Of Dukes and Deceptions by Wendy Soliman Read Free Book Online Page A

of vision. She was most discomposed when her heart did a strange little flip, unable to understand her reaction. Maria’s fingers hit a few wrong notes when his incivility made it plain he was bored rigid. Alicia didn’t need to look up to know that Maria would be livid. She could only hope she’d have the presence of mind not to throw one of her tantrums and leave the room.
    “May I ask after the welfare of the rabbit, Miss Woodley?”
    Alicia raised a brow. “Do you really care, sir?”
    If he was put off by her rudeness, he gave no sign. “I feel responsible for her. After all, I did help to save her life.”
    “True, but I can assure you that—”
    “Did you know that in some cultures when you save a life you become responsible for that life?” His mocking tone caused colour to flood Alicia’s cheeks. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind for speaking so flippantly but didn’t dare to whilst in her uncle’s presence. The duke obviously observed her discomfort and his responding smile was predatory. “Since it’s impossible for me to be responsible for the rabbit’s life, then I fear you must take its place.”
    “Stop jesting and listen to the music.”
    He appeared genuinely confused by the suggestion. “Why the devil would I want to do that?”
    “If for no reason other than the rest of us have had to endure this piece over and over again ever since you agreed to come here.” She shook a finger beneath his nose. “They have practised day and night in anticipation of your visit, so the very least you can do is give them your attention. It’s very bad-mannered of you to ignore their performance.”
    The duke rolled his eyes. “If they wish to make a good impression, perhaps they should have chosen something a little less ambitious.”
    Alicia wondered if he was referring to the music or Maria’s very obvious interest in him. “Perhaps they should.” Since she privately agreed, it took every last vestige of her self-control to avoid smiling. “However, we should make allowance for the limited time they’ve had to prepare and be courteous enough to listen in silence.”
    The duke acted as though she’d not just given him a well-deserved put-down. “I will if you do.”
    “Whatever do you mean?”
    “What are you reading?” He lifted the book she thought she’d concealed and read the title from the spine. “Romantic fiction, Miss Woodley?” He elevated his brows disparagingly. “Well, well, perhaps you’re not so very different after all. How disappointing.”
    “I don’t see why my choice of reading material should give rise to your disappointment.”
    “Because your being in possession of a romantic nature greatly reduces the challenge.”
    Alicia felt very hot indeed beneath the blistering intensity of the brown eyes levelled on her face. “Do you enjoy talking in riddles, Your Grace, or is it just that we provincials don’t speak the same language as the aristocracy?”
    The duke chuckled. “I was merely reminding you that you’re my concern, Miss Woodley, whether you like it or not, as a result of the incident with the rabbit.” His eyes moved from her face to her décolletage. “You’re in my debt and I give you due warning I shall look to you to discharge that debt before I leave this place.”
    “And I have nothing to offer that could possibly interest you.”
    “You underestimate your feminine charms, my dear.” The duke spoke in a lazy drawl, regarding her with an expression of epicurean complacency. “I dare say we’ll eventually be able to think of something that will satisfy me, if we put our heads together for long enough.”
    “Go and bother someone else! I have no wish to converse with you, sir.”
    “But I have every wish to converse with you, Miss Woodley. You’re the only person in this room who excites my interest.”
    “Then I fear you’re in for a very dull visit, my lord duke.”
    “I disagree.” He offered her another indolent smile.