The Danger of Dukes by Phynix de Leon Read Free Book Online Page A

herself to combine my taste with the Duke’s to create a dress beyond compare. I had run my hand over the silk lovingly and admitted to myself that perhaps my older gowns were a little out dated. Millie had dressed me, pulling the strings of my corset so tight I could barely breathe, then dressed my hair in a wonderful updo creation. After everything was done and applied it was time to go down stairs and there had been waiting Lord Draco. His eyes had narrowed upon seeing me and something sparked.
                  I had grinned just for him, striking a pose and waving at him regally. He had bowed and then escorted me to the carriage with no word a’tall. Our carriage came to a halt in front of the gated mansion and there was a polite knock then the door opened. Lord Draco exited first then held up a hand to help me out as well. My slippered feet touched cool stone ground and I was guided inside into a long lit hallway and was greeted by the Duke of Bedford, but his wife was not with him.
                  “Nicely met, old friend,” Lord Draco greeted his surprised friend, who turned his eyes to me.
                  “It is nice to meet you, Your Grace,” I replied shyly holding tightly to Draco’s arm, my smile strained.
                  “Well meet indeed.” The Duke eyed me closely, “If I may say so you are not back in Town a month and have such a beautiful woman on your arm, old fellow.” He grinned then, “Too bad I married just a few months ago, but then again better I have for your chances are greater.”
                  Lord Draco glared at him and led me into the grand ball room beyond. Soon he was swarmed by ladies and I was knocked out of the way by the redhead we had met a few weeks before. I righted myself and looked around for people less annoying. I found a group of wonderful girls sitting down by a nearby wall and asked kindly if they would let me join.
                  Their stared dumbfounded at first, but all nodded and a few smiled.
                  “I could swear we were in a nest of snakes,” I said by way of greeting as I sat.
                  “You have no true idea, my lady. Most of them are worse, they like to hunt,” giggled a pretty little brunette who looked slightly older than the others.
    I nodded and laughed quietly. “I am Isadore, and my guardian is His Grace, Lord Draco of Ravenbrood. It is nice to meet you all.”
                  “How is it, to be related to such a man?” asked a tall blonde with almond green eyes, then she blushed. “Forgive me that was rude, I am Lady Ali of Berwick.”
    I laughed feeling the tightness in my chest go away slightly. “I am not related to him, I am just his ward. When my father died I was left in the care of his household. But he is not an easy man to get along with.”
    “I could agree,” giggle the brunette that called herself Emily.
    “Why are you all sitting along the wall?” I asked looking around every once was in groups forming couples already for the dances.
    “We hardly ever get asked,” Emily replied.
    “We are either too old or not pretty enough,” Ali agreed.
    “Tosh, don’t be silly. You are all lovey and a bit of age on a woman is a good thing. No more silly dream eyes,” I quipped with a smile. They smiled back gratefully. “Now since the men won’t come to you, let us go fine some, hm?”
    I rose from my chair about to set off when Emily grabbed my hand.
    “That is most improper,” she said quietly.
    “Do you wish to dance or sit away the Season? You are all dressed beautifully, if not dance then why did you come?”
    She thought about it then nodded with a smile. Alana followed close behind, I was going to make a pass by Lord Draco’s group of growing women when he grabbed my wrist and tugged me to him where I tumbled into his side.
    “I am most sorry ladies, but I have already promised, Lady Isadore