Dangerous in Diamonds Read Online Free PDF Page A

not?” he pressed. “One would expect a relative to inquire about the particulars of an inheritance.”
    “I did not establish that rule to hide the duke’s generosity regarding this property from Audrianna or anyone else, but to protect the women themselves. There were a few who required privacy in such matters. Sometimes a woman has good cause to leave the past completely behind.” She spoke with tense emphasis, clarifying an important point.
    “You do your sex proud in your lack of curiosity. I doubt I could be so restrained.”
    “I never said I was never curious. One is not obligated to pry as a result, however.”
    “I always pry if I am curious. It breaks up the ennui.”
    He drank some of the sweet punch provided with the dinner. It tasted of berries and was probably made from the garden’s own products. It was the sort of drink of which his physician would approve.
    “This is delicious. It would be even better with a splash of brandy in it,” he said.
    “We only have a small amount of spirits here, kept strictly for medicinal purposes.”
    He had a flask with him, but it would be rude to retrieve it to improve the punch. Unless she invited him to use one if he had it. Which it appeared she was taking some pleasure in not suggesting.
    “I knew that you would be more comfortable at the inn,” she said with pointed satisfaction. “Hence my suggestion that you stay there.”
    “Is this another rule? None of you ever imbibe, even secretly? Not even sherry or wine?”
    “Wine is permitted, when we have it. We do not have it now.”
    “Pity.”
    “Yes. I am so sorry.”
    The hell she was sorry. Mrs. Joyes was turning this into a Tuesday on purpose. It was his punishment for forcing this intrusion on their convent.
    The meal was finished. She looked poised to take her leave and pleased at how well she had handled him. Well, being a duke had its privileges. He settled back in his chair to indicate she did not have permission to escape just yet.
    The dining room’s window faced north, and the heavily overcast evening light coming through flattered her and made her eyes very dark gray.
    “I recognized you,” he said. “As you approached in the garden, I knew I had seen you before. You were governess to Becksbridge’s two daughters nine years ago. I saw you at a garden party.”
    A bit of color tinted her ivory cheeks. Not extreme surprise, but surprise all the same.
    “You have an excellent memory for a man said to be drowning his brain in drink, Your Grace.”
    She had not forgotten herself again, but she was angry enough under that cool exterior to speak bluntly. He was glad to see a bit of spirit emerge despite her determination to bore him to death.
    “My brain swims quite well, Mrs. Joyes. Especially when I turn my mind to a question that piques my curiosity, as I said.”
    “Does that happen often? I expect stroking against the tide requires some effort.”
    “Admittedly not often. A beautiful woman can prod my curiosity when otherwise it might remain dormant, however. And you are an exceedingly beautiful woman.”
    Her fingers rested on the hilt of her dinner knife, and now they absently fingered the silver surface. She did not appear aware of that nervous tiny action.
    He liked that she did not disagree with his assessment of her beauty or feign ignorance of a quality that had to have been commented upon her whole life. He hated false modesty in women, whether in response to praise for wit, intelligence, or looks.
    “How came you to be at that garden party? I would not have expected that family to welcome a man with your reputation,” she said.
    “My reputation was still in its infancy. Back then I practiced a good deal of discretion in enjoying my sins. Hence, I was invited as a friend of Latham and as a relative.”
    Her fingers froze on the silver. “You are Latham’s friend? Considering his essays, that must be uncomfortable for your varied badness. Saints and sinners rarely get along