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

she escorted Anna to a convenient armchair.
    “Is there a lock on the door, Molly? Quickly push it across, I struck the duke and he might be on his way to exact revenge.” Her maid moved with remarkable speed for a plump lady in her middle years and Anna felt the tension in her chest slowly dissipate as the bolt was rammed home. She was safe, at least for the moment.
    She had no intention of discussing matters with her maid so closed her eyes and pretended to be dozing until she was alone. Her left hand smarted. What could have possessed her to behave in such an unladylike way? For the past few years she had always bitten her tongue and held back her anger at the unkind treatment she had received at the hands of her stepfather. Yet she had just struck a complete stranger with less provocation than she’d had many times before.
    This was a conundrum and not one she was prepared to consider at the moment. How dare he suggest she was not an innocent young lady? Righteous indignation flooded through her again and when there was a brisk knock at the door, instead of cowering back in her chair, she jumped to her feet and called for Molly.
    “There’s someone at the door, please come and see who it is.”
    Her abigail pulled back the bolt and opened the door a fraction. Instead of it being shoved rudely open a respectful voice enquired. “I would like to speak to Miss Hadley.”
    Molly closed the door in the duke’s face. “Shall I let him in, madam?”
    With a sigh of resignation Anna nodded. “Yes, please do so. However, I wish you to remain in the room. Whatever he says to the contrary you stay by my side, is that clear?”
    “Not even a grand gent like him will shift me.” She bustled over and opened the door dipping in a curtsy as she did so. “Lady Shalford will receive you, your grace.”
    He strolled in as if nothing untoward had taken place, as if a scarlet handprint was not glowing on his right cheek. He stared pointedly at Molly but her maid moved to stand behind Anna’s chair ignoring his unspoken command.
    “I have no wish to speak to you, your grace. However I am prepared to listen to your apology for my husband’s sake but then you will leave.”
    His eyes widened and for a moment he looked quite disconcerted. Then he recovered his aplomb and almost bowed. “I wish to speak to you in private, ma’am. Until your servant has removed herself I shall remain silent.”
    Anna turned. “Please go, Molly, I’m sure there are plenty of tasks for you to do elsewhere.”
    Westchester wandered to the window and turned his back but she could see his shoulders were rigid, he was not as relaxed as he wished to appear. She had a moment’s misgiving when Molly closed the parlour door leaving her alone with this irascible aristocrat. He swung round and she swallowed the lump in her throat as his fingers casually traced the imprint of her hand.
    “May I be seated?” His tone was bland, his expression watchful. She shrugged and gestured towards an upright chair. She didn’t trust her voice and ventured no reply. He continued in the same even measure as if he was discussing the weather. “No one has ever struck me. They would not be so foolhardy. Yet you, a mouse of a woman, has done so.” He leant forward. “What do you suggest I do about it?”
    This was a ludicrous question and restored her equanimity. “You deserved it. I am still waiting to hear your apology.” She glared at him daring him to contradict. Her words caused him to surge out of his chair and for a terrifying moment she thought he would grip her arms and drag her upright.
    He stood no more than a yard from her his face like granite. “ I apologise? Have you run mad, woman? It is you who should be on your knees begging my forgiveness …”
    Something prompted her to jump out of her chair and confront him. “I did not accuse you of being impure. If I had a brother he would be entitled to run you through for such an insult. I believe that you