Promise Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

go away completely.” Her father chose the overstuffed chair next to the sofa. “How’s the shipping business?”
    “ Doing well, my lord. In fact, I’ve recently hired more workers to run the main warehouse.”
    “ I was just a lad when your grandfather started Drake Shipping. A shrewd investor with a nose for success. Rather like you, I’m told.”
    “ I’m afraid Gran is slightly biased in that regard.”
    Leah eyed the corner clock. “Your Grace, how long do you plan to stay?” Heat flooded her cheeks. “In Kent, I mean.”
    His lips curled into a sensuous smile. “Probably not long.”
    Relief settled over her.
    “ But then again…” He offered a faint shrug. “It could be several months.”
    What game are you playing?
    Leah wanted to scream the words at him. Or better yet, she’d love to see his smug expression turn to shock when she hurled her teacup at his head. Why did he invoke such brutal thoughts? She wasn’t a violent person. Far from it.
    Her gaze unexpectedly drifted to his mouth. Would his kiss be gentle? She sucked in a quick breath. Forceful? A delicate quiver traveled through her body down to her toes, and she almost dropped her cup.
    “ The Bal Masque is in two weeks, your Grace,” Kat declared and slung her arm around her father’s neck. “Have you decided to attend?”
    “ Would it please you, little one?”
    She nodded. “Becca and I make a game of observing the guests from the upstairs landing or sometimes the ballroom balcony. I’m certain we could easily pick you out.”
    “ Is that so? Well, I’ll try not to make it too easy.” Chase set his brandy aside, and his attention shifted to Leah. “Am I to receive a formal invitation?”
    Can I avoid it?
    “ Yes, of course,” she replied.
    “ I look forward to it then. Have you decided on a costume?”
    “ No, not yet.”
    “ You’d make a perfect goddess.”
    Leah’s heart thudded.
    “ A goddess she’s not,” Kat quipped. “Not with a temper to match Medusa’s.”
    “ I am not ill-tempered, little sister.”
    “ Sometimes you are.”
    Chase laughed. Not with contempt or scorn but with genuine amusement, and he actually smiled. At Leah.
    Oh, dear! This will not do.
    She stood. “I apologize, your Grace, but I must be going.”
    The duke stood as well, confusion blanketing his expression.
    She steadied her breathing and glanced at her father. “I’m sorry, but it would be impolite to keep Lady Ashburn waiting any longer.” She turned to the duke. “Your cousin and I made plans for this afternoon, and they cannot be canceled at such a late hour. I’m sure you understand.”
    “ Yes, of course. I should take my leave as well.” He bowed to Katrina. “Thank you for inviting me to lunch, Kat. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to visiting with you again.”
    She offered a formal curtsey.
    Chase’s gaze fell on Leah. “And to you, Miss Sheridan, I offer an apology for my behavior at the Harvest Ball last evening. I’m sure I wasn’t the grand host I should’ve been.”
    Suspicion snaked up her backbone.
    “ I wonder,” he added, “while I’m in Kent, would you allow me to call on you?”
    He couldn’t be serious!
    “ That would be delightful,” Katrina declared.
    “ Mind your manners, little sister,” Leah admonished.
    Her father cleared his throat. “Kat, my love, how would you like your papa to row you across the lake?”
    “ But…what about the hunt?”
    “ I can spare an hour or two.” He nodded to the duke. “Afternoon, Chase.”
    “ Good afternoon, my lord.”
    Leah feared the thumping of her heart could be heard in the foyer. Did the duke expect her to fall at his feet? At the very least, he appeared quite confident she wouldn’t turn him down.
    She waited until they were alone before she broke the awkward silence. “Your Grace, what you are asking...it’s impossible.”
    “ You misunderstood, Miss Sheridan, but perhaps my words were not clear. I merely suggested that if you and I