Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes Read Online Free

responsibili-
    ties,” Smythe replied. “Mrs. Harper has divided the rest
    of Fannie’s work amongst them. You shall attend to
    this, or I shall see to it that you are dismissed from His
    Grace’s service.”
    The threat in Smythe’s tone was clear. Avery set
    his jaw and swallowed his response. He had to mind
    his place. This position was much less hazardous to his
    well- being than his previous employment had been. The
    Duke of Granville had pressed the bounds of propriety in
    even hiring Avery for such a high position, and the rest
    of the servants knew it. Smythe was the biggest voice of
    dissent. Avery adjusted the boot before finally glancing
    up. “So be it.”
    Smythe nodded, looking down his nose at Avery, his
    forehead wrinkled— whether in frustration or in sheer
    dislike, Avery couldn’t say. He’d simply have to continue
    doing his best to please the duke and hope that the
    servants fell into line. But after nearly a year as the duke’s valet without change, his hopes were fading.
    “I shall leave you to it then. Have a care with the
    grates, Russell. Though you have but come to service
    lately, your actions reflect upon this whole house. I will
    not allow our reputation to be blemished.”
    Without another word, Smythe turned and left the
    room. Avery resisted the impulse to curse beneath his
    breath. It would serve no purpose, none at all.
    The door opened again. “Russell, His Grace’s new
    bureau has arrived. Though I should like to direct
    the placement of it myself, a matter has arisen in the
    kitchens that must be dealt with. You shall have to do.”
    Smythe disappeared again and was quickly replaced by
    GeekGirlsDontDateDukes.indd 18
    4/11/13 11:26 AM
    Geek Girls Don’t Date Dukes
    19
    the grunts and groans of the men as they strained under
    the furniture’s weight.
    Frustration tightening his jaw, Avery left the boots and
    entered the bedchamber with quick strides. If the workmen
    left a smudge on any of His Grace’s things, Smythe
    would be sure to blame Avery. Damn and blast . Perhaps he should have remained in the boxing mills after all.
    “Mind the doorway, lads,” Avery said as he lifted the
    corner of the bureau that was drifting dangerously close
    to the polished floors. “Steady. Place it just here.”
    All four men blew heavy breaths of relief as their
    burden descended to the corner of the Aubusson carpet
    in the duke’s massive bedchamber. Avery straightened his
    simple black waistcoat as he stood.
    “Well done. Please, make your way down to the
    kitchens. I am sure that Cook can spare you a cup of tea.”
    With muttering thanks and doffing caps, the workmen
    departed, closing the chamber door behind them.
    Avery eyed the bureau. A fine Chippendale piece,
    it had previously belonged to the Earl of Dunnington.
    After apparently boarding a ship for the colonies,
    his lordship would have no further need for his fine
    furnishings. Avery ran a hand along the polished wood,
    yearning filling his chest. If he had the coin that had
    purchased this fine bureau, he could support her for a
    year or more. His hand fell away, then curled into a fist.
    Useless. He turned away with a sigh to resume his duties in the dressing chamber.
    Settling back on the stool with the scuffed Hessian,
    Avery tried to focus on the boot instead of his lot. Many
    others had lives much worse than he. He’d do well to
    mind his business and not waste time dreaming.
    GeekGirlsDontDateDukes.indd 19
    4/11/13 11:26 AM
    20
    Gina Lamm
    Geek Girls Don’t Date Dukes
    A solid thump from the bedchamber interrupted his
    musings. What the devil? Setting the Hessian aside, Avery turned, warning prickling through him. Was someone in
    the room? Had the duke come back early? Usually His
    Grace wasn’t due back from his club until well past the
    evening hours.
    “Your Grace?” Avery called, his deep voice echoing
    back to him in the dressing chamber. He stood and
    entered the adjoining bedroom. “May I be of