The approaching man’s wispy platinum hair flowed behind him as he strolled to them. Dressed in silver brocade, with gold rings gracing his fingers, he shimmered. The whiteness of his smile—all teeth—matched the sparkling diamonds dripping from his neck.
Duke Kendall.
***
“Your Grace, you’re early,” Matthew said through a terse smile. “We weren’t expecting you for another—”
“Yes, yes. I know what you expected. Sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous.” Duke Kendall clasped his hand on Matthew’s shoulder, grip tightening with painful force. “I was so eager to see your progress that I couldn’t wait. I followed the sound of gunshots, and found my way here. Introduce me to yourfamily, Lord Lincolnshire.”
Ice-cold panic oozed down Matthew’s spine. His heart pounded, and every part of him rebelled against the Duke’s touch, but he stilled himself. His eyes darted to the men in his family. Each poised with a stoic expression, eyes alert.
“I know all of you.” Duke Kendall pointed to each of them. “Lord Blackmoor, Mr. Reeves, and a young Mr. Reeves, I presume—all armed.” Duke Kendall’s lips curled up, and he turned his attention to the women. “Ladies, I daresay there isn’t a safer place in the world than this very lawn!”
Duke Kendall released him, and Matthew could only watch as he stalked toward the women under his protection.
First, Duke Kendall held Cassandra’s hand in both of his. Demurely, she curtsied, keeping her gaze on the grass at her feet. “Good morning, Your Grace. I hope you have been well.”
“Mrs. Reeves. As lovely as ever.” He surveyedher, eyes homing in on her midsection. His voice lowered to a wicked tone, and he turned his attention to Seth. “And expecting—well done, Mr. Reeves.”
Seth gave a brick-solid nod and pulled Cassandra behind him. “Yes, I take care of her.”
Duke Kendall moved on to his next target. Blood rushed in Matthew’s ringing ears. Time slowed. Years of subterfuge and careful planning evaporated in an instant.
Duke Kendall cooed like a dove. “You must be MissCaroline.”
Caroline gave a deep curtsy and lingered. “It’s wonderful to meet you at last, Your Grace.” Rising, she confidently offered Duke Kendall a stunning smile and her hand. He kissed the air above her glove, but didn’t release her.
“Yes, at last,” he agreed. He peered under her bonnet, and his smile widened. “Miss Caroline, those freckles are marvelous. As if someone dipped a paintbrush in gold and dusted you. I see why Lord Lincolnshire hides you.”
Frozen, Matthew forced his breathing into a steady rhythm.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Caroline blushed. Her voice took on a conspiratorial, flirting tone. “You mustn’t hold ill-will toward my brother. He can be overprotective.”
“I don’t blame him.” He leaned in close and whispered, “Iwould hide you too.”
Matthew smothered the impulse to wrench Caroline away, but then, Duke Kendall walked to the next woman Matthew loved.
Jasmine dropped into a slight curtsy and then rose, meeting Duke Kendall’s eyes outright. His gaze slithered from the top of her head to her shoes and back again, lingering on her bare hands, and Matthew remembered he still had her gloves in his pocket.
“And the Phoenix,” the Duke crooned. “Found your flock, have you?”
Duke Kendall lifted Jasmine’s hand to his lips, kissing her knucklesdirectly. Jasmine grimaced, and Matthew’s thoughts turned feral,urging him to maim and fight.
Stay still.
Jasmine forced her greeting through her teeth. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
“I’ve heard much about you,Lady Jasmine. A diamond of the first water with a heart of stone.” He tilted his head to the side, examining her. “My dear, you have a black stain on your skin.”
His spindly fingertip touched her neck, pressed down, and swiped, leaving a blackened smudge across her neck and the fingertip of his white glove. Jasmine stomped forward, her lips pulled back in a snarl.
“What were you doing?” Duke Kendall murmured. “You’recoveredin it.”
Duke Kendall reached for her again.
Jasmine slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
“Such a face.” Duke Kendall’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I helped you. You shouldthank me.”
