How the Duke Was Won Read Free Page B

smile. “Is that all? Jackson.”
    Jackson drew a packet from inside his coat. “Her ladyship has anticipated your requests. Here is a letter of introduction for your sister to Mrs. Anna Hendricks of Essex, an elderly miniaturist whose eyesight is failing and who has need of a gifted young apprentice.”
    His gaze traveled to the countess for a moment, as if he were giving her time to stop him. When she did not, he continued. “This is in addition to the one thousand pounds her ladyship will settle upon you should you succeed.”
    Charlene gasped. The countess must truly be desperate. They’d have the wherewithal to pay Grant and open a boardinghouse in a decent neighborhood.
    How did they know so much about her and Lulu? It was downright sinister.
    â€œWell?” asked the countess.
    Charlene shook her head. “I was raised for . . . this life . I can’t pass for a lady.”
    â€œNo matter how you were raised, the blood of emperors flows in your veins, however tainted or diluted.”
    Charlene squared her shoulders. She’d already booted a baron. She refused to be cowed by a countess. “If I am so tainted, how do you expect to fool the other ladies, who, I assume, are acquainted with Lady Dorothea?”
    â€œOnly one of them knows her, and not well. The other two have never met her.”
    â€œAnd the duke? Surely he’s met Lady Dorothea before?”
    â€œHe’s been living abroad for a decade and only recently inherited the title. They say he’s brutish, more pirate than gentleman. But I daresay you’re adept at handling difficult men.”
    This was all too preposterous. Charlene held out her ungloved hands. “Do you see these? I earn my keep in this house doing the bookkeeping and some of the washing. Can a girl with these hands entice a duke?”
    â€œPish,” countered the countess. ­“People see only what they expect to see. A duke is no exception. A few days under my tutelage will suffice to transform you.”
    The determination in her icy blue eyes made it clear that the countess believed herself omnipotent.
    Kyuzo gestured for Charlene to walk a few steps with him. He turned his back on the countess and whispered in Charlene’s ear. “Ask her what are the terms if you fail. If the duke doesn’t propose. You need to be paid either way or it’s not worth the risk.”
    â€œYou’re right,” Charlene agreed. They returned to Jackson and the countess.
    â€œWhat are the terms if I don’t secure a proposal?” Charlene asked. “What then?”
    Jackson set his lips disapprovingly. “Her ladyship has established terms that you will find more than satisfactory. One hundred guineas now, yours to keep even if you fail to procure a proposal.”
    He shook the purse. There was the metallic sound of coin against coin. The music that ruled her mother’s world. The sound of a girl being sold.
    â€œIf you succeed, the full payment. Contingent upon the promise that you will never contact her ladyship, or any member of her family, and will accompany Miss Luisa to Essex for the period of at least one month after the conclusion of the contract.”
    Charlene wavered. This could be the answer to her prayers.
    â€œIt’s only five days, Miss Beckett,” urged the countess. “We must begin your training this very night. You may send your family a letter of explanation in the morning, making no mention of my name or your mission, of course. I require absolute secrecy.”
    â€œYou there, Yamamoto, is it?” Jackson tossed a smaller purse to Kyuzo. “Here’s something for your silence. If I hear you’ve been spreading tales, you’ll answer to me.”
    The lines around Kyuzo’s mouth deepened as he examined the contents of the pouch. “You call this a bribe, Sir? Twenty guineas? I could win twice that at the gambling tables