Free The Duke's Blind Temptation by Paige Cameron

had said, she’d know more after their visit. Determined to push away her melancholy mood, she went back around the pond, put on her boots, and swung up onto her mare. Spurring the horse forward, she rode as fast as possible across the open areas between Rafe’s and her home. The wind dried her tears, and her spirits and determination rose. She’d do whatever it took to win Rafe’s love. She laughed at herself. Short of kidnapping him. She chuckled. And that might not be a bad idea.
      
    * * * *

    A month went by before Mama finally decided they might visit the duchess and Rafe. Ellie had been instructed to wear dark colors as appropriate to the solemn occasion. Ellie glared at her reflection in the mirror. She’d dressed in her long-sleeved blue gown. Her hair and skin looked dull.
    “Are you ready?” Her mother stood in the doorway. “We’ll leave early. It is a good three hours’ drive and we want time to visit before we turn around and head back home.”
    “I hate this dress.”
    “You look lovely. Come along.”
    Ellie followed her mother to the carriage and settled in for the long ride. How would Rafe receive her? The same question had gone round and round in her head last night, keeping her awake.
    She’d tried very hard to keep her spirits up these past weeks, but now all her fears swamped her. Her whole life depended on one man’s reaction when he saw her. She’d tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter. If he chose another, she’d go to London for the season and find a husband. All the talking to herself had not seemed to help when faced with her imminent arrival at Rafe’s home.
    They both sighted the manor house at the same time. “His home is beautiful,” Ellie said.
    “Large and imposing as expected of a duke.” Her mother studied Ellie. “You must not let your feelings show. If he has changed his mind and is not interested, keep your chin up and smile. There’ll be time to cry afterwards, but you’ll still have your pride.”
    Just her words made Ellie tear up. She blinked her eyes quickly. “I understand, Mama. You’re right.”
    “I’m not worried for myself,” her mother said. She patted Ellie’s hand. “I’m concerned for you.”
    Ellie nodded. She couldn’t speak through the tightness in her throat. The carriage moved along the curved drive and stopped in front of the large manor house.
    Lady Upton had sent a letter. They were expected. The front door opened, and a footman came down the steps. He opened the carriage door.
    “Welcome to Leyland Hall,” he said as he assisted them out and down the steps to the ground. Her mother took Ellie’s arm as they ascended the five steps to the front door.
    A tall, thin butler motioned for them to enter the foyer. “I will let the duchess know of your arrival.” He turned on his heel and strode down a long passageway to the right.
    Ellie studied the magnificent pictures hanging on the walls and the soaring ceiling above them. At the top, windows let in the sunshine. By a far wall, an armor suit stood as though ready to be donned. The light reflected off the silver plates.
    “Follow me.” The butler directed Ellie and her mother down the corridor. At the end, he opened a door and announced them.
    They entered a large drawing room. French windows covered the wall facing them and dark red drapes hung at either side. The light blinded Ellie temporarily. For a moment, she didn’t see the people sitting to the left of them.
    The duchess came across the room. “Welcome, please join us. Our friends, the Templetons, surprised us with a visit.” She took Mama’s arm. “May I introduce my dear friend, Lady Templeton, and her daughter, Lady Lavinia? This is Lady Upton and her daughter, Miss Upton.” The duchess motioned them to sit. “The duke went out with his steward early this morning. He’ll be back at anytime.”
    Ellie listened as her mother expressed their sympathy at the loss of the duchess’s husband. The