To Tame a Duke by Patricia Grasso

Author:Patricia Grasso
Language: ron
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * * *

"God's balls," James muttered in a low voice, setting her aside.

Lily whirled around to see three middle-aged women crossing the Long Library toward them. A blonde marched in front of a brunette and an auburn-haired woman. Behind them walked Sloane Armstrong and Adam St. Aubyn.

The duke's mother and aunts, Lily thought, beginning to panic. Advancing on them, the three women only had eyes for Lily. She felt excruciatingly awkward and could feel the heated blush rising on her cheeks.

Lily glanced at the duke's cousin and friend. Both men were smiling. James, however, wore one of the blackest scowls she'd ever seen.

"She's lovely," the auburn-haired woman said in a loud voice. "I bet he's hot for her."

The brunette nodded in agreement "The vibrations in this chamber positively scream a harmonious pairing."

"What do you have to say for yourself, James?" the blonde asked, halting in front of the duke.

"Go back to London, Mother," he said, staring her straight in the eye.

The dowager arched a brow at her son, assumed a disapproving expression, and said, "I have no intention of 212

To Tame a Duke

by Patricia Grasso

returning to London and allowing you to continue to dishonor this child."

"With all due respect, Mother, mind your own business,"

the duke said.

"Certainly, James," the dowager replied in a pleasant voice. "I'll mind my own business as soon as you've married the girl."

Her remark shocked Lily. She gasped and stared openmouthed at the older woman.

James looked as startled as Lily felt.

"You heard correctly, Son." The dowager seemed ready for battle.

Sloane Armstrong chuckled, earning a censorious glare from James. Lily sent the marquess a pleading look for help.

"Let's have tea and make the proper introductions before the arguing begins," Adam St. Aubyn said, insinuating himself into the conversation. "Shall we?" Without waiting for a reply, the marquess called, "Pennick!"

The majordomo rushed into the library so quickly that Lily knew he'd been eavesdropping outside the door. A scintillating tidbit to gossip about in the kitchen, no doubt.

"Serve tea, please," Adam instructed.

The dowager and her auburn-haired sister sat on one of the settees near the hearth. The brunette sat on the settee opposite them and motioned for Lily to sit beside her. Sloane sat in the high-backed chair while James, still scowling, and Adam remained standing.

"Your grace and my ladies, I present Mistress Hawthorne,"

Adam made the introductions. "Lily, this is 213

To Tame a Duke

by Patricia Grasso

James's mother, the dowager duchess, and beside her is Lady Donna. Lady Nora sits beside you."

"How do you do?" the dowager asked in a cultured voice.

"Well, thank you, your grace," Lily answered.

"Tell us about yourself," Lady Nora prodded her.

"Don't you already know?" Lady Donna challenged her sister. "You always claim the ability to know things without being told."

"I do not find your skepticism amusing," Lady Nora replied.

Ignoring her sisters, the dowager caught Lily's eye and said, "Tell us about yourself, dear."

Lily glanced nervously at James, who appeared distinctly unhappy. She dropped her gaze to the carpet and said,

"There's very little to tell."

"Come now, my dear," the dowager coaxed.

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