The Haunting of a Duke Read Online Free

you know? There are other women present, whom it would be quite a chore to stare at, but she is lovely, understated—a diamond in the rough. She has several very alluring qualities. I can think of two immediately."
    Rhys knew he was being baited, but he rose to the occasion regardless. “Enough! Discounting what I might suspect of her, she is still a guest here. She is an innocent young woman, as you yourself stated. You are many things, Ellersleigh, but crass has never been one of them."
    Michael chuckled. So that was the way of it , he thought. He hadn't seen Rhys so torn up over a female in, well, ever he thought. Smiling, he said, “Very well. I promise not to speak of her with anything but the utmost respect. But even you have to admit that she is quite lovely; try as she might to disguise it."
    At Rhys’ reluctant nod, Michael grinned at him before continuing, “She's a bit on the shy side, and obviously feels out of place. Since she arrived everyone has been after her to do parlor tricks like she's some sort of trained monkey. Personally, I think she'd rather be holed up in the library with a copy of the Bard. That is how I found her this afternoon during that blasted game of charades we were all hiding from."
    Michael missed his next shot. Rhys eyed him dubiously. Michael never missed a shot. He'd done so purposely to provide a chance for Rhys to actually play in the game, or perhaps it was a simple diversionary tactic, considering the information he'd just lobbed at him like a bloody cannon ball. Ignoring his friend's attempt to discreetly forfeit the game, he selected a cue and made a quick study of the table.
    "You found her in the library and didn't think to mention it?"
    Michael's response was a Gallic shrug, a gesture that had served him well during their years in France. “I didn't know you were so bloody curious."
    Rhys lined up his shot with care and watched it sink into the pocket. “She's an enigma. I want to know what her intentions are. Find out what you can."
    Michael rolled his eyes heavenward and took a healthy swallow of his brandy. “By any means necessary?"
    Rhys’ shot went wide, which prompted Michael to raise his eyebrows. “I think you're curious about more than her motives, my friend."
    Rhys didn't deny it as he watched Michael clear the table.
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Chapter Two
    The following morning, Emme was seated at her dressing table trying desperately to untangle the rat's nest that was her hair when Gussy entered, bearing a tray. Emme had awoken earlier from fitful dreams where the mysterious duke had kissed her. The dreams had been a bit vague, but having never been kissed, so was Emme's knowledge.
    Gussy took in her already dressed mistress and clucked her tongue. “It appears the duke ordered one of the maids to bring you chocolate this morning. It's unlike a man to be so considerate, ‘less he's something to gain from it,” Gussy said knowingly. Gussy's heavy Scottish accent had taken some adjusting to.
    "Yes, Gussy, in answer to your unasked question, I did have an episode last night. His Grace helped me find my way back to my room,” Emme said, keeping her tone light and breezy.
    Not much escaped Gussy, but she could only hope that the maid would be distracted.
    Gussy shook her head, her lips firmed into a hard line. “I should never have taken that draught! Did ye at least have on your wrapper?” Her mistress’ blush was answer enough. “Ye out wandering around, practically naked! Was he a gentleman, then?"
    It was a difficult question to answer. In the strictest sense, he had been. But there had been something in his eyes when he had looked at her. The memory of it, and of her own shameful response, deepened the blush that stained her cheeks.
    Trying to reassure her maid, she said, “He was a gentleman, Gussy. He didn't so much as attempt to steal a kiss."
    Gussy nodded, her relief apparent. “It's a dangerous thing when they lead ye about in the dark