Redemption of the Duke by Gayle Callen

Author:Gayle Callen
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2014-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Three days later, on their next shopping outing, Faith was surprised when Lady Duncan insisted Sophia and Faith take along a footman. Well, perhaps “surprised” was the wrong word—nothing the old woman did could be surprising anymore. Against all accepted etiquette, she liked to place calls upon eligible young men, to better acquaint herself with which man might suit which debutante—to Sophia’s mortification. Not that it was all for Sophia; she offered matchmaking advice to all the young ladies, when she paid calls on them. Faith was relieved that Lady Duncan didn’t ask her to come along on those fact-finding missions—it would have been terribly awkward. No young gentleman was looking to marry her. It made her feel a bit old.

And then she’d catch the duke looking at her, his gaze, usually so respectful, hinting at a smolder that made her feel hot and cold and yearning. What was wrong with her? A man’s admiration was one thing, but she should not respond to it with such eager feelings, feelings that she had to work so hard to suppress.

She tried to tell herself that admiration for her person was fine—and even flattering—as long as he didn’t act upon it. But she still shivered when she remembered the dark, moonlit conservatory, and how the simple touch of his hand upon her cheek had seemed as intimate and forbidden as the act of sex itself.

Which was ridiculous, of course.

All these thoughts ran through her foolish brain as she walked beside Lady Sophia, the footman trailing behind.

“Faith, I heard an interesting piece of news from my lady’s maid today. She claims that my brother had private words with your maid and the housekeeper, and that poor Ellen was actually shaking with distress when the interview was over.”

Faith winced. “I asked your brother to let me handle Ellen.”

“You two actually discussed the maid?” Sophia said, eyebrow arched in almost the same way her brother’s did.

“Well . . . even he seemed to notice my hair styling. He probably doesn’t want me to represent his household poorly.”

“That doesn’t make sense. But being lately of the army, he does have a sense of military authority with the servants, as if they’re all his soldiers. Anyway, you should not fret. I just wanted you to know that I’m certain Ellen will be much better now.”

And scared to death, and thinking that Faith tattled on her. Faith wasn’t happy.

Suddenly Sophia took her arm and gave a little squeeze. “Look, it’s Mr. Percy, just crossing the street ahead of us. How do I get his attention without appearing foolish?”

Faith hid a smile. “We can just keep walking toward him. He will have to acknowledge us. Unless he’s upset at your accepting Lord Shenstone’s courtship.”

Sophia gave a little gasp. “That would mean my plan is working.”

And then Mr. Percy saw them, and Faith had the pleasure of watching his gaze both brighten and soften when looking upon the beautiful Sophia.

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