The Duke Conspiracy Read Online Free PDF

Yorkleigh,” Emmaline answered with pride.
    “We shall be at the musicale as well,”
Elizabeth replied as she rose to her feet, signaling the visit was
drawing to an end. “It was so kind of you to stop in; we shall look
forward to seeing you later this evening.”
    The visiting ladies were clearly disappointed
not to have gotten any juicy details about the duke, but they
accepted their dismissal with good grace. Delicately placing their
tea cups back into their saucers, they too rose to their feet and
politely took their leave.
    As the door closed behind the Chadwick
ladies, Elizabeth and Rose shared a quiet giggle. “Those two are
too much,” Rose declared firmly.
    “But they are perfect specimens of the ton . Have you thought about how you are going to handle
references to the duke throughout the Season? If what they had to
say is true, or even if it is just wishful thinking on the part of
many, His Grace is obviously going to be a top subject for the
rumor mill. I am certain you do not wish to be remarked upon by
being seen to shun him.”
    Rose appreciated her friend's concern but
loathed the need for it. “I had given the matter very little
thought.” She paused for a moment of reflection before continuing
in thoughtful tones. “You are, no doubt, quite correct that it will
be remarked upon if I am obvious, but I would like to think I am
capable of avoiding him without anyone noticing. I hardly think he
is likely to search me out, so it is highly probable that this is a
non-issue.”
    “Perhaps,” Elizabeth's tone and dubious
expression showed that she was unconvinced, but she did not press
the issue. “Have you considered the possibility of ending the feud
between your two families? I am sure it is an uncomfortable
subject, but has it been discussed in your family?”
    Rose knew her friend was trying to be helpful
so she made every effort to rein in the strong feelings that
threatened to overwhelm her response. “Their son is responsible for
the death of my brother. I do not see how any relationship between
our families is possible.”
    “They lost a son too,” Elizabeth answered
quietly, “perhaps you could grieve together.”
    This possibility had never occurred to Rose,
but her feelings were still too raw to consider it despite the
three years that had passed. “It is unlikely my parents would
entertain the suggestion. And considering the scene the last time
we were all in a room together, I have my doubts either the duchess
or her son would be amenable to the idea either. Never mind about
that, I know you are just being a good friend, but let us allow the
subject to drop for now. You are perfectly correct that my parents
and I shall have to better prepare ourselves to face them if we are
to go about amongst the ton this Season. Now tell me, what
do you plan to wear to the musicale? I have every intention of
sitting with you, so we must ensure our dresses do not clash.”
    Elizabeth allowed the change of subject and
Rose was happy to feel a giggle coming on at her friend's look of
disbelief. “My dear Rose, surely you realize that as debutantes
nothing we are allowed to wear could ever clash with each other.
All whites and pastels go together rather mundanely in my
opinion.”
    “True enough. But your lovely complexion
allows you to wear some colors that would make me look rather
sallow. My mother would never allow me to sit near you if I am
going to be made to look hideous by comparison.”
    “Do not be a henwit, I beg of you. Or are you
fishing for compliments? You know full well that nothing you could
ever wear or be near could make you look hideous.”
    Rose reached over and clasped her friend's
hand warmly. “That right there is why you are such a good friend.
You are the most generous girl I have ever met. You can be sure
neither of the Chadwick ladies would have said such a thing.”
    Elizabeth offered a small shrug. “I merely
speak the truth.”
    Rose glanced up as the large clock