A Duke's Distraction by Maggie Dallen

Author:Maggie Dallen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maggie Dallen

Chapter Nine

Georgie theoretically helped her sister to dress for dinner that evening, but in reality she was lost in thought. No, she was drowning in memories. That was a far more apt description of this particular form of torment.

“Ow.” Claire reached up to rub her scalp and gave Georgie a chastening look in the mirror. “Do keep in mind that I’m not a pin cushion, won’t you?”

Georgie winced. “Sorry.” She had dismissed Claire’s maid to do her hair herself. Not only was she better at it than Claire’s sweet but inexperienced lady’s maid, but she’d hoped the simple, menial task would soothe her rattled nerves.

Rattled nerves were a new experience for her, and one she didn’t enjoy.

“Are you worried about the soiree this weekend?” her sister asked.

Claire had asked any number of questions since she’d arrived in her room. Each more specific than the next. Is something bothering you, Georgie? Are you quite all right? Was it something you ate that has you looking so ill?

She shook her head. “Of course not. You know I love soirees.”

“Mmm.” Her sister regarded her in the mirror. “But most aren’t thrown in an effort to dispel rumors about you.”

Her gaze shot up to meet her sister’s, which was far too knowing.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said quickly, her hands stilling in her sister’s hair lest she accidentally cause more harm. “Everyone knows those rumors are unfounded.”

Claire widened her eyes. “Oh, of course, dear, I know that.”

Georgie caught her breath at an unexpected pain. Yes, of course her sister knew that, just like the duchess knew it. Everyone in the world knew she was no match for a duke. He’d made that exceptionally clear himself.

“Georgie, what is it?”

The kindness in Claire’s voice was very nearly her undoing. “Oh, what is the matter with me?” Her voice wobbled as she said it. Becoming a watering pot was not in her nature. She did not wallow, just as she didn’t simper or swoon.

She was a Cleveland, which meant she held her head high, no matter what rumors swirled about.

Claire turned to face her. “Is it the rumors, Georgie?” Her eyes were pleading. “Are you afraid they’ve ruined your chances with Lord Malcolm?”

Georgie started at his name and then flushed with guilt. So much had happened that night and she never had gotten around to telling her sister about it. Mainly because telling her anything would mean telling her everything. Once Georgie started talking, she rarely knew when to stop.

And right now the words threatened to burst out of her. “I do not care for Lord Malcolm.” She clamped her lips shut. Drat. Now there was no stopping it.

Claire had but to raise her brows in question and she was off, the words tumbling off her lips as she recounted what had happened.

Everything. Even that kiss.

By the end, Claire stared at her with eyes wide with disbelief. “He didn’t,” she breathed.

She knew which “he” she meant. Lord Malcolm’s behavior might have been shocking, but it was Roxborough’s actions that truly boggled the mind.

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