A Brazen Lady And The Shunned Duke (Faces of Love Series #3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

other since my parents passed. I think it made us depend on each other more.”
    “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t aware you’d lost both your parents.”
    He nodded like it was just a simple fact.
    “My mother died in childbirth. Poor Ettie never even knew her. She was a wonderful lady,” he looked passed me wistfully. “Then my father passed when I was twelve.”
    I instinctively grabbed his hand in comfort. “I am sorry for you loss.”
    He smiled down at our joined hands. I could feel the warmth rising up my arm. I blushed and pulled my hand away from him.
    “I was raised by my uncle. He has been very kind to both my sister and I, taking over my father’s estate until I was old enough to it myself. He did his best to take the place of the family we’d lost.”
    “He sounds like a wonderful man.”
    “Let’s go out,” he said, changing the subject.
    “What?” I was surprised by the change.
    “It is so beautiful outside. Why don’t we go out and enjoy it? We could go for a walk in the park or I could bring over my gig if you would rather?”
    “I think a walk would be lovely,” I said, standing and brushing the wrinkles out of my cotton morning dress.
    He reached out his arm to me like he had before at the dance. I took his arm gratefully and he escorted me out of the townhouse.
    We walked the short distance to the park in silence and started down one of the various garden paths. I was content just walking next to Kent and enjoying the beautiful day around us.
    I did, however, have some unanswered questions about him. For one, this reputation that the duchess and her friends claimed he had. He didn’t fit the part of a flirt or a cad. I couldn’t deny that would be the name given to a man who’d left an engagement. I couldn’t very well ask him about it though. Even asking Ettie might be offensive to her.
    “So, do you regularly come to town for the season?” I tried to pry stealthily.
    “Mmm,” he answered in the affirmative. “My uncle always wanted us to be a part of the peerage so that I would be prepared when the time came.”
    “And now you are here on your own?” I asked.
    He looked at me questioningly. I worried I had gone too far with that question.
    “I guess I just haven’t found the right one yet,” he said, his green eyes glittering at me.
    I blushed and looked away. I was satisfied with his answer. I shouldn’t be prying into his past anyway. It wasn’t my place to judge whatever reason he’d had for the choices he’d made.
    We spent the rest of the day walking the park and getting to know each other better. He told me about growing up with his sister and uncle. I told him about my parents, my brother Henry, and his sweet wife Julia.
    Soon, before either of us knew it, hours had passed and the sun was beginning to set. We decided that it was best he took me home. I was hesitant to go. I’d had more fun in this one afternoon walking and talking with Kent than I’d had since arriving here.
    “I was wondering,” he said as we came upon my brother’s townhouse. “We are having some guests over for dinner a week from Saturday. Just a small party of family and close friends,” he waved off. “I was just wondering if you would like to come also?”
    “I would like that very much,” I replied.
    “Wonderful, I will have the invitation sent over at once.”
    He paused just before leaving. I watched as he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. He smiled against my hand as little tingles shook over my whole body.
    “I hope I can call on you again soon,” he said as he straightened himself.
    “I would like that very much.”

CHAPTER 10

    LASTING FRIENDSHIP

* * *
    I t was the day before the dinner and the Duke of Kent and Ettie invited me over for tea. I had been spending almost every day with Kent since our walk in the park. No words had been spoken between us, but it was becoming clear that he shared the same affection for me as I had for him.
    I settled into Ettie’s