Desperate and Daring by Ella J. Quince

Author:Ella J. Quince
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: EJQBooks
Published: 2014-08-06T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Fallon could sum up their return to London in one word. Frigid. Heather hadn’t said a single word to him, Lady Everly had given up attempts at conversation minutes into the journey, and Heather’s sisters had sat in awkward silence sharing wide-eyed glances in some sort of nonverbal sisterly communication. They arrived at the townhouse and after tense introductions to the butler, Cantour, and a handful of other staff, they were shown to the drawing room where they would be served a late lunch.

Lady Everly and Fallon discussed their arrangements deciding that Fallon could not remain in the house. That suited Fallon just fine. He sent Faegan to reserve him rooms at the Fairmont Hotel, the newest luxury hotel in London. Word would spread quickly that there was a new Duke of Ablehill, especially with the added crumb of his engagement. In Lady Everly’s opinion, the only way to minimize the scandal was to control it from the beginning.

“It would be best to go for a drive in the park, and perhaps you and Heather could stroll along the serpentine while the girls and I wait in the carriage and talk with the other matrons along the line.

“Oh, joy,” Violet mumbled.

“You are welcome to join us, Vi,” Heather said quietly.

“No, she isn’t. You two must be seen as a couple,” her mother quickly injected.

Violet slumped. Heather resisted the urge to do the same. She copiously avoided looking at Fallon or meeting his gaze. He hadn’t tried to speak with her, which was a godsend.

“We will need to visit a modesty as soon as possible to repair our wardrobe, you as well.” She gestured to Fallon. He looked down at his clothing.

“Yes,” Lady Everly continued, “it is perfectly serviceable clothing, but you should dress befitting your station. We cannot have anyone doubting that you are the new duke.”

“I will send Faegan out again as soon as he returns to book appointments for you,” he gestured to all of them, “and myself this very afternoon. My title should be good for something.”

Heather bit her lip. She wanted to say something cutting, but refrained. Cantour arrived and announced that their rooms were ready. The ladies departed, and Fallon was directed to the Study.

He entered slowly as Cantour asked if there was anything else he needed. Fallon sent him away and looked around the Study with a feeling of repulsion. He had never set foot in this house before now, but somehow, everything reminded him of his father. Even standing on the carpet felt as intimate as touching the man himself and Fallon wanted no part of it. He walked further into the room, a large and masculine place, all browns and greens and burgundies. The chairs were large and thickly cushioned leather. The backs were tall. The fireplace was also giant, large enough for a small adult to walk into. The windows were shrouded in curtains leaving the space dark and moody. Fallon strolled to the window and pulled them back. Not a speck of dust or time touched anything.

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