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

couldn’t explain his behavior; he barely understood it himself.
    Over his shoulder, he called out as if he hadn’t heard a word, “Look, here comes your cat right now. He must have heard we were having a snack and wants a taste for himself.”
    “I’m not sure cats can have chocolate,” Saffron said.
    “It doesn’t matter. He’s coming with us.” Jonquil picked up the creature as it let out a howl. Basil presumed it was angry because its plans were thwarted by Jonquil’s actions.
    I can relate to the cat’s position all too well.

Chapter 5
    Amelia was perplexed that no one came to her room the evening of the duke’s visit except for the maid who let her out to use the privy.
    Waiting for her punishment became her penance. Terrified she’d be put on the street or in the workhouse, she didn’t sleep well. The night seemed to last forever.
    As dawn finally made its presence known and Amelia dressed for the day, she wondered if she would be allowed any breakfast since she’d been denied dinner. Her stomach was protesting the lack of nourishment, but there was nothing she could do to appease it. She’d never had funds to purchase treats for herself to keep in her drawer like Susan did.
    She looked out the window. The sunshine lifted her spirits a bit. The nighttime fears eased a little with the coming of the day. Perhaps things will be all right after all.
    Eventually, her aunt came to the door and opened it. She said, “The doctor is back and wants to see you.”
    Amelia wasn’t happy about this turn of events. Is this man going to attend to me every day? That would not be acceptable to Uncle Henry. Will this be an additional reason to make my life miserable?
    “Why? I didn’t ask him to return.”
    “He said the duke requested that he visit one more time.”
    “Just this once then?”
    “You better hope so, Amelia. Your uncle and I have come to a solution about what to do with you, and these visits by the physician must stop.”
    Terror struck Amelia. Her heart skipped a beat, and she took a step back. What have they decided? To her embarrassment, she stuttered when she answered her aunt. “Y-y-you have a-a solution?” Amelia wrung her hands.
    “Yes, and we will discuss it when the doctor leaves, so I suggest you urge him quickly on his way.” Elizabeth swept out of the room and down the stairs.
    Amelia lagged behind, not sure if she wanted the doctor to stay forever or if she wanted him to leave in a hurry so she could learn her fate.
    Amelia entered the room past her aunt, who stood in the doorway. Elizabeth stuck her nose in the air, turned abruptly, and walked away. Amelia couldn’t believe she had been left alone in the parlor with the doctor when her aunt made it a point to remain in the room the previous evening. The doctor explained the reason he had returned was to be sure no harm came to her overnight but that he would have to cease his visits as her uncle could report him for interfering with his relationship with his ward.
    As he took his leave, he turned to her. “Miss Mandeville, please know I hold your safety dear, and if you have any need of me at any time, send a messenger. I will come and assist you.”
    “Thank you. I don’t think that will be necessary. I have no coin to do so if I needed to, but I appreciate your very kind offer.”
    Doctor Martin reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins. “Please take these. I wouldn’t want the lack of funds to cause you distress.”
    “Oh, no sir.” Amelia tried to push his hand back. “That was not a request for aid. I was merely stating a fact.”
    “Nonsense. You must take them. I insist.”
    Amelia couldn’t believe the turn of events. She was sure a doctor would expect to be paid for his visits, but he was pressing coins on her instead. Then she remembered he was the Duke of Darnley’s personal physician and, as such, would receive his recompense from that man. Wonderful! I am now indebted to a duke of the realm. How