The Orphan and the Duke Read Online Free Page A

get involved in any of my own projects so I will be set to move as soon as you are?”
    “Exactly. Now you know what this season is going to be about. I know you won’t be at most of the events I will be invited to attend, but otherwise, you will be available when I need a chaperone. If you fail me in this, I will make sure my father punishes you in some way.”
    Before Amelia could react, Susan was on her feet and out of the room.
    Amelia swallowed the last of her breakfast. It was a bite that went down as if she were eating crumpled up parchment. After she followed the morsel with a gulp of tea, she stood on shaky legs and returned to the kitchen to see if her uncle had finished with the day’s papers. More determined than before, she knew she had to escape. It was vital.
    Sadly, the papers weren’t in the kitchen when Amelia arrived, so she had to retreat to the parlor without them.
    Almost as soon as she took a seat and picked up her embroidery, Susan came in with Amelia’s hat in hand. She held it out to her. “Put this on. Time to go.”
    “Let me get my reticule and gloves.”
    “You should already have them. I told you to be ready.”
    Chastised and with nothing to do but obey, Amelia dashed up the stairs to her room to retrieve her items.
    The carriage ride passed nicely enough since the sun was out. They’d taken the open top conveyance, and Susan made sure she had a smile on her face at all times. Only Amelia knew the expression was false as her cousin commented on everyone they passed on the way to the park. Most of her words weren’t kind, but Amelia was happy she didn’t need to respond.
    Finally arriving at their destination, they were handed down by the carriage driver. Susan immediately hooked her arm into the crook of Amelia’s elbow. “We should take a walk down near the water to see how the ducks are getting along.”
    Amelia had no choice. She had to do as directed or risk Susan’s wrath.
    As they reached the banks of the river, Amelia spied Jane and her husband walking with a few other people. Hope rose in her heart that Susan would want to spend a little time with her sister, thereby freeing her to enjoy the sunshine herself. A little peace was hard to come by, and she sure needed it.
    “Come along. There’s Jane.” Susan pulled Amelia along the path.
    Once the sisters had greeted each other, Amelia was able to slip aside and amuse herself by following behind the group. She hung back as they all chatted gaily.
    It was clear that no one really wanted her there, but since she didn’t relish being with them either, she took advantage of the rare time alone.
    Amelia watched the birds flying overhead as well as a few pecking around for grubs. The warm air on her shoulders gave her permission to let her shawl fall down to her elbows. It was a lovely morning. She wished it could go on forever. Knowing it would be short lived made the day even more enjoyable.
    Amelia knew her current outing would be one she would revisit over and over in her mind when she was being berated by her family. She had a handful of such memories. I shall remember today forever .
    “Well, if ever. Look here, Jonquil, if it’s not Miss Amelia Mandeville.”
    Turning around at the mention of her name, Amelia was startled to see the two girls from the mantua maker’s shop strolling arm in arm ahead of the Duke of Darnley.
    They came to a stop as they arrived at her side.
    “How are you this fine day, Miss Mandeville?” The duke bowed and tipped his hat.
    “I’m doing well, Your Grace. Thank you for asking.”
    “Are those your friends?” Saffron asked as she indicated the group walking ahead.
    “Not really. Two of them are my cousins.”
    “And cousins aren’t friends?” Jonquil asked.
    “Not really. Not in my family.” Amelia wanted to bite her tongue as soon as the words slipped out. Why would I share such an intimate detail with these strangers?
    “I’m very sorry to hear that. It seems very sad. We