Free The Seduction of Sebastian St. James by Rachel van Dyken Page A

comparison.
    It was unfortunate they hadn’t met in a different way or a different lifetime. If she had to marry, she would rather marry someone she could fight and joke with than some decaying old man who would most likely die of a heart attack on their wedding night.
    On cue another elderly gentleman walked up to Emma and bowed.
    Perfect.
    He smiled, revealing a maddeningly attractive row of straight teeth. Surprisingly enough none of them appeared to be rotting.
    The night was obviously taking a turn for the better!
    Possibly by the last waltz she would be approached by someone who resembled an old uncle rather than an ancient grandfather.
    A girl could only hope.
    The man shakily grabbed his cane and nudged her in the side.
    “He’s a good-looking fellow, is he not, my dear?”
    “Who?” What was this man jabbering about?
    “The duke, of course.”
    She nodded her head trying to think of polite ways to leave Sebastian out of any conversation, lest her body give her away and start trembling with excitement.
    “I know his grandmother, of course. The lady won’t give me the time of day. I live for her rejection.”
    Emma laughed.
    “In fact,” he continued, “I ask her to marry me every single day just to make her smile. I’m old, it doesn’t hurt my pride any to be turned down by such a delicate creature.”
    Just then an elderly lady with a similar cane to the one the old man was holding began hobbling toward them.
    Her regal posture told Emma she was either full of herself or used to attention. An uncomfortable look of inspection crossed her face as she glanced at Emma and then at her partner.
    “Ah, Marquess Welbourne, how good of you to grace us all with your presence. I thought you’d be home nursing your broken heart.”
    “It’s all better,” he mused, a twinkle in his eyes. “Allow me to present to you Miss Gates.”
    “A pleasure,” the lady said, hardly glancing at Emma.
    “You didn’t even look at her,” Welbourne said.
    “Don’t have to. Let me guess her beauty is without compare and my insipid grandson has been sending her searing looks all throughout the evening.”
    “Her grace is grossly accurate in her assessment.”
    “Well, my girl, let me have a look at you.”
    Emma figured that was her cue and abruptly dipped into a low curtsy.
    “I see what he means. She does need to eat more, don’t you think, Welbourne? Can’t say I’m surprised she’s caught his fancy.” She stomped her cane inches from Emma’s foot. “I do wonder if she can stretch that young fool, convince him to do something more than what’s expected of him.”
    Welbourne nodded. Emma gaped. What was the duchess getting at?
    “In fact.” The duchess was now standing between the two of them. “I have many times paid ladies of my influence to trap young Sebastian into marriage. My girl, I have been that desperate.”
    Emma nodded, not believing her ears, yet knowing if anyone was to have such a scandalous grandmother, it would be the Duke of Tempest.
    “Furthermore, he refused to sleep with all of them! Can you believe that? One was even a French countess! I think I aided his rake’s reputation, but I do not believe he has ever actually been with a woman, if you understand my meaning, my dear.”
    Emma felt her face turn hot.
    “Don’t look so embarrassed, my girl. It’s not as if I want my grandson to live in sin. Quite the opposite. I was merely hoping to trip him up a bit, if you will. But he wouldn’t take the bait. He has the self-control of a priest.” She shook her head. “But enough of that, I do believe you will do, my girl. You will do fine!”
    Emma swallowed. “Do what, your grace?”
    “I believe you should convince him.”
    “Convince him?” Emma squeaked. “What exactly does he need to be convinced of?”
    The duchess grinned, revealing a captivating smile that hid her advanced years. “Convince him to marry you, of course. By any means necessary. I’m desperate, and if I see