An Indecent Proposition Read Online Free

Rothay sat—unread at this time—in her possession? Or worse, what would she think if she realized that Caroline, of all people, had approached the infamous duke and his equally renowned friend?
    It was an easy question to answer. Melinda wouldn’t believe it. No one would.
    She wasn’t sure she believed it herself.
    “I am delighted you enjoyed yourself, my dear, but you know I am always at your disposal.” Franklin settled back in his chair as if he intended to stay a while, crossing his elegantly clad legs at the ankle.
    The slight suggestive tone to his voice made her stifle a shiver. Disposal. Hardly a sexual word, but something in the way he enunciated it gave it a lewd insinuation. It was hard not to wonder if he wasn’t like Edward in more ways than just his physical appearance. Not that he would ever bother to court her—she had no illusions in that quarter. He wanted control of the inheritance he thought should be rightfully his, and she stood between him and his goal, hence his solicitous interest.
    Caroline nodded, but it was a dubious inclination of her head to cover her revulsion. In her bitter experience, the Wynn family had a tenacious edge that was hard to disregard, so a direct confrontation was not a good idea. “I thank you for the offer.”
    “I still look forward to a sojourn in the country so we can discuss matters like this at our leisure. My mother will chaperone, naturally.”
    Though Franklin had told her she could use the house if she wished, she’d declined to accept anything from him, even hospitality.
    “Perhaps someday.” She was acutely aware of the missive sitting next to her on the fabric of her chair, her hand settled over it in a casual manner to cover it as much as possible.
    What does it say?
    How difficult it was to sit there, composed, with the complete cool serenity that made her seem so unapproachable to most importunate gentlemen.
    The outward image was fine.
    The inner truth a bit harder to face.
    Franklin persisted, “As for London, I can modestly say that I can advise you on what invitations to accept or decline. After all, I have more experience.”
    Was the room too warm or was it just her? Caroline fought the urge to fan herself and smiled instead. “I so admire your ability to move through society with such utter ease, my lord.”
    “Another advantageous marriage would help you along as well.” He lifted a heavy brow, the arrogance of his implication like the jab of a needle.
    He wanted her money. She had a disgusted feeling he coveted her body as well, but on the pain of death, she’d never, ever agree to that idea.
    He didn’t need to know the reticence she felt in public, and in private actually, was something she was trying to overcome. With the help of one very handsome duke and one equally attractive young earl.
    Maybe.
    It felt like an eternity before he glanced at the ormolu clock on the mantel and got to his feet. “My apologies, but I have an appointment. I’ll call for you next week. If the weather is pleasant, perhaps we can plan a small outing.”
    She’d rather be run over by a herd of stampeding elephants, but she somehow managed a banal smile. “Perhaps.”
    Caroline waited until she heard the rattle of the departing carriage before she carefully lifted the envelope that had been delivered.
    Even the duke’s handwriting was arrogant, she thought, staring at the missive for a moment before taking a deep breath and opening it. She removed the single sheet of paper inside with fingers that shook in a betraying manner as she held it and read the answer to her imprudent proposal.
     
    He was probably going to lose the infamous wager, but the best way to conceal a broken heart was with foolish male bravado, or at least that’s how he was dealing with it.
    The carriage rumbled along Upper Brook Street and Derek Drake stared out the window, not seeing the view, but instead absorbed in his thoughts.
    They weren’t the most pleasant,