GypsyDukeEpub Read Online Free Page B

pester him. "That will be fine."
    As the door closed, John considered Kitty's request for a love note. Would it be proper for one so young? Could he write such a thing? He loved Kitty, but it was more the affection of knowing she was his family than any great passion.
    But that bewitching look she gave him. He couldn't get it out of his mind. He tried to think of something else, but there it was. Numerous girls had tried such tactics on him before to no avail, but with Kitty it was different. He felt a longing to write her a sonnet or some such nonsense, just to see that beguiling look of hers again. Thinking of it made him feel queer in the stomach.
    He shook his head. Women were perplexing. Even his own mother confused him at times. He hurried downstairs to seek her company. For now, she was the one voice of reason in the house.
    Warm, moist air and bright sunlight from the many floor-to-ceiling windows hit John when he opened the door. Several different fragrances, humid earth and something floral, maybe jasmine, wafted past his nose as he advanced into the room.
    His mother raised her head and smiled. Her yellow muslin day gown stood out in the midst of the green palms leaning over her wicker chaise. She always chose this warm, airy atmosphere, with its vibrant assortment of growing plants and flowers, to lift her spirits.
    He bent and kissed her cheek. "You look lovely in this room, Mother. It suits you."
    Her eyes widened at this uncharacteristic comment. He should compliment her more often.
    "Why, thank you, John. Is there something you needed?"
    A maid came in, bearing the tea tray, which she set beside the duchess. She looked at the tray in confusion. "I did not order tea, Frances, and I surely do not require such a substantial offering when I do."
    "Beggin' your pardon, your Grace. Cook said I was t' fetch it for the young master. He didn't take his breakfast."
    The duchess nodded, and the maid curtsied and left the conservatory. Teresa poured out. "You did not breakfast this morning, son? Are you not well? Does something trouble you?"
    He sat in the wicker chair closest to her and accepted a cup. "Only what concerns you." A brief picture of Kitty's pleading face reared in his mind. "Except…" No, he could not speak of romance with his mother. He took a sip of tea.
    She poured a cup for herself, but the glint in her eye did not bode well for his private thoughts. "How was your ride with Kitty this morning? Was she bright and cheerful?"
    Could she read his mind?
    "Kitty is ever cheerful. She asked after you and Father, of course. I admonished her not to visit without her parents."
    "Surely you did not speak of…"
    "Of course not. Kitty is but five and ten. I would never burden her innocent mind with Uncle's decadence."
    "John…"
    His eyes locked on hers. "You cannot deny it, Mother. I may not have always understood you and father's veiled comments about Uncle, but I can see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. He is a licentious drunk with an aberration for young ladies."
    "John!" His mother glanced at the door. "The servants might hear you."
    "I care not. I have more concern for our people than I have for that man. If he remains in this household, I will have the younger staff removed."
    "You cannot. What of their families? They depend on the income."
    "I will send them to work in the fields, and bring all the older folk into the manor. 'Tis better to live with a little inconvenience than risk a catastrophe. They may depend on our wages, but we depend on their goodwill. I cannot, in all good conscience, do anything else."
    His mother turned from him, but he saw her tears. He knelt before her. "Forgive me. I had no thought for your tender sensibilities."
    "I am not some green girl who will faint at the slightest hint of impropriety. My only regret is that the impropriety comes from under our own roof. I was just thinking...You and Kitty are growing up so fast."
    John sank in his seat and reached for a