When Only an Indecent Duke Will Do by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-05-10T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

CHASE WATCHED her walk down the steps and he started to follow but Crestwood grabbed his arm. “You wanted to protect them,” Crestwood said as Chase turned back to look at the man.

“Yes,” he said, his chest tightening. “I’ve grown weary of the so-called delights in this world and those women are…” He paused, picturing Ophelia. “More wholesome than any I’ve met in a long time.” Then he straightened to his full height. “I think it best that you gentlemen continue your journey north without delay. I also am quite good with a pistol and I’ve no intention of allowing the debauchery to spread to Seabridge Gate.”

Crestwood gave a jerky nod. “I understand, but I must tell you, her delivery was much better.”

Craven stared at him for a moment before he cleared his throat. “Will you marry Ophelia?”

“Yes,” he answered, surprising even himself with how little hesitation he felt. In fact, it was the first right thing he’d said in ages. “If she’ll have me. After today, I’m not so certain.” But he was going to try. For the first time in what felt like years, the fog surrounding his path had cleared. He knew exactly who he wanted to be, where he wanted to be, and what he desired for his future.

And that was next to Miss Ophelia Moorish.

He rubbed his hand through his hair. If only he’d come to that conclusion last night. This entire thing might have been easier. In fact, he’d likely already be engaged. Bloody idiot, that’s what he was.

Dashlane grimaced. “Sorry about that.” Then he cleared his throat. “But we might attend that dinner if for no other reason than to thank our hosts. This little house is so cheerful that I almost feel a deep regret—” He stopped. “But I can assure you that I will be on my best behavior.”

Craven nodded. “As will I.”

Crestwood grimaced but said nothing and Chase decided he didn’t care. One man he could handle. If Crestwood tried to misbehave with any of the Moorish sisters, he could take the man. With that in mind, he turned on his heel and started after Ophelia.

Reaching the square, he saw them start down a path that was dappled with trees and rocks. Surely it was a shortcut to the house so that they didn’t need to take the road. He picked up speed and caught up to them as they crested the first hill.

Juliet was talking nonstop. “Did you see them? They were so handsome. Crestwood is the leader, don’t you think? And Dashlane…what a dashing name.”

Ophelia lifted her skirts as they continued to climb up the hill. “No one likes a romantic story better than me but those men…” She paused, her feet slowing. “They are not the stuff of romantic fantasy, Juliet. They are nightmares.”

Juliet sniffed. “That’s easy for you to say. The duke’s interest in you is—”

Ophelia raised her hand. “Irrelevant.”

“I beg to differ,” he said, announcing his presence behind them. Both women jumped.

“What are you doing?” Ophelia huffed and then started moving again, pulling her sister along.

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