Free The Duke's Dilemma by Nadine Miller Page A

him, did he? Very well! Let the prosy fellow try his best to win the sharp-tongued Miss Haliburton with his urbane charm and wit. For once he, as the penniless rogue Jared, would compete with his clever man-of-affairs on his own level and best him at the game he played so well.
     
    “Did you enjoy your morning ride, Miss Haliburton?” Edgar Rankin asked while plying the oars of the small boat effortlessly through the mirror-smooth water. His question seemed harmless enough, but Emily heard an intensity in his voice that immediately set up her guard.
    ” I enjoyed it very much,” she said carefully. “The mare is an absolute joy.”
    “And did you see any other riders—the duke, for instance, who is also known to enjoy an early gallop?”
    “No,” Emily replied thankfully, raising the parasol Lucinda had loaned her. “I did not see the duke. “
    Mr. Rankin looked puzzled. “How odd. I am certain I saw him set out in the direction the groom mentioned you had taken.” He studied her thoughtfully. “Then what about a scruffy-looking fellow in black trousers and a homespun shirt who bears a startling resemblance to his grace? Did you come across him?”
    Emily had never knowingly told a lie in her life; she could not bring herself to do so now, although she felt she might well be treading perilous ground. “I did have words with someone of that general description who calls himself Jared,” she said warily. “But only for a moment. I did not find him at all pleasant.”
    “I shouldn’t think you would.” Mr. Rankin sighed. “I feared the reprehensible fellow might accost you.” He shipped the oars and sat back, smiling his charming smile.
    “I feel it my duty to warn you about him since I am certain you will encounter him again.”
    Emily’s pulse quickened with sudden alarm. “Are you saying he is dangerous?”
    “Not dangerous. Just annoying. The old duke gave him free run of Brynhaven, but he has a rather unsavory reputation with the locals.”
    “I suspected as much,” Emily said primly, adjusting her skirt to make certain her ankles were properly covered. “One can always tell when someone is not quite a gentleman.”
    For some reason she couldn’t fathom, Mr. Rankin’s lips twitched suspiciously. She frowned. “Did I say something amusing?”
    “Not at all, Miss Haliburton. You said precisely what I would have expected an intelligent woman like yourself to say.” He paused. “I could arrange for a groom to accompany you if you would but request it.”
    “No.” Emily shook her head vehemently. “I am accustomed to riding alone. I much prefer it.”
    “As you wish, ma’ am.” Mr. Rankin returned to his rowing while Emily trailed the fingers of her left hand in the cool water. She glanced up, her attention caught by a flurry of activity amongst the guests remaining on shore. “What do you suppose is transpiring?” she asked. “There appears to be a great deal of excitement.”
    Mr. Rankin glanced toward the spot from which they had launched the boat and his brow wrinkled in a frown. “I cannot imagine what it could be, but I had best investigate. The duke might need my assistance.” He dipped the oars back into the water and minutes later the boat scraped bottom at the shallow shoreline. One of the footmen waiting at the water’s edge hauled it far enough onto land to allow Emily and Mr. Rankin to disembark safely.
    Puzzled, Emily joined the guests crowded around the duke, who had mounted his spirited chestnut and joined portly, gray-haired gentleman on an equally spirited white stallion.
    “Squire Bosley, how goes it with you, sir?” Mr. Rankin greeted the newcomer.
    “Not well, Mr. Rankin. Not well at all. A most dreadful thing has occurred. My wife’s carriage was waylaid last evening on the Pemberly Road, and she was relieved of some very expensive jewelry as well as the few guineas she had in her reticule. The poor woman was too overset to remember anything before she