Read Online A Matter of Duty by Sandra Heath - Free Book Online Page A

shelter afforded by some shrubs on the far side of the croquet lawn. She knew he wouldn’t dare pursue her, not when his parents and their guests were so nearby, and her only thought was to reach the safety of house.
    Geoffrey could only watch her flee. For a moment his thwarted desire made him savage. God damn her, she’d been within his grasp but was free yet again without his thirst being slaked. He’d been too sure of himself and he’d misjudged her. Bitter fury darkened his eyes and made his lips a thin, cold line. He wasn’t used to being denied, especially not by a woman he regarded as little better than a servant.
    Taking a deep breath to try to regain his calm, he took another cigar and lit it, watching the party on the croquet lawn. He’d promised himself success with the governess before he left for London in the morning, but now there was no hope of that; she’d seen through him once and for all. Suddenly the thought of remaining at Lawrence Park tonight wasn’t to be tolerated. He wasn’t in the mood to be amiable to his father’s guests, and he certainly wasn’t in the mood to endure Anne’s clinging jealousy. The cigar smoke curled into the night air. He’d leave for London straightaway and amuse himself at a certain house of ill repute in Covent Garden, where there was a golden-haired demimondaine whose charms would placate him for the disappointment with the governess; and after his business in town tomorrow, he’d return by way of the Green Dragon Inn in Brentford, where one of the plump serving girls could be relied upon for a night of pleasure. Drawing on the cigar, he began to walk toward the croquet lawn to tell his father of his change of plan.
    Anne watched him approaching. The diamonds in her hair flashed in the lantern light, and the sequins shimmered on her mauve silk gown. An elegant feather boa was draped idly over her arms, and she toyed with her closed fan. Her face was very still, her eyes bright with jealousy. She’d seen Louisa fleeing from the summerhouse, and now she knew that Geoffrey had been with her. She’d feared his interest in the governess for some time; now she knew beyond a doubt that she’d been right. The jealousy intensified, burning through her like a flame. Louisa Cherington had to go, and the sooner the better.
    Geoffrey sensed nothing as he approached his father, who turned irritably. ‘Geoffrey, where the devil have you been?’
    ‘I merely took a stroll.’
    ‘I’d appreciate it if in future you informed me of your whereabouts. I dislike having to make excuses when my guests ask after you.’
    ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t think.’
    ‘You seldom do,’ retorted his father caustically.
    ‘Well, it so happens that I’ve been thinking tonight, about my appointment in the morning. It occurs to me that I might be cutting it a little fine by leaving after breakfast, and that it might be wiser to go to town tonight. It wouldn’t do to be late for Lord Palmerston and the War Office. I can stay at Long’s, or at the club.’ He smiled a little blandly.
    ‘Very well, leave tonight if you wish.’
    ‘Thank you. I’ll bid you good night, then.’
    ‘Good night.’ Sir Ashley returned his attention to the croquet.
    Geoffrey walked quickly away toward the house, and Anne could only watch. To hurry after him now would look questionable, especially as it was almost her turn to play. The jealousy still consumed her. Where was he going? To the governess’s room? Was he going to be that blatant?
    After a while she heard hooves and looked toward the stable in time to see his curricle being led out. Her lips parted. He was leaving the house tonight! That at least meant he couldn’t be with the governess. As she watched, the groom halted the light vehicle before the house, and then Geoffrey emerged, dressed for traveling. He vaulted easily into the curricle and took up the reins. A moment later he was driving swiftly away toward the lodge and the London road;