Mary Beeken Read Free Book Online Page A

needs to say, quite ,” she paused pondering her words. “Well; concisely!”
    Marcus leaned in towards her, arms still folded across his chest. “Perhaps you should tell us your given name. We would then be able to determine ourselves whether it is mismatched or not.”
    Dizzy knew he was hoping that having been asked directly, good manners would dictate she relinquish her name forthwith but he was to be sadly disappointed. She was no mismatch for his wiliness that was for certain.
    “On the acquaintance of less than twenty-four hours, my Lord Duke; not to mention an introduction performed a scant ten minutes ago; do you really believe you are in a position to judge a mismatch? One moreover that by its very nature is based on an understanding of my character, behaviour and actions.”
    “Time is relative, Lady Dizzy. Some people one could be acquainted with for ten years but still do not re ally know them whilst others one knows intimately within moments. I am confident I have the measure of you,” he smiled wolfishly.
    “First impressions are so rarely correct but in this instance I am inclined to almost agree with you , for I feel I have your measure too,” Dizzy returned.
    “Allow me to escort you into the Egyptian room then. Whilst under the watchful glare of the mummies we can allow ourselves a few extra moments in which we may both take the opportunity to ascertain whether we are indeed correct in our appraisal of the other’s character.” Straightening up, he uncrossed his arms and gestured for her to walk beside him . Dizzy hesitated a moment then looked beseechingly at her family to jump in and rescue her which of course none of them were inclined to do. Shrugging her shoulders in resignation, she stepped up beside him and together they walked purposefully on.
    Silence reigned behind them but grins were careening around the circle none the less. No-one thought it prudent to make any comments however, and so Genevieve suggested they all move along to see the exhibit. By mutual consent they ambled along at a pace much slower than that set by Marcus and Dizzy.
    “It is only a matter of time, you know ,” the Duke eventually broke the silence and when Dizzy did not respond he continued. “A well placed question in the right ear will soon furnish me with your name.”
    “Perhaps so, Duke but it would also set the gossip mongers off and they would come to all the wrong conclusions and before you know it, they would be linking our names; matrimonially speaking. Is that something you are prepared to risk over a name?”
    “The thought makes me shudder!” he replied more prompt than gentlemanly.
    “And me!” Dizzy laughed.
    Marcus was surprised at how pleasant he found the sound and felt the urge to make her laugh again just as soon as may be. It was a melodic sound, almost angelic which seemed in contrast to the imp of mischief presently looking up at him.
    “One of your brothers or sisters is likely to inform me. I o nly need to find a worthy bribe,” he was all confidence.
    “They would not betray me so readily!”
    “Do you not think?” he asked. “Are you so sure of that? I only ask because if I had taken Gideon up on his offer to introduce us last night, he had promised to furnish me with your real name!”
    Dizzy frowned suspiciously at him. “You are just trying to divide and conquer. Gideon would not betray me!” Then she added for good measure. “He wouldn’t dare!”
    “You know him best, I am sure but as I say he gave his word as a gentleman!”
    “Bitterba llens”
    “I am sorry. Did you say something? I did not quite catch what you said?” Marcus lied.
    “Nothing, I said nothing!” Dizzy also lied.”
    “Gideon and I attended university at around the same time. It was good to catch up with him last night at the ball,” he carried on, pleased to see that she was frowning quite markedly now.  “Although ‘catch up’ is perhaps misleading as we did not really talk about our