The Arrogant Duke by Anne Mather Read Free Book Online Page B

may yet persuade her — between us.'
    'I am employed as Teresa's nurse,' replied Miss Madison coldly. 'The Duque gives me my orders. When he suggests that Teresa ought to go swimming then I will endeavour to accomplish it.'
    Fiddlesticks, thought Juliet impatiently, but she merely smiled, and refrained from replying.
    The nurse seated herself beside Teresa, and began to speak to her in fluent Portuguese. Juliet wrinkled her nose, and said:
    'Do you mind? I don't speak Portuguese. What are you telling Teresa now?'
    Miss Madison gave her a haughty glance. 'I suggest you attempt to learn the language, Miss Summers, if you intend to stay here. The Duque probably thinks you speak fluent Portuguese, as I do. Of course, as Senhora Vinceiro hired you I don't suppose she bothered to find out. So long as Teresa is out of her way, she will be happy.'
    Juliet felt a sneaking sympathy for Estelle Vinceiro. She also felt disturbed at what Nurse Madison said. Her words had proved where her sympathies lay, and Juliet doubted whether it was good for Teresa to have a woman so obviously willing to console her as her constant companion. Still, this was only her second day on the island, and it was far too soon to begin wreaking havoc with the Duque's employees.
    Getting to her feet, she left them, walking across the courtyard to the fountain and trailing her fingers in the cool water. It was a beautiful morning, much too nice to spend cooped up in the quinta.
    With decision, she turned and said to Teresa: 'Does your uncle have a car which you can use if ever you want to go down to the village?'
    Teresa frowned. 'There is an estate car which is seldom used. Why?'
    'You and I are going out. You can take me on a guided tour of the island.'
    Nurse Madison got to her feet. 'Teresa usually spends some time with me during the mornings, senhorita. There are exercises—'
    'I think we can leave them just for one morning, don't you?' remarked Juliet sweetly. 'And please, call me Rosemary - or Miss Summers. Although I am sure your Portuguese is impeccable, calling me senhorita is really carrying things too far, don't you think?'
    Then she was sorry for her impetuosity. After all, Nurse Madison was not a young woman, and it was difficult adapting to change so quickly at her age. However, Nurse Madison merely turned and marched towards the entrance of the building, giving one parting shot as she went.
    'The Duque is out this morning, Miss Summers, but I shall certainly see him on his return about your responsibilities here. I do not care to be given orders by a chit of a girl!''Oh, heavens!' exclaimed Juliet, but Nurse Madison was gone.
    'You've done it now, haven't you,' remarked Teresa, with some satisfaction. 'Felipe may be persuaded that I need a companion for my own good, but making an enemy of Nurse Madison is much different.'
    Juliet felt like stamping her foot with annoyance, but instead she retained the smile on her face with difficulty, and said, firmly: 'Nevertheless, Senhorita de Castro, we do have this morning at our disposal, and I intend that we should use it as I think fit. It's not good for you, remaining here, living the life of seclusion. As I suggested, you are going to show me the island.'
    'Make me!' Teresa scowled angrily, and Juliet sighed and then took charge of the wheelchair.
    'It may seem cruel, Teresa,' she said, as Teresa protested volubly in her own language at the liberties Juliet was taking, 'but sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind!'
    Miguel was only too willing to supply them with a car. He also lifted the kicking Teresa into it, putting her in front beside Juliet, who had taken charge of the wheel.
    'Tell me,' said Juliet, when they were both in the car, and Miguel still leaned against the bonnet, 'which is the best way to go? Just in case my companion chooses to remain a silent one!'
    Miguel grinned cheerfully, his eyes appraising the young girl unashamedly, and then returning to Juliet's fair beauty. 'Maybe I should