Read Loving Protector for Free Online

highwaymen.”
    “I am sure you should be very brave if
you did,” said Blanche. “But the highwayman was not that much of a threat I am
sure.”
    Calista, Evelyn and the colonel
exchanged glances, each suppressing a grin.
    “I wish to talk of other things,” said
Blanche. “Mr. Purbeck, via the Duke of Midchester, has secured us an invitation
to Almacks for the Wednesday ball. Sadly only Mama and I may attend, Calista,
as it would have been rude to ask the Duke for another invitation when he was
so generous.  I am not even sure you would benefit from the visit.”
    Almacks was the most prestigious club in
London. Unlike most clubs, it allowed both sexes. The female patronesses of the
club ruled it with a rod of iron, and the people who were allowed to enter its
hallowed halls were strictly regulated. The patronesses also had the power to
refuse entry, and met every Monday night to decide who had committed a serious
enough social faux pas to be excluded.
    “I am sure,” said the colonel, in a cold
voice, “that my Great Aunt has enough influence of her own to secure Miss Haywood
an invitation. If she does not, then I do.”
    “Oh no, please, do not bother on my
account,” said Calista, her cheeks reddening.
    “Brook is right,” said Lady Bedlington.
“I will ensure Miss Haywood goes to the ball.”

 
    Chapter
Four
    “I must take my leave,” said Mr. Purbeck
standing up. “I shall look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday night. If I
can bear to keep away.” He looked at Blanche as he spoke.
    “Thank goodness he has gone,” said Lady
Bedlington.
    “You do not like him?” said Blanche.
    “No, I do not like him. He is a popinjay
and a sycophant.”
    “But he is the Duke of Midchester’s
favourite,” said Blanche. “He told us all about the quarrel the duke had with
his son. Do you know that the son challenged his own father to a duel? It
caused such a scandal and his son had to leave the country. After that, the
duke cut his son out of the inheritance. Now, it is certain that Mr. Purbeck
will be named his successor. He is so handsome, is he not?”
    “I think I have made my feelings plain,”
said Lady Bedlington.
    “With all due respect, Your Ladyship, I
think you are being unkind.”
    “With all due respect, Miss Kirkham, I
have reached an age when I can say what I wish. Mr. Purbeck seeks to deny the
rightful heir to the Duchy of Midchester. I think you will find, despite your
dreams and fantasies, that society has different ideas and that such a thing
will not be so easy. All the rightful heir has to do is claim his inheritance
and all Mr. Purbeck’s plans are as dust.”
    “Mr. Purbeck says that the duke’s heir
said he did not want to bear his father’s name and title. He told his father he
would rather starve in a garret than to do so. How can a son say such a thing
to his father?”
    “Perhaps,” said the Colonel, “he had
good reason.”
    Calista looked at the Colonel and an
idea began to form. Purbeck had been cold towards him. Lady Bedlington had made
a point earlier of indicating Purbeck’s interest in the title, but the Colonel
had insisted that the duke may dispense of his lands and titles as he wished.
    “Mr. Purbeck says that the duke’s son is
a dreadful man. Proud and stubborn.”
    “Blanche,” said Evelyn in her quiet way.
“I do not think that it is correct for you to criticize a man you have never
met.”
    “And one to whom I’m related,” said Lady
Bedlington.
    “You’re related…” Blanche’s face turned
ashen. “I had no idea. I mean…”
    For Calista that gave her the proof she
needed that the Colonel was the Duke’s son. She realized his eyes were piercing
into her, as if he followed her train of thought.
    “Miss Haywood,” he said, when the other
ladies were leaving the room to go up and change for dinner. “Could I speak to
you alone for a moment?”
    Lady Bedlington glanced back and smiled.
“You are allowed five minutes with her, Brook.