Read Online Duel of Hearts by Anita Mills - Free Book Online Page B

his venture into the shipping business, Tony knew that she would be incensed at his marriage to a shipping merchant’s daughter.
    He rapped on the roof of the carriage with his stick, calling out to the driver and coachmen, “Davenham House, if you please!” Settling back, he smiled to himself. By the time he was through with her, the old girl would be more than grateful to think that she had not had to rescue him herself. Hopefully, by the time she discovered she’d been had, she would have come to like Leah.
    The streets were still clogged with carriages as the fashionable set off in their pursuit of the evening’s pleasures. Tony’s stomach rumbled, reminding him that he still had not eaten. Well, he would beard the old girl first, and then he would press on to White’s for supper. A coach drew even and the dark-haired female occupant waved a greeting, reminding him that he’d not seen Elaine Chandler in over a week—not since he’d first encountered Leah Cole. A pang of regret assailed him momentarily and faded. That was one piece of business he’d have to attend to, but he had little anticipation of unpleasantness. Elaine was no simpering miss—she’d entered their association as candidly as he had—and it was not likely that her mercenary heart had even been touched. No, a handsome gift handsomely bestowed ought to put an end to any sadness on her part.
    By the time he reached Davenham House, the watch was calling ten-thirty and Tony’s stomach was becoming insistent. Noting with no small measure of satisfaction that the lights were still on in the front saloons, Tony stepped down from the coach, admonishing his driver to wait for him. Adjusting the sleeves of his coat, he whistled a soft tune and prepared to beard the lioness in her den.
    Stodgill, belatedly answering Tony’s determined knocking, stepped back to allow him admittance. “Lord Lyndon,” he acknowledged with the imperturbability born of his occupation.
    â€œHallo, Stodgy—m’aunt still about?”
    â€œTaking her brandy before retiring. I shall—”
    â€œNo, I’d as lief announce myself, if you do not mind,” Tony murmured, stepping past the aging butler. “Rose room?”
    â€œAye, my lord, but—”
    â€œThank you.”
    The old fellow shrugged perceptibly and moved back. Lord Lyndon had run tame in the house since he could walk and had never been known to stand on ceremony with the duchess anyway. “As you wish, my lord, but her temper’s not the best tonight.”
    Tony found his aunt and Mrs. Buckhaven sitting before a small fire, his aunt sipping her brandy and Bucky quietly plying her embroidery needle to what appeared to be a pillowslip. He moved into the room before clearing his throat audibly to gain their attention. Startled by the intrusion, his aunt’s mousy companion jumped visibly.
    â€œOh, my lord!” she tittered with the nervousness born of sudden fright.
    â€œEh . . . what . . . ?” His aunt twisted her neck around to survey him irritably, and then she relaxed her frown enough to greet him with, “Oh, ’tis you, Tony. Naughty boy—you have overset Bucky.” Her black eyes traveled over him, taking in his evening clothes. “Humph! In my day, a gentleman wore silks and satins at night—don’t know why they call ’em dandies now when they are plain as Methodists! Well, well, do not be standing there gaping, Anthony! You ain’t here for dinner, but you must have reason, else you’d not have come.”
    He crossed the room to plant an affectionate kiss on her rouged and wrinkled cheek. His eyes twinkled as he leaned closer to tease her, “I am come to share my good fortune with you, you old Tartar, but now I’ve half a mind to hold my tongue.”
    â€œIs this going to cost me?” she demanded suspiciously.
    â€œNot a penny, I promise