The Dangerous Duke Read Free

the room like a caged tiger. “It’s just that you might feel weak…and anyone could take advantage…” His voice trailed away as he glanced at his mother’s outraged expression.
    “Really, Devlin, I think when it comes to foolishness and sentimentality you might look to your own behaviour. If you’re going to judge every woman by the likes of the company you keep—and the fact that they seem to cost an inordinate amount of money—perhaps you should change your current circle of female associates to one with higher morals.”
    “Mama!” Devlin felt as if he was losing control of the situation. Somehow, the conversation was slipping away from the topic of whether a companion was acceptable and into the dangerous, murky waters of his social pastimes.
    “I know you disapprove of Penelope, but I can assure you she is of the highest Ton . She is a lady.”
    “Really?” his Mama retorted acidly. “When I was in Society there was a different name for that kind of woman. You must produce an heir, Devlin, or else the estate and title passes to your dreadful cousin Oswald.” She shuddered. “The thought of Cornelia presiding over Deverell House sickens me. Even Lady Vane is a better prospect.”
    The Dowager gave yet another expressive sigh. “Well, perhaps you had better marry her after all, even though I disapprove. She will never make you happy, you know…and of course you are aware that it is all about the money.”
    The Dowager’s voice trailed off dramatically. She closed her eyes.
    “I have no intention of rushing into marriage with Lady Penelope or any other female. Besides, Penelope doesn’t need to marry for money; she has enough fortune of her own.” Devlin’s tone was curt.
    His mother’s eyes flew open. “Ah, but an ancient title like yours, as well as such a grand estate, is very hard to come by,” the Dowager replied, with a sly glance at her scowling son. “The ignominy of not marrying would be too hard to bear. Much as she may eschew matrimony to the outside world, every woman must marry sooner or later—better sooner than later—and marry well. If not, she might well be considered too fast, too fussy or…worse. Besides, expensive gifts could easily be construed as commitment. I believe she was wearing a very charming diamond spray at one of Lady Winterbourne’s soirées recently. You should be more discreet, Devlin.”
    “How did you know?” Devlin muttered an oath under his breath, angry that this personal snippet had somehow found its way down to Deverell House.
    The Dowager laughed. “I have my spies and I’m not a complete fool, even though I’ve been bedridden these past few months. Anyway, it’s your money and you’re free to waste it on anyone you choose.”
    “Mama!”
    “I have decided to appoint a young companion and I have already received several answers to my advertisement.”
    “You did what?” Devlin exploded. “You placed an advertisement already?”
    “Why certainly.” His mother raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Isn’t that what newspapers are for? I can’t imagine you finding me a suitable young woman, given your circle of acquaintance, and I’m certainly not going to ask about the neighbourhood or approach an agent in the matter, so a discreet advertisement was the answer. I think I like this reply. The others all seem to be from earnest young women who seem far too dull for my liking.”
    She picked up a letter. “This young person has enclosed an excellent character reference from her aunt, a Mrs. Preston, who seems to be a perfectly respectable widow. She describes her niece as a ‘personable young woman,’ which means she is attractive. You may find yourself disappointed as regards the plain bluestocking. And—” the Dowager squinted at the letter “—there’s another reference from a very learned Mr. Murgatroyd, who is a schoolteacher. Also perfectly respectable.”
    She peered closer at a page. “Hmm, Miss Preston appears to have