Unmasking the Duke by Donna Hatch

Author:Donna Hatch [Hatch, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Mirror Lake Press, LLC
Published: 2017-10-11T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Still wearing his Musketeer costume, Suttenberg stood in the study of Tarrington Castle, awaiting the arrival of Cole Amesbury, the Earl of Tarrington. No doubt, after the earl finished seeing his guests out, he’d return and demand an explanation. Or satisfaction. Suttenberg paced to the windows.

If Tarrington called him out, what would he do? He respected, even liked, the earl. He couldn’t fight him. Would an apology suffice? Drawing a weapon at a party was a serious offense. But then, so was kissing a lady he’d only just met. He couldn’t believe he’d done either. Had he completely gone mad? Perhaps his maternal grandfather’s Italian blood had finally taken over as he’d always feared it would.

He ran his hand over his face, the memory of well-deserved slap burning his skin as if she’d delivered it moments ago. He paced back toward the other side of the room. He’d always prided himself on doing everything exceptionally well, on exceeding societal expectations. He served faithfully in Parliament, did his best to care for his properties and tenants, achieved a fearsome reputation for fencing and fisticuffs, avoided gambling and excessive drinking, and never trifled with ladies’ hearts or their virtue. But tonight he’d broken every social and personal rule. Worse, he’d lost his Aphrodite.

Tarrington entered, eyeing Suttenberg as if he’d never seen him. “What were you drinking tonight?”

Suttenberg let out his breath. “I don’t even have that as an excuse.”

Tarrington sat and laced his fingers together. “Well, at least now I know you’re human. For years I wasn’t so sure.” His lips quirked.

Suttenberg blinked. “I apologize for my conduct.”

The earl waved him off. “The guests think it was an act.”

“Thanks to your quick thinking.”

Tarrington inclined his head. “My wife considers the evening a success. Everyone will talk about it for weeks.”

“Still, I cannot excuse my temper.”

“What happened? Did he insult you?”

“He insulted a lady.”

Tarrington nodded sagely. “I have risen to the defense of many a lady, once to the point of dueling.” Frowning, he stared down at his hands.

Suttenberg didn’t pry. “It would have been better form to challenge him rather than draw a weapon.”

“No need to flog yourself—no harm done.”

“You truly aren’t angry?”

The earl grinned. “Angry? Are you kidding? Even if no one else knows it, I had the singular experience of witnessing the mighty Duke of Suttenberg in a rare moment of weakness. It may never happen again, so I’m relishing in it.” Chuckling, Tarrington got up and clapped a hand on Suttenberg’s back. “No one got hurt. No one became truly alarmed. The matter is closed.”

The muscles in Suttenberg’s shoulders loosened. At least he hadn’t offended Tarrington, and he didn’t have to face the prospect of a duel. Yet the earl’s words offered little comfort. Suttenberg had behaved badly toward his goddess. He had to find her and beg her forgiveness. And convince her to give him another chance.

Tarrington interrupted his thoughts. “Is there something you wish to discuss?”

Suttenberg looked up.

The earl watched him carefully. “Unburden yourself, duke.”

Perhaps he’d gotten into a habit this eve of speaking frankly.

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