Taming the Duke by Jackie Manning Read Free Book Online Page A

bucket, fresh hay and water had been carried inside and fed to the stallion. If no one could handle Bashshar exceptDalton, that meant the duke must have performed the chores himself, leaving before daylight.
    “So, you’ve already seen your master?” She grinned when Bashshar tossed his head. “Then you won’t mind if I leave you for a bit.” She smiled when the stallion hesitated, as though listening to her words. “I’ll look in on you, later.”
    She moved at a snail’s pace toward the door, doing nothing that might startle the animal and break the thin line of trust they had established.
    Alicia found a shortcut through the woods to the cottage. The walk was shorter but, more important, the trail was more isolated from the chance meeting of strangers along the bridal path nearby. When she heard footsteps outside the cottage door, she peeked out the window. She was surprised to see a gentlewoman standing at the door with her maid. The lady, a lovely, fair-haired woman, was dressed in a green riding costume and matching feathered bonnet.
    “Good morning, Lady Alicia,” the woman said when Alicia opened the door. “I’m Lady Olivia Seabrook, Dalton’s sister.”
    Alicia invited her inside, then suddenly realized how she must look. “Forgive my appearance, my lady, but—”
    “No need to apologize, my dear. You look lovely.” The maid remained outside while Olivia removed her gloves and took a seat by the window. “Last night, my brother confided the circumstances of your visit.” She smiled, and Alicia sensed that her kindness was sincere.
    “Thank you, Lady Olivia. I believe I’ve made the beginning of a fragile truce with Bashshar.”
    “I understand that you’re duty is foremost to Bashshar, but I’ll not let you spend all of your time in the stables.” Olivia paused, as though expecting Alicia to object. “I was on my way to ride this morning. My favorite mount is Mischief, the high-spirited roan in the east wing of the stable. Why don’t I have Mischief saddled for you, then you can join me on my ride? I’d like the chance for us to get to know each other.”
    “But I thought—”
    “It’s much too lovely a morning to waste inside.” She smiled, revealing deep dimples, just like Dalton’s.
    “Thank you, Lady Olivia, but no. I’d rather remain out of the way of the other guests, if you don’t mind.”
    “I thought we’d follow the secret little path I used to ride as a child.” Olivia spoke as though she hadn’t heard Alicia’s protest. “I’ll show you the view from where a waterfall spills into the pool overlooking the hills beyond.”
    Alicia knew it would be best to refuse, but having a chance to converse with Dalton’s sister might be the perfect opportunity to learn more about him. The deep loneliness Alicia had perceived last night when he held her hand against his chest came as a shock to her. What she sensed was in direct contrast to the shallow image Dalton portrayed. “Very well, Lady Olivia. I’ll accept. But only a very short ride.”
    “Splendid!” Olivia clasped Alicia’s hand. “I’llcall the maid to come inside and help you change. While you’re here, Marie will be your personal maid.”
    “Should I ask Marie to instruct the stable master to saddle our horses?”
    Olivia chuckled. “Forgive me, Lady Alicia, but I’ve already done so.”
    While Alicia was changing into her riding habit, Olivia moved about the small cottage, staring in utter disbelief. “My brother must have used a London decorator. Everything is lovely,” she said finally. She studied the elegant bedroom—the Belgian lace coverlet and curtains, the enormous porcelain bathtub. “I’ve never seen a more beautifully shaped tub!” Pale pink cabbage roses, made so popular by Empress Josephine, were painted along the border of the chamber walls.
    The maid finished buttoning the tiny jet clasps along Alicia’s jacket, then stepped back to allow Alicia room to see herself in the