The Orphan and the Duke by Jillian Chantal Read Free Book Online

ankle, but she was able to cover it easily.
    “Very good.” The doctor handed her his calling card. “I will return tomorrow to see you again.”
    “Why would that be necessary?” Amelia asked. “You can see that I am fine.”
    “Ah, but my dear, I will be leaving you alone with some people who, I understand, are very upset with you. Therefore, to insure your continued safety, I will be returning.” He bowed, ignored her aunt’s sputtering, and left.
    Elizabeth shot Amelia a glare and then followed the man out. When she closed the door, Amelia heard the click of the key to lock her in.
    Early the next morning, Basil visited Doctor Martin’s Harley Street office to discuss what he found at the Mandeville home. The doctor sent a note the prior evening letting him know the lady wasn’t hurt other than some bruising on her cheeks, as if slapped with an open hand. But Basil wanted more information than was in the note.
    Once seated in the doctor’s inner office, Basil said, “I know there isn’t much I can do since Mr. Mandeville is the guardian of his niece, and therefore, the law is on his side in this situation, but do you have any suggestions?”
    “I really don’t. She’s a delightful young lady, and I can tell the home she’s in isn’t full of warmth and love, but you’re correct. There isn’t anything you can do to remove her from the situation. She’s at the mercy of her uncle. I told them I would be back today to check on her, but I cannot continue to return. At some point, the uncle could contact the law courts, accusing me of interference.”
    “It’s odd. Since my parents and Roger died, I’ve been consumed with my own grief and worrying about my sisters, as well as my new duties. This is the first time I’ve been concerned about someone outside my inner circle.”
    “Maybe that’s a good thing. I’ve known your family a long time, and you’ve undergone a massive change. Caring about someone outside your normal ambit is a sign you’re coming through this tough segment of your life.”
    “I’m not sure about that. I still feel as if I’ve been set adrift with no compass to find my way.”
    “It seems to me you’re doing just fine.” Doctor Martin stood. “I have some calls to make, but if you need me, send a message.”
    “Thank you, Doctor.” Basil laughed.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “No one ever tells me they’re too busy to chat since I became the duke. I’m glad you have no such qualms. It’s been a while since I’ve been dismissed. I quite like it.”
    “I am so sorry, Your Grace, but it’s hard for me to remember that you’ve now stepped into your father’s shoes. I delivered you and your brother and helped you take your first breath. It was a sad day when we lost them.”
    “No offense taken. If the doctor who delivered me has to treat me like everyone else does, it’s a sad world. I need at least one person to keep things as they used to be.”
    “What about Lady Saffron and Lady Jonquil? Don’t they treat you the same?”
    “Not really. Once I became their guardian and was responsible for them, things had to change.”
    “I imagine they didn’t like that at all.” The doctor’s eyes twinkled as if he recalled some prank the girls had once engaged in.
    “No, it did not go well. They haven’t adjusted to the change. At all.” Basil slapped his thighs and stood. “Don’t let me keep you from your work.”
    “I’ll send you another note once I check on Miss Mandeville.”
    “Thank you.”
    Upon returning home, Basil headed straight for his desk, pulled out the ledgers, and began working on the most dreaded task of his new life. Numbers were never something he liked, and he surely hated them now.
    A little over an hour later, he heard the sound of laughter in the hallway. My sisters must be home.
    Using that as an excuse to abandon the tedium of math, Basil rose from his chair and stretched. Leaving the room, he followed the giggles.
    He found his