Tamed by a Duke by Claudia Stone

Author:Claudia Stone
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-02-09T22:00:00+00:00

To the ton, the theatre was not just a place to view plays, but a place for oneself to be viewed. As Hugh pushed his way through the foyer of the opulent Theatre Royal, his senses were assailed by the colour, sound, and smell of the heaving crowd.

Bejewelled ladies in feathered turbans laughed gaily to each other, while dark-suited men, stinking of musk-oil, competed with each other to see who could be the loudest.

Hugh stifled a sigh; he detested a show, especially when—despite his reluctance—he was one of the stars. Heads turned in his direction, some discreet, some not, while whispers followed his every step. The curiosity was natural; given his title coupled with his status as a bachelor, Hugh was oft an object of interest. Tonight however, it grated, for Hugh was feeling rather vulnerable; what if Miss Drew was to reject his advances with an outward show of disinterest? Public humiliation was not something he sought, but more than that, he realised that he was nervous of losing Miss Drew.

Which was preposterous, Hugh reminded himself, for this was supposed to be a temporary courtship. One could not lose what one did not want...

Setting his mouth into a grim line, in an attempt to emulate one of Orsino's fearsome faces, Hugh pushed his way through the crowd toward the staircase, where a reluctant-looking Miss Drew and her father were waiting. His own mother, who had insisted on accompanying him, gave a loud cry of delight as they finally reached the pair.

Dozens of heads turned in their direction and Hugh stifled another sigh; if Miss Drew wished to publicly humiliate him, his mother had obliged her with an audience.

Wishing to escape the curious gazes as soon as was possible, Hugh made a hasty introduction, before ushering everyone up the staircase to where they might find a little more privacy in his box.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation," Hugh said stiffly to Miss Drew, as they traipsed up the carpeted runners.

"I wasn't really given a choice," came the tart reply.

"Yes. Well," Hugh cleared his throat, cursing his pride which made forming the words of an apology so difficult, "I wished to ensure that you came so that you might hear my apology."

Miss Drew remained silent beside him and Hugh glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Her auburn tresses were piled high upon her head, revealing an elegant swan-like neck, and her high-boned face was turned resolutely forward, so that he could not read her expression.

"Well?" he queried impatiently.

"Well...?" Charlotte innocently replied, "You have told me that you wish to apologise, your Grace, but you have not actually said that you are sorry."

Impertinent chit! Hugh's first reaction to this scathing assessment was one of ire, but he held his tongue momentarily, and after a pause realised that Miss Drew was quite correct.

"I am sorry," he offered, hoping his words did not sound too grudging, "For speaking to you so rudely."

"And for insinuating that I was not good enough to

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