The Duke's Daughter Read Online Free PDF Page A

placed his hands by his sides, an expectant look on his face.
    Avery scowled. He had never dealt with a tailor before; what was he supposed to do?
    Lord Langham cleared his throat. ‘Mr Fox has had a long military career; he is not used to having the services of a gentleman’s tailor.’ He turned toward Avery. ‘Mr Swain will need to take your full measurements, so you will have to remove your jacket.’
    Lord Langham wandered over to a nearby chair and made himself comfortable. Avery slowly removed his jacket and laid it on the bed over the spare shirt. The pocket watch remained hidden from sight.
    The second Mr Swain stepped forward and put his hands on Avery’s waist, he knew it was going to be an interesting afternoon. He looked at Lord Langham, seeking reassurance that having this man’s hands all over him was what was supposed to be happening.
    Henry Langham sat chuckling in the chair.
    ‘You wait till he measures you up for new trousers, Fox. I bet five pounds you hold your breath when he takes your inside leg measurements.’
    Mr Swain took the measuring tape from around his neck and went silently about his business. When he did get to the point where he had Avery standing, legs akimbo, while he ran the measuring tape around his thigh, Avery began to feel faint.
    ‘Done,’ Mr Swain finally announced.
    ‘Excellent,’ Lord Langham said.
    ‘Is Friday soon enough, milord?’
    Lord Langham nodded. ‘Yes, I think we can hide Mr Fox away from society for a few more days.’
    The tailor made his bowed farewells and left. Avery stood staring at the door, a deep scowl between his eyebrows. Why was he being hidden from society?
    ‘Relax, young man. Mr Swain will have the basics of your new wardrobe ready by Friday, then you can start to circulate. The season is coming to a close, but it will do you good to make at least a few appearances in the coming weeks. Selective ones, of course, given the circumstances,’ Lord Langham said.
    Avery picked up his jacket and considered the black armband he had hastily sewn around the left arm. David had assured him he was fine with Avery sewing it to the jacket when he lent it to him. Lord Langham still wore his piece of mourning cloth on his sleeve, but it was only held on by pins, almost as if it were a mere afterthought to social propriety.
    ‘Take your time to relax and find your way around the house this afternoon. Later in the week we shall sit and discuss matters of business and what role you might like to play in the running of the estate.’
    Lord Langham left Avery to his own devices for the rest of the day. David made a brief appearance later that morning, promising to spend time with him in the forthcoming days. Lady Clarice and the dowager Countess Langham were nowhere to be seen.
    Avery spent the afternoon lying on his back, enjoying the soft comfort of the big bed in his room. He found himself whistling to overcome the silence of the house. He rolled over and ran his right hand across the silk cover. Soft and sensual to the touch, it tempted him into taking off the black leather glove which he permanently wore on his left hand.
    As his fingers settled on the soft, cool fabric, he looked at the series of deep slashes which ran from his middle fingers to his wrist. They presented a sharp contrast to the expensive elegance of the bedclothes.
    He frowned. The hand was stiff and only afforded a limited range of movement. No amount of bespoke clothing, or money for that matter, could make him whole again.
    Avery’s first evening at Langham House provided his first real insight into not only the relationship between his late brother and the Langham family, but more importantly, how the Langham family viewed his presence.
    At dinner he dined only with the Dowager Countess Langham. Lord Langham sent his apologies due to a prior engagement, while David and Clarice were dining with Lord and Lady Strathmore.
    When he entered the room, Avery fully expected Lady Alice to turn