Too Hot For A Rake by Pearl Wolf Read Free Book Online

him. He was reluctant to return to England, you know, but when he learned his grandmother was still alive, he was quick to agree. He’s ready to assume his responsibilities, he told me. ‘I’m determined to bury the past and start again. I have only myself to blame for the way I have lived since I left England, but now I crave a better life. One that will restore my reputation and make my grandmother proud of me,’ he said. His sincerity impressed me, sir.”
    The duke sipped his brandy. “Let us hope he really has outgrown his wild ways then.”
     
    My Lord did not take the news of Waverley’s return from exile well. After all these years! No matter. Harry Trasker will be as disappointed as I am. So much the better, for his mother’s all too eager for her son to become marquis. It may well work to my advantage. He wrote a brief note and rang for his secretary.
    “Sir?”
    “See to it that this reaches Smith and Isley today.”
     
    The dowager marchioness readily extended the invitation to Helena to visit and stay as long as she liked. In spite of this warm invitation, Helena drifted through her final week in London as though in a fog as thick as the one that habitually blanketed the city. She answered questions put to her with either a brief nod or a single word. Her abigail Amy saw to the packing of her clothing, but no amount of cajoling would engage her interest in the process of getting ready to embark on her journey.
    “I’ve arranged for an escort to accompany you, Helena,” said her brother-in-law at dinner the night before her departure.
    Helena acknowledged this with an indifferent nod.
    “Sebastian went through a great deal of trouble for you, Helena,” said the duke in exasperation. “You might at least show some gratitude.”
    “Thank you, Sebastian,” said Helena, her voice dull.
    “You’ll come back for my debut ball, won’t you?” pleaded Georgiana, in a vain attempt to lighten the dark mood. “Please say you will, Helena. I couldn’t bear it if you didn’t.”
    “I suppose I must, if it would please you, Georgie.”
    The duchess put an end to the funereal atmosphere when she rose and said, “Come, girls. We’ll leave the gentlemen to their brandy. Don’t be too long, you two.”
    “I’m bloody well damned if I know what to do for that ungrateful child,” exploded the duke after the women took their leave.
    Sebastian turned to the footman serving brandy. “Leave us.” He waited until they were alone before continuing. “It’s best you say nothing to upset her, sir. She’s in mourning for her lost love as it were, but that will pass. She needs time, but she’ll come about.”
    “The silly chit! I never liked Darlington for her, you know. Thought he wasn’t good enough for her. Turns out I was right. I only agreed to the match because she begged me for it. Women! Just wait till you have daughters of your own, Sebastian. When they grow up they’re bound to become a sore trial.”
    Sebastian buried his grin in his brandy snifter. His wife Olivia was the duke’s eldest daughter. If his future daughters were anything like his beautiful, spirited wife, then he’d never find the time to be bored, for they would certainly enrich his already lively life.
    “Helena will bounce back, sir. Mark my word. You are doing the right thing by sending her away for a time. She shouldn’t be subjected to the haughty stares and the cruel remarks of the London journals and the scandalmongers.”
    “I certainly hope it’s the right thing. At any rate, she’ll be back in time for Georgiana’s ball.”
    “Time enough for her to face the world with dignity once again. By then, the gossip will have shifted to a different scandal.”
    “I suppose you’re right.” The duke hesitated.
    “Something else on your mind, sir?”
    “I’m concerned about Waverley’s reputation. Am I putting my daughter in another kind of danger?”
    “I can understand your worry, but the marquis assures me he