The Duke's Reform Read Online Free PDF Page A

her
come out.
          'Mary, do you
think I am doing the right thing?'
          Her abigail shook out an invisible crease in the gown before
answering. 'It isn't for me to say, Lady Isobel. If you’re happy then I’m
content also.'
          With this
unsatisfactory reply ringing in her ears Isobel hurried out to join her cousin
who was waiting impatiently in the parlour so they
could descend together.
    'Pet, damask rose is perfect for
you. I'm so glad you have been allowed to wear colour tonight as well.' She
slipped her arm through her cousin's and twirled her round. 'And when do you expect to receive your first offer? Have you decided which of your many
admirers to accept?'
          'La, Isobel. I
have decided not to accept any of them. I wish to have a second season as it's so much fun. I’m sure being married could not possibly
be nearly as exciting. Eleanor, now Mrs Eleanor Watson, was at school with me and she's already a mother and
was only married last summer.'
    'Unlike you, my dear cousin, I much
prefer to be in the country and not gallivanting all over
    the place attending balls every night.'
          Petunia's
tinkling laugh echoed along the corridor. 'Fustian, Isobel, and you know it.
You have enjoyed every minute of these past weeks that you've spent with the
most attractive man in London at your side.'
    Giggling, Isobel squeezed her
cousin's arm. 'But it will be so much more enjoyable having him all to myself in the country.'
          Still laughing
at their daring conversation they arrived pell-mell at the head of the stairs.
Isobel all but tumbled headlong in her effort to stop. Halfway up the staircase
was the gentleman they had been discussing so immodestly. From the amusement in
his eyes she was certain he had overheard. She wished the floor would open and
swallow her. She was scarlet from her toes to the tip of her ears. Petunia
abandoned her and ran past leaving her to face him alone.
          'Lady Isobel, every
night you appear in a different gown and each time you take my breath away. I
apologize for eavesdropping. This was not my intention, I assure you. Come,
sweetheart, I have permission to take you to the library. There is something
most particular I wish to ask you.'
          Unable to do
more than mumble a response she allowed him to guide her down the remaining
stairs and along the wide passageway. The door was standing open, no servants
lurking to overhear. He almost bundled her inside and she heard the door click
shut behind her. Her heart raced. She was about to receive a marriage proposal
from the man of her dreams — so why did she feel so apprehensive?
          Should she find
herself a seat or remain trembling in the centre of the carpet? From what little
she knew of these matters the gentleman was obliged to go down on one knee in
order to ask her that all-important question.
          'My love, do not
look so scared. We both know why you're here and we both know my question is a
formality.' He walked towards her and she was unable to move. Her feet seemed
to be glued to the floor. 'Before I ask you to marry me there's something I
must do.'
          The distance
between them vanished. His arms came around her and she was pulled gently until
she could feel his heat burning through the thin stuff of her evening gown. Her
knees were shaking. She raised her hands to press them on his chest and tilted
her head intending to ask him to release her. She had no opportunity to speak.
His mouth closed over hers in a kiss of such sweetness her fear melted.
          His heart
pounded beneath her fingertips. He was as disturbed as she and this gave her
the courage to respond. Her hands crept up until they were around his neck and
she buried her fingers in his dark hair. It was smooth and silky beneath her
touch; she tugged at the back of his neck to bring him closer to her.
          Then her feet
were dangling free, his arms crushing her close and the pressure