Free Dangerous in Diamonds by Madeline Hunter

up to town for a fortnight.”
    “A week, you said.”
    “In my letter I expressed concern, since London in summer can be unhealthy. He responded that you must use their house. Since it faces the park, the air is quite cool and always fresh. He said Lady Sebastian would write to you and extend the invitation.” He leaned forward to take a little cake. “Her letter probably arrived in Cumberworth today.” He popped the cake in his mouth.
    He looked pleased with himself and content that he had arranged her next week to his liking. Which he had. She did not have the confidence in his character to believe that, if she thwarted his plans, he would still be generous. He knew it too. He counted on his reputation leaving her unsure of him.
    “You promise that you will turn your mind to this matter with discipline if I come to town?”
    “I count on you permitting me to think about little else while you are here. Now, since you sound agreeable, let us go find Miss Johnson. I need to return to the hell where I suffer the tortures of the damned.”
    He escorted her out of the breezy chamber, through the luxurious public rooms, down the stairs, and out to the terrace. In the garden, Katherine was pointing to a rosebush while she spoke, and earnest Mr. Edwards was scribbling in his little ledger book.
    He saw his employer and brought Katherine back to the terrace. Katherine appeared quite calm. The garden had soothed her misgivings, it seemed.
    Castleford took Mr. Edwards aside for a few words. Katherine sidled close to Daphne. “Why did you not tell me that you brought me so I could have my first chance to advise on gardens and plants for a grand house? I am grateful that you have such confidence in me already.”
    Daphne noticed how Mr. Edwards was showing his garden notes to Castleford, who appeared bored to death. “I wanted to surprise you.”
    Castleford came over and took his leave of them. Then Mr. Edwards approached. “I have the honor to ensure that both you ladies are seen safely to your respective homes. His Grace instructed that we first go to Park Lane, Mrs. Joyes, and leave you there.”
    “I have a carriage. Nor will I take residence on Park Lane for a day or so. Your escort will not be necessary. You may return to His Grace.”
    The young man’s face fell in dismay. “Your carriage was released an hour ago, Mrs. Joyes. On the duke’s command.” He consulted his little ledger and ticked off his orders. “Before we joined you, His Grace explained my duties. I am to take you to Park Lane, then Miss Johnson to Cumberworth—I am to ride alongside His Grace’s coach, of course, and not accompany her inside. Then I must return to Park Lane with baggage Miss Johnson is going to pack for you.”
    Mr. Edwards had received these instructions before Castleford even entered that breezy chamber.
    “I see that the duke intends your evening to be very full, Mr. Edwards. Unfortunately, His Grace did not take into account our preferences regarding our own plans when he made yours.”
    Mr. Edwards’s face flushed. “Did he neglect to explain it all to you? My sincere apologies. That happens sometimes, I am sorry to say. Dukes have much on their minds, however.”
    This duke mostly seemed to have a game of seduction on his mind, Daphne suspected. He had taken efforts to make sure she remained conveniently nearby too, until he bothered to amuse himself by making the next move.

Chapter Six
     
    T he house on Park Lane was elegant and massive, as befitted the townhome of a lord. Daphne had visited Audrianna on occasion in the past and even knew some of the servants. She could not ask for a better situation if she wanted to spend a week—or ten days—in London in summer. Even with the household moved to the coast, enough retainers remained to ensure her safety and security along with her comfort and peace.
    Nonetheless, from her first hour there she felt vulnerable. Perhaps the mere size of the place caused that. There was