The Courtesan Duchess Read Online Free

heir.”
    “Well, what will happen if you deliver a girl?”
    “Then I shall love her fiercely—from debtor’s prison.”

Chapter Two

    To catch his eye, be both temptress and maiden. An innocent harlot is what most men desire at the end of the day.
     
    —Miss Pearl Kelly to the Duchess of Colton

    The Duke of Colton walked briskly toward Piazza San Marco, sidestepping the large puddles left over from the flooding earlier in the week. At this time of year, Venice experienced acqua alta, meaning the lower parts of the city were frequently submerged due to the heavy rains. Water, both in and around the city, was a natural state of affairs here.
    Nick continued along the right side of the Piazza and entered Florian’s. He spotted Winchester straightaway, sitting at a table near the back of the crowded coffeehouse.
    Winchester stood and clapped Nick on the shoulder. “Damned glad to get your note. It’s been too long.”
    “Indeed, my friend.” The men sat, and Nick poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table. “I must confess, you took me by surprise last night.”
    “Did I? It does seem remarkable I’ve been in Venice for two weeks and not crossed paths with you before now. But then, I have been rather busy.”
    “Ah, your Mrs. Leighton, you mean? She’s lovely.” Nick knew lovely did not do the woman justice. Stunning and enchanting were far more apt descriptions.
    “Merely temporary. No one holds on to her for long. You would not imagine what I had to promise in order to get her to come on this trip. Even still, I fear I shall be replaced the minute we dock in London—if not before.”
    “A shrewd business-woman, is she?”
    Winchester nodded. “Shrewd and ruthless. Hardly needs the scratch anymore. A woman of her own means and can pick and choose her lovers for different reasons.”
    “And what were her reasons for selecting you?”
    “You mean besides my reputation in bed?” Nick snorted and Winchester laughed. “I promised her Venice for as long as she wanted to stay. That, and a cache of jewelry large enough to make a princess blush.”
    Nick hoped Juliet would stay long enough for the two of them to become better acquainted. He’d felt the attraction last night and was sure she’d felt it, too, after the way she’d flirted with him. But it wouldn’t do to offend one of his oldest friends in the process. “And if she finds someone else while in Venice?”
    Winchester shrugged, took a sip of coffee. “I cannot say it would surprise me.” He shot Nick a knowing glance. “Why, I do believe you are planning to outmaneuver me. Colton, how shabby of you.”
    Despite Winchester’s teasing tone, Nick wanted to reassure his friend. “Only with your approval. You’re one of only a handful of men who have stood by me all these years. Mrs. Leighton is intriguing, but not worth the ruination of a twenty-year friendship.”
    Winchester appeared uncomfortable for a moment, which puzzled Nick. Perhaps all these years abroad had made him more sentimental than was proper back in crusty old England.
    He started to apologize, but Winchester held up a hand. “I don’t mind if you set your sights on her, Colt. It wouldn’t be the first woman I’ve lost to you. But her reasons for choosing a companion are her own. I could no more hold on to her than the wind.”
    “How poetic,” Nick mocked. “You are becoming quite eloquent in your old age.”
    “Since you are a few months older than I, you should refrain from comments about age. Nevertheless, if you plan on wooing my Juliet, I daresay I should begin searching for a replacement. How are the women in Venice?”
    “Plentiful,” Nick answered with a grin. “Talented. Beautiful.” His mind traveled back to Francesca who, up until a few months ago, had been his mistress for nearly a year. With olive skin, black hair, and long legs, she’d had a fiery temper to match his own. Bedding her had been a fierce battle for control. “Spirited.