Free Dusk With a Dangerous Duke by Alexandra Hawkins

about the Duke of Huntsley’s reaction to the news. It was on the tip of Grace’s tongue to tell the marchioness that her concerns were for naught. The duke did not care what she did as long as she remained in her gilt cage.
    If she had been aware that it was rare for the earl to invite any lady to dance, Grace might have questioned the wisdom in accepting his offer. Blissfully unaware, she slipped her hand into Lord Chillingsworth’s. “I would be honored, my lord.”
    The course already set, none of women said another word of protest as Grace strolled away with the gentleman most of the ton thought was the wickedest of all the Lords of Vice.

 
    Chapter Seven
    Hunter entered the Lord and Lady Lovelace’s ballroom intent on finding his quarry.
    Lady Netherley.
    He was prepared to behave as long as the marchioness revealed Lady Grace’s whereabouts. If she refused, then the evening might take an unpleasant turn.
    Recognizing that particular expression on his friend’s face, Sin attempted to thwart what was likely to develop into a confrontation. “It might be prudent to find our ladies, first. I’ll wager Juliana, as well as the others, have sought an introduction to Lady Grace if she is present this evening. Perhaps they will be able to direct you to her so you do not have to intimidate Vane’s mother or fondle every unfamiliar lady in the ballroom.”
    “With most of the Lords of Vice in attendance, I can predict how this evening will end—with us getting tossed out of the Lovelaces’ ball. It will be the highlight of our evening,” quipped Dare. “Regan will blister our ears for ruining what she considers her efforts to improve on our reputation.”
    Hunter laughed, viewing the lady’s efforts as a hopeless task. The people surrounding them respected wealth and power. He would leave the etiquette and charity to the ladies.
    “It isn’t a jest,” Reign said, shouldering his way among them. “Our wives have to hold their heads up in this town. Being married to the Lords of Vice cannot make it an easy task.”
    Hunter disagreed, and was prepared to debate the issue with Reign. However, the man kept walking, uninterested in anyone else’s opinion on the subject. Sin shrugged and followed.
    “Only a weak-minded fool would allow a woman to dictate his life,” he complained to Dare.
    Dare grinned at him. “Spoken like a gent with nothing to lose or a sleepy, well-pleasured lady in his bed each night.”
    Now his friend was being cruel. “Who says I want a female in my bed each night?”
    The marquess gave him a look of disbelief. “If you don’t give a farthing one way or the other, why precisely are you in a lather about Lady Grace?”
    Hunter’s jaw tightened, but he kept his mouth shut.
    Dare gave him a knowing grin. “That’s what I thought you’d say, my friend. Come on, let’s find Lady Netherley before you offend the wrong person.”
    *   *   *
    “You enjoyed the dance.”
    Grace heard the indulgent satisfaction in Lord Chillingsworth’s voice, but she could not deduce a reason for it.
    “How could I not with you as my partner?” she said as they walked together. She had thought the earl would return her promptly to Lady Netherley to prove that he could be trusted.
    However, her companion was not ruled by anyone.
    She rather liked that about him.
    “Do you want to step outside?” he asked, already nudging her toward the open doors.
    “I would not mind some fresh air. It’s a little stuffy in here,” she said, smiling up at him. “Can I ask you something, Lord Chillingsworth?”
    “Anything … if you call me Frost.”
    The scoundrel. He thought nothing of flirting with a lady who was betrothed to one of his closest friends. The man was shameless.
    “Well, Frost, would you consider yourself an honest gentleman?”
    Amusement flickered in his gaze. “Sometimes. When it serves me to be so. Why do you ask?”
    “For the usual reasons,” she said brightly. “I have a