Duke of Darkness Read Online Free PDF

matter head on and walked to the sideboard for a fortifying brandy. Port was not going to do it. Grimley entered with a tray of sweets: biscuits, sugarplums and Shrewsbury cakes, their inviting lemon fragrance filling the air. He placed the platter on a round table between the two velvet settees. Devlin watched his ward sit down with grace and use the silver tongs to place a sugar biscuit on each plate. Ah, she enjoyed dessert as much as he.
    What a plague to love sugar as he did. It required him to keep a rigorous schedule of exercise in order to avoid extra weight. Alexandra seemed to support all her weight in the very best places. She was slim but not without appreciative curves. He turned to his brandy with forced interest.
    “What was it you wished to speak to me about, Devlin?”
    Her use of his Christian name jolted him to attention and the liquor in his glass almost splashed over the rim.
    Best have it out. Alexandra had to possess some idea, now that Aunt Min passed on. Perhaps Min had told her of the plan. Likely all this fretful consideration was for naught. He should state the facts and get on with it.
    “Devlin?”
    He realized he sat staring at the biscuit as if he’d never seen one before, lost in concentration about how to proceed until her soft-spoken enquiry broke him loose. He liked the sound of his name on her lips.
    “We should discuss your relationship with my aunt. Her note was brief and her passing has ramifications. There is the will, of course, and the estate that reverts to me, but another matter exists.” His voice held a note of urgency that he fought to conceal. “In regard to your position and future.”
    It was too much to hope she would supply the words to excuse him from the bitter explanation. If she already knew he’d been named her guardian, forced to relocate to Kenley Manor, much emotion and discussion could be avoided. Avoiding emotion was one of the things he did best. He finished the biscuit and reached for another.
    “I’m not sure I understand. As you are aware, I served as your aunt companion’s for over two years. It was a very enjoyable time.” Alexandra dropped her eyes to her lap then picked up her dessert plate in a hesitant motion. She took another bite of the sugar biscuit before wiping her mouth daintily with the linen napkin. “At only one and twenty, I could look for another position.”
    So very young. “What of your family, Lexi?”
    Her lovely blue eyes flicked to his at the shortened form of her name, but she did not offer a remark. Devlin swore he saw the corner of her mouth curl.
    “Oh, I really have no ties. That’s how I came to The Willows. I should seek another companion position with haste.”
    He chose his words with caution. “Perhaps I am here to offer you a solution.” She would not like his next statement. He attacked another biscuit, determined to have out with it now.
    “My solicitor met with me only days ago in regard to my aunt’s will. Everything was in order and, if you are not aware, Min arranged for a large settlement on your behalf.” Her only indication of surprise was the lift of her elegant brows. If he was a wagering man, and he never wagered, he’d bet it all she had no idea, and yet an even larger surprise awaited. She commented before he finished the thought.
    “Your aunt was very generous. Her concern for my welfare proved she kept my best interest at heart.” Alexandra took another sip of her tea. Her eyes reflected genuine sorrow.
    Devlin cursed under his breath. Having no family to speak of, the girl was truly alone. If he hadn’t arrived, if Aunt Min hadn’t arranged his guardianship…with disgust his feeble reasoning did little to assuage the statement he needed to deliver.
    They both reached for the last biscuit at the same time. For a moment, they simply stared at each other and a subtle silent communication passed between them. Devlin wished he could read her mind, so clear were her eyes. Then she grinned