The Duke and the Dressmaker (The St. James Series) Read Online Free PDF

matter? But it did, and he could no longer deny it. Much as he wanted to hate Lady Sara Downey, he couldn’t. She stirred too many feelings in him, feelings that he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
    ***
    Philip left early for White’s the next morning. He needed to speak to his friend Ardleigh. After a sleepless night, he’d made a decision. The time had come for him to find out all he could about Sara Downey. After spending half his night dreaming about how it would feel to lie between her creamy white thighs, Philip had decided to take some action.
    Twice last night, he had awakened with an erection, memories of chestnut curls and pert breasts fresh in his mind. The other two times he’d awakened because of a dream: a man was beating Sara, and Philip had been unable to reach her. Both circumstances left him so frustrated he was forced to take action.
    He strode into White’s with a stern look on his face, and found Ardleigh in the corner reading the newspaper.
    “ Brentwood,” Ardleigh announced. “What brings you out so early this morning?”
    “ I cannot sleep for one thing, but I am here because I need information. I require someone who will discreetly ascertain some facts for me. But no one can know what I am doing, especially my target.
    Ardleigh chuckled lightly. “Sounds like another female has gotten into your head, Brentwood. The only question is, who is she?”
    “None of your concern ,” Philip said, his tone sharp. “And you are a good example of why I need someone that can be discreet.”
    “Ah, but you know I cannot wait to see you with another woman . Brentwood. But this time, I encourage you to choose someone of better character,” Ardleigh said with a smile.
    “Worry about your own woman, not mine. I have a woman that meets my needs, Lady Montrose.” Brentwood strode to the window and stared aimlessly.
    “Oh, I do worry about my woman. But then you know how much I adore my wife. It is because of Phoebe that I am always after you. You need a wonderful woman at your side. I would be lost without Phoebe. You have to forget about that bitch and find yourself a real wife.” Ardleigh stared at Brentwood with a serious expression. “I am not jesting; I mean what I say.”
    “It isn’t that easy,” Philip said as he shook his head. “Back to my original purpose, can you help me? Do you know someone I can employ that I can trust to be discreet?”
    “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Just tell me why you need him, and I will give you the name.” Ardleigh peered over the newspaper.
    Brentwood ’s fist came down hard on the table. “Give it up, Ardleigh! It is none of your concern.”
    “Bloody hell, Brentwood. Calm down. What has you in such a state? All right, I will give you his name.” Ardleigh wrote the name on a piece of paper and handed it to Brentwood. “But you are to inform me if there is trouble.”
    Brentwood grabbed the paper from Ardleigh’s hand and spun on his heel. He stormed out the door without another word.

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Sara sat at her table counting her coins. Almost a week had passed and she didn’t have as much money as she’d hoped, but then again, she didn’t really know how much she needed. How was she supposed to guess that? Why hadn’t Stinky told her how much money he needed? She smiled at her name for him, wrinkling her nose at the memory. She didn’t know his name, but there was nothing more appropriate, since he had such an odor about him.
    The frightful memory of his invasion into her life kept her up at night. She slept restlessly, and during the day, she jumped at every little sound. The fear she had that he would return before the end of the promised week churned in her belly. Sara placed her money back into the box and hid it.
    Fortunately, her business had been successful. With the St. James’s order, she almost had more work than she could handle. She stayed up late many nights working on Emma’s gowns, even though the duchess was