Free Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] by Bride for a Duke

could not best. He would not be manipulated in his own home. He straightened and carefully replaced the book on the shelf. He wasn’t a gambling man; a trait that had passed him by, thank God. What he liked was the challenge of defeating an adversary whether it be in business, sport or anything else.
    Miss Hadley would be gone from Shalford the moment the marriage was dissolved. She might believe she was settled, could stay at his expense for the next three years, but she was in for an unpleasant surprise. She would get her comeuppance soon enough and he couldn’t wait.
     

Chapter Seven
    Over the next two weeks Anna frequently spotted her host in the grounds but was always able to dodge behind a statue or tree and avoid being seen. His mother’s plans were working well; the walnut juice had almost gone after frequent washings of her hair in chamomile water. The duchess was making a determined effort to walk without assistance but she was still decidedly unsteady. However the improvement was all but miraculous.
    “My dear Anna, I do believe all I needed was a reason to get out of my chair. I have been decidedly melancholy these past few months.”
    “Indeed, ma’am, I was feeling much the same. We are a tonic to each other.” She nodded towards the buttercup silk gown draped over the back of a chair. “I own I cannot wait to wear that dress. I haven’t worn anything colourful since my mother passed away three years ago.”
    “Then it’s high time you started making the most of yourself. I can’t wait to see Ralph’s face when we walk into the grand salon tomorrow night.”
    Anna shook her head. “Do you think you should attempt the stairs so soon, my lady? Although you are walking more smoothly around your apartment you have not yet attempted stairs.”
    “Fiddlesticks to that! When Ralph came to see me this morning he told me he was dining out tonight. I shall practice whilst he is away.” She chuckled at Anna’s horrified expression. “Please, don’t worry; I shall make sure I have two stout footmen on hand in case I need assistance.”
    “Good heavens, that’s Rupert’s phaeton turning into the drive. I would know those dashing chestnuts anywhere.”
    Immediately the duchess joined her at the window. “You are quite correct. No doubt he will come immediately to see his mama, you must hide yourself away. Quickly, dear girl, take your gown and slippers.” She clapped her hands like a small child. “How exciting, now we can astonish both of them at the same time.”
    Anna smiled fondly at the lady who had already become a dear friend. Despite the discrepancy in their ages she treated the duchess as a contemporary and not the mother of the formidable duke. “The only problem is now we cannot practice the stairs.”
    “I shall send Rupert out with his brother, he will not quibble.” For a moment her ladyship looked as indomitable as her eldest son. It would seem that not only did the two men get their startling good looks from their maternal parent they also had her fierceness of spirit.
    “I shall make myself scarce.” Anna moved rapidly to the exit, where she paused. “I still have several other ensembles to try on. I can hardly credit the mantua maker and her team of seamstresses managed to complete so much in such a short space of time.”
    The duchess waved an airy hand. “Anything can be achieved if you give the right incentive.”
    Oh dear! This must mean that the cost of the new wardrobe had been exorbitant. Anna was about to suggest that when she came into her inheritance she reimbursed the sum when her ladyship spoke again.
    “I told Mme Ducray she would do well to achieve the impossible as you are likely to be the future Duchess of Westchester.”
    Anna dropped the precious gown. Her hands flew to her cheeks; they were burning beneath her fingertips. “How could you say such a thing? How awful … the duke will be so angry. I would rather dress in rags than have you …”
    “Do not