The Duke of Kisses by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781944576417
Publisher: Darcy Burke Publishing

Chapter 9

It was after three in the afternoon before David was able to make his way to Berkeley Square. He’d been busy with other appointments and commitments and was finally free to do what had been at the forefront of his mind since last night: see Fanny and tell her he only wanted to court her.

He walked briskly up the steps to the front door of Clare House and was instantly greeted by the butler, who welcomed him inside.

“I’m afraid Miss Snowden is not present. Would you like to see His Grace?”

Disappointment pitched through David. Perhaps Clare could tell him when she would return. Or perhaps he could speak with Clare until she returned. “Yes, please.”

“Very good. If you’ll just wait in the sitting room.” The butler gestured for David to enter a bright room decorated in golds and blues that looked out to the square. Once David was inside, the butler closed the door, leaving him alone.

David’s gaze caught a pretty painting of a blue tit hanging on the wall. With its gold breast and blue wings and head, it perfectly complemented the room’s décor. It was a stunning piece of art as well as an accurate depiction of the species.

The door opened, and Clare strode inside. “Good afternoon, St. Ives. I understand you came to see Fanny.”

David turned, clicking his heels together. “I did, though I’m delighted to see you as well.”

The duke flashed a smile, but his gaze was serious. “Fanny and Ivy have returned to Stour’s Edge.”

They’d left town? The disappointment inside him spread, leaving a hollow expanse. Had he driven her away? “I came to tell her I wanted to court her.” He realized he should have asked Clare’s permission.

“You’re too late, I’m afraid.” Clare’s tone was unsympathetic.

“Am I?” Just because she’d left London didn’t mean she was lost to him—unless there was something he didn’t know. “Is there someone else?”

Clare lifted a shoulder. “Not that I’m aware of. I am, however, aware that your attentions are directed to another young lady. Or did I misunderstand?”

“You did not. It is a complicated explanation, and one I’d rather not bother with, particularly since it is now moot. My attention will only be directed at Fan—Miss Snowden. If she will permit it.” He winced. “Would it meet with your approval for me to court your sister-in-law?”

Narrowing his gaze at David, the duke scrutinized him for a moment. “I won’t allow you to break her heart. I’d have to thrash you.”

“Only after I thrashed myself,” David said.

Clare straightened, exhaling. “Good. I understand you got in the way of things last night with Royston and Hornsby. I’d hate for you to be involved in another duel.”

Was he threatening David? Yes, he rather thought he was. “That duel didn’t happen. Hornsby came to his senses.”

“Most men do.”

David wondered if the duke was speaking of his own experience. He’d heard last night that the duke had challenged a viscount named Bothwick, who had dared insult Ivy. The duel hadn’t occurred, however, and David was curious about what had happened.

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