Dusk With a Dangerous Duke Read Online Free PDF Page B

friend that I have made in London. You will soon discover that I do not neglect my friends. Besides, it’s rare these days for me to encounter someone who knew my grandfather. Sitting here with you makes me feel closer to him. Does that make any sense, or am I rambling?”
    Lady Netherley’s eyes glowed with pleasure and approval. “You are a treasure, Lady Grace. Sir Auden would be proud of the lady you have become.”
    The older woman’s praise summoned unexpected tears. Grace weakly smiled at her companion. “Your certainty shames me, Lady Netherley.”
    “How so, dear?”
    Grace picked up her glass of lemonade and took a sip to moisten her dry throat. “Perhaps I should clarify the reasons that have brought me to London.” She sipped her lemonade, taking a moment to enjoy the cool tartness. “If you were a friend of my grandfather’s, then you are aware of the numerous losses he endured … my parents … his wife.”
    Lady Netherley’s face softened with sympathy. “I am. If I had not been distracted by my own troubles, I might have been a better friend.”
    “Over the years, I have read his papers and journals, my lady. Despite the distance, he valued your friendship.”
    “Thank you, my dear. It is kind of you to ease my guilt. Even so, I blame myself for allowing our friendship to wither when your grandfather was alive. The least I can do is look after his granddaughter.”
    “Your generosity is overwhelming, Lady Netherley,” Grace said, a single tear slipping down her cheek.
    The marchioness handed her a handkerchief edged with lace. “There, there. Take this and dry your cheeks. Whatever has brought you to London cannot be insurmountable. I will naturally assist you where I am able, and then there is Hunter.”
    Grace quieted at the name, clutching the handkerchief in her fist. “Hunter?”
    “Why, yes. His Grace, the Duke of Huntsley,” the older woman said, sounding mildly surprised. “My friendship with his grandmother goes back to when we were both young ladies, but it’s not as if your arranged marriage to Hunter was made in secret. The news even reached London that summer.”
    So the duke was called Hunter by his friends. It dismayed her to realize how little she knew of the gentleman she was supposed to marry.
    Grace lowered her gaze to her lap. “I suspect the Duke of Huntsley will be displeased when he learns that I have traveled to London.”
    The marchioness made a soft noise of disbelief. “What rubbish! Hunter is a sensible man. There is a wedding to plan, and there is a new wardrobe to consider—” Her eyes widened as a thought occurred to her. The marchioness clapped her hands together in her excitement. “That is it! You and Hunter are planning to wed in town this season. Of course! It is the perfect setting where family and friends can join in the festivities. And the dear boy never said a word … the scoundrel!”
    Grace studiously admired the lace edges of the handkerchief in her grasp. “The duke is unaware of my arrival, my lady. In fact, he will likely view my presence in town as defiance.”
    “Defiance?” Lady Netherley said weakly. “Hunter is a reasonable gentleman. Even he would agree that you need a proper wardrobe for London.”
    Perhaps it had been a mistake to approach the marchioness. Grace sighed. “My wardrobe is the least of his concerns, my lady.”
    The older woman was disappointed by the news. “Then you have not come to ask my assistance with your wedding.”
    “Not exactly,” Grace said, lifting her gaze and meeting the marchioness’s puzzled stare. “I’ve come to ask your help in ending this betrothal. I wish to sever all ties to the Duke of Huntsley.”
    Lady Netherley was struck speechless by Grace’s declaration. Her mouth parted in amazement and her spine lost some of its aristocratic starch as her back sagged against the back of her chair.
    Grace left her seat to kneel in front of the older woman. Gently, she clasped her hand.