Andrews Brothers 01 - The Ruse Read Free Page B

advantages,”
said Luke.
    “Oh, yes, Zilla, don’t you
remember? Stockport has the silk factory,” said Lilli, seemingly proud that she’d
contributed to the conversation.
    “Oh, yes. The silk factory and the rope factory!” Zilla laughed and stared at her friends until they joined
her.
    “True, the rope factory is not as
glamorous as some trades, but it is a needed commodity,” said Luke, fighting
his rising temper.
    “Commodities! What do I care of
commodities?”
    Zilla’s attempt at intelligence
fell on deaf ears and the laughter died. Everyone in the room depended on the
hemp and rope constructed in Stockport, while the London and Parisian designers
of ladies’ gowns desperately sought Stockport silk for their fashionable
concoctions.
    Zilla cleared her throat. “As I
was saying, I believe Stockport would be terribly boring.”
    “Perhaps,” said Luke.
    “Of course, I have heard that the
Andrews estate is rife with pleasant gardens and excellent fishing.”
    Luke puffed out his chest with
swelled pride. “Indeed, it is.”
    “Humph. That is too bad, because
I detest pleasant gardens and fishing. They are both entirely too much work. I
think servants are better put to use inside the home. Why, it takes at least
five servants a day just to keep my baubles in the library dusted.”
    Luke shrank back against the
cushions and eyed the wall of detestable objects once more.
    “Do you like to read, your
lordship?” asked Lilli.
    “Yes, actually I do. I just
finished Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and found myself most
entertained.”
    Zilla fanned her bosom. “I detest
reading. What does a woman need with dusty books and useless knowledge? It is
not like she will ever be allowed to put it to use. Much better that she stay
in the home and instruct her husband.”
    “But, Zilla,” said Lady Elis,
shyly, “how can you instruct your husband wisely without knowledge?”
    Zilla replied, “Seriously,
Mother, I can’t believe you, of all people, asked this question. You’ve
survived all this time without intelligence or wit, so I would think the answer
would be obvious.”
    The crowd shifted uncomfortably
as Lady Elis buried her chin in her chest and gazed downward.
    Cold rage surged through Luke’s
veins as he stood and bowed; the slight to her mother was more than he could
handle. Perhaps marrying the twit would be worth it just so he could place her
over his knee. Tugging his coat in place, he said, “I do apologize, but I must
be on my way.”
    Zilla fluttered her lashes over
the edge of her fan. “Must you be going so soon?”
    “Aye, I must. I’ve received word
from my family that I’m needed at home.”
    Zilla jumped to her feet and
grabbed his arm. “Oh, do tell me you plan to return? The party circuit will be
so boring without you.”
    Luke studied her face. Short
dark-blond hair mingled in thick curls around her thin face. Her pointed nose
and high cheekbones combined with hazel eyes had often been touted as a noble
trademark. Tall and reed thin, she would never be a beauty. Her wealth,
however, would continue to draw attention.
    She batted her thin lashes. Was
she really as heartless as she seemed? Or was her attitude born more from a
sense of immaturity and boredom? Did he care if he ever discovered her true
nature?
    He answered, “I cannot promise.”
    She protruded her lip like a
child who had lost a favorite toy. “But you must promise! I will simply die if
you do not!”
    Luke bowed again. “I will
endeavor to return.”
    Zilla must have taken his words
as a pledge because she clapped and said, “Excellent. We shall make plans to
receive you in a month. That should be plenty of time for you to take care of
your family business and return to my side.”
    Luke didn’t answer. He paid his
respects to Lord and Lady Elis, thanking them for their hospitality before
quitting the room. No sooner had he turned his back than he heard Zilla calling
after another gentleman.

Chapter