The Duchess Diaries: The Bridal Pleasures Series Read Online Free Page A

that Charlotte had been admiring the duke for a year now.
    “I suppose as long as the duke behaves himself at the party,” Jane said, “there is nothing to fear. Charlotte won’t let him near the girls, and after your husband’s niece was abducted last year, Grayson has retained Sir Daniel’s services to patrol our residences during times when a malefactor might hope to take advan—”
    Jane stopped, taking a long breath. Harriet knew from experience that she could have gone on for minutes at such an energetic pace, but not when her audience wasn’t listening to a thing she’d said. Indeed, Harriet found it impossible to stop staring at Charlotte and the duke. Then at the duke and Charlotte. Devon seemed to be forgotten in the middle.
    Jane turned to her unexpectedly. “I think the duke should be watched, if not investigated.”
    “But you just said that you felt sorry for him.”
    “Yes, Harriet, but what you
didn’t
say told me that Iought to feel more concerned about Charlotte than sorry for the duke. Her virtue is still a valuable commodity. A graduate accepting a marriage proposal tonight is one thing. A good thing. A baby born in nine months due to an indiscretion in an alcove is another. I won’t have it. This duke must be watched. And so must Charlotte. She is so intent on guarding her girls that she seems to have forgotten that she is vulnerable herself.”
    “I doubt she is in any danger of being seduced while we stand here watching her every move,” Harriet said. “And I don’t think that as a result of carrying on a conversation with the duke that she will have his child by the end of the year.”
    Jane started to respond but paused as a tall, liveried manservant arrived from the other side of the balcony. “Weed! You must have read my mind. I was just remembering our conversation the other day about Wynfield.”
    Weed bowed, darting a wry glance toward Harriet. He would never let her forget that he’d once caught her robbing Jane’s room, a crime that had ultimately led to Harriet’s salvation. She had been transformed from a young monster into a civilized noblewoman.
    Weed, however, remained the pompous frog that he had always been. He was not only a footman, but also Jane’s confidant, fashion adviser, and partner in her matchmaking ventures.
    “How can I be of service, madam?” he asked in the pinched voice that made it sound as if he were talking through his nostrils.
    “I am going downstairs to mingle. Kindly remind Mrs. O’Brien to keep a closer eye on Rowan tonight. My son has still not outgrown his habit of waylaying our guests with his sword.”
    “Yes, madam.”
    “Oh, and, Weed, there is one more thing concerning our earlier conversation. Have you heard any other rumors about Wynfield?”
    “He has an appointment later tonight on Bruton Street with the courtesan he appears to have chosen as his next mistress. Her name is Gabrielle Something-or-Other, and she is known to be beautiful and completely immoral. She has ruined several marriages without the least remorse.”
    “Thank you, Weed.” She turned to Harriet as he left. “Confirmed—he is a duke. He is widowed and wealthy.”
    “He’s a wicked devil,” Harriet interjected.
    Jane’s green eyes glinted. “And he seems devoted to leading the sinful and shallow life of an utter scoundrel.”
    “And?”
    “We will have to keep him in our sights. Agreed?”
    “Yes, but if you let Charlotte know anything about this discussion, I will deny everything.”

Chapter 3
    D evon walked Gideon around the ballroom, inundating him with so many last-minute instructions that he wasn’t surprised Charlotte lacked admirers. Who would be brave enough to break the Boscastle guard to approach her? Who could remember the endless rules?
    “One more word,” he muttered. “One more warning, and I am going to do you a violent injury.”
    “You are trustworthy, Wynfield, aren’t you?”
    “I’m a man.”
    “What does that