The Heart of a Duke Read Online Free PDF Page B

met Emily’s amused regard, struggling to form a response when none came to mind.
    The surrounding crowds rescued her from her reticence. Snatches of conversations rose above the din.
    “He’s right crazy!”
    “Don’t care. I got me two bob ridin’ on Black Devil tossing the toff on his arse. I aim to get me a new trowel with me winnings.”
    “He must have lost his wits in America. It’s right dangerous for a bloke to be witless round Black Devil.”
    “Well, here’s hoping he don’t find ’em. I need me a new trowel.”
    “He’s got the looks of His Grace, and His Grace has a right fine seat on a horse. Might want to be rethin’ your wager.”
    Julia heard no more. The comparison to His Grace identified the witless toff. As much as she’d like to see Robbie Tanner’s new, unbroken stallion toss Lord Daniel Bryant on his hindquarters, she could not face the man just yet. Not when tongue-tied and under Emily’s suspicious regard.
    Unfortunately, the decision was not hers to make. Julia looped her arm securely through Emily’s as they found themselves carried along with the throngs of villagers, moved like flotsam in a river of people. Excitement rippled through the crowds. They appeared to be heading toward the paddocks next to Tanner Stables, which abutted the village square.
    “Oh dear, Robbie must be taking bets on that poor horse unseating all challengers. It is not right, Julia.” Emily said, worry edging her voice.
    She squeezed Emily’s forearm. “He will find a buyer for him soon. The horse is too valuable for him to stable for long. Robbie deals in the sale of prime bloodstock, not losing pounds over the board and keep of them.”
    “But if the horse is mad . . .”
    “He is not mad. Just spirited.” She slid her arm around her sister’s waist, disturbed at her choice of words.
    Madness was not something Julia wished to contemplate, not after the past year. An image of Emily standing with a pair of shears clutched in her hand flashed before her. Covering her sister’s bare feet were the golden strands of her once beautiful long hair. Emily’s eyes had pooled with tears.
Jason loved my hair,
she had said.
    She tightened her grip on Emily and buried the image. After all, Emily was much, much better now. Taking her away to the Lake District for a few months had been restorative. No one need ever know of how dark that period had been, for no one knew the true extent of her sister’s despair but Edmund and the family. He had kept their family’s confidence, his future linked with theirs through his betrothal to Julia. Julia frowned at her train of thought. Of course, Edmund would have been discreet had they not been betrothed.
    The proximity of the crowds drew her attention. They had thinned around her as they became aware of whom they carried in their midst. Her father, the earl, was highly esteemed in Taunton, generous and benevolent to the village. She smiled at familiar faces, nodding to those who bobbed a brief curtsy despite the ruckus surrounding them. “My ladies.” The murmurs reached her as a path was cleared for them to move forward.
    They joined the audience standing before the paddock fence. Men propped their elbows on the top rails and hooted encouragement at the scene unfolding before them. Young boys perched on the fence rail to gain a better vantage point. The whisper of a breeze swept the audience, the sky a vast canvas of cerulean blue. The afternoon sun dazzled, a bright beacon to grace the day.
    She scanned the crowds for her younger brother’s towhead. Her father had succumbed to his pleading and escorted him to the festival earlier in the day. She caught sight of Jonathan’s shining face from his perch atop one of the rails, one arm slung around a nearby post. Her heart lifted at the sight of her father’s tall figure hovering protectively beside him, the intimate tableau another reminder that all was well with her family.
    Lifting her arm to wave, her gesture