Good Dukes Wear Black Read Online Free

deep pockets indeed and might dip into them to help some of those unfortunates who live in those parts of London the genteel usually avoid.”
    Mr. Carrington’s handsome face twisted with genuine unhappiness. “I do understand what you both are saying,” he said, running a hand through his light brown hair. “But I have to think about the bank balance. And unfortunately, our advertisers do not like change. Perhaps sometime later we can revisit the issue, but for now, I’m afraid the answer is still no. Besides, I believe in that asylum story you’ve been begging me to publish, Mrs. Grayson, you are very clear about the ties between one asylum in particular and the Lords of Anarchy.”
    Maggie’s gaze sharpened.
    This was the first Ophelia had heard about the link between the Lords of Anarchy and an asylum. Had Maggie refrained from mentioning it because of Ophelia’s connection with Trent? Why would she when her own husband was a member?
    Her thoughts were interrupted, however, by her friend’s reply to their editor. “I do understand that you would refrain from drawing the wrath of a group like the Lords of Anarchy, Mr. Carrington. I believe they have any number of powerful men counted among their number. But sometimes it is necessary to cross powerful people in order to get the truth out in the open.”
    â€œIt’s not so much fear, Mrs. Grayson,” Carrington replied, “though I am quite abashed that you would think me such a coward—as knowing where our audience lies. We appeal to ladies who are looking for a bit of escape from the realities you both speak about in these stories I’ve rejected. They do not wish to hear about filthy urchins without enough food in their bellies. Nor do they look to the Ladies’ Gazette for descriptions of what it’s like to be held against one’s will in a madhouse. They come to us for gentle commentary from trusted friends—you two—that they can rely upon to help them with their needlework, or to divert them with a bit of gossip. I am sorry, but the answer is still, it must be, no.”
    His refusal hung in the air for a moment before Ophelia felt compelled to speak up.
    â€œThank you for reading the piece anyway, Mr. Carrington,” she said, reaching out to take the sheets she’d carefully copied from her draft the evening before.
    â€œNow, I wish you will both drop this formal business and call me Edwin,” he said with a smile that was a bit sunnier. “We’re like a family here. At least I feel as if we are. Perhaps you both feel differently.”
    It was something he’d brought up before, but despite her admiration for her editor, Ophelia wasn’t quite ready to drop the level of formality between them. Edwin Carrington was a handsome single man. And he was her employer. She needed that last bit of distance between them, if only for her own sake.
    Maggie, on the other hand, felt no such compunction. “Very well, Edwin,” she said with a bright smile. “Now I believe we will leave you to your work. Ophelia and I promised ourselves we’d go hat shopping after we turned in our stories. And I’ve got my eye on a very pretty bonnet in the shop down the street.”
    â€œGood morning, then, ladies,” he said as they turned to leave.
    â€œGood morning, Mr. Carrington,” Ophelia said over her shoulder.
    She heard his sigh as she and Maggie shut his office door behind them.
    Once they were on the street, she spoke up. “Do you think it’s a good idea to become so familiar with Mr. Carrington, Maggie? Especially after your husband’s accusations?”
    But Maggie threaded her arm through Ophelia’s and made a noise that sounded remarkably like a snort.
    â€œYou let me worry about my husband, my dear,” she said firmly. “I hardly think allowing Edwin to call me Maggie will lead to any sort of romantic liaison. We are