The Duke's Quandary Read Free Page B

her.”
    “When will we visit the modiste?” Mary nearly bounced in her chair.
    “With Miss Clayton arriving this evening, I’ve already sent along a note that we would all like to visit as soon as possible.”
    “More bills,” Drake groaned.
    “I restate. You’re stuffy, and no fun at all.” Mary selected a sweet from the tray the footman held.
    …
    Dinner over, Mother and Drake sat together in the library, the girls having disappeared as they often did in the evening.
    “Mother, I wish you would render your support on getting the girls to take this marriage business seriously.”
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake, dear. They’re young.”
    “Not so. Abigail will be considered on the shelf in another year or so.”
    Mother laid her embroidery aside. “They will take marriage seriously when the right gentleman makes an offer. Until then, I suggest you not worry yourself over this.” She paused and cocked an ear at the sound of carriage wheels in front of the house. “It seems as though our guest has arrived.”
    Drake shut his book and stood, tugging on the cuffs of his jacket as the butler tapped on the door. “Miss Clayton and her companion have arrived, Your Grace.”
    “Thank you, Stevens.”
    He offered his mother his arm, and they strolled to the front entrance.
    The wind battered the two women as they entered the house, sweeping in cold air, along with a few dried leaves. The older woman, obviously the companion, smiled brightly, her flushed cheeks a stark contrast to her charge’s pale ones. The young girl looked as if she was about to have a spell.
    He took in their guest’s appearance with dismay. Her hair was half up and half down, brown curls tumbling about her shoulders. Spectacles slid halfway down her nose, and she tilted her head back, apparently attempting to keep them on her head. Her pelisse was haphazardly buttoned, and she held something wrapped in a cloth close to her chest.
    Clumps of dirt fell from the material, landing on her pelisse, and then dropping unceremoniously to the floor. She attempted a smile, but her quivering lips never quite made it.
    Mary, Abigail, Sybil, and Sarah trooped down the stairs. Miss Clayton swallowed visibly and looked frantically from one face to another. Glancing in his direction, the girl made a squeaking sound and whisked her spectacles off, then immediately dropped them to the floor.
    She turned toward the butler and curtsied, then shifted her package and extended a dirt speckled hand to the duchess. “How do you do?” After a few moments of shocked silence, she licked her lips. “Oh dear, I’ve done something wrong, haven’t I?”
    Drake snorted and the girl swung her gaze to him. He immediately regretted his rude outburst when she paled even further, but before he could say anything, she burst into tears, then turned to flee back into the night, stumbling as she swept past Stevens. In a flash, she was out the door and down the steps, leaving them all gaping.
    “Go after her.” The duchess touched him on the arm.
    “Good heavens, Mother. What have you gotten us into?” He strode after their guest, mumbling more colorful words under his breath.

Chapter Three
    Drake bounded down the steps. It was unfortunate that Mother’s propensity for rescuing hopeless strays extended to women as well as animals.
    He scanned the immediate area, and at first it appeared Miss Clayton had vanished into thin air. Then a slight movement up ahead caught his eye, and he hurried forward. “Miss Clayton, please stop.”
    She came to a halt and spun around, taking in great gulps of air. “Please, Your Grace, just let me return to Devonshire. I really do not want to be here.” Her shaky fingers wiped tears from her cheeks, leaving behind a smudge of dirt.
    As he grew closer, he could see her squinting, most likely in an attempt to view him since her spectacles were still on the floor in the entrance hall. She gripped her bundle close to her chest, her teeth chattering,