Page 77 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

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She was readingon the chaise when he tiptoed into the bedchamber at a little past four in the morning. She was fully dressed in a violet woolen gown, cape, and half-boots. She examined his rumpled attire and unshaven jaw over the top of her pamphlet. “You don’t look quite respectable. Rough night?”

“Uneventful.” He sat down beside her, frowning over her shoulder. “’How to Marry a Duke?’” Have you been keeping a secret? Who wrote this?”

“One of the students Harriet taught at her finishing academy before she married my wicked duke of a brother. It’s light reading and not inaccurate. What did you discover?”

He made himself comfortable beside her on the chaise. “Nothing unusual. Rhys is a rogue. I dropped him off at his ballerina’s lodgings. She has invited us to the opera house. Bruxton, his groom, and all but a skeletal staff have left London. Why are you dressed like that?”

“I was afraid I’d have to rescue you. Grayson and Jane stopped by on their way back from a dance. Tell me more.”

“With Heath’s invaluable knowledge, we broke into Bruxton’s house and pinched a box of letters.”

“You committed a crime. You’re a housebreaker.”

He stroked his jaw. “A comely young maidservant employed by one of the earl’s neighbors assisted us. She confirmed that Bruxton had gone to a country race.”

She tugged at the end of his muffler. “How comely was she?”

“Ask your brother. He convinced her we’d lost our way and wandered into the wrong house. This spoils my plans. I wanted you to have a look at the groom. But only from a distance.”

“Is he that handsome?” she asked, lifting her brow.

“He’s the ugliest man I’ve ever encountered. A veritable troll. He ought to wear a mask.”

“Now I have to meet him.”

“Not without me. He’s too likable, I fear.” He swung forward. “To bed then.”

She released a breath. “How was Mrs. Watson?”

He turned his head to hers. “We didn’t go.”

She swallowed. “Why not?”

“Because it would upset you,” he answered. “And there is nothing she could tell me that she couldn’t tell Heath.”

She stretched up from the waist and touched her lips to his chin. “Thank you.”

“For what?” His eyes gleamed with intent. “If you’re interested in what goes on inside a brothel, I could show you -- from what small experience I have.”

She considered his proposal. “Perhaps I shall write a booklet entitled ‘How to Pleasure a Duke.’ After I’ve researched the subject more thoroughly.”

“It has all the makings of a literary masterpiece. To bed then?” he repeated.

“Yes. I have plans myself for tomorrow.”

“Another tea?” he asked with a sympathetic grin.

“Aunt Glynnis and I intend to shop.” She held up her hand. “Without you, please. No one is about to assault me in broad daylight on Bond Street.”

He caught her by the wrist and lifted her from the chaise. “I’m not certain that I want my personal life put into a pamphlet for public consumption.”

“Nor do I,” she softly agreed.