At the Spanish Duke's Command Read Free Page B

laughed, appreciating how quick on the uptake she was. “And you’re absolutely right. Alberto Mondragal is the ideal chap to take on board. I think he’s definitely very interested…”
    â€œThen remind me to organise a small dinner party when they’re in town,” Letti said, in her practical down-to-earth way. “How’s your house guest getting on, by the way? I met her the other day, when I was visiting your aunt. She seemed a delightful girl.”
    â€œGeorgiana? Delightful?” Juan’s brows came togetherin a thick line above the ridge of his patrician nose. “She’s a perfect little pest. Why the Condessa ever consented to having her come and stay is beyond me.”
    â€œWell, she asked you and you agreed. I remember. I was there. It was your mother’s wish,” Leticia added softly, hoping that the reminder of the parent he’d lost last year was not too painful.
    â€œI know. And that is the only reason I haven’t sent her packing back to England already. I can’t imagine how Lady Cavendish could be so lax with her daughter.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œIt appears the girl is allowed a ridiculous amount of freedom. She comes and goes pretty much as she pleases.”
    â€œWell,” Letti responded reasonably, “she’s over eighteen, you know. Not an infant.”
    â€œThat still doesn’t make it appropriate for her to be gallivanting around the city in jeans that barely cover her bottom and— Well, I won’t get into it.”
    â€œBut they all dress like that nowadays, Juan. It’s not like it was back in our day. You should see some of Pablito Sanchez’s students at the law school. I’m sure Georgiana is positively prim next to them.” She laughed.
    â€œYou may be right,” he conceded, smiling, “but it still doesn’t meet with my approval. I suppose I have very old-fashioned notions.”
    â€œCompletely outdated, querido ,” she responded complacently. “Let’s hope that by the time your own children grow up you’ll have got used to the inevitable changes ahead,” she said, her rich, soft laugh filling the air.
    â€œWho knows what they’ll be wearing by then?” he agreed. The sudden vision of children of his own was somewhat daunting. “Oh, I think your mother’s beckoning us for lunch,” he continued, rising, glad to change the subject. “By the way, I thought it all went off quite well with yourparents, didn’t you, querida ?” He linked his arm with hers in a friendly manner.
    â€œOh, very well,” she agreed. “Mama will be quite satisfied to have the run of the wedding in the end. Thank goodness,” she murmured, laughing. “I really can’t spare the time.”
    â€œNo. Of course not,” Juan answered.
    But as they entered the dining room he couldn’t quell a slight feeling of disappointment. He was no romantic, but wasn’t a woman supposed to be a tiny bit excited about her forthcoming nuptials?
    Telling himself not to be ridiculous, that he was very lucky to be marrying such a sensible, altogether suitable young woman, Juan sat down on his hostess’s right and set about charming her through lunch.
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    â€œHe’s insufferable,” Georgiana exclaimed to the Condessa as they sat sipping orchata in the living room. “I don’t know why you let him get away with it.”
    â€œBut what is wrong with a man seeing to one’s every comfort?” the Condessa enquired uncomprehendingly. “I am only too grateful to Juan for all his attentions. You know, it’s thanks to him that I’m able to live in this gracious manner. Such a dear boy,” she murmured, a fond sigh escaping her.
    Georgiana was about to make a pithy response when she realised it would be rude and undignified to criticise her host further. She’d already had a row about it