To Marry a Duke Read Online Free PDF

riding habit?’
    Abbot curtsied. ‘You weren’t well enough to ride, and this
was the first gown I could lay my hands on. I apologize, my lady, if I
overstepped myself.’
    Allegra smiled. ‘No, you were quite right, but please
dispose of this object. I am sure a member
    of the
deserving poor would appreciate it more than I.’
    ‘I’ve put out a selection of gowns, my lady; I thought you
might like to choose the ensemble yourself.’
    An array of colour greeted her arrival in her bedchamber. No
lavenders or greys and definitely no black. She was about to protest but for
once, thought for a moment.
    ‘Yes, Abbot, you are right. I shall wear colour. Are these
the gowns we ordered last month?’
    ‘They are, my lady. I remember that you particularly admired
this amber silk.’
    ‘Yes. I will wear that one. And I think I will wear a
corset. Do not look so astounded, it is de
rigueur , surely?’
    ‘But, your ladyship, pardon me for saying so, you’ve no need
for such a restraint.’
    ‘I know, but at least it will push what little bosom I have
upwards and give me a more feminine outline.’
    Her dresser and maid exchanged looks but did as they were
bid. The gown was a trifle loose but the high waist concealed this discrepancy
well. Abbot fastened the clasp of the double row of
    amber beads
and stepped back.
    ‘There, your ladyship, you look like a princess.’
    Allegra frowned. ‘I think the gold ribbons threaded through
my hair are a mistake, but it is too late to remove them.’
    ‘Oh no, Lady Allegra, they add the finishing touch. Your
chignon is the same, none of the ringlets or trailing bits you so dislike.’
    ‘It will do, thank you, Abbot. Did you take the message to
Miss Murrell earlier, Jenny?’
    ‘Yes, my lady. Miss Murrell said as she would check the
apartments before she comes to you in your parlour. I believe I heard a tap on
the door, I reckon that will be Miss Murrell now.’
    Allegra heard her companion chatting to Jenny and swept from
the bedchamber to join her.
    ‘Lady Allegra! How lovely you look, my dear. I had quite
forgotten how beautiful you are. Black is not a flattering colour especially for someone as fair as you.’
    ‘Thank you, Miss Murrell. And your gown is perfect. Dark
green is such a practical colour, is it not?’
    Abbot appeared and draped a gossamer thin, gold cashmere
wrap around her shoulders.
    ‘The blue corridor is cold and you could be waiting there a
while, you don’t wish to catch a chill, my lady.’
    ‘No, thank you, Abbot. Come, Miss
Murrell, shall we go down? The Tremaynes are due to arrive at any minute.’
    Allegra held her shawl close, knowing short sleeves, however
attractive, were not a good choice for April. Although the building they
resided in was mainly modern, having been constructed by their grandfather, the
edifice was so vast it was impossible to keep it at a pleasant temperature.
    Richard was resplendent in bottle
green superfine and cream inexpressibles , his pale
gold waistcoat a perfect foil for her gown. He scanned her appearance and
nodded presumably pleased she had on something attractive.
    ‘Come and stand by the fire, Allegra, Yardley has
instructions to assemble the staff as soon as the carriage turns into the
park.’
    ‘Has their baggage arrived?’
    ‘Yes, about an hour ago. They should be content in the west
wing; at least they’ll be warmerover there.’
    ‘Have they brought many staff?’
    ‘A couple of maids and a valet came in the carriage, they
are unpacking. I have had Yardley clear out Gideon’s apartment. Half his
belongings were left behind. I have had them parcelled up and shall take them
up to Town when I go next.’
    Allegra forced her mouth to curve. ‘I should not bother. He
will have attached himself to someone else by then and those garments will have
been replaced.’
    ‘I hope you let him down kindly, Allegra. He has long held a tendre for
you.’
    She swallowed. ‘Any refusal is a dent for a man’s