The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter

Author:Madeline Hunter
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2016-05-16T17:05:38+00:00

* * *

Two sons of the old duke had married very interesting women. Marianne guessed that other words were used to describe them in some drawing rooms.

Mr. Fitzallen’s wife, Eva, visibly pregnant, refused anyone’s attempts to treat her like a fragile decoration or, worse, an invalid. Except for the obvious effects on her silhouette, one would never guess she was well along. She painted, her husband mentioned, and they had even visited Italy so she could study with some famous artist. She still took lessons, despite her condition.

Lord Ywain’s wife might be considered odd in every way, although it could not be clearer that her husband adored her. A very tall woman, she did not appear to notice that her unusual stature might be thought unattractive. Indeed, unless Marianne had not seen correctly, she stood taller than normal tonight. Marianne had noticed little heels on her shoes.

Mama commented on Padua’s given name before dinner, and received a brief explanation of how her parents had met in that city, and fallen in love, while her mother studied at the university there.

“She wants to do the same thing,” Aylesbury said, joining the conversation as he walked by. “You have convinced my brother that it is a splendid idea, haven’t you, Padua?”

“As it happened, your brother insisted we go, and that I devote myself this winter to preparing for my studies there.” Her dark, glittering eyes did not waver under the duke’s gaze. “He even demanded it be part of our marriage settlement.”

To conclude they did not like each other would be putting too much weight on such a brief exchange. All the same Marianne sensed a fragile truce between them, as if there had recently been a row.

Aylesbury moved on. Padua shook her head. “He is like a boy sometimes,” she said. “He thinks I am taking his brother to the ends of the earth, and he will never have the use of Ives again.”

“‘Use of him’ is a harsh way to put it,” Eva said.

“Is it? The duke keeps getting into scraps and Ives keeps getting him out. Or trying to.”

“They are comrades as well as brothers. Aylesbury is going to miss him, that is all. He won’t admit it, but that is the source of any pique with your plans.”

Padua began to say something, looked at Marianne, and thought better of it. “See how informal we are, Miss Radley? We bicker in front of new friends, we are so at ease in each other’s company.”

“I think it is wonderful. It is rare for me to meet so many new people and have them act so naturally in front of me. I think even a bit of bickering reflects warmth and care.”

Just then a melodic laugh drifted to them. They all looked at its source. Mama sat with Mr. Fitzallen, and he had her all aglow with delight.

Eva cast a sidelong look at Padua. They both bit back smiles. Marianne felt her face getting red.

Eva noticed. “Please do not look so embarrassed.

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