School For Heiresses 2- Only a Duke Will Do Read Online Free PDF Page A

Lady Trusbut was simply ignoring her appeals for support. Eyes narrowing, Simon glanced to Louisa. “What does she mean by ‘political’?”
    Louisa stared him down. “We believe Parliament should institute certain reforms in the prisons, sir. And we aren’t afraid to tell the MPs our opinions.”
    His gaze probed hers. “I see.”
    She squirmed on the sofa. Why did she have the feeling he “saw” more than she’d said? Did he know about their other plans? No, how could he?
    Simon smiled at Lady Trusbut. “Then I understand your reluctance, madam. Some men are particular about their politics, so you would not want to risk your husband’s wrath by joining such a group. Men of the oppressive sort—”
    “My husband isn’t oppressive.” Lady Trusbut sniffed. “He’s a kind, generous man!”
    “Yes, of course.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t worry, we will keep your secret safe. We will not let him know you associate with Miss North and her dangerous companions. We would not want to be the cause of his abusing you—”
    “I tell you, sir, you’ve misunderstood my husband entirely!” Lady Trusbut stood to face the challenger to her husband’s honor. “You shall come to call, and you shall bring Miss North. Come Saturday, when Parliament isn’t in session, and then you’ll see for yourself how accommodating my husband can be.”
    Simon nodded, eyes gleaming. “Thank you, I will do that.” His gaze flicked to Louisa. “Assuming that Miss North will honor me with her company.”
    Half-dazed, Louisa rose to her feet. Had the duke really just manipulated Lady Trusbut into giving Louisa an audience with her and her husband? But why? What possible purpose could it serve him? Before Louisa could answer him, Regina swept into the room. “Oh, there you are, Lady Trusbut. You seem to have recovered nicely.”
    Her pride further soothed by the attention of a duke’s very popular sister, the baroness touched a hand to her hair. “Miss North has been quite solicitous of me.”
    Louisa smiled at her sister-in-law. “I told Lady Trusbut that you probably had some healing ointment for her injury.”
    “Yes, of course.” Regina waved her hand toward the door. “If you’ll just come with me to our stillroom
    …”
    Lady Trusbut hurried to her side, but when Louisa started to follow, Regina shook her head. “No need for you to stay inside, my dear.” She nodded to her brother. “Accompany Louisa back to the party, will you? You might as well make yourself useful now that your pet is under wraps.”
    “I would be honored.” Eyes gleaming, Simon held out his arm to Louisa. She hesitated, but the last thing she wanted him to know was how much he unsettled her. Besides, she needed to find out what the wily fellow was trying to do. This would be an excellent test of her self-control. If she could stay unruffled with Simon, she would finally be free of him. Yet the mere act of letting him lead her from the drawing room did fluttery things to her insides. Heavens, but he was finely made—she could feel his muscles bunch beneath his merino coat. He’d always been a virile man, but now…
    Clearly, he hadn’t spent the last few years behind a desk. His shoulders were broader, and his physique more finely developed. Where he’d once been Adonis, he was now Zeus, and as confident of his power as that imperious god.
    He stood aside to let her pass through the open door leading to the gallery, then laid his hand briefly in the small of her back as he came up behind her. A shiver of forgotten pleasure skittered down her spine. Oh dear. When would her body learn the lessons her heart had—that he couldn’t be trusted? Would she have to be doddering on the edge of the grave? Because clearly her body was leaping for joy to have him near.
    Dratted, witless body. She must teach it to behave.
    When he offered her his arm again she barely laid her hand upon it. Surely she could control her thumping pulse if she just