The Decadent Duke Read Free Page A

diversion.’’
    "I have no trouble believing you. She is a triple threat. The little baggage has Mother’s beauty, breasts, and boldness.’’
    "You forgot my bawdy sense of humor,’’ Georgina protested.
    "You got that from Mother too.’’ Charlotte nodded her head in their mother’s direction. "Look at her, she’s got a royal audience at the moment.’’ She spied the Duchess of Devonshire. "Ah, I believe I owe you a guinea, Georgy.’’
    "I don’t want your guinea ... what I do want is an invitation to Marylebone Manor, where you’re staying for the summer. I don’t fancy being the lone chick in the nest with Mother for a while. You don’t think Lennox will object to my visiting, do you?’’
    "Lud, no. He’s engrossed in the infernal Marylebone Cricket Club that he founded in Dorset Fields. The children will be avid to have you, so I suppose I can force myself to endure you for a fortnight.’’
    "Georgina, you’re always welcome at Kimbolton Castle,’’ her sister Susan reminded her.
    "Oh, never fear, you and the handsome Duke of Manchester will be next on my list.’’
    "Hmm, handsome is as handsome does,’’ Susan declared with a toss of her head to show that married life was not all blissful.
    "Oh, please, no complaints in front of the bride. You will give her a disgust of marriage,’’ Charlotte declared.
    Georgina hooted. "If she doesn’t have a disgust of marriage from observing our parents, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester’s trivial tribulations won’t make much of an impact.’’
    "You speak the gospel truth.’’ Charlotte looked at their sister Madelina, who had been widowed and remarried within the past year. "You’re on your second husband. Surely you can conjure some words of encouragement and wisdom for the bride.’’
    "Live in the country and keep your husband away from London politics, prostitutes, and private gaming houses.’’
    "Lud, Madelina, your life must be dull as ditch water. Still, I suppose one of us had to take after Father.’’ The Duke of Gordon preferred the country life on his Highland estates and came to London only when it was absolutely necessary. Alexander and Jane had been living separate lives for the past decade.
    Georgina glanced across the room at her mother. I find politics as fascinating as she does, thank heaven. Jane was holding court with the prince and the Duchess of Devonshire. The two rivals have far more in common than they would ever admit. Both are leading political hostesses who love being the center of attention. Each is a beauteous, sensual woman, who sets the fashion in clothes, decor, food, and entertainment. Both are married to powerful dukes of the realm who have shamed them by being blatantly unfaithful with more than one mistress.
    Georgina closed her eyes until the tightness left her chest. In spite of her gregarious personality, her parents’ estrangement since she was a child had left her vulnerable and often insecure. I shall never get trapped in a loveless marriage, she vowed. I’ll never allow myself to become a victim!
    Georgina moved among the throng of invited and uninvited wedding guests with ease, despite the grandeur of their titles. She saw the Marquis of Lansdowne with two of his sons, and knew they would both be eager to partner her when the dancing began.
    Georgina paused to speak with Lord and Lady Holland and make them feel welcome. "Beth, it is lovely to see you again. Henry, I insist that you partner me in a Scottish reel when the dancing commences.’’ Henry and Beth had met and fallen in love on the Continent, despite the fact that the lady was already wed. Because of the romantic liaison, her husband was granted a divorce and Henry Fox did the honorable thing and married her immediately.
    Georgina spotted Lord and Lady Jersey too late to avoid