Until You by Jennifer McNare Read Free Book Online Page A

substantiated by the duke's drunken ravings about his adulterous wife to any and all who would listen, including his shocked staff.
    Then, just as they were all slowly adjusting to the duchess' absence, the duke had unexpectedly taken his own life.  It was a horrible tragedy and had quickly become the scandal of the decade.
    Those poor boys, Ashleigh thought to herself.  Like them, she too had lost her parents at a young age, but even so, she could hardly imagine the pain they must have suffered under such horrible circumstances.  And for their mother never to have returned for them, even after the death of her husband, well that was simply heartless and cruel.
    Lost in thought, she had completely forgotten the time when her eyes darted anxiously towards the clock set atop the fireplace mantel.  It was eight-o’clock exactly, and dinner at Sethe Manor was served promptly at eight, each and every night.  Oh dear!  After her unorthodox meeting with the duke that afternoon, the last thing she wanted was to be late for dinner.
    Rising from the bed she rushed to the full length mirror that stood in the corner of the room and took one last look at her appearance.  The light coral color of her gown heightened the peach hue of her cheeks and the snug, square cut bodice accentuated the fullness of her breasts.  The gown was beautiful and much more sophisticated than anything she had ever worn before, and with her hair styled to perfection, thanks to Annie’s capable hands, she knew she had never looked better.  She could only hope that Nicholas Leighton liked what he saw.  Taking a deep calming breath, she turned and hurried from her room.
     
     
    When she reached the dining room she saw that the duke and his grandmother were already there.  The duke stood at one of the many tall windows lining the east wall, staring out across the front lawns, a drink held casually in one hand, while Madeline stood conferring with one of the footmen.  Ashleigh was standing hesitantly upon the threshold when Madeline looked up and noticed her presence.
    “There you are, dearest,” Madeline said, as she politely dismissed the young man to whom she had been speaking and made her way to Ashleigh's side. 
    “I'm so sorry that I am late, Madeline,” Ashleigh murmured with an apologetic smile.
    “That's quite alright, dear,” she replied, grasping her hand.  Her eyes then swept Ashleigh from top to bottom, her expression pleased.  “You look breathtaking.  I knew this color would look lovely on you.”
    “Thank you, Madeline.  You look quite lovely yourself,” she said, taking in Madeline’s elegant watered-silk gown, the color a deep burgundy. 
    “Come, let me introduce you to my grandson,” she said with a warm smile as she led her toward the duke, who had remained standing at the window seemingly oblivious to her presence. 
    Noting their approach, Nicholas turned his attention to the young woman standing beside his grandmother and very nearly choked on the sip of brandy he'd just taken.  His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked upon the young woman he had encountered earlier that morning.  Swiftly his eyes raked over her body, noting that an elegant silk gown had replaced the shirt and tight breeches.
    “Nicholas, I would like you to meet Lady Ashleigh St. John.” 
    His grandmother's voice pulled him from his momentary stupor as the young lady sank into a deep and graceful curtsey, affording him an unobstructed view of the tops of her magnificent breasts.  He clenched his jaw in an attempt to maintain control of his rioting emotions.
    “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”  Rising from her curtsey, she eyed the duke with a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she noted his utter state of shock.  She also noticed that his eyes had lingered for a moment upon the expanse of exposed flesh revealed by the cut of her gown, and felt a slight shiver race down her spine.
    “Lady St. John,” he replied