Abducted by a Prince Read Online Free

poor relation.
    “You are also a Stratham,” Lady Milford said to Ellie. “Would I be correct in presuming you’re the daughter of the earl’s late brother?”
    “Yes. Lady Beatrice and I are cousins.” Noticing that Beatrice was frowning from the chaise, Ellie added, “If you’ll excuse me, my lady.”
    Turning, she retreated to her solitary chair against the wall. It was best to avoid being drawn into conversation. Beatrice would become peevish if she wasn’t the center of attention, and Ellie preferred not to face a fit of the pouts on the way home.
    The hot cup warmed her chilly fingers. Savoring a sip, she watched as Lady Milford resumed her seat across from Beatrice.
    “Now,” Lady Milford said, “you were telling me that you hope to lead the other girls in the race to the altar. And I was saying that a girl as lovely as you are is certain to attract scores of suitors.”
    “Oh, but I don’t need scores . If I may confess something, my lady?” Without waiting for an assent, Beatrice set down her teacup and leaned forward in a confiding pose. “There is one man in particular who intrigues me. Perhaps you know him. The Duke of Aylwin.”
    Ellie concealed a start of surprise. She hadn’t realized that her cousin had settled on a prospective candidate for husband. Over the past few months, Beatrice and their grandmother had spent hours bandying the names of eligible bachelors, looking up possibilities in Debrett’s, and assessing the soundness of each man’s finances. Ellie found it all quite tedious. She had become adept at half-listening while her thoughts traveled their own course, usually dwelling on her secret project.
    “Aylwin?” Lady Milford said musingly. “I was acquainted with his late father. However, the present duke isn’t one for social gatherings. He keeps to himself, and I must caution you, he has shown little interest in marrying.”
    “So I’ve heard.” Beatrice released a wistful sigh. “His Grace spends all of his time cooped up in Aylwin House, studying relics from ancient Egypt. It must be a very lonely life. I can’t help but think that he needs a wife to keep him company.”
    Lady Milford looked amused as she took a sip of tea. “Girls are often drawn to mysterious gentlemen. It is in their romantic nature to presume the man must be pining for love. However, the reality seldom matches the daydream. In Aylwin’s case, he’s nearly twenty years your senior and a scholar with no use for frivolities. I would counsel you to set your sights on someone closer to your age.”
    “You may be right, my lady. But how will I ever know for certain unless I actually meet the duke?” Beatrice pushed out her lower lip as she often did when wheedling a favor from her papa. “I shall have to spend the rest of my life wondering if I might have been the one girl that Aylwin could have loved. Is there no way at all for you to help me?”
    Lady Milford shook her head. “I’m afraid not, my dear,” she said in a firm but gentle voice. “My acquaintance with Aylwin is slight. I have no favor of friendship with which to persuade him to do anything.”
    “But what if … what if you were to give one of your exclusive parties? People clamor for an invitation to come here. If you were to host an event and invite both of us, then at least I would have the chance to charm him.” Beatrice clasped her hands to her bosom. “Oh, please, my lady, don’t refuse me, I beg of you. You’re my only hope.”
    That, Ellie decided, was the last straw. Her cousin’s behavior had grown worse than bold; it was downright disgraceful! What must Lady Milford think of the girl’s impudence in making demands?
    Ellie set down her teacup on a table and stepped quickly to the chaise. “We’ve disturbed her ladyship long enough, Beatrice. I believe we should go now.”
    Her cousin cast a disgruntled glance up at Ellie. “Not yet. Lady Milford and I are engaged in a very cozy chat.”
    Ellie turned her gaze