Scandalous Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

will
investigate, and if she is in need of medical treatment, you can be sure she
will receive it."
    Isobel knew he meant
every word, for he never failed to carry out his intentions. Although he kept a
mistress, as most men did, she knew he would be a good husband. When he was
with Elizabeth he was always courteous, kind and respectful, and it was no
game—it was his nature. He never denied her anything, not even a" request
to attend some function, although he dearly hated them and he was a busy man.
He was not abusive in any way, and he kept his affairs most discreet.
    Isobel knew he was fond
of Elizabeth, for they were cousins. In fact, Hadrian had been twelve,
Elizabeth two, when they were betrothed. Isobel knew that Hadrian felt no
burning love for Elizabeth, caring for her as one might care for a sister, just
as she was certain that Elizabeth did love him, and not as one would love a
brother. That, of course, was not her business. The most important thing was
that Hadrian and Elizabeth were friends, and that Hadrian would always honor
and respect her. Isobel had seen enough of the world to know that friendship
was not a bad basis for a marriage, for only a very few were ever lucky enough
to experience love at all, much less to love their spouse. She was carried back
to another time, to other shores, and she was sad. But the moment passed.
    The Duke ate quickly,
considering what his mother had told him. He was not alarmed, although Isobel
must be or she would not have come all the way to Chapman Hall. His first order
of business when he got back to London would be to discuss Elizabeth's health
with her, and he would not be fooled if she were indeed ailing. Also he would
go out of his way to accompany her to the theatre and other such nonsense. Once
again, the Dowager Duchess was right, and he felt guilty. He had become too
immersed in the affairs of his estates, and he had been neglecting his fiancee.
It was unlike him, for if he had calculated correctly, he had not seen her in
over a month. There was no excuse. Once they were married he resolved not to
let such a pattern develop again.
    The Duke excused himself
to attend to the repair of Chapman Hall, which was in a sadly neglected
condition. As he left the table, his thoughts once again turned to the brazen
gypsy-like Lady Shelton. He had flirted with her last night like some shallow
fop, and he was not a flirt, not ever. He had actually pursued her. He
had invited her here, to Chapman Hall, and now he was sorry he had done so.
Although Isobel would probably leave tomorrow, he absolutely could not allow
her to meet Lady Shelton, a future lover; it would be the height of impropriety
and disrespect. He hadn't been thinking very clearly last night, if he had been
thinking at all. The realization unsettled him.
    The Duke spent the
morning finishing his review of the small estate, which covered a mere twenty
acres, for it had been nothing more than a country home for its previous
owners. He returned to the Hall in time for a dinner of minted lamb, which he
took with his mother. Isobel had been out riding—she was an avid horsewoman—and
she told him she would leave the next morning to return to London.
    He shared some of his
plans for Chapman Hall with Isobel, who, as always, was keenly interested in
anything that had to do with the ducal empire. They were just finishing their
meal when Woodward appeared, announcing a caller.
    The Duke did not have to
be told who it was— he knew. But Woodward gravely informed him that his
visitor was Lady Nicole Shelton, although he barely heard. His mother was
looking at him queerly, saying, "Lady Nicole Bragg Shelton from Dragmore,
Hadrian?"
    The slightest flush
tinged his high cheekbones as he rose abruptly. "I have a riding
date," he said curtly, his tone cutting off any further questions. He
hurried out, leaving her gaping after him.
    Woodward led him to the
small parlor off of the slate-floored foyer. The door was open and the