The Orphan and the Duke Read Online Free PDF Page B

that enough to make them match. Basil removed his hat and gloves and handed them to the help before glancing further about the area. He noted a pile of embroidery on the chair closest to the fire and wondered if the lady of the house knew it had been left behind. He thought of how his mother would have never entertained a visitor with such an item carelessly on display. Then he realized he was being ungracious and tried to ignore the offending hoop and piece of fabric.
    “I’ll show Mr. Mandeville in. Please be seated, Your Grace.”
    Basil nodded but didn’t take a seat. He walked over to the fireplace and inspected the figurines, touching a couple of them with his index finger.
    “Good morning, Your Grace. I’m so humbled that you came to call.”
    Basil turned to face a man who appeared to be in his mid to late forties. The man had ruddy cheeks and a nose that showed he liked his liquor a little too much. Mandeville indicated the two settees facing each other with a low table between them. “Please, be seated. May I bring you some refreshment?”
    “Oh, no thank you. I won’t take that much of your time.”
    “ Really? Your business with me isn’t going to be long enough to require a small gesture of hospitality?”
    “When you put it that way, then yes, I will take a small sip of something.” Basil tilted his head to the side. He wasn’t in the mood to have a right visit with the man. He merely wanted to conduct his business and be on his way, but he knew that would be ungentlemanly, so he braced himself for the social niceties that would have to be observed.
    Mandeville called for the butler and ordered a tray to be brought.
    In the hallway, Basil noticed the young lady whom his sisters had confronted at the mantua maker’s shop. She was peering in the door as if Basil were on exhibit like one of the wild animals at Vauxhall Gardens.
    When she caught Basil looking at her, she flushed a shade that almost matched her father’s countenance.
    Puzzled by the presence of the girl, he turned to her father. “I’m here to talk with you about a proposition—”
    “A proposition or a proposal, sir? They are one and the same, are they not?” Mandeville laughed as he shut the door in his daughter’s face. This man is exceedingly rude, but I’m not going to question his treatment of his own child.
    “I guess they are the same thing.” Unaware of what Mandeville found so amusing, Basil had a moment of fright that the man might be mentally unbalanced. It was no matter. He didn’t plan to be involved with the gentleman any longer than necessary to hire his niece.
    “Come, come be seated.” Mandeville gestured to the sofa again. “We shall conduct our business, and then I’ll send for my wife and Susan.” Mandeville winked, and Basil knew him to be unhinged. What does he think is happening? Why do his wife and this Susan person need to be called in? Amelia is who needs to be summoned.
    “Sir, I do not know why we would need your family to come into our discussion. I am here about Miss Amelia Mandeville.”
    Was that some kind of squeal? Basil darted a glance at the closed door, then his eyes came to rest on the face of his host. Mandeville’s color was almost puce.
    Taken aback, Basil said, “Are you quite all right? Should I ring for someone?”
    “I am fine.” The man managed to choke out the words and, after a breath, added, “Am I to understand you are here to pay court to my niece? My illegitimate niece and not my daughter?”
    “My dear sir, I am not here to pay court to anyone. Did you truly believe that to be my business today? I cannot fathom why such an idea would come to you. Didn’t your niece indicate to you that I would be coming?”
    “No, she did not. I received the correspondence delivered by your liveried servant, but that is the only word I have received.”
    “I’m sorry that you misunderstood the purpose of my visit. I would’ve thought Miss Mandeville would have discussed it