The Trouble With Being a Duke Read Online Free PDF

notorious for irking Casper in precisely this fashion—a skill they’d perfected with many years of practice. “Very well,” he relented, taking pity on his friend. “Lady Deerford collects dolls.”
    “Oh.”
    Anthony frowned, not in the least bit satisfied with Casper’s response. Clearly he would have to elaborate. “I don’t believe you understand—Lady Deerford is reported to have over one thousand dolls. She doesn’t just collect them, Casper, she obsesses over them—buys expensive gifts for them and such. Frankly one has to wonder about her ladyship’s sanity, but then again, I do believe she suffered a terrible blow when her daughter went missing all those years ago.”
    “Well, that would explain it,” Casper said as he tossed back the last of his champagne and gazed out at the crowd. “It looks as though the orchestra’s getting ready for the next set—isn’t it time for you to find one of your partners, Anthony? You’ll never get through six dances in one evening at the rate you’re going.”
    “Six dances?” Louise stared up at him in surprise. “But you don’t even like to—”
    “I’m the host, Louise. I have responsibilities tonight, and besides, I’ve no desire to disappoint Mama.”
    “That’s very admirable,” Winston said as he snatched another glass of champagne from a passing tray. “I do believe I’ll help. Anyone particular you’d like me to ask?”
    Seizing the opportunity to tease Casper, Anthony said, “There’s a woman, just over there—the one in the yellow gown and the gold mask standing just to the left of the orchestra.”
    Casper moved as if to step forward, but Anthony held him back. “Ask her to dance, Winston, and while you’re at it, find out who she is.”
    Winston’s face brightened. “A mystery! I do so love a good mystery.”
    As he crossed the ballroom, Casper turned to Anthony with a glower. “You’re a fiend, you know.”
    Anthony nodded. “You’re probably right, but then again, I did see her first, and with looks like those”—he made a gesture that encompassed Casper’s entire figure—“you have to admit that it’s only fair of you to give me a chance to catch her interest before you make a move.”
    “And yet the fact that you’re suddenly so keen only makes me want her more,” Casper sighed.
    It was Anthony’s turn to glower.
    “Besides, you can’t possibly make time for her with six dances ahead of you. While I, on the other hand, have only the one with Lady Georgina.” Casper smiled his signature smile—the one that was meant to disarm even the most stubborn lady. “That ought to give me a two-hour advantage with our mystery woman.”
    “You wouldn’t!”
    “Best get on with it is all I can say.” Turning toward Louise, who’d been following the exchange with rapt interest, he gave a slight bow, said something humorous yet meaningless to Huntley and then sauntered off as if he’d been King Midas and everyone present his subjects.
    Anthony watched him go, finding it impossible not to smile. It was just like the good old days at Eton when the two of them had placed the oddest bets against each other.
    “The man has a point, you know,” Louise said a moment later, “though I would encourage you to consider the Hampstead move—it’s a classic.”
    “Louise, you’re a veritable gem!” If it hadn’t been for Huntley, Anthony would probably have picked her up and twirled her about to show his enthusiasm, but some things just weren’t done when one was in the presence of the lady’s husband and with all eyes of the ton preserving each false move to memory—not even if you happened to be her brother. So instead he said, “I’ll ask Cook to make crêpes for you every day while you’re here.”
    Louise smiled. “Just best Casper and I’ll be happy enough.”
    “Why, Louise, it almost sounds as if you hold a grudge.”
    “Croquet, six years ago—that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.”
    “And