Intimate Betrayal Read Online Free Page A

straightened her back, squared her shoulders, and turned to face the duke.
    “Perkins will show you to your rooms and offer any assistance you need.” Alyssa stumbled slightly over the word your but retained her composure. “If you will please excuse me, I must speak with the cook. I shall see you at dinner.” She offered him a deep curtsy and quit the room.
    Perkins appeared immediately, leaving Morgan to wonder if he was eavesdropping. One look at the butler’s distressed expression confirmed that he had been.
    Lead on, Perkins,” Morgan drawled. “And be sure to bring a full decanter of brandy along.” Morgan had a feeling he was going to need it before the night was over.
     
    Alyssa headed directly for the kitchen to speak with Mrs. Stratton. Dinner arrangements had to be made, but more important, the staff had to be told the devastating news.
    When she arrived, the small staff was beginning the evening meal. Hawkins, the groundskeeper, was slicing a large loaf of bread while the maids, Lucy and Molly, filled the glasses and brought the rest of the meal to the table. Young Ned, who took care of the horses, was flirting outrageously with the maids, causing them to simper and giggle. Mavis, the old nanny who raised Alyssa and her mother before her, was scolding Ned to stop pestering the girls, which only increased his efforts to gain their attention. Mrs. Stratton was serving soup from a large tureen as she supervised the group, calling her commands loudly over the cheerful chatter.
    Alyssa paused, drinking in all the sights, sounds, and smells that were so familiar. These people represented the only family she had ever known, and now they would be separated. Her eyes filled suddenly with tears, and her body was held motionless by the enormity of what her father had done. Her heart was beating with such force she felt it rising into her throat, and she was overcome with a feeling of total helplessness.
    I will be strong, Alyssa admonished herself. Swallowing her tears, she cleared her throat loudly to gain everyone’s attention. Weighing her words carefully she spoke.
    “The Duke of Gillingham has informed me that he is now the owner of Westgate Manor.” Mrs. Stratton gasped and nearly dropped the hot soup in Ned’s lap. Molly began to whimper. The others remained silent.
    “I know this is a terrible blow for us all, but the duke seems a fair man, and I shall do everything in my power to secure your positions at the manor before I take my leave. Can you serve dinner in an hour, Mrs. Stratton?”
    Mrs. Stratton, speechless with emotion, nodded her head.
    “I shall tell Perkins to set the table in the main dining room. Ned can help him serve.”
    Alyssa anxiously searched the servants’ grave faces. So many thoughts and emotions rushed through her mind, but she could barely formulate a coherent sentence. “I shall miss you so very much,” she finally uttered in a soft whisper.
    With that said, Alyssa quickly withdrew, leaving the stunned group to stare at each other in shocked silence.
     
    Alyssa was waiting in the dining room when the duke arrived. Upon his arrival they were seated and dinner began. Morgan felt strange sitting at the head of the table, but he made no comment. Alyssa sat on his right, and he was curious but not displeased by the intimate arrangement.
    He noticed she was wearing a different gown, and although the soft gray color was a slight improvement over the hideous brown, it fit just as poorly. He caught himself wondering what her figure was like beneath the loose garment, and was amazed at the direction of his thoughts.
    His relationships with women since the death of his wife had been limited to brief, mutually satisfactory liaisons that seldom lasted more than a few months. Morgan was a handsome, titled, wealthy man with a reputation for being a generous lover, and he attracted more than his share of female admiration.
    Some women were intimidated by his haughty demeanor, but most