Page 1 of The Duke’s Defiant Love

CHAPTER ONE

The first knock was so soft that Sebastian Percy, Duke of Ravensmere, did not hear it at all.

The second, he heard only because it came between two lines of his letter.

He dipped his pen once more, finished writing the sentence before him, sanded the fresh ink with practiced precision, and only then lifted his head.

"Come."

The study door opened a cautious few inches.

His butler, Mr. Hopkins, stepped inside with the expression of a man entering territory where books were considered more valuable than people.

"Forgive the interruption, Your Grace."

Sebastian removed his spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"If the house is not on fire, Hopkins, you needn't apologize."

"No, Your Grace."

"A pity. Fires at least, are decisive."

Hopkins, long accustomed to such remarks, merely inclined his head.

"Cook wishes to know whether Your Grace intends to dine."

"I have."

Hopkins waited.

"When?"

Sebastian frowned slightly.

"There was tea."

"Tea was at four."

"An excellent hour."

"It is now half past eight."

Sebastian looked toward the darkened window as though the night itself had arrived unexpectedly.

"Then tell Cook I shall dine in twenty minutes."

Hopkins allowed himself the smallest hint of satisfaction.

"I shall tell her."

"And Hopkins?"

The butler paused.

"Have something substantial sent up. I have been working since luncheon."

"I shall tell Cook."