Sarah's Duke: and Ellie's Gentleman (The heir and the spare, book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

was breathtaking. Had he really thought she was only pretty ? Flawless skin, glorious golden hair and the most kissable lips he had ever had the misfortune to feel. She obviously didn’t seem to notice his discomfort, because she put her hand around his elbow and pulled him further away from the ballroom. It was the only, and last, place he wanted to be.
    “I wasn’t sure if I’d see you tonight. You said you’re not on the marriage mart?” She laughed happily, as though telling a joke, but Oliver heard the question behind the statement.
    She had no idea how hard Oliver had struggled with himself over the question to seek her out or not. He had chosen the lesser of the two evils. He could deal with the torture of seeing her healthy and well, worrying that she wasn’t, was a torture he hadn’t yet been able to endure.
    “I wasn’t planning on it, to be honest, but I needed to make sure you were feeling a little better after your dreadful experience last night.”
    If only she wasn’t so beautiful. It would make it so much easier.
    Oliver knew that his attendance at more than one ball in a week had already been cause for speculation. He only had a few years left until he had to marry a lady to produce an heir to the dukedom, but he shuddered at the thought. He had always planned to marry someone he wanted, someone he cared for. But since he had inherited the title, his new responsibility as the title holder meant he was obliged to marry someone who would be a good duchess. Someone who had the appropriate training and breeding for the position. Oliver’s back teeth ground together at the thought. When had he started thinking about women as though they were horses?
    Sarah flushed prettily, the blood giving her cheeks a healthy tinge that made her glow all the more. Oliver stifled a groan as blood flowed to his groin.
    “Thank you, I really do appreciate it.”
    Sarah lifted her gaze to meet his and Oliver had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms for a real kiss. That light touch of his mouth on hers from the night before had only whet his appetite for her. He had thought of little else and now that she was so close, he was aching for another taste.
    “It was no bother at all.” He patted her hand lightly, striving for a paternal type of reassurance and removed her small hand from his arm. He turned his back on the gardens and leaned against the banister at the end of the balcony.
    “Since we have already discussed my lack of interest in a marriage partner, tell me, is there any gentleman at whom you have been looking? ” He gestured widely towards the ballroom and watched her closely.
    It had been a long time since Oliver had felt comfortable with another person, any person. And to be this comfortable with a woman to whom he was attracted, ... well it had never happened before!
    “I haven’t been looking, to be honest. After the other night, I’m not sure I trust my own instincts.”
    She smiled sadly and Oliver clenched his hands into fists at his side. Damn that Patrick Millington.
    “Well, tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll recommend someone.” The words were out of his mouth before he even thought to halt them. God, he was stupid and a glutton for punishment, it would seem.
    She smiled at that, although the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
    “I need someone with, well...”
    “Money,” he sighed, finishing her sentence for her and feeling disappointed despite himself. For once, he wanted to be wrong about a woman.
    “Yes, unfortunately.” Sarah sighed just as heavily as he had and leaned back against the railing beside him.
    Oliver looked up from where he’d been staring at the ground, confused by her words. Sarah had just admitted to something to which most ladies would openly admit, but yet sounded so sad about the fact.
    “Why unfortunately?” He tried to keep his tone light once again. This may be one of the only times he got to hear her real opinion. He knew that as soon