Lord Love a Duke by Renee Reynolds Read Free Book Online Page B

notice the Earl kept a proper distance and averted
his eyes respectfully. Miranda was less accommodating of the
presence of brother's friends.

    "Well, if it isn't the esteemed Lords of
Oxford." The gentlemen collectively winced at the sobriquet. "If
there is a damsel in peril of ruin you all cannot help but to
ferret her out, it seems. Jonas!” she yelled, “Call off the pack!
There are ladies enjoying a swim, and we require your presence
elsewhere, if you please."

    The Duke rode up from the back at the sound
of his sister's voice. Taking in the scene he could not refrain
from responding in kind.

    "I did not think ladies enjoyed such
pastimes as this, that ladies were more inclined toward embroidery,
flower arranging, and shopping. Swimming in streams has always
seemed to be the occupation of boys and hoydens."

    A startled gasp was wrenched from Juliet and
she stood, hands on hips, heedless of the picture her plastered
gown and dripping tresses made. She gave a mocking curtsey. "Your
Grace. My lords.” She made the titles sound like accusations. “You
go too far with your speech. Be the gentlemen your titles bear
witness of and remove yourselves."

    The gentlemen had the decency to look
abashed at the set down while the Duke was struck mute by her wet
form. Jonas was suddenly aware that not only did he not want his
friends to see his sister, he did not want them to see Juliet, but
it was not brotherly protection that he felt for the latter. He
turned his mount and indicated they would acquiesce and leave. He
looked back over his shoulder to see Juliet still glared in his
direction. He tipped his hat in acknowledgment.

    "My lady, we beg forgiveness. We will leave
but shall remain close enough to see you safely returned to the
manor.” He addressed his sister but Juliet felt the heat from his
gaze on her alone. “Please prepare yourselves and head for home,
Random."

Chapter Eleven
A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a
horse!

William Shakespeare, King Richard III, Act
1, Scene 1

    "Lady Juliet, a message has arrived from
Belle Rêverie." Hastings held out a silver tray bearing a missive
on ivory paper. Juliet and Miranda had hastened home from their
cooking adventure. Having washed in the creek, they opted to dress
quickly in an effort to be present for lunch. They reached the
dining room in time to enjoy a light repast of sandwiches and fruit
before the ladies and gentlemen separated for the afternoon.

    Most of the ladies sat on the front lawn,
under the pretense of doing needlework but actually covertly
watching the gentlemen playing billiards inside. The chairs had
been placed on a grassy knoll overlooking the gardens, which served
as the perfect vantage point to see and be seen. Juliet broke the
seal on her missive and immediately her silver eyes sparkled with
pleasure. She jumped up, relating the contents of her note to the
group before returning to the house to approach the Duke. He was
absent from his friends and instead she found him working in his
study.

    "Your Grace, I sent for my horse and she has
arrived outside. Might I trouble you for a stall to house her
during my stay?"

    Jonas looked up from his ledger and papers
and studied her excited countenance. "But of course you may have a
stall. Allow me to accompany you to the stables."

    "Oh, that is quit unnecessary, I assure you.
I can instruct a groom to assist me." She immediately turned to
leave.

    He rose from his seat, laying aside his
work. "I insist, my lady." He indicated with his hand for her to
lead and he followed her out of the library and into the hall. She
stopped, turning to make a request of a nearby footman.

    "Thomas, will you please fetch my riding
gloves?" The footman nodded and departed per her request. She faced
the Duke again. "Please, Your Grace, I do not mind to go
unaccompanied. I am perhaps as familiar with your grounds and
stables as my own."

    He looked at her with an expression she
could not identify before he responded. "I