The Duke in Disguise by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online Page A

this would be her only evening gown. The few beautiful gowns she hadn't wanted to part with remained concealed at the back of her wardrobe. She wore her hair in the plain, severe style she now favored, pulled back off her face, with not a curl showing.

Beatrice the maid had stopped by earlier to tell Meriel when the duke expected her for dinner. Her attitude had remained cool, and Meriel hadn't bother to ask why. How could the servants be upset that Stephen needed to have dinner with his own father?

When she finally collected Stephen— looking adorable in his miniature frock coat and trousers— and went down to the dining room for dinner, the duke was being waited on by his footmen. The first course was already being taken away. Every click of silverware echoed in the cavernous room that could easily seat fifty. Beatrice the serving maid was bent near the duke, wiping crumbs from the tablecloth. The girl didn't meet Meriel's gaze.

The duke finished chewing and regarded Meriel with amusement. "So punctuality is not one of Stephen's lessons?"

Stephen, uncomprehending, stared between them.

Meriel felt her face redden. "Your Grace, we are five minutes early."

"You are almost a half hour late, Miss Shelby."

He did not seem angry, which was even more frustrating, because she was angry— angry with herself for believing the innocent-looking Beatrice, whose pretty face was flushed with excitement as she hovered near the duke.

Meriel bit her lip. So now was she in some sort of contest with a maid for the duke's attention? Shouldn't Beatrice care that it was Stephen she hurt more?

Stephen gripped her hand tighter, his happy face collapsing slowly into worry. "Father, did I do something wrong?"

"Of course not, Stephen," the duke said. "Miss Shelby did."

She flinched.

"But you have missed only the first course. Come eat with me."

For the first time, Meriel wanted to flee a room because of embarrassment. She'd always prided herself on being punctual and prepared for any situation. She refused to let a jealous maid control her actions.

    Chapter 5
    A s Stephen sat at his elbow, and Miss Shelby sat on the other side of the boy, Richard watched her consternation fade into a quiet resolve. He had seen the governess glance at the maid, and knew that his dinner instructions must have been deliberately altered. He wanted to just let the whole thing go— but he was Cecil now.

He forced a smile. "Beatrice, have you been naughty today?"

The girl blushed and smothered a giggle behind her hand. Her triumphant gaze landed openly on Miss Shelby. The governess ignored her, nodding to Robert the footman, who set a plate before her. Miss Shelby then turned to Stephen, reminding him of the proper utensil and guiding the placement of his napkin.

She was a cool one, Miss Shelby. And so obviously intelligent that for a moment this afternoon, looking so closely into her deep blue eyes, he had considered telling her that a duke's heir might always be in danger— from the next heir. But that was his secret for the moment, his and Cecil's. He could not have an inquisitive, worried governess nosing into where she didn't belong.

And then during their private meeting in the study, he'd really lost his mind. He'd wanted to kiss her. Her lips had become all he could think about. And she had sensed it, he knew. Which was maybe a good thing. She should be on her guard with him. He wanted to tease her, occasionally humiliate her, but he did not want to care for her. There was too much at stake.

"So what did Miss Shelby teach you today?" Richard asked Stephen.

The little boy at first started talking with his mouth full, but with only a glance, the governess was able to remind him of his manners.

"I learned about India, Father," he said after swallowing. "Miss Shelby even has a scarf from there!"

Richard glanced at Miss Shelby.

She continued to watch her pupil with fondness. "My father used to travel when I was young," she explained. "That was one