Free The Devil In Disguise by Stefanie Sloane

murmured a polite thank you for the tea and tried to remember what they’d been discussing before he’d been distracted.
Ah, yes—King Solomon’s Mine
.
    “Despite his prowess, Sol is a sensitive soul, which is why he’s allowed the luxury of a mid-morning rest,” he said before downing his tea.
    The dower one’s lips pursed as if she’d just bit into something tart. “Really, Your Grace, a horse of his lineage, sensitive?”
    “How kind of you, Your Grace,” the reasonable one interrupted, “your attentiveness is truly inspiring.”
    “Oh, now really, Bessie. ‘Inspiring’? Do you take the man—”
    “I was just pondering a walk in the park,” the brazen one began in a completely different direction. “Though walking by oneself is lonely, wouldn’t you agree?” she finished, batting her eyelashes at Will.
    “Why yes, as a matter of fact I’m in complete agreement,” Will answered, still not quite sure of what the aging coquette was playing at.
    “Excellent. Lucinda, do don your pelisse, my dear.”
    “But—” the dower one began.
    The brazen one rose from her chair and walked toward the pair. “Oh, did I fail to mention that I’d been thinking on a walk not for myself, but for Lucinda? Silly me.”
    “But—” the dower one said more loudly.
    “A bit of fresh air would be most welcome,” Lady Lucinda swiftly responded, taking Will’s hand and standing.
    “Well, I … that is to say …” the dower one protested, her fan at the ready.
    “Dearest Victoria, we’ll send Mary along with her cape and gloves to chaperone,” the brazen one said soothingly.
    Will didn’t dare look in “dearest” Victoria’s direction. Instead, he stood aside to let Lady Lucinda walk ahead of him, then bowing to the remaining ladies, hastily gave his thanks, and followed her out of the room.
    He attempted to shut the door but encountered resistance.
    The brazen one stuck her head out and eyed Will with a hawklike stare. “I believe I see in you what others do not, Your Grace. Please, do not prove me wrong.”
    And with that, she disappeared behind the door and firmly shut it.

    Lucinda was rather proud of herself. She’d made it nearly across the street before letting out the laugh that had been bubbling in her throat for the last five minutes.
    The duke had no more handled her aunts than had anyone else in the history of the world.
    His smug smile of success all but melted away at the sound of Lucinda’s laughter. “Lady Lucinda, I can’t imagine what you find so amusing,” he said with mock affront, the flash of amusement in his eyes belying his tone.
    Lucinda couldn’t help but find him charming. He was so large, yet so like an adorable little boy at times. She very nearly reached out to caress his cheek, but thought better of it.
    “Come now, Your Grace. It really wasn’t that bad.” Despite her best efforts to remain solemn, she couldn’t prevent a smile from curving her lips. “It was your first meeting with them, after all, and there were three of them and only one of you. Perhaps a few more sessions at Gentleman John Jackson’s and you’ll be ready for another round?”
    “Impertinent chit,” the duke said under his breath, taking care to escort Lucinda into the central garden area of Grosvenor Square.
    Lucinda glanced over her shoulder. Mary had settled into a leisurely pace behind them, slow enough to allow a comfortable conversation, yet fast enough to insure that the duke would not pull Lucinda into the bushes and have his way with her. Or dash behind a tree with her in tow and steal a kiss. Or anything of the kind. Which Lucinda most certainly did not want to happen. Ever. At least not today.
    Well, she was fairly certain anyway.
    Why had she not refused when Bessie had suggested a stroll? Because she’d been caught up in his charm, in his smile, in his eyes, which changed from cool hazel to heated green depending upon what he was thinking. What he was feeling.
    And just