Ducal Encounters 01 - At the Duke's Discretion Read Online Free Page A

he had sprung the suggestion on Lord Amos, she was sure of that. Her wily old relation was up to something.
    “Would you like me to draw up some suggestions for your consideration?”
    “Hmm, the duke will need to be involved in the decision.” Lord Amos rubbed his chin. “How quickly can you have something to show us? We do not have the luxury of time on our side, for which I must take the blame. I ought to have spoken to you about this matter long before now.”
    “A week should suffice, my lord.”
    “A week? But that will only leave you with a week to make the pieces, once we agree upon them. Will that be sufficient time?”
    “The planning often takes longer than the execution. Besides, for you, my lord, anything is possible.”
    But only if we forget all our other commissions, Crista thought. Obviously, they would do so, but still, if anything went wrong with the pieces for the duchess there would be no time to correct the mistakes.
    “Very well then, a week it is. I believe her grace intends to visit Winchester on Tuesday of next week. That expedition will keep her occupied for the entire day. Would it be convenient for you and your assistant to call at the Park during the morning?”
    Crista clapped a hand over her mouth to prevent a nervous laugh from escaping. Reece, Uncle Charles’s supposed assistant, didn’t have the first idea about jewellery design and construction. Intimidation and thuggery was more his forte.
    “We would be honoured, my lord.”
    “Very well then, Chesney,” Lord Amos replied with great good nature. “We shall look forward to seeing you then. Reece,” he added with far less warmth, nodding abruptly to that individual as he headed for the door.
    “Good day to you, my lord,” Uncle Charles replied, opening the door for him and standing back to allow his visitor to don his hat and leave the establishment.
    When Lord Amos was safely out of the way, Crista pushed through the door from the workroom.
    “A suite of jewellery, Uncle,” she said mildly.
    “What the devil do you think you’re playing at, Chesney?” Reece asked at the same time. “You said nothing to me about a special commission.”
    “I did not know his lordship would make the request,” Uncle Charles replied, turning sideways to wink at Crista. “Remaining in favour with the duke is vital to the success of my business. I could not pass up such an opportunity.”
    “You do not have time for special commissions,” Reece said, scowling. “The work you undertake for my masters must take priority.”
    “Not at the expense of my relationship with Winchester Park,” Uncle Charles replied with determination. “If I lose that connection I will go out of business, and since I refuse to become part of your infamous deception by accepting payment for what you force us to do, I must earn a living somehow.”
    “That connection to Winchester Park is assured. You already enjoy the duke’s patronage.”
    “At the duke’s discretion. It could be withdrawn at any time.”
    And would be, Crista thought, if any of the Sheridan family even suspected what she and her uncle had been compelled by Reece and his masters to do for them. She shuddered. Not only would the Chesney name be thoroughly disgraced, but Compton village would ensure that everyone who was anyone within the district heard all the particulars of their spectacular fall from grace.
    That simply could not be permitted to happen.
    “Don’t think to play me for a fool,” Reece said, grabbing her uncle’s lapels and pulling him hard against his own body. Uncle Charles, who did not enjoy the best of health, gasped for breath. Crista was infuriated.
    “Let him be, you despicable brute!” she cried, looking around frantically for a weapon.
    Reece emitted a rough snarl and pushed Uncle Charles forcibly away from him again. He stumbled, his glasses slipped down his nose, and only Crista’s quick thinking in grasping his flailing arm prevented her uncle from