Dusk With a Dangerous Duke Read Online Free PDF Page A

most likely added a healthy glow to her cheeks.
    He was truly the most handsome man Grace had ever encountered.
    Her throat tightened with warring emotions.
    The gentleman gestured toward the street. “Is that your coach?”
    “Yes, it is.”
    Grace avoided meeting the stranger’s gaze out of fear that he might become emboldened by her interest. The instinctive gesture disconcerted her, causing her to freeze midstep. It was then that it occurred to her that she had spent most of her life discouraging her admirers because she was betrothed to the Duke of Huntsley.
    It was a habit she intended to discard immediately.
    Especially when staring at such a beautiful man gave her a sense of power and pleasure. She raised her chin, and was not surprised that her companion had no qualms when it came to staring at her. He had been patiently waiting for her to acknowledge him, and his polite smile widened into genuine delight that her admiration was undisguised.
    Good grief, he was tall. And mightily handsome. From beneath the brim of his hat, those amazing light brown eyes shimmered and glinted like gold in the sunshine. His face was without blemish, but his strong features marked him as a seasoned gentleman. She doubted she had ever behaved so brazenly with a complete stranger, let alone a man.
    “Will you permit me the pleasure of escorting you to your coach?”
    Grace glanced in the direction of the coach, and she saw that the coachman had also noticed the stranger’s open interest in his mistress. She shook her head, signaling to the servant that all was well. She highly doubted the man would accost her on the street when there were so many pedestrians about.
    “Yes,” she said, discovering her tongue felt thick in her mouth. No man had stirred such a response from her before. It was a novel experience. “I would like that.”
    Out of courtesy, he offered her his arm, and she placed her hand on his sleeve. The strength she felt beneath her gloved fingers suddenly made her awkward and shy. She paused again after a few steps. “Did I thank you for the flowers?”
    “No,” he said, sounding unconcerned by her rudeness. “You were too busy trying to reimburse me for the flowers.”
    Grace winced at her uncharacteristically ungracious behavior. “Then please accept my sincere gratitude. My friend will appreciate them.”
    The dark-haired gentleman with the easy smile shook his head. “Generous and beautiful,” he marveled. “What would you say if I returned to the stall and bought you a bouquet as well?”
    Grace clutched Lady Netherley’s lilacs to her chest. No gentleman had ever brought her flowers. If she had accepted such a sweet token, she would have plucked a few blooms and pressed them in her favorite book of poetry.
    It was with heavy regret in her heart that she shook her head. “I could not impose on you further, sir. Nevertheless, I thank you for the thought.”
    They had reached the side of her coach. There was no reason for them to continue their light flirtation. The coachman had his hand on the open door and was sizing up her male companion as if he expected trouble from the gentleman.
    “Step aside, Yer Lordship,” the coachman said, deciding his mistress was too young and foolish not to recognize a fortune hunter when she encountered one. “My lady has appointments to keep.”
    There was nothing more to say. “Ah, yes … I must go. Thank you again for the flowers.”
    “It is not too late for me to procure a bouquet for you,” he said, giving her an excuse to linger if she chose to accept.
    “I’ll take these, milady,” the coachman said, relieving her of the flowers and practically pushing her into the coach. Once he was satisfied that she was settled, he handed her the wrapped bouquet.
    “I wish—” She stopped herself before she said something foolish. A lady did not flirt with strangers on the street. Besides, it was unfair to lead this man astray when she needed to settle matters with