Dancing with the Duke Read Online Free PDF Page A

moment. He wanted to
drag Charlotte away from all the men who were dancing attendance on
her, not one of whom deserved her. Instead, he was forced to watch
over her from a distance.
    It was with relief that he finally spotted
the Earl of Kerrick and the Marquess of Overlea. After returning
his dance partner to her mother, he escaped the expectant group of
young women waiting to see if he would ask one of them to dance
with him next. He made his way over to where his friends were
standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching him with
unconcealed amusement.
    “First Almack’s and now Lady Weston’s ball?”
Kerrick said. “If you’re not careful, people will start believing
those rumors that the ever elusive Duke of Clarington is searching
for a bride.”
    Alex shook off the teasing and aimed for a
levity he was far from feeling. “You’re here as well.”
    “Yes, but I am not the catch of the season. A
duke will always garner more attention than a mere earl. Next to
you and Overlea, I’m practically invisible.”
    Overlea grimaced. “I fear he has the right of
it, which is why I can’t help but wonder at your presence here
tonight. Unless the rumors are correct…”
    “Of course not,” he said, but he couldn’t
stop his gaze from drifting back to Charlotte. He was aware of the
speculative expressions on his friends’ faces, but ignored
them.
    Charlotte had already danced with Haversham,
so he scowled when he saw the young viscount approach her again.
That scowl turned to a barely suppressed curse when he saw
Charlotte place her hand on his arm and allow him to lead her out
to the gardens.
    Overlea and Kerrick had followed his gaze and
also witnessed the pair’s exit, but a quick glance around the room
showed him that most of the guests hadn’t taken note of their
departure. He didn’t bother to take leave of his friends when he
started to follow. They could think what they would. His primary
concern was Charlotte and making sure nothing would happen to ruin
her reputation.
    Somehow he kept his pace normal to avoid
drawing attention to himself as he made his way to the garden
doors. It was a warm evening, and so the doors stood open. He took
two steps onto the long balcony and stopped short, relief pounding
through his veins, when he saw that Charlotte and Haversham were
standing on the other side of the balcony. Well within the range of
propriety.
    At his intrusion, they both turned to face
him. Charlotte blushed, a reaction that set Alex’s nerves on edge.
Surely she wouldn’t be embarrassed if the conversation had been an
innocent one. He ground his teeth together to keep from saying
something rash.
    Charlotte spoke first. “Is something the
matter, Your Grace?”
    He knew he was being ridiculous, but the fact
that she hadn’t called him by his Christian name annoyed him. Given
the length of their acquaintance and how close she was with his
sister, there was no need to hide their familiarity from
Haversham.
    “I didn’t expect to find the two of you here.
Without a chaperone.” He glared at the man who stood only a step
away from Charlotte.
    “Now see here, Clarington,” he said, “we’re
just outside the doors and were only talking. There’s no reason to
act like a protective mother.”
    Alex spoke slowly to avoid showing just how
angry he was. “I think you had best go back inside.”
    Haversham looked as though he was about to
argue, but must have thought better of it. He turned to Charlotte,
but Alex cut him off before he could speak.
    “Alone,” Alex said. “I would like a few words
with Miss Grant.”
    His anger grew when the other man, as though
Alex hadn’t spoken, said, “I will escort you inside if you
wish.”
    Charlotte had been watching their exchange in
silence, her expression neutral. She now smiled at Haversham, and
Alex found himself actually hating the man.
    “You go ahead. I will be in shortly.”
    Haversham nodded. Alex didn’t speak again
until the man had