Free Redemption of the Duke by Gayle Callen Page A

Cooper, although there is always a . . .
     personality or two among the family. As for dinner, I will have someone bring you
     down in time to meet the family. You’ll be dining with them.”
    Of course she would, Faith thought, trying not to wince.
    “Shall I send up a maid to help you unpack?”
    “No, thank you for the kindness, Mrs. Morton.”
    “Then have a good rest.”
    And Faith was soon alone. She walked slowly to the window and stared out at the beautiful
     garden within the walls that encircled the mansion. She sat in the window seat and
     surveyed everything that was being offered to her.
    To appease a guilty man’s conscience.
    She tried to tell herself that this was no different from being under Lord Warburton’s
     control—it was probably better, for the duke wished to help her.
    But she hadn’t heard promising things about his past. What if he hadn’t changed? Could
     she count on Lady Duncan to protect her? Everyone in the household was a stranger,
     none of whom cared about her.
    And none of them knew what scandalous deeds she’d committed in her past. She’d be
     unceremoniously banished from the house if they knew.
    She closed her eyes. The weight of the secret was sometimes so heavy.

Chapter 6

    F aith had always been careful not to own any flattering gowns—she’d always wanted to
     project the air of an aging spinster, so she wore gowns a few years out of date, extra
     petticoats to give herself a fuller waist, and all of them could easily be removed
     alone. She changed into a fresh gown, and was waiting when a maid came for her.
    The maid introduced herself as Ellen, but didn’t meet her eyes. She was a short, pale
     girl with limp hair, so blond as to be almost white, pulled back beneath her cap.
     Her lashes were pale, her eyes water green—she could have been a ghost, especially
     with the white maid’s uniform and apron. She silently led Faith down through the house,
     while Faith congratulated herself on remembering the way. She led her toward one of
     the smaller drawing rooms, obviously for the family, and Faith found herself tensely
     awaiting an introduction—and bracing herself for her first proper meeting with the
     duke.
    Ellen gestured through the open doors, but did not precede Faith inside. Taking a
     deep breath, Faith stepped into the doorway and paused. She had only the briefest
     moment to take in the scene, several women standing and sitting as they awaited their
     meal, the seated ones chatting, one lounging on a chaise, another standing near the
     window. The Duke of Rothford was nowhere in sight, thank God. Faith was worried she’d
     be unable to hide her anger.
    “Miss Cooper!” cried Lady Duncan, using her cane to rise slowly to her feet. “I am
     so glad you arrived without any problems. Come, do come in and allow me to introduce
     you to the family.”
    Faith thought her anger might arise toward Lady Duncan, but she found it dissipating
     in the face of the woman’s cheerful, pleased expression. She was only doing the duke’s
     bidding, and he ruled the household.
    Lady Duncan turned to the woman leaning back on the chaise longue, who idly lowered
     her book to her lap. Faith recognized her as the duke’s mother.
    “Damaris,” Lady Duncan said, “please welcome my new companion, Miss Faith Cooper.
     Faith, Her Grace, the Duchess of Rothford.”
    Faith sank into her best curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”
    “Likewise,” the duchess answered, then flicked a lazily interested glance at Lady
     Duncan. “Your new companion?”
    “She will be living with us here, yes. I’ve already discussed it with your son.”
    “I never thought you’d admit to needing help, Aunt Theodosia,” said the thin, brittle
     woman standing near the window, her elaborate hairstyle seeming to defy physical laws.
    “Marian, this is Miss Cooper. Lady Tunbridge is the duke’s sister by marriage.”
    “A pleasure, ma’am,” Faith murmured, feeling