Free The Orphan and the Duke by Jillian Chantal Page B

much.”
    Knowing that Susan probably complained every chance she got, Basil was sure Amelia didn’t have much of a chance to enjoy the dance lessons.
    “I’m glad you have at least some training so you may ascertain whether or not my sisters are in need of a new dance master.”
    “I can do that, yes.” She nodded. “I presume they know how to correspond?”
    “Don’t presume anything. In fact, take these first few days to determine what they do and don’t know then start next week with the curtsying lessons and walking so their feathers don’t droop. I also think they’ll be required to walk backwards out of the presence of the queen, correct?”
    “Yes. That’s true.”
    “I worry more about Saffron in that situation since she is the one who frolics about more. Jonquil has a more sedate pace and will be more careful.” Basil nodded at the teapot. “Do you need more?”
    “No, thank you. I should probably get started on finding out what your sisters know and what they need assistance with.”
    “Before you go, I want to tell you a little more about Jonquil and Saffron. Saffron seems to be the stronger of the two of them in my opinion. Jonquil is the quieter sister. They tend to get into trouble together, but I think Saffron leads Jonquil into most of it. I’ve also learned lately that they are both still grieving deeply over my parents’ and brother’s deaths. In fact, I almost wanted to make them wait another year for their coming out when I realized this, but since they already were set on a season, I’ve kept my word to let them come out now.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind. I appreciate you letting me know.” She wrung her hands. “May I ask you a question that may seem impertinent?”
    “You may.” He inclined his head. “I may choose not to answer, but go ahead and ask.”
    “I recall reading about their deaths, but I don’t remember how long ago it was.”
    “One year, ten months, twenty-eight days.” Basil counted each and every minute that had gone by since his life changed forever.
    “I’m sorry.” Her voice was a whisper, and the sympathy reflected on her face was almost his undoing. She is so kind. No one really ever treats me as if I’m a real man with real feelings any longer. They all focus on me being the duke. I’ve become a title and not a man.
    Deciding he couldn’t take her pity, he shoved his chair back. As he rose to his feet, there was a terrible clattering noise in the hallway, followed by someone banging on the thick wooden door.
    “Open this door right now. I insist this door be opened. Now.”

Chapter 7
    As soon as she heard the voice at the door, Amelia’s heart dropped to her feet. It was only a matter of time before Susan made a scene, and here it was already, not even an hour into the day.
    Mortified, Amelia whispered, “I am so sorry.”
    “Never fear. I know you have no control over that cousin of yours and her behavior. I do not hold her actions against you.” Basil walked to the door and opened it.
    Susan shoved her way in. “What have you been doing, Amelia?”
    “Your cousin and I have been settling on her wages as well as her duties, Miss Mandeville. We were just finishing our business.”
    “And what will we be doing next?” Susan simpered.
    “My dear lady, I have no idea what you shall be doing. I will be going to my next engagement.” Basil tried to step back to allow the ladies to precede him through the door.
    “And what would that be?” Susan persisted.
    Amelia gasped, but before she could find her voice, Basil responded, “I have agreed to allow you into my home as it is a condition of Miss Mandeville’s being here. That agreement does not extend to me having to explain myself to you, nor does it require me to even be polite. I choose normally to treat people kindly, but you will not find me thus for long should you continue in your current course of action.”
    Basil turned to Amelia. “If you will excuse me, I have a pressing