The Duke Dilemma by Shirley Marks

Author:Shirley Marks [Shirley Marks]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance, Love Story, Regency Romance, Romance
ISBN: 1477807535
Amazon: B00BU6UZYE
Goodreads: 17858016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published: 2013-09-09T14:00:00+00:00

It rankled Augusta that she had not yet been able to introduce any of her friends, her candidates for duchess, to her father while night after night Freddie made casual acquaintances with fatherless young ladies. Now Aunt Mary had stepped into the arena. Augusta watched her father taking a turn about the room with her aunt’s candidate.

“My dear sister,” Freddie interrupted Augusta’s study, “allow me to make known to you Miss Shrope.” It was not quite a proper introduction, but he never was one to follow rules exactly.

Before Augusta stood a finely dressed, fair-haired young lady with soft blue eyes. “How do you do, Miss Shrope?” Augusta met Miss Shrope’s bright gaze with much less interest.

“I am well, Lady Augusta. Thank you,” Miss Shrope returned. Her attention did not settle upon Freddie but remained on Augusta.

Freddie, who did not display a single mote of interest in Miss Shrope, stood on tiptoe surveying the opposite end of the room, paying no attention to the ladies in his presence. It was so very rude of him. She would like to box his ears.

“I beg your pardon, ladies. I see a certain young lady from whom I wish to beg a dance.” Freddie made his bows and left.

Was Miss Shrope one of his faux amours? If their father actually believed Freddie had any interest whatsoever in this young lady, Augusta would have to declare her papa as oblivious as her brother.

“How is it you know his lordship, may I ask?” Augusta wondered if she could subtly make inquiries to discover the nature of their meeting or what Miss Shrope thought Freddie’s interest was in her.

Miss Shrope leaned closer to Augusta to reply, and softened her voice. “I had a written introduction through your sister, Lady Am—Muriel.”

“Muriel?” Augusta could not hide her surprise at hearing her youngest sister’s name appearing upon the lips of a total stranger. “How could you know of…”

“I was recommended by her husband—you know.” Miss Shrope cast her gaze downward in a gesture of some embarrassment, then around at the other guests.

Augusta wasn’t certain what Miss Shrope’s connection was with Muriel’s husband or why it should cause her to feel ill at ease. Had there been some hint of scandal associated with them?

“She’s told me everything.” Miss Shrope’s soft confession was nearly inaudible, as well as cryptic.

“Everything?” Augusta kept her gaze focused on the newcomer, knowing she could not be telling the truth. Muriel was the most cautious of the siblings and would certainly not confide in a stranger.

“About what you have in mind for His Grace.” Miss Shrope glanced about once again. “Muriel asked me to make myself known to her siblings and be of aid if I felt I could.”

“And do you”—Augusta felt compelled to inquire—“feel as if you could, that is?”

“Oh, yes,” she continued, wide-eyed. “I have already introduced Lord Brent to Miss Davies-Holmes, whose mother, Lady Davies-Holmes, is so very agreeable.”

“Is she?” Lady Davies-Holmes was not known to Augusta. She thought it might be prudent to seek out an introduction.

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