Say Yes to the Duke Read Online Free

host—the kind that she’d seen her brothers and father share with one another and their
     friends.
    When the duke introduced them—the older one was Lord Rowntree and the younger Lord
     Yarrow—he was all that was courteous, as were they.
    But there was still something different about Halsey. Beneath that layer of polite
     ducal behavior was something exotic in his demeanor. Janice wondered if he’d traveled
     far and well, perhaps experienced extraordinary things.
    Dark things.
    Her scalp prickled with a sinister awareness, but she quickly discounted it. Mr. Callahan’s
     influence, of course. And maybe there was still some caution of her own—well-earned
     caution after Finn.
    By now her ears were frozen. Her entire face was, and as for her toes … well, they
     were like ice. She should really discuss with His Grace the matter of her not having
     a proper chaperone, now that she knew his grandmother wasn’t well enough to serve
     as one. But she’d bring the matter up inside, before a fire.
    If they’d ever get there.
    “I understand you’re here to see my grandmother.” He spread his legs and crossed his
     arms as if he were prepared to stand there indefinitely.
    “Yes.” She gave a little involuntary shiver, but he made no move toward the house.
     “The dowager duchess wrote my parents and asked me to stay a month. But I understand
     she’s not herself.”
    “She is ill. Who told you?”
    A stab of alarm shot through her. “A groom, Your Grace.” Surely he wouldn’t be upset
     with Mr. Callahan and construe his telling her about the dowager as gossip. “He was
     only looking out for your best interests. When he found us on the property and asked
     us our business, I told him the dowager had invited me. He said that was unlikely
     as she was ill.”
    “She believes she’s the Queen.” His Grace spoke with a simple frankness that lent
     his words a measure of poignancy.
    “I’m so sorry.” She wrapped her arms around herself in hopes he’d take the hint. “Did
     you have any idea I was coming to see her? I would hate for my visit to have taken
     you by surprise.”
    His eyes gave nothing away. “Dukes don’t always know the particulars of the daily
     goings-on at their homes,” he said, “but I assure you, nothing is done at Halsey House
     unless it’s my express wish.”
    How that could possibly be Janice couldn’t fathom. It seemed quite the paradox. But
     polite answers often were ambiguous, and who was she to question a duke?
    “We’re glad to have you here, Lady Janice.” He must have seen the doubt on her face.
     “You’ll enjoy your stay—although I’m sure you’ll want to return to London as soon
     as the roads clear.”
    Return to London?
    “Oh,” was all she managed to say. Her kissing groom had told her the same thing.
    “You didn’t come here to be a nurse,” the duke went on, “but that’s exactly the sort
     of companion my grandmother needs.” He allowed his mouth to curve in a small smile.
     “You should be at parties in Town, my lady, enjoying yourself.”
    Oh, right. Enjoying herself in Town. Janice took her mind off the memory of Luke Callahan
     long enough to remember everything she was missing in London—
    Which wasn’t much. This was most awkward. His Grace had no idea how unpopular she
     was, obviously. And he was basically telling her to leave. But in such a charming
     way.
    She felt momentarily overwhelmed. “I-I’m so sorry about this, Your Grace. Yes, of
     course, as soon as the snow clears I should head back to Grosvenor Square.” She bit
     her lip. What a disappointment this trip was turning out to be. Mama and Daddy would
     be devastated. “I’m afraid, meanwhile, that I have a further complication. I can tell
     you about it inside.”
    “Oh?” He took another deep, cleansing breath. “Why put it off? We’ll discuss it now.”
    He would want to, wouldn’t he?
    “Very well.” An eddy of cold air swept up her skirt. “I didn’t