Terri Brisbin by The Duchesss Next Husband Read Free Book Online Page B

his symptoms, Adrian opened and closed his mouth. To his surprise, it was Parker who spoke first—in a tone much too serious for a lighthearted rogue of his nature.
    “Your cough has worsened?”
    “It is just the flowers. Hay fever, the physicians are calling it,” Adrian said, trying to brush aside any concerns.
    “No, Adrian. It has worsened. I have noticed it lately. You have more of these spells and I have witnessed you drink from that bottle more times now than even a few months ago.”
    Startled at the familiarity, Adrian shook his head and tried to deny the assertion. “It is just this time of year.”
    Parker walked closer and spoke in a quiet voice. “I know there is more to this than you willingly will admit. Just know that I am here for you if you need anything.”
    His gut tightened as he realized the importance of this. Parker had noticed the changes. Who else had?
    “Do not add disclosure to your list of concerns. We are in each other’s pockets. I could not help but notice. Others who see you occasionally have not.”
    Adrian turned back and looked at the path that Miranda had taken.
    “The duchess is another matter altogether,” Parker added.
    “What do you mean?” Had he given himself away that night when he’d been drunk and rambling? Although Thompson assured him nothing had been heard by the servants or the duchess, he was not so certain.
    “I had an opportunity to get to know her more during our travels here. I think she senses something is wrong and does not know what to do about it.” Parker stepped away. “ Is something wrong?”
    Not ready or willing to part with the secret yet, he simply changed the subject. “Anderson is waiting inside for me. Will I see you at dinner?”
    The dismissal was effective. They both took a polite step back and nodded. Turning away, Adrian felt some measure of guilt clawing at him. After too many years spent distancing himself from friends and family, as was befitting someone in his station of life, his mother would say, he now did not know how to bridge those distances.
    He returned to his study and remained there, closed up with Anderson, reviewing the remaining papers and documents so important to his demise and what would follow. When his solicitor excused himself with plans for a walk and then a dinner tray in his room, Adrian went and prepared for dinner. Anticipation within him grew as he thought about the evening that lay ahead.

Chapter Six
    M iranda was a bit different in recent days and something about that difference made the evening to come one he more eagerly anticipated. He dressed more casually than he would have in town, and walked down to the drawing room at the time Thompson told him the duchess expected the rector’s arrival.
    Adrian walked in and obviously interrupted a conversation in progress. They stood and greeted him formally and then took their seats again. From the tone and subject of the talk, it was clear that the rector, his wife and the duchess were well acquainted. Adrian accepted a glass of claret from the butler and stood off to one side, ready to observe before participating. Parker’s arrival surprised them all.
    “Lord Parker! You did come.” Miranda stood and approached his friend. “Let me make you known to the Graysons. Reverend Grayson and Mrs. Grayson,this is Baron William Parker. Lord Parker, the Graysons.”
    The Graysons greeted Parker, who looked as though he’d been forced to attend, and everyone took a seat. Adrian still stood and sipped from his wine. A footman entered and whispered something to Miranda, making her smile. She stood, as they all did then, and announced that dinner was ready. Parker offered his arm to Miranda and she placed her hand on his sleeve. Adrian did the same with Mrs. Grayson, leaving the rector without a lady to escort, and they all walked into the hall.
    Once they were seated and the first course served, conversation flowed as freely as the wine and ale did. Adrian learned