The Duke's Indiscretion Read Online Free PDF Page B

attempting to stand, still in apparent confusion.
    He bowed slightly, offering her his most engaging smile. “I’m delighted to meet you, Lady Charlotte.”
    She seemed quite confounded for a moment, glancing at him, and then back to her brother. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice meekly hushed.
    Colin felt suddenly sorry for the girl, wishing for her sake that she could find a husband, and fast.
    Her brother pulled down on his sleeves. “His grace wants to buy the pianoforte, and I intend to sell it to him. For a fair price, naturally.”
    â€œNaturally,” Colin repeated.
    Within seconds, Charlotte’s face burned with a rush of hot color. “It’s—it’s not for sale.”
    Colin looked at her oddly, cocking his head to the side, wondering if her submissiveness and soft voice were only an act. She seemed as determined as any lady could be under such circumstances, but she didn’t sound at all defiant.
    â€œNot for sale?” her brother repeated, incredulous. “That’s not your concern. Get on with you, girl, we have business to discuss.”
    Lips thinned in a rage she couldn’t hide, she moved out from behind the object of their deliberation, and Colin couldn’t help but admire her figure—lush and curvy with nicely rounded, uplifted breasts that would fill a man’s hands. Although she had unruly hair and a fair, freckled face, she should be able to attract a man with her curves alone. But more to the point, he had to wonder why she continued to refuse suitors when, if he were in her shoes, he’d have jumped at the first proposal just to be rid of her brother. But then he wasn’t in her shoes, and she was, after all, a female without options.
    Slowly, hands on hips, she walked toward them, glaring at her brother. “You’re ruining my life.”
    â€œI wouldn’t have to if you’d get yourself married,” the earl said through clenched teeth, trying to remain composed for the sake of his guest but ultimately failing badly.
    Lady Charlotte shot a quick glance at him, and the look on her face, determined and incensed, made him pause. She seemed oddly familiar, in a manner he couldn’t understand and didn’t particularly want to contemplate as he grew more uncomfortable with each passing moment. The guilt he felt burned in his chest, and he had every intention of forcing Sir Thomas to give her back her damn pianoforte. Poor thing seemed to have nothing else that made her happy.
    Her face pink, eyes narrowed to slits, she fisted her hands on her sides and glared at him. In a low murmur, she said thickly, “I’ll never forget this, your grace.”
    With that, she breezed by them and took her leave, slamming the door behind her.
    Earl Brixham groaned and rubbed his eyes. “See what I mean? She’s incorrigible.”
    Colin felt his ire brimming. He needed to be done with them, and fast. “I think she’s appealing, actually, and certainly talented.”
    The earl scoffed and waved his hand with annoyance. “She’s too wrapped up in her music, is what she is.”
    That made him think of Lottie English, the bold seductress who made him crazy with her enchanting voice and sensual presence.
    Colin cleared his throat, smoothing his hair on theback of his head. “Why don’t you take the money I’ll offer you for the pianoforte and purchase her a new piano?” he suggested casually. “Perhaps then she’ll take more kindly to your idea of giving her away to the next man who comes along.”
    Earl Brixham looked at him askance, his own impatience surfacing as his features grew tight, his body rigid. “I’ll take care of Charlotte,” he said brusquely. “Now, let’s get down to business, shall we?”
    Colin knew if he got any more personal with his feelings about the girl and her treatment, he’d be asked to leave, thus