The Duke's Men [1] What the Duke Desires Read Online Free PDF Page B

forgot about his threat, forgot about the early hour or what
     she waswearing. All she could see was another George, full of himself and his consequence.
    “I see.” She marched forward to thrust her face right up to his. “Well, since you
     know so much about Mr. Manton already, you obviously don’t need us to tell you when
     he’s returning or how you can reach him. So, good day, Your Grace.”
    She started to close the door, but he pushed forward to block the motion. When she
     lifted her livid gaze, she found him staring at her with the merest hint of respect.
     “Forgive me, madam, it appears that you and I got off on the wrong foot.”
    “ You got off on the wrong foot. I merely watched you shove it into your mouth.”
    He raised an eyebrow, clearly unused to having people of her inconsequence speak to
     him in such a fashion. Then he nodded. “A colorful way to put it. And perhaps apt.
     But I have good reason for my rudeness. If you will allow me in to explain, I promise
     to behave like a gentleman.”
    When she eyed him skeptically, Skrimshaw stepped forward to murmur, “At the very least,
     miss, come away from the open door before someone sees you dressed as . . .”
    It suddenly hit her that she was standing here practically in view of the street wearing
     only her night rail and dressing gown. No wonder the duke thought her a mistress.
     “Yes, of course,” she mumbled and backed away, allowing him to enter.
    The duke closed the door behind him. “Thank you, Miss . . . Miss . . .”
    “Bonnaud,” she finished.
    Before she could even explain why her name was different from Dom’s, the duke said
     in a strained voice, “Ah. You’re that sister.”
    The wealth of meaning in his words made heat rise in her cheeks. “The bastard one?”
     she said tightly.
    “The one who’s also a sister to Tristan Bonnaud.” His hard gaze flicked down her again.
    Alarm rose in her chest. “You know my other brother?”
    “You might say that. He’s the reason I’m here.” His eyes narrowed on her. “I was hoping
     Manton would reveal where the scoundrel is hiding in London. But I don’t suppose there’s
     much chance that you will do so.”
    A chill coursed down her spine. This wasn’t good at all. If Tristan had been fool
     enough to come to England . . .
    No, it was impossible. “You must be mistaken, sir. Tristan hasn’t visited London in
     years. And if he did, we would be the first to know. But Dom and I have had no word
     from him.”
    He searched her face. “Which only proves me right about his character. I did think
     it odd that a man of Manton’s sterling reputation would countenance Bonnaud’s actions,
     but if he was unaware of them—”
    “What actions, sir?” she asked, her pulse jumpingup a notch with the duke’s every word. “What has my brother done?”
    “Forgive me, madam, but I prefer to discuss this with a more disinterested party.
     Tell me where Manton is, and I will leave you in peace.”
    After hinting that Tristan had done some awful thing? Not a chance. “As I said before,
     I’m not at liberty to do so. But if you’ll reveal what it is you think Tristan has
     done, I promise to be as impartial a judge of his actions as you have been.”
    Skrimshaw let out what sounded like a laugh, which turned into a cough beneath the
     duke’s withering glance.
    “It seems that we have come to an impasse,” the duke told her icily.
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “It does appear that way, doesn’t it?”
    “I’m not leaving without the information I seek.”
    “And I’m not telling you anything without knowing what’s going on. So you have two
     choices, Your Grace. You may speak to me clearly and honestly of your grievance, and
     I will help you resolve the matter. Or you can bed down in our parlor for the next
     week or so until Dom’s return.”
    “A week!” the duke exclaimed.
    “As I told you, he is on a case. Sometimes they go on for a