Read Online Lady Hope and the Duke of Darkness: The Baxendale Sisters Book 3 by Maggi Andersen - Free Book Online

given our prior conversation some thought.”
    “I have. It’s not often that a man suddenly finds he has a sister.”
    “A half-sister,” she reminded him, eyeing him carefully.
    “I wanted to reassure you that, before I return to France, I will reestablish the allowance my father gave you every quarter,” he began, although he planned to treble it. “If there’s anything else you have merely to….” He paused in surprise.
    Sophie had held up her hand and thrust out her pointed chin. “I thought I’d made myself clear, Your Grace, I am not after money.”
    “Oh?” He stared at her exasperated, although he’d had an inkling she’d want something else from him. “Are you so well placed that you can afford to refuse my money?”
    She flushed. “It’s true that am not rich, but I don’t wish to live as you do. My needs are simple. I—”
    Daniel waved his hand. “That won’t do. Life can be cruel for those who have little. You might wish to marry. And you should marry well.” He raised a brow. “Or is there someone?”
    “No, Your Grace.”
    “Daniel, please.”
    She edged forward on the seat. “I came to find you because I’ve felt very much alone since my father died.”
    Daniel hesitated, measuring her for a moment. A young lady alone in the world was very different to his situation and need for solitude. He took the coffee from the footman and sipped from the cup while watching her as she stirred sugar into hers. What could he do for her? “Suppose I arrange for someone to take you under their wing before I leave?”
    Her mouth puckered, dismay darkening her eyes. “I can see that it’s unfair to expect you to feel anything for me—to want us to get to know each other. After all, we are strangers.”
    She’d been quite forceful the last time they’d met, but her act crumbled before his eyes. Compassion and shame gripped him. While he still intended to return to France alone, he sought a solution. “Then I shall remain in London long enough to see you settled. Will that suit?”
    She cast him a level glance, and he expected her to refuse. “Thank you, Daniel. I accept your kind offer.”
    Had she wanted this outcome all along? At times, women outshone men with their shrewdness. They seemed to understand a good deal more about human nature. And she was correct. He didn’t know her, and right now, he didn’t need to. But she was his father’s legitimate daughter. The daughter of a duke should take her proper place. He was suddenly determined to see that she did. His gaze took in her appearance. Her unadorned grey dress was neat and clean, but she was in no way fashionable. He came to a decision.
    “First, I suggest we have a lady take you in hand, dress you, teach you how to go about in society.” Perhaps Miles’ wife, Anne, would take her up. “Meanwhile, you must move into this house.”
    “Oh. But I don’t wish to.” She looked around, no doubt taking in the expensive paintings, the silk curtains, and gold leaf decorating the cornices.
    “I can’t help you if you remain in the country. And don’t suggest an inn in the city. It won’t do.”
    Her dark brows batted together, and she looked mulish and very French. “But no one knows I’m your half-sister. There will be hurtful gossip. It would not bother me overmuch, but I would hate to be the cause of your discomfort.”
    “Then we must find you a chaperone immediately. I’ll send a servant for your things. In the interim, my housekeeper will serve. She will supply you with the necessaries for tonight and show you to your bedroom. Tomorrow, we will send for your luggage.” He rose to pull the bell rope. “Now you must forgive me, I have a pressing engagement.” He rose and bowed his head. “Lady Sophie.”
    “I’ve never thought of myself that way!” Her eyes widened, she stood and sank into a curtsey.
    “And no more of that,” Daniel said with a smile.
    Sophie’s tinkling laugh followed him from the room, sending