What a Devilish Duke Desires Read Online Free PDF

employment. There was much she didn’t have, but she was smart and educated. All she needed was one person to give her a chance.
    Lucy walked to Oxford Street and popped inside a milliner’s shop. A pudgy woman greeted her. “I’m Mrs. Jamison, proprietor. How may I help you?”
    “I’m looking for work,” Lucy said. “I’m experienced with sewing and trimming bonnets.”
    “I am sorry, but my daughters assist me. Good luck to you, miss.”
    “Thank you,” Lucy said. She quit the shop and made her way to Piccadilly. She walked inside the Burlington Arcade. There were multiple shops and she meant to inquire about a position at as many as she could today.
    Four hours later, she’d made little progress. No one seemed to need the services of a seamstress or milliner today.
    She stopped at a costermonger’s stand to buy meat pasties for dinner and hoped that she would find a job quickly. The rent was due in two days, and she had only one option left.
    Lucy managed only a few bites of the pie that evening. It was hard to concentrate on anything because of her fears. She got up to stir the coals, because it was something to do other than sit and fret over what she must do.
    When it grew dark, Lucy bid her grandmother good night and went to her room. She set the candle on the night table and opened the drawer. When she drew out a velvet pouch, her hands shook a little. She rubbed her thumb on the fuzzy velvet surface and opened the drawstring. Her heart ached as she took out her mother’s pearls. She fingered the clasp where a short chain with a tiny gold heart dangled. Lucy remembered her mother used to let her touch the pearls when she was a little girl. Now she would give anything to hug her mother just once more.
    Her stomach clenched. It was so hard to give up her one remaining link to her mother, but she had barely slept the past two nights wondering how she would manage to keep a roof over their heads.
    She kissed the pearls and put them back in the pouch. Then she closed the drawer and brushed away the tears. There was no other choice. She had to pay the rent.
    Tomorrow, she would pawn the pearls…
      
    The next morning, Lucy bargained hard with the pawnbroker. Even so, she knew the pearls were worth more than she’d gotten for them. After she left, she swiped at the tears tracking down her face. The important thing was that she had enough money to pay the rent for another month. She lifted her chin, but she felt a little empty as she strode away.
    She inquired about work again at several shops she’d missed at the Burlington Arcade yesterday, but the proprietors of the other dress shops did not have a vacancy. None of the eight milliners, hosiers, or glovers had open positions, either.
    Lucy walked along Piccadilly, turned on St. James, and found herself on King Street. A boy stood outside of a large building and called out to those passing by. “Servers needed for Almack’s. Wednesday nights,” the boy called out. “Must be clean and polite.”
    An older, white-haired gentleman dressed in elegant clothing opened the doors. Lucy did not hesitate. She ran to him and bobbed a curtsy. “Sir, I understand servers are needed. I’d be obliged if you would consider me.”
    “I’m Mr. Wilson, master of ceremonies,” he said. “Come inside.”
    Lucy followed him. Once past the foyer, her eyes widened upon seeing the enormous mirrors that reflected the stately columns. A half-circular balcony was suspended high above the floor.
    “You have a refined accent, young lady,” Mr. Wilson said.
    “I’m educated, sir, but my family has fallen on hard times.” She swallowed. “If it pleases you, Mr. Wilson, I would like to apply for the position.”
    “The pay isn’t much for serving once a week—only a shilling.”
    “I’d be grateful for the work, sir.”
    His white bushy brows furrowed. “Do you have other employment, miss?”
    “I assist a dance master during the day, sir,” she said. “I’m