A Fight for the Lady: Scoundrels and Redemption Book Two by Alec Joyce

Author:Alec, Joyce
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-09T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Lord Coatbridge called this afternoon.”

Violet spoke as carelessly as she could manage, although continued to glance up at the Duke so that she might assess what his reaction to such news might be.

“We had Lord Fairweather also, and Lord Stafford,” she continued as the smile began to fade from the Duke’s expression. “Although I believe that Lord Fairweather will not be a great favorite, given his lack of consideration when it came to conversation.”

“Indeed.” The Duke’s brow furrowed, and he looked down at Violet for some moments as they walked together through the crowd, with Violet’s mother and sister behind them. “Lord Coatbridge and I had an enjoyable evening at the ball yesterday. You did dance with him, did you not?”

“Twice,” she confirmed, noting that he had immediately gone to speak of Lord Coatbridge rather than say anything about Lord Fairweather or Lord Stafford. “He is an excellent dancer, I must say.” Her compliment brought nothing but a darkness to the Duke’s expression although his forced smile was, she was sure, an attempt to remove such a look from himself.

“I am glad you found his company so enjoyable,” he replied, turning his head away from her as though gazing out across the park and the many gentlemen and ladies who had come to promenade. “He is a good friend, Lady Violet, as you know, but I do feel I should warn you of him.”

A sudden anxiety forced Violet’s heart into a quicker rhythm. “Warn me, Your Grace?” she said lightly. “Whatever of? Lord Coatbridge is only an acquaintance and—”

“An acquaintance that might ruin your reputation, should you permit him.” the Duke said, astonishing Violet entirely. “He is a friend of mine, as I have said, but there is a great defect to his character which cannot be ignored. And, given that you have become very dear to me, Lady Violet, I cannot in good conscience, permit you to continue in such a way with him without allowing you to know of it.”

It was as though everything she thought she knew of both the Duke and Lord Coatbridge was thrown together at once, swirling about in a great madness and confusion. Swallowing hard, Violet looked all about her so that she would not have to glance up at the Duke’s face, feeling her heart pounding furiously as she fought to keep control of her emotions.

“You will not ask me about him?” the Duke said softly. “That is very wise of you, my dear lady. You are most proper, for most young ladies of my acquaintance would be very eager indeed to hear any such gossip, but you are proving yourself to be more genteel than they.” He offered her his arm, and despite Violet’s inner reluctance, she accepted it. “Lord Coatbridge is, as I have said, an excellent friend but there are many things about a gentleman that one must be wary of, when one is a young lady with an unsullied reputation.”

A tightness came into Violet’s throat. “You

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