The Duke's Accidental Wife (Dukes of War Book 7) Read Free Page B

came with it. She was perfectly happy to remain both a spinster and a virgin for the rest of her days.
    Another reason why her artist friends loved to tease her. Many were not confined by the same rules and expectations. A few of them were married, but most took their pleasures when and how they pleased. They used scandalous devices like sponges or French letters to prevent conception.
    Kate’s sensibilities should have been shocked by such unseemly behavior. Instead, she was deeply jealous of their freedom. Of the ability to connect with others without forethought or consequence.
    As a lady, choosing not to bear children meant never marrying at all. She sighed. Sometimes she wished she were made of ice. Then maybe her fate wouldn’t seem so lonely.
    For the moment, however, Daphne’s auction deserved Kate’s full attention. Streams of eager faces spilled through the front doors and into the receiving salon.
    A grin spread across Kate’s face as she stepped into the milieu.
    She loved this. The noise of excited conversations, the clash of a hundred perfumes, the whirl of colors as expensive silks and painted faces sparkled beneath the light of dozens of chandeliers. She drew a deep breath as energy sang through her veins.
    Within the space of a couple hours, Daphne’s charity auction was a roaring success. The crème de la crème were having fun in an antiquities museum. Kate’s antiquities museum. It was perfect. Champagne flowed. Bids soared. Her friends watching overhead were openmouthed and awestruck at the exorbitant prices their hard work was fetching. Aunt Havens was laughing with Daphne and her husband.
    Kate’s heart thundered with joy. Nights like this made her feel like she could do anything, be anyone she desired. The world was hers.
    She clutched her hands to her chest and smiled at the whirling crush. What else might she accomplish if she put her mind to it? ’Twould be splendid if she could get the art-and-theatre crowd and the beau monde not only under the same roof, but actually interacting. Perhaps not like peers , but at least…like people .
    A thought struck her. The ton loved to be entertained. They just didn’t realize how much of an effect their patronage—or lack thereof—truly had.
    Kate could spread awareness, much like Daphne was doing, except Kate’s goal would be to entice the wealthier set to become more active patrons of the arts. Anyone could spare a few coins to sponsor the tutelage of a protégé. What Society matron wouldn’t wish to boast that she’d “discovered” London’s newest rising star?
    The entertainment district would become richer in every sense. Artists and actors could focus on their craft instead of finding their next meal. And the beau monde , as spectators, would reap the benefit of their generosity.
    Kate forced herself to push the tantalizing idea aside. At least for tonight.
    Right now she needed to concentrate on flawlessly executing the charity event. Perhaps she could even lay the foundation for her future event by spending an extra moment with the faces she recognized as performers in past musicales, or those whose box was never vacant during a theatre performance.
    Practically bubbling with excitement and good cheer, Kate made her way through the crowded salon. She gave a personal word of welcome to everyone she passed, teasing them all to return soon for a glimpse of the antiquities even their money could not buy. Mentioning favorite operas, favorite violinists to the aficionados who shared her passions.
    A self-deprecating smile teased her lips. She could be more than charming when she wished. So could the ton . With them both on their best behavior, the evening was positively magical.
    Until she caught sight of high cheekbones. Chestnut hair. Strong shoulders.
    The devilishly handsome Duke of Ravenwood stood back from the crowd, almost in the shadows, but there was no hiding a form that tall. A body that muscular. A scowl that dark.
    Annoyance