The Duke's Privateer (Devilish Dukes Book 3) by Amy Jarecki

Author:Amy Jarecki [Jarecki, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2021-01-05T06:00:00+00:00

“Goodness, Georgiana, your wig looks fine without the pin. I can hardly tell the difference.”

“That may be so, but the curl is drooping into my eye. If we don’t fix it, I’ll go mad by the night’s end.”

“Well, then it simply must be corrected,” Eleanor said, relieved to be heading for the women’s withdrawing room, regardless of the reason. Prinny had told her it was important for her to attend this ball, yet had given no indication as to what she was to expect. And they nearly hadn’t come at all because Georgiana’s wig refused to stay in place.

Eleanor followed her friend down the grand staircase and crossed through the vestibule. As they entered an unoccupied, dimly lit chamber, she glanced back. With such a large crowd, she expected a crush of people. “Are you certain we didn’t make a wrong turn?”

“Absolutely certain.” Georgiana grabbed Eleanor’s wrist and tugged her across the floor, stopping at a set of ornate, gilt double doors. Her Grace grazed her teeth over her bottom lip as she clasped Eleanor’s hands and held them tightly. “I haven’t been quite forthright with you.”

“About your wig?”

“Yes.” Georgiana squeezed a little more. “Well, not exactly. His Highness asked me to have you wait in here—ah—the Rose Satin Room.”

“In there?” Eleanor asked, her throat suddenly thickening. “Aside from the décor, do you know what lies beyond these doors?”

The duchess’ brow creased with uncertainty. “Well, His Majesty mentioned the fact that your presence in this very chamber is critical to ensure you are not dragged through the mire of the courts.”

“Oh, my word, he’s brought you into this mess? Tell me, what is he planning?”

“To be honest, I have no idea, but he’s our sovereign and it wasn’t my place to question him. Besides, I know you’ve done a great deal to help George acquire certain works of art, among other things.” Georgiana drew Eleanor’s hands to her lips and kissed her knuckles. “You have been my dearest friend and have stood by me in the most perilous of times. Please know I would do anything if it meant protecting you.”

Eleanor gripped her friend’s hands tightly. “I understand, and I love you for it. But please tell me there are no wolves in there. You know how much I hate surprises.”

“Of that I can promise without hesitation.” Georgiana used a key to unlock the door, then opened it. “Now off with you, my dearest. If I hear you scream, I’ll send Evesham in with a loaded pistol.”

“Did he bring one?”

“I think so. He always has a weapon hidden somewhere on his person.”

“Then let us pray he will not need to use it.”

Eleanor stepped into the dimly lit chamber while the door shut behind her. A slight chill whisked across her skin as she took a step further in. But when the lock clicked, she abruptly turned and grabbed the handle. The door didn’t budge. She bore down, pushing and pulling. “Georgiana! You didn’t say you were going to lock me in!”

She rattled the handle harder and pounded her fist on the wood.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.