Falling for His Duchess by Donna Cummings

Author:Donna Cummings [Cummings, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2016-04-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

"My apologies for pressing you into valet service, Frederick."

Julian continued to whistle cheerily while Frederick put the finishing touches on the cravat, despite Frederick's obvious disdain for Julian's musical abilities.

Julian grinned, unable to contain his elation. "Frederick, I am confident when tonight's assembly is over, she will agree to be my bride."

Frederick stood back to admire his handiwork for a moment, and nodded as if pleased. "How did you rid yourself of your betrothed?"

"Oh, that was easy enough," Julian replied. "I simply informed her you had brought round a message that the faithless woman had cried off. In fact, she even eloped."

Frederick rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

Julian adjusted his shirt cuffs, casting one final glance in the mirror before turning his full attention on his coachman-valet. "It does not sound as though you are wishing me happy."

Frederick appeared to consider his answer carefully before replying. "I find myself rather protective of Miss Hewitt, that's all."

"I have no fiendish designs upon her. I mean to make her my duchess!" He frowned. "Unfortunately I have had to practice quite a bit of deception to accomplish it."

Frederick snorted, but his reluctant smile appeared to reflect his intentions to continue as Julian's co-conspirator.

"And it's not as though I don't have my work cut out for me," Julian mused. "I still must tell her about the curse."

"You have not told her?"

"Only in a roundabout way. As though it were merely some London gossip."

"When shall you tell her of your title?"

"I have not decided just yet. She's likely to believe I have some sort of brain fever once I do." He bit back an oath. "How did falling in love cause so many complications?"

Frederick merely shrugged, but there was a decided gleam in his eye. "If you do not meet with success, you still have that trio of church widows. Their interest hasn't waned a bit."

"Too true. And they quite clearly informed me they shall be at tonight's assembly."

"Your sore knee is bound to feel a twinge or two from all the dancing the widows will be expecting."

"I would press you into service, to keep their attentions away from me, but I know with a certainty my great-aunt would have me flogged if I did."

Frederick chuckled. "Then you'd best see to it that Miss Hewitt readily agrees to your proposal."

"That is precisely what I intend to do."

***

Times without number, Rosalinde chided herself for her anticipation of the assembly that evening. It was likely the last time she could enjoy Julian's company, since his healed knee ensured he would be leaving, and soon. She would not dwell on that, though, much as she dreaded it. Instead, she had every intention of enjoying herself to the hilt, laughing and dancing, hoarding the delightful memories for the bland days and weeks ahead, once he had returned to London.

Rosalinde prepared her toilette with extra care, certain her simple muslin gown would serve well for a country assembly, although she knew it was not anywhere near to what a fashionable London miss would wear.

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