A Duchess Enraged Read Free

she
seemed to be quite forgotten.
    The duke looked at
his wife and scowled. "Where is that scamp, Emily?" he demanded.
"It's nearly three-o-clock."
    The duchess smiled.
"I've sent Thomas to fetch him. He will be here momentarily."
    The duke nodded.
"I won't lie to you, George," he said to the earl. "Adam was not
happy when I told him of our plan. I thought he would refuse for a few moments,
but I hold the purse strings, and he was forced to capitulate."
    "Hush, Charles.
Allegra is here." Emily laid a restraining hand on her husband's arm.
    The duke shot Allegra
guilty glance and then shrugged. "I doubt it's news to her. And it won't
do for her to have romantic notions. Adam will come around. In a few years
he'll see why we did this. The truth doesn't bother you, does it Allegra? After
all, you're to be a duchess. What woman wouldn't want that, hey?"
    "Y-Yes,
sir," stammered Allegra. "Or rather, no, sir."
    "You see? She's
a sensible little thing. Just what's needed." The duke took another sip of
port and glanced at the door. "I'll fetch that boy myself, if I have
to."
    "Hush, Charles.
He'll be here soon."
    At that moment the
door to the drawing room swung open, and Adam, Viscount Treveine entered.
Allegra's blue eyes widened at her first sight of her husband-to-be. She had
the immediate impression of remarkable beauty, of broad shoulders, slim hips,
and angelically fair hair. Brilliant green eyes flashed in a face that was
impressively handsome, with a strong chin, fine, high cheekbones, and full,
well-sculpted lips. She gave a tiny gasp of astonishment and delight. But her
pleasure was immediately dashed by her second look, when she realized his
beauty was marred by a look of petulance and annoyance. Adam, it seemed, was
very unhappy with the position he found himself in.
    "Ah, there you
are, my boy," said the duke jovially. "Come here and say hello to
your future parents-in-law. You know my lord and lady Redecombe, I
believe."
    Adam bowed abruptly.
"We have met many times, sir. Welcome to Gravesmere House."
    The earl stepped
forward and clapped him on the shoulder. "Pleased to see you again, my
boy. I can't tell you how happy we are to welcome you to the family."
    Adam stiffened and
glared at the earl from under his thick lashes. "Thank you, my lord."
His voice was forbidding.
    Redecombe appeared to
be unfazed by Adam's evident hostility. "I am most pleased with this
match, my boy. Allegra is a fine girl and will make you a happy man. You'll
find her to be docile and gentle, just what you're looking for in a wife.
She'll not give you any trouble."
    Adam managed a brief,
cold smile. It was increasingly apparent to Allegra that it was only by keeping
the tightest rein on himself that he was managing to control his temper.
    "And here is
your bride," continued the earl, approaching Allegra and taking her hand.
Flustered, she rose hastily to her feet, trying to shake out the folds of the
pink dress that hung on her like a sack. She gazed up at her husband to be, her
pale eyes pleading for some sort of sympathy or understanding.
    Adam's green eyes
filled with surprise and then shock as he took in his bride. Allegra was only
too aware that the dress clashed with her red hair, and the pastel color drew
whatever color she possessed out of her skin. She held herself awkwardly,
trying to hide the embarrassment that swamped her. Tears formed in the corners
of her eyes and threatened to spill over.
    Adam swung away from
her and turned on his father, clearly too furious to think clearly.
"Surely you are not going to marry me to this?" he demanded
"She's as plain as can be! I'll be a laughingstock among my friends!"
    The duke seized Adam
by the arm and shook him roughly. "Do not embarrass me more than you
already have, my boy!" he snapped. "You will marry Allegra and you
will do it with a becoming air of grace."
    Adam turned away with
an angry exclamation. Allegra, her knees shaking slightly, was led to his side,
and her cold little hand