Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] by Bride for a Duke Read Free Book Online

a clairvoyant after all.” If he had been furious before now he was incandescent. She saw his hands clench, bright spots of colour appeared along his cheekbones and instinctively she stepped backwards.
    In her haste her heel caught on the hem of her gown. She teetered and lost her balance. He reached out just before her head cracked against the mantelshelf. Heart pounding, she was lifted to safety. She rested her cheek against his chest for a second, could hear a corresponding thumping beneath her ear. Then she was dumped unceremoniously on a chaise-longue and his grace was once more towering above her, his face hard and uncompromising.
    Shalford finally reacted. “My word, that was a close call. If Ralph hadn’t caught you…”
    “In which case it’s fortunate I did so. Whilst you are changing your apparel, Miss Hadley and I can begin our discussion.”
    Anna was too shaken to protest at his high-handed behaviour and his incorrect usage of her former name; Shalford pushed himself unsteadily upright and tottered off to his bed chamber.
    Despite her upset her mood lightened. She’d only known him a short while but she was quite sure it would be at least an hour before he returned. Unfortunately he favoured the macaroni school of fashion, luridly striped waistcoats and shirt points so high he was unable to turn his head with any degree of comfort.
    She risked a glance at the duke. He was preoccupied, frowning after his brother and she was able to stare freely. Without his riding coat and dressed in the best that Weston could produce she was forced to admit he made a fine figure of a man. At almost a head taller than his brother and much broader in the chest he filled his dark blue, superfine jacket to perfection. His hair was not the colour of ripe corn but brown.
    “Do I meet with your approval, Miss Hadley?”
    Her eyes flew down to meet his amused gaze. She felt the heat spreading from her toes to her crown. Drat the man for making her uncomfortable yet again. “Your exterior is quite satisfactory, not the equal to Shalford’s of course, but good enough, I suppose.” There was a flash of something that could have been admiration reflected in his eyes. Emboldened she continued. “However, one must not judge a book by its cover, must one, your grace?” There was no need for her to elaborate—she’d made her meaning abundantly clear.
    Instead of reacting angrily his mouth widened in a smile that made her toes curl in their slippers.
    “Well said, my dear girl. Now preliminary skirmishes are over we can we talk about what really matters.” He stretched out and picked up a heavy oak chair, lifted it as if it weighed nothing at all and folded his long length on to it.
    “I have no wish to discuss anything without my husband being present, your grace. I’m sure you understand. It’s not my place …”
    “Fustian! We both know my brother will be incapable of saying anything sensible until tomorrow.” He leant forward, pinning her like a butterfly to a board with his fierce stare.
    “Why did you marry him? If you have your own fortune then you were not motivated by greed. Was it his title?” He allowed her no time to reply then continued his expression grim. “I believe there can be only one explanation—you are expecting a child …”
    This was the outside of enough. Anna surged to her feet closed the gap between them and dealt him a resounding slap. The crack of the blow echoed around the room. “How dare you suggest such a thing? You are despicable; I never wish to see you again. You are persona non grata in your brother’s life from this moment on.”
     

Chapter Five
    Anna tumbled into her chamber and lent against the door expecting at any moment the duke would arrive and demand entry. She pressed her ear to the wood but could hear no sign of pursuit.
    “Lawks, my lady, whatever next? You’re as white as a sheet. Come along and sit yourself down.” Molly tutted and muttered under her breath as