The Duke's Dilemma by Rachel McNeely

Author:Rachel McNeely [McNeely, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2012-07-12T21:00:00+00:00

* * * *

“Why are you not in the study with the duke and your family, Lady Mary Ann?” Franklin asked.

Mary Ann smiled. “I don’t think they need me to help them decide matters pertaining to the wedding.”

“But you’re the bride-to-be. Surely, you would demand to be involved.”

“I’m not the bride!”

“Then who is?” Franklin had a sinking feeing in his stomach.

“Helena. I thought you knew he decided on her.”

“But, he planned to ask you. He told me so before his first visit to your home. I know others thought he would be deciding between the two of you, but he said you’d suit him best.”

Mary Ann nodded. “He did ask me. I declined to accept.”

Franklin stared blankly at her. “You refused a duke? No one refuses a duke.”

“I did!” Mary Ann turned away and glided across the room to the open doors. Glancing back, she stepped outside.

Franklin took his time walking around the room, stopping occasionally to speak with an acquaintance. Cooler air blew across his face when he went through the doors.

She stood a few steps away in the shadows. Silently, he came up behind her and turned her to face him.

“I have to understand what you said. Your sister, Helena, is to marry the duke?”

“Yes.”

Franklin raked his hand through his hair. “What have I done?” He saw the anxious look Mary Ann gave him. “I thought you were to wed him. Why would I think otherwise?”

“He and I were never suited. We both realized Helena would make a much better duchess. Why does it matter to you?”

He shook his head. “I can’t explain. I’ve been the bearer of bad news to my best friend, but I can’t tell you how.”

“There is something very suspicious going on here tonight. You don’t have to tell me. I’ll find out for myself.”

“Don’t be foolish. You’ll put yourself in danger. Why do women persist in interfering in a man’s business?”

She snapped her head back and he knew he’d said the wrong thing. Anger flashed in her eyes.

“I might ask why men assume we have no ability to think. You, want a woman you can place on the mantelpiece for all to observe and envy you the ownership. Excuse me.” She swept her skirts out of his way and ran back to the open doorway, stopping to regain her dignity before disappearing inside.

Franklin chuckled. She’d put him firmly in his place. The flicker of desire stirred again. She was wrong. He didn’t want her on his mantel, but in his bed. He felt himself harden with need and she wasn’t marrying Nicholas.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.