Free Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance by Tammy Andresen

home. Barrett had left Ethan sitting in his office as he had dashed out the door. The carriage made its third trip of the day to Piper’s home. If anyone was paying attention, that was most certainly suspicious.
    He ran his hand through his hair. What would he do if gossips tried to ruin Piper with stories of gifts and elicit visits? It was an impossible situation. She had looked crushed when he told her about Penelope and he had hated doing it. But he needed to be honest with her. She deserved that. Actually, she deserved to be his wife. Piper was a woman who should be at his side, not tucked in some back room. But dammit it all if his father hadn’t made promises. He felt obligated to honor them even if they would make him miserable.
    Piper had been trying to say goodbye to him. Like bloody hell that was happening. His fists clenched at his sides. Then he relaxed shaking his head. He couldn’t marry her but the thought of someone else doing it filled him with anger. Actually, it was more like primal rage.
    Piper was filling every corner of his mind. Every time he saw her, he wanted her more. Not just physically, he wanted to hold her, soothe her, while he eased her heartaches.
    Piper had two problems. One, she had very little money. Two, she could be alone. Piper could easily find a man to care for her. But, she was right, it was likely to be a loveless marriage, at least on her part. If she had more funds, she could take her time in choosing a husband. She wouldn’t have to pick the first ass who came her way.
    It briefly flitted through his mind he just didn’t want Piper to marry but he pushed it aside. He was doing this for her , he told himself.
    He pulled back into his drive and hopped out of the carriage. He needed a plan to gift Piper some money in a way that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. Maybe Ethan would have an idea.

TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

    CHAPTER EIGHT
    Piper dressed for the evening carefully. She picked a cream colored gown that complemented her skin. She supposed it would have been better to defy his request but he was right, it was the perfect dress for her. It came off the shoulders and showed a nice amount of cleavage. Her maid, whom she had borrowed from Sybil, elaborately dressed her hair. Winding a long string of sapphires around the crown of her head and through the tendrils of curls pinned at the back, her locks sparkled as they caught the light. These sapphires were one of their last remaining pieces of jewelry.
    She checked on her mother before she left. While she hadn’t gotten better, she hadn’t gotten worse either. Piper had not wanted to go out but her aunt insisted Piper must begin socializing. Time was of the essence.
    Piper met her aunt and cousin in the entryway. Her aunt turned to her, “A Mr. Masters is escorting us. You are acquainted?”
    “Yes, Aunt Lizzie,” Piper replied flatly. Barrett must have decided he was done with her if he sent Ethan. Ethan made him so jealous. Inwardly she sighed. She knew this was better but she felt a twinge of disappointment at not seeing Barrett.
    Ethan walked through the doors with his charming smile beaming from his face, “We meet again, Miss Baker.” But his eyes had already drifted to her cousin Sybil, where they rested for many moments.
    “As always, it’s a pleasure, Mr. Wright. May I introduce my aunt, Lady Elizabeth Vesser and my cousin, Lady Sybil Fairfield, Viscountess of Aberforth.” Piper gestured toward her cousin but Ethan’s eyes were already glued on the other woman. Intensity rolled off of him. Piper quirked her brows. Where was the lighthearted, easygoing rake? This was not the same man she had met yesterday.
    “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Sybil curtseyed, blushing slightly.
    “And you as well. Shall we ladies?” He held his arm out to her aunt, who graciously took it. Even Aunt Lizzie was giving Ethan side looks as they walked.
    Sybil fell in behind her aunt and Piper brought up the rear. Sybil