Duchess 02 - Surprising Lord Jack Read Free Page A

already?”
    “I left a little early.”
    “Oh ho! So did you survive another year with your bachelorhood intact?”
    Did the man have to be so loud? His damn voice carried to every corner of the room. “I did.” Jack smiled at Bess, the barmaid, as she handed him a mug of ale. “Why aren’t you there?”
    Pettigrew threw up his hands as if to ward him off. “I don’t care to risk my freedom at the Duchess of Love’s Valentine ball.”
    Jack could sympathize with that sentiment. “So why are you in the area? I thought you hated the country.”
    “Oh, I do. I definitely do. Was just down for the day, visiting a friend who fled London when the damn duns started camping on his doorstep.” Pettigrew snorted. “Idiot thought he’d marry to keep the dibs in tune rather than hang on his father’s sleeve, only the girl got wind of his plans and bolted.” He took a swallow of ale. “Just as well. Never met her, but her brother says she’s a regular shrew.”
    Damn, callous blackguard. Anger churned in Jack’s gut and his fist itched to plant itself in Pettigrew’s face, but he forced himself to laugh. He had to maintain his reputation as a careless rake. It kept society from nosing out his real activities. “He was going to take on a leg shackle? Seems like a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
    “Not what I would do, of course, but Littleton was feeling desperate, and the aunt just about dropped the girl into his lap. And really, one female’s much like another with the candles snuffed, as you well know.”
    “Yes.” He would so enjoy drawing Pettigrew’s claret, but he’d have to deny himself that pleasure. Besides it being out of his carefully crafted character, he was far too tired to do a fight justice, not to mention the fact that Findley wouldn’t be happy with the resulting mess.
    “Littleton had hoped the girl’s maternal connections would be a source of continuing funds, but I told him he’d catch cold there. They’ve never recognized her.” Pettigrew grinned. “But don’t worry, Felix will land on his feet. His father’s sure to cough up more of the ready to tide him over to his next allowance, especially after all the uproar caused by the girl bolting.”
    As if he cared what happened to the worthless sprig of the nobility. The girl, however . . .
    “Where did the girl bolt to?” Surely if she was gently bred she had some relatives to help her.
    Pettigrew shrugged. “I have no idea.”
    “Would she go to her brother?”
    “God, no! He just got married. Wouldn’t want a shrew in the house with a new wife.”
    Bloody hell. “Then what of her parents?”
    “Mother’s dead, father’s in foreign lands more often than not. He wouldn’t care if Littleton married her.” Pettigrew leered. “Has only one use for women, don’t you know.”
    Jack gripped his mug tighter and forced himself to leer back. The girl might already be raped or sold to a brothel. “When did this happen?” Perhaps there was still time to save her. “What’s the girl’s name?”
    Damn. Pettigrew’s eyes had widened in surprise at his obvious interest. “Might want to have a go at her myself,” Jack said quickly, in a practiced, lascivious tone, “especially if she’s a virgin.”
    “Got a touch of the pox, do you?”
    He forced himself to smile and let Pettigrew think what he would. Damn, he hated having to masquerade as a heartless rake, but the subterfuge allowed him to move through the worst areas of London without the ton constantly speculating about his real interests.
    Pettigrew was shaking his head. “Sorry, but really must keep my tongue between my teeth. Littleton wouldn’t want it bruited about that he’d caused a spinster to turn tail and run. Doesn’t say much about his amatory skills, does it? And I’m quite sure the girl’s not up to your exacting standards. Littleton said she was too tall and far too skinny. Best let her go.”
    Unfortunately, it seemed he would have to,