The Duke of Christmas Past Read Online Free PDF Page B

indiscretion did you commit
tonight?"
    The young girl blushed and averted her eyes. "I
danced the first two with Lord Norcross, being polite, hoping then
I could avoid him for the remainder of the ball. Instead, I fear I
gave the man a bit more encouragement than I had intended, and he
was quite determined that we share a third dance…"
    "And Miss Warren…"
    "The next thing I knew, she was beside me, squeezing
my hand. She smiled at me and then inquired if the earl intended to
make her ask him to dance. He bowed and said of course not and led
her to the dance floor. As they walked away, Miss Warren winked at
me over her shoulder."
    So many emotions warred within Donovan that he hardly
knew which one to feel first. Pride in Tess's selflessness; her
willingness to always put others ahead of herself. Fear that
perhaps she did carry an affection for Norcross. The thought had
jealousy washing over him like a fiery flame. What a fool he'd
been. How had he not seen until now what she meant to him, that he
loved her — was in love with her?
    He'd played this night over and over in his mind, yet
until now had never realized what had been right in front of him.
But now… now when facing the truth without having the memories
misconstrued by his own interpretation of the events, the torture
of realizing what he'd lost was unbearable.
    The music came to a stop, and he again scanned the
dancers. Even through the scattering aray of colors, he easily
spotted his prey. Norcross was leading her back to the chairs. Her
eyes met his, and she smiled. The tug on his heartstring was so
strong he nearly toppled over to get to her.
    A jaunty quadrille started, and couples lined up in
pairs. Had he even asked her to dance that night? Not that he
recalled. One of the many mistakes he'd made with her. If he'd
known that would be his last chance, he would have danced three
dances with her, giving her no choice but to marry him. If he had
it to do over—
    Excitement had his heart thrumming. He did have it to
do over! He'd been given a second chance, and he had no intention
of letting Norcross have her.
    Then he heard it. Faint but strong. High above the
crescendo of music. His father's voice, and his heart withered and
withdrew deep into his chest.
    "… Baron DeRosso to encourage his daughter
to set her cap for you. But don't mistake your brotherly affection
for Tess Warren as more. Wouldn't want to give the girl false hope.
No, for you nothing less than a duch—"
    "And where have you been hiding, your grace?" Tess
asked, pulling him back to the present.
    Norcross cackled. A truly undignified racket. "Hiding
indeed, Miss Warren. As if one could hide while wearing such a
flashy tailcoat. Your tailor has outdone himself, your grace. For
surely a strutting peacock with his feathers spread would attract
far less attention."
    Lady Ivy gasped. "Please excuse me. I do believe I
hear my mama calling." She barely took time to curtsey before
hurrying away.
    Donovan bristled. Heat flooded his face and poured
out his ears. Had the earl gone dicked in the nob? Surely the man
knew to insult a duke was to commit social suicide. He clenched and
unclenched his fist, prepared to knock the smirk from Norcross's
face.
    "Lord Norcross, I would so enjoy a cup of Lady
Kringle's famous punch." Tess's voice was shaky, her face pale.
    The earl took her hand and kissed it. "Please, allow
me."
    Once he was out of earshot, Tess glared at Donovan.
"Were you honestly about to engage in fisticuffs with Lord
Norcross? You should be ashamed of yourself."
    "Me? Madam, I am the injured party."
    "Well, what did you expect after you provoked him
so?"
    " Me? Provoke him ?"
    "Yes, you provoked him. You glared at the poor man
the whole time we were dancing. I was quite certain daggers would
fly from your eyes and strike the earl down. What possible reason
do you have for such vulgar behavior?"
    Because you married him. Not that he could
tell her that. The other truth then. That he loved