An Unlikely Duchess

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Book: Read An Unlikely Duchess for Free Online
Authors: Nadine Millard
Tags: Romance, Historical Romance, London, Regency Romance, Ireland, regency england
time, his mother, who’d been watching his face intently for the entirety of the exchange and had a sort of bemused expression, was the one to carry out introductions.
    “Tom, my dear. Allow me to introduce you to Lady Rebecca, Lady Caroline’s younger sister.” She had a shrewd glint in her eye and watched in satisfaction as Tom bent over Rebecca’s hand.
    It seemed to Edward that he held onto that hand longer than was necessary. He felt like ripping Tom’s arm off and beating him with it.
    “Lady Rebecca, an honour to finally meet you. A shame we did not meet sooner.”
    The twinkle in his eye drew a responding smile from Rebecca. This was much easier, much less complicated. Here was a nice man, making light of the situation. Handsome, pleasant, wealthy presumably. And she felt nothing. No tingle. No hammering heart. Nothing. What a pity.
    “I apologise Mr. Crawdon. I was somewhat indisposed this afternoon.”
    His answering grin sparked one of her own and Rebecca felt herself relax even more. She could quite enjoy having this lively gentleman around, even if it meant having to put up with her feelings for his cousin.

CHAPTER THREE
     
    Shortly after, Murphy announced dinner and the assembled guests began to make their way in.
    Rebecca found herself seated to Tom’s right. Being the youngest and therefore lowest ranking female member of the party, she was seated at the end furthest from Hartridge. She could not help the twinge of disappointment.
    What on earth was wrong with her? This is how people sit. Always. Besides, she could still see him. And his cravat.
    “My lady,” Mr. Crawdon’s voice drew her attention.
    Rebecca turned to meet his gaze and automatically leaned in closer to him when he began speaking in low tones, meant only for her ears.
    “Never have I been so entertained in the first thirty minutes of a visit in my life,” he began.
    “Oh Mr. Crawdon, I beg of you, please do not bring it up again. What must you think of me?”
    “I think you are delightful,” he answered sincerely.
    Rebecca smiled shyly, a little surprised at the rather forward compliment. She did not know Mr. Crawdon well enough to know if he had a wicked sense of humour or not so she thought it best not to comment.
    Turning back toward her plate she glanced briefly up the table to where the duke sat and found, to her shock, that he was staring quite murderously at her. Her gaze caught in his and she found that she had no will or desire to look away. What on earth was he angry about? She could not possibly have offended him in the short time since they’d left the drawing room.
    Rebecca could see that her father was talking to him and she tilted her head ever so slightly to indicate that he should listen. Her father could talk for Ireland and there was no doubt that the duke would be missing out on a rather large amount of conversation.
    He blinked as if coming out of a trance and issued her a small smile before turning his attention to her father.
    She could not help her mouth forming a smile of its own. Really, the man was far too handsome for his own good. Or hers. When he smiled, his entire face lit up and he looked younger, more carefree, and even more beautiful!
    She caught Caroline’s eye at that moment and her spirits plummeted. Caroline was glaring at her. And by the venomous look and the way her eyes darted between the duke and Rebecca, Caroline had seen their little exchange.
    But it was perfectly innocent, thought Rebecca in consternation. Caroline was still shooting daggers and Rebecca knew better than to try to placate her now. She would not listen. A mule was less stubborn than Caroline when she thought the conventions of society were being threatened.
    So Rebecca turned her attention to her plate and there it remained for the remainder of the meal.
    After the last course had been served and done justice to, the ladies retired to the drawing room while the men enjoyed their port and cheroots.
    Rebecca trailed

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