Ducal Encounters 01 - At the Duke's Discretion Read Online Free PDF Page B

account for the canopy of trellis work.” Her gaze fell upon the border displaying flowers, peacock’s feathers, and ornamentation of a rich hue and delicate texture. “Just imagine the work that went into producing such an ambitious ceiling,” she said in a tone of reverent awe. “It is quite remarkable.”
    Lord Amos’s attention was claimed by something the duke said to him and Crista allowed her mind to wander. As the gentlemen chatted briefly amongst themselves, Crista took the opportunity to examine the brothers. The duke was a very handsome, exceedingly elegant gentleman, with easy manners and considerable charm. She had been told countless women had lived in expectation of receiving his address, only to be disappointed. It seemed the dowager duchess quite despaired of him ever finding a wife. Crista could certainly understand why ladies of quality threw their respective caps at him. Even if he had not been such a fine specimen of male beauty, his rank and wealth was such that any misfortunes of nature would be easily overlooked. As it was, Crista imagined she could hear disappointed ladies all over the country sighing with collective regret.
    Had she been a denizen of the ton , she would not be amongst their number. Appealing though the duke was, it was Lord Amos who held her interest. The connection she had felt to him when she saw him in the shop intensified the moment he walked into this room. Indeed, she had looked up at him, caught his gaze, and felt as though the air had been sucked from the room. It was most peculiar. Crista had had her share of admirers over the years, but she had never felt the need to lose head or heart over any of them. Now she had met a gentlemen who excited her interest, but he was so far above her in terms of status and position, so far out of her league, he might as well have been Chinese. She could not decide what made her even think about him in such terms. Hopefully, the malady was a momentary lapse brought on by the strain of her circumstances, and her habitual common sense would soon reassert itself.
    Lean limbed and broad shouldered, Lord Amos wore skin-tight bias-cut breeches in a light shade that showcased well-turned legs. She was absolutely sure his superbly cut green coat, resting so well upon his shoulders, did so without the need for padding. His silk waistcoat was patterned in muted shades of green and cream, and his neckcloth, elegantly tied in an intricate and fashionable manner, was secured with a superb emerald pin. A gold fob chain spanned his waist, disappearing into his waistcoat pocket, whence presumably sat his watch. The chain appeared to be a belcher link, she noticed absently, wondering who had made it for him, and if she could have done a better job of it.
    “Ah, here is tea,” Lord Amos said when the butler entered the room, preceding a footman bearing a loaded tray. “Can we persuade you to pour for us, Miss Brooke?”
    Crista was surprised by the request and felt a moment’s anxiety at the prospect of being the centre of attention in such splendid surroundings. Her fear of spilling the tea, or worse, dropping the exquisite bone china cups, intensified. Reminding herself of the painstakingly intricate work she carried out on a daily basis without mishap, helped to sooth her skittish nerves. She rose to the challenge with a serene smile.
    “With the greatest of pleasure.” She lifted the heavy silver pot and filled the first cup. “Milk and sugar, your grace?”
    “Lemon, if you please.”
    Naturally, sliced lemon had been provided in accordance with the duke’s tastes, and Crista added a slice to his saucer before handing him his cup. She was pleased her hand barely trembled, and the cup did not give her away by rattling in its saucer. I shall remember this moment, Crista thought as the duke politely thanked her, and tell Amelia’s children about the time I poured tea for a duke and a lord.
    “And for you, Lord Amos?”
    “Just milk, I thank