Bewitching the Duke Read Online Free PDF Page A

ankle.”
    “I have sprained this ankle before and I know exactly what it needs,” he retorted. “Now take your leave.”
    “As you wish.” She walked back to the windowsill and picked up her ceramic bowl with the burned sage. “May I at least continue with this?”
    “No. I do not need my house cleansed.” He’d had enough of her fussing about him. All he wanted was her out of his house now. She brought back memories that needed to be forgotten. And desires he couldn’t act upon.
    “Very well then. Good day, Your Grace.” She turned and left without another word.
    Colin sat back in his leather chair and blew out a long breath. He needed to get rid of her forever. The longer she stayed on the estate, the more his memories would eat into him. Perhaps once she left he could be happy here again. Her departure might free him of the strangling recollections so he might enjoy his home again.
    Determined to find her and tell her at once that she must leave immediately, he stood and took a step. Pain shot up the length of his leg. “Dammit!”
    As much as he didn’t want to admit it, she was right. He needed to take a day or two off his foot. “Roberts,” he shouted.
    “Yes, Your Grace,” Roberts said as he reached the entrance to the study.
    “Get me a cane and help me into the salon.” Dammit. He hated feeling like an invalid in front of his servants.
    “Of course, Your Grace. I’m so glad you are taking Miss White’s advice.”
    “I am only doing exactly as I have done every time I’ve wrenched my ankle over the years.”
    “Of course, Your Grace.”
    Miss White. He swore that if he heard that name one more time today, he would dismiss the person who said it. Miss White. He didn’t even know her Christian name.
    “Roberts,” he asked as they hobbled toward the salon, “what is Miss White’s name?”
    “Selina, sir.”
    Selina. A lovely name for a beautiful woman. He shook his head quickly. He could not allow his thoughts to go there again. She was just as bad as her mother.
    He needed her gone immediately.
     
     
    Selina approached the house with trepidation the next day. The duke reminded her of a wounded animal, ready to strike out at anyone trying to help him. She would need to handle him with extreme care. But no one, not even the Duke of Northrop, would dissuade her from her duties on the estate.
    The door opened as she approached. Mr. Roberts stood in the doorway with a frown.
    “Good morning, Mr. Roberts. How is he today?” she asked softly, in case he was within hearing distance.
    “He’s a dreadful patient, miss. Bad-tempered, drinking, and swearing. At least he did stay on the sofa yesterday.”
    “And today?”
    “He’s in his study.”
    “I do need to see him. I must check the swelling.”
    Mr. Roberts opened the door and let her inside. Once inside, she handed a small bag to him. “This is for your wife.”
    “Thank you, miss. She’s feeling completely well now.”
    “Tell her to take it in a cup of tea once a week.”
    “I will. Now, just let me see if His Grace is receiving callers.”
    “Nonsense,” she replied, walking down the long corridor. “I shall announce myself.”
    “That’s highly improper, miss.” Mr. Roberts whispered, “He’ll hate that.”
    She smiled back at the butler. “I know.”
    Selina tiptoed to the threshold of the study. Glancing inside the room, she noticed the duke sitting at his desk with his foot propped on a stack of books. At least he’d listened to her about elevating his foot.
    She hesitated at the door, watching as he read a piece of correspondence. His black brows drew into a deep frown and he muttered something she couldn’t hear. He was truly one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. His broad shoulders filled the chair. She bit down on her lower lip, remembering the sensation of her fingers on his bare leg yesterday. He was all muscle and strength. It was a pity he was betrothed. He would have made a wonderful