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

began walking towards the front doors.
    ***
    Piper clutched Sybil’s hand as they made their way through the crush of the crowd. People parted for them slightly and she realized they were drawing a great deal of attention. Men seemed to stop their conversations to admire the two women walking by and whispers followed behind them.
    Piper turned back briefly to see a black look on Barrett’s face. His arms were crossed over his chest. She smiled just a little. He didn’t seem to enjoy being here either.
    “I have never seen a man glower the way he does. What do you see in him Piper?” her aunt huffed from behind her.
    “Why do you think he is so upset?” Sybil asked. She turned back to her aunt, but Piper saw her crane her head to look at Ethan.
    “He’s sweet on Piper,” her aunt stated matter-of-factly.
    “He won’t marry me,” Piper couldn’t help but add. Maybe she hoped her aunt and her cousin would disagree and say he would change his mind.
    “No dear. It’s unlikely. Although, your mother would disagree. Perhaps that is why she asked Mr. Maddox to be your guardian.”
    Piper stopped moving. “She asked him what?” She knew he would look out for her, but her actual guardian?
    “Oh dear, I have said too much,” her aunt’s brow creased in worry.
    “She may as well have asked a wolf to watch the sheep,” Sybil added dryly.
    Piper laughed. “And he thinks I’m funny.”
    Sybil giggled. “You’re much funnier than me but maybe your mother is right. If he is talking about your sense of humor then he really is sweet on you.”
    Piper turned to give Barrett a sly glance. His eyes bore into hers. She quickly turned back around, and she nearly ran into a gentleman who had stepped in front of them.
    “Pardon me.” She gave him a quick curtsey and went to step around him. He put his hand out to stop her. It came down on her upper arm.
    Piper looked up at him in confusion. He was well dressed and good looking enough, but he made her slightly uncomfortable.
    “Forgive me. But I saw you passing by and I was hoping to ask you to dance.” His hand tightened on her arm. It was terribly forward.
    “I do not believe we’ve met,” Piper tried to deflect his question.
    “Asher Grey. And you are Miss Baker.” He still had not released her arm.
    “I’m Barrett Maddox,” Barrett growled from behind her.
    He pushed around her and Asher quickly let go of her. Barrett towered over the other man as Ethan pushed his way through as well.
    “I was simply asking the lady to dance.” Asher tried to straighten up to be taller.
    “Miss Baker is used to English traditions. She is generally acquainted with men before she dances with them,” Barrett’s voice ground out.
    Piper bristled. This is exactly what she feared he would do. Hoping to make a point that Barrett wasn’t wanted, she turned to Mr. Grey. “I would be happy to dance Mr. Grey.”
    He smiled and took her hand, leading her to the floor. Piper glanced around again. It was a ball to rival any in London. With glittering gowns and well-dressed men, New York was a sparkling city. There would be close to twenty such parties this season.
    She turned back to give Barrett a look of triumph only to see a beautiful woman with raven hair hanging on his arm. Barrett held his usual dark look but Piper bit her lip. If that woman was any closer, she’d be in Barrett’s skin. Piper suddenly deeply regretted agreeing to dance with Asher Grey.
    The orchestra struck the first notes and Mr. Grey began the steps to a waltz. At best, he was an average dancer. Piper tried not to be too terribly bored. He droned on about his real estate investments and his tenant houses. She was sure he did well for himself and he was attempting to make that abundantly clear.
    Twice she glanced over at Barrett. The first time the woman had her lips pressed to his ear. The second she actually had her hand on his chest.
    Mr. Grey continued lecturing her on his success. Finally, to break the