Mesmerising the Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Lords Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

matters could be concluded and the crowd dispersed, there was a large gasp from a masqued lady who had venture into the room, despite how inappropriate that was. Douglas recognised her immediately. It was his unknown hellion.
    Stephen Danford, who had been standing by, watching all the events unfold as if stunned by a sleeping bee, looked up. At the sight of the woman, he paled.
    “I’m sorry Ettie, I don’t know what got into me,” he said pleadingly to the young woman. Hesitantly he stretched out his hand. The masqued woman recoiled. Her hand covered her mouth as her lips trembled. Sobbing she turned and ran out of the room.
    It was in that moment it dawned on Stephen what he had done. Not only had he lost his sister in a card game, but by outing her at this event, he had tarnished her reputation.
    “Fool,” Douglas barked before he rose and strode after Georgette Danford.

CHAPTER 5
     
    Georgette dashed as fast as she could through the great ballroom, certain every gaze was on her.
    What could have possibly possessed Stephen to gamble away her future! Gamble away her virtue! Truly in England a woman was naught but cattle to be disposed of at the whim of men. I am ruined. At the thought she sobbed harder.
    Before she knew it she found herself half way down the manor driveway. She stopped dead in her tracks and looked around. What in heaven’s name was she doing? The driveway was at least a 5 minute carriage ride, just to get to the entrance. As the sun had set, the tree-lined country road looked ominous. Why had she not had the common sense to get their carriage? Stephen could easily have procured a ride back or walked, for all she cared. 
    Just when she was about to give up and turn around, she saw a carriage approaching. It stopped just in front of her. When the carriage door opened she was oddly relieved to see it was the Duke of Staffordshire. That was, until she remembered that he had won her in a game of cards.
    “Get into the carriage Miss. Danford,” he ordered her impatiently. “You are making a spectacle of yourself.”
    Georgette looked about her trying to find an escape from her predicament. When no new ideas emerged she took a deep breath and grabbed hold of the Duke’s extended arm. Safely hidden away in the carriage she began to hope that the night would not turn out as scandalously as she had assumed. She looked at her saviour.
    Douglas Montgomery spared her not even a curtsey gaze. His eyes firmly on the dark landscape outside. During the entire carriage ride, neither spoke a word. This was not due to a lack of words on Georgette’s part, but due to the uninviting carriage of the gentleman in question. It was clear he wished for her to be silent. It seemed like a lifetime, but finally they arrived at their destination. Georgette could not keep silent for one more moment.
    “Might I enquire as to where we are?” she asked.
    “At my rented lodging for the summer, Netherfield Manor.”
    Georgette was lost for words. Netherfield Manor was a grand sprawling estate. The yearly upkeep cost a small fortune. Actually, it probably cost the entire fortune her brother had just squandered away.
    “I would request politely, that you ask the groomsman to drive me home, Your Grace,” she whispered.
    “There will be enough time for this tomorrow. Right now I am tired and inconvenienced by this entire matter,” Douglas answered, sounding none too pleased.
    “You will have to endure my hospitality until the morrow. Now please descend the carriage.”
    She thought about refusing, then she realised the futility of it. By tomorrow morning the Duke of Staffordshire would be recognised as her legal guardian. It would be within his powers to do what he wished with her, including putting her out on the street penniless. Silently she followed him into the manor.
    “Mrs Hendricks, please see to it that a chamber is prepared for Miss Danford,” he instructed the elderly housekeeper that had rushed to their