The Clarendon Rose Read Online Free Page B

trinket, thereby winning the services of one of the most sought-after demi-reps in Italy.   He had, while intoxicated, scaled a cliff face on a dare.   Tales of his exploits on the Continent and beyond had found their way to the gentlemen’s clubs in London because of their very outrageousness.    
    She straightened her shoulders and glared back, her temper rising.   She had been fretting over the future of the estates, once the new duke took over, since not long after Uncle Charles first took ill.   And now, in the face of her concerns, this man was behaving like an offended virgin who had been mistaken for a Cyprian.
    Really, it was simply too much to be borne.
    She spoke, enunciating each world with crisp clarity, beyond the point of caring if she antagonized him, “You are well known for being reckless.   Irresponsible.   A degenerate and rakehell.”  
    He raised an eyebrow.   “That being the case, I’m amazed you’ve agreed to help me.   No fears for your immortal soul?”
    She held his gaze as her anger surged at his mockery.   “You may be assured I’ll have my crucifix handy at all times.”
    “You disappoint me, Miss Merriweather.   Surely the purity of your innocence should be protection enough?”
    She gave a derisive laugh.   “I learned long ago that innocence is no protection at all, outside of fairy stories.   I’d take my wits—and perhaps a good, large stick—over that any day.”
    “I am duly warned.”   He took a sip of wine and sat back.   “So I’m to be the ravening beast in this scenario, then?”  
    She regarded him speculatively, then shook her head.   “No, not that.   Something far more dangerous and insidious, I think.”
    “And what would that be?”
    She compressed her lips into a smile.   “The newly-repentant sinner.”
    His jaw tightened, but he inclined his head.   “But surely the repentance robs former sinners of their danger?”
    “Quite the contrary.   Sackcloth and ashes are not the most comfortable of garments, after all.”
    There was a brief silence, and then the duke sighed.   “I’m not sure whether to be amused or insulted, Miss Merriweather.   Certainly, your lack of faith, though hardly flattering, is entirely justified.”   He leaned forward.   “So tell me, is this how I am regarded by the staff here?   And the tenants?”
    “I honestly couldn’t say, Your Grace.   I’ve never discussed their view of your reputation with them.”
    “Of course, of course,” he nodded, closing his eyes briefly.   “But it would be safe to speculate that if I am regarded in such a light by the ton , then at least a few of the stories would have also spread to the staff, and from there, to the tenants.”
    “Yes.   I think it would be a reasonable inference, Your Grace,” Tina agreed, once more unsure what to make of the man.
    He sighed.   “So, I shall have to establish my credibility with them, as, I now see, I will also have to do with you.”
    “With me?   Sir, you are the duke.   You have no need to establish anything with me .”   Tina could not keep the archness from her tone.
    A weary smile.   “Yes, I am firmly beyond the pale insofar as you’re concerned, aren’t I?   Well, I do appreciate your agreeing to help me, despite my dastardly reputation.   The Clarendon holdings are blessed indeed, to have won such a loyal and capable supporter.   Of course, crucifixes notwithstanding, as my brother’s betrothed, you will be in no danger of corruption from me, regardless of how black my name might be.”
    “You are undoubtedly correct.”
    “You sound dubious, Miss Merriweather.”
    “It’s just that I’ve seen enough of men to know—“ she cut herself off suddenly, wondering what could possibly have possessed her to set foot along that particular path.   She had no interest in airing her childhood memories over the dinner table.   Though she had seen more of the world than most women of Quality ever did, it