Free The Duke's Obsession (Entangled Scandalous) by Frances Fowlkes

relieved at Edward’s arrival.
    “How did you find the evening’s performance?” Edward asked, hoping his presence alone would deter the majority of men lurking about to catch Miss Farrington’s notice. “I was just commenting to Lord Colwyn on how extraordinary it was,” Farrington replied. He turned toward his sister. “Were you equally as entranced?”
    Westbrook took one of her gloved hands and brought them to his lips. “Not nearly as much as I, upon catching sight of Miss Farrington this evening.”
    Edward swallowed the foul tang of bile flavoring his mouth.
    “I am quite fond of violins,” Miss Farrington replied. “I was just going to give Lady Eugenia my congratulations.”
    Before Westbrook could waylay her with any more of his flowery speech, Edward positioned himself beside Miss Farrington. “I was about to relay my own congratulatory remarks to my cousin. Shall I escort you there?”
    He held out his arm, knowing full well she could refuse him. Hadn’t she done so just the day before? Edward was half expecting her to repeat the embarrassment when her white glove rested ever so lightly on his arm, warming his jacket and making his blood stir. “Thank you, Your Grace. I am most appreciative of your offer,” she replied.
    A smile broke on his lips. But all joy at having bested Westbrook was lost as he began to usher her toward the gaggle of women surrounding his cousin, and she whispered, “I need your help.”
    …
    Daphne hated herself. In one sentence she had uttered the four most ridiculous words she had ever spoken in her existence. And all because her brother, the cursed man, had been unable to convince wary investors of his sincerity. That, along with the threat of extending her stay by weeks, if not months, had led her to become the desperate woman now standing in front of an attractive English duke.
    “I had gathered.”
    “You did?”
    His lips came together in a straight line. “Yes. But I’ve only begun to see the depth at which my assistance is required. ”
    Daphne flushed, the heat of her embarrassment no doubt evident to all within the viscount’s home. “I see. I didn’t realize it had become so obvious. My brother, of course, had warned me of such an outcome, but he has always been prone to exaggeration. I had no idea the effects would be so far-reaching.”
    “Your brother foresaw this complication?” The duke ran his gloved hand over his face and sighed. “The man is far wiser than I.”
    Daphne bit her tongue and did her best not to lend too much eagerness to her agreement of his statement. “Thomas had his suspicions, but I’ll admit to not paying them much heed. And while Mr. Burnham did issue his threat, I was not inclined to think a man of his standing would be given much—”
    The duke stilled. “Mr. Burnham?”
    Honestly, was the man not paying attention? “Yes, of course. You were in the room when Burnham issued his threat. Thomas is certain the churl followed through on his word.”
    “Mr. Richard Burnham?” the duke repeated, his full lips enunciating each syllable.
    Daphne tapped her slipper-covered toe in impatience. “I presume as much, though you would know the name better than I, given that he is under your employ.”
    “We are not talking about Westbrook?”
    Daphne’s toe stilled. “Of course not. The earl has not issued a threat to my family—at least not that I am aware.” She glanced back at Lord Westbrook, who now stood next to a cluster of young ladies, his eyes still trained on her. Had the earl said something to mar her name?
    “Nor I,” he muttered, following her gaze. “Though the young earl is not all he presumes to be.”
    She didn’t suppose he was. But then, neither was the duke. Daphne didn’t doubt the man harbored secrets of his own. Especially when that man engaged in trade, despite the ton’s disapproval.
    “I have no arguments with Lord Westbrook, Your Grace. My quarrel lies with Mr. Burnham and him alone. Mr.