The Decadent Duke by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online Page A

urged Father to build mills, then convinced other nobles to start mills in their own Highland towns.’’
    "The spinning, dying, and weaving of wool have certainly helped to alleviate the scourge of poverty that is so prevalent in Scotland,’’ Charlotte agreed. "She even became an advocate for children to be educated in how to grow crops, so they can take over their fathers’ farms.’’
    "She became political only when she realized that more long-term solutions were needed to cure poverty. She was also a tireless patron of the arts in Scotland and then in England. Mother is an unparalleled hostess. No man could ask for a more accomplished partner.’’
    "True! Yet Father has rewarded her with a passel of bastards—there’s thanks for you.’’
    "I know I complain about her, because of her shameless pursuit of titled husbands for her daughters, but I am extremely proud of her accomplishments. She is a force to be reckoned with.’’
    "You are very like her, Georgina.’’
    "Well, she has brought us all up in her own image to be unabashed sensualists and enjoy life to the fullest.’’
    "As well as her vivacity, you have her great beauty. Of course, you are more delicate and refined, and thankfully far more cultured. Mother has a coarseness about her that you didn’t inherit, praise heaven! I assure you that the runt of the litter turned out to be quite a dazzling jewel.’’
    "Your praise is far too generous, Charlotte. I have myriad flaws that I don’t always manage to keep hidden.’’
    Â 
On Saturday they arrived early at Lord’s Cricket Grounds, and much to Georgina’s amusement, she watched as a herd of sheep were rounded up and driven from the field. They were allowed to graze at Lord’s to keep the grass short. "You gentlemen had better acquit yourselves well in the match today, or it will be said that the sheep have a better right to the grass than you do.’’
    "Cricket fanatics are impervious to insult,’’ Charlotte assured her. "Let’s stroll about before the match starts. It will give us a chance to show off our elegant hats and make disparaging remarks about the other ladies’ dresses.’’
    Georgina was adorned from head to foot in pristine white. As well as a fashionable large-brimmed hat, she had brought a frilly parasol to shade her from the sun.
    The two sisters made their way through the crowd, exchanging greetings with friends and acquaintances gathered to watch the sporting event that was gaining popularity with the upper classes.
    "Lady Stafford believes she looks quite fetching in that bilious shade of green, when in actual fact it is simply retching!’’ Charlotte looked over her shoulder. "Now, where did that boy get to?’’ She had brought her eldest son to watch the cricket match.
    "Charlie is with his father,’’ Georgina assured her. "He’s at an age where being thought a mother’s boy is anathema.’’
    The ladies circled back to where they had left Lennox and Winchilsea, and found them conversing with a group of men who were obviously cricket enthusiasts.
    Suddenly, Georgina stopped in her tracks. Hell and damnation! The dark, dominant, and dangerous devil she had encountered yesterday was deep in conversation with her brother-in-law. The two spoke as if they were friends. They obviously know each other. The last thing I want is another encounter with the uncouth brute. She turned her head and adjusted her parasol so that the tall, dark male would not recognize her.
    "Is something wrong?’’ Charlotte asked.
    "I think I must have dropped my gloves back there somewhere. I’ll go and have a quick look, and catch up with you.’’
    Georgina walked back the way she had come, determined to put distance between herself and the authoritative male who had accosted her. The thudding of her heart in her eardrums