The Wild Duchess/The Willful Duchess (The Duchess Club Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

and…what harm? At the very least, I’ll have danced with a duke. What do I say to that?
    “I say, yes.” She reached out to take his hand, sealing the bargain. “I shall take you at your word, Your Grace.”
    His hand enfolded hers, firm and warm, and Scarlett’s throat tightened at the solemn gesture. My soul is the collateral and it is a bargain then…for I’ve shaken his hand.
    “Miss Blackwell?”
    “Yes?”
    “May I have the next dance?”
    “Oh! You—mean to start tonight? Truly? Here ?”
    “I find, Miss Blackwell, that there is no time like the present to make good on a promise. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    Scarlett’s hold on his fingers tightened with fear. “I should be thrilled but I confess I really have made a mess of it already out there. If there is rotten fruit on hand, Lady Beales is bound to start throwing it if she catches sight of me. Perhaps…in friendlier waters next time?”
    “Nonsense. Where is your fighting spirit? The waters will never be friendlier.”
    “My fighting spirit might have taken a mortal blow when Mr. Murphy put his head in the punch bowl.”
    “Miss Blackwell.” He gave her a stern look that had probably left more than one footman in want of an escape though the effect was spoiled when he started to laugh. “You just gave me your word. Are you abandoning the plan so quickly?”
    “No.” Scarlett took a deep breath. “I shook your hand, didn’t I? And now that I’ve given you fair warning of what awaits us out there, I can accept with a clear conscience and then do my best to shield you from the biggest missiles. Lay on, MacDuff.”
    “It has been years since I’ve ventured out for a dance. Lay on, indeed.” He lifted his arm to tuck her hand into the crook of his elbow and walked her out of the conservatory into the hallway and back into the party.
    Scarlett took the liberty of discreetly studying her rescuer in brighter rooms and marveled that her duke was not as ancient as the shadows had made him seem though apparently he was her father’s age or a touch older. That was much older than any man she would consider as a potential suitor and she was mortified to imagine that the Duke of Chesterton probably knew as much. But he had kindly offered her a part in his scheme all the same. He was handsome enough with the silver touches at his temples and so stately with his striking features that Scarlett knew it was not necessarily a great leap of the imagination to see how the duke would appeal to any woman—young or old.
    “What are you thinking in that lovely head, Miss Blackwell?”
    “I’m thinking that meeting a mysterious man in the greenery wasn’t…at all what one imagines and that the next time my mother lectures me about being braced for life’s surprises, I shall nod obediently and pay closer attention.”
    The duke laughed. “You are wiser for it already!”
    Whispers fanned out as Chesterton escorted her into the ballroom and when the band began to play, he led her out with a calm authority that needed no flourish or announcement. Scarlett held her head up proudly, wary of meeting too many eyes. The sound of Lady Beales gasping in shock was enough to make her knees feel strange but at that instant, the Duke of Chesterton leaned over to speak to her softly before they took their positions on the dance floor.
    “No rotten fruit, I see.”
    “Not yet, Your Grace. Mind you keep an eye out.”
    He laughed again and then the dance began. It was a simple waltz but for Scarlett, it was so much more. He was not the world’s most accomplished dancer but he was not unskilled either, and he was by far, the most considerate partner she had ever had. He guided her with utter care, using gentle strength to ensure that as they moved through the figures, she had no fears of a collision or squashed toes. He made her feel safe and very delicate in his arms, which was now that she thought of it, exactly what she wanted most.
    It was like a dream as they