The Duke Series Boxset Three (The Duke Series Box Set Book 3) by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-11-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Lydia shook her head. “Thank you for your kind offer, your grace, but I cannot accept. We would not suit.”

Instead of releasing her he drew her closer. “We must make the best of things, my dear. You would have had to accept a gentleman’s proposal at some point – after all, a well-bred young lady has no other choice but to marry. You will not get a better offer.” He smiled affectionately and raised her clenched fists to his lips. He brushed each one in turn with his mouth; not exactly a kiss, but close enough.

“I have no desire to marry a duke – or indeed any other member of the aristocracy. When I do decide to get married it will be to a handsome young cavalry officer and definitely not to you.”

“A cavalry officer? Over my dead body, my girl. Do not forget that I am your legal guardian until you are five and twenty – I can assure you I shall not entertain the request of any officer. A military life is not for you. You are better suited to be my bride – you will not be separated from your mother and I will allow you free rein to redecorate Stenning in whatever ridiculous fancy you have.” He smiled encouragingly. “And you can replenish your wardrobe with the latest fashions and I shall open my townhouse for you in the season.”

Finally he released her hands and she moved away to curl up on a padded armchair. How could he think she would be swayed by the offer of new gowns and decorations? What about love? A marriage without love was unthinkable – and as for marrying the duke? Well, she didn’t even like him very much.

He strolled across the room and folded his long length on to a similar chair on the other side of the fireplace. She still hadn’t responded to his unromantic suggestion. She took a deep breath and braced herself for his reaction. “Your grace, I will not be coerced into a marriage that I do not want. You have no wish to marry me – you could have the pick of the debutantes. Kindly find one of those to marry and leave me in peace.”

His eyes narrowed and its hands tightened on the arms of the chair but he didn’t lose his temper. “You are correct, Miss Richmond, marrying you was not high on my list of priorities. However, I don’t think you understand the position we find ourselves in. I know that you walked home but that does not alter the fact that my entire staff know you were there and that you arrived in a closed carriage with me. Servants are inveterate gossips – our indiscretion will be the talk of the neighbourhood by dinner tomorrow.”

“I believe you are forgetting the fact that you are a duke and therefore above any gossip or rumour. You may do as you wish and society will still hold you in good stead. Once

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