Read Online The Duke's Obsession (Entangled Scandalous) by Frances Fowlkes - Free Book Online

event of the Season.” She fluttered her fan about her face.
    “To what rescue do you refer?” Daphne asked. “I have no knowledge of being in need of any assistance.”
    Henrietta sat forward and placed a warm hand on Daphne’s knee. “You are too modest, Daphne. The duke was a true gentleman. I dare say he acted as your champion, rescuing your reputation from being tarnished.”
    “But I was doing nothing untoward,” Daphne said. “Had I been in a compromising position, I would have welcomed the duke’s intervention, but I hardly think stating one’s personal views is worthy of condemnation.”
    “It is not your behavior that concerns me, though you may wish to be more selective with where and to whom you voice your opinion.” Her aunt sighed. “I’m afraid I’ve not been as thorough in my societal tutorials as I ought to have been.”
    Albina straightened her shoulders. “It was the earl who behaved poorly. He ought not to have encroached upon your person in such an intimate fashion. He had absolutely no regard for polite boundaries, leaning in as close as he was. Why, it appeared as though he might offer you a kiss right there in front of everyone. It was downright scandalous.”
    Sarah gave Daphne a sidelong glance. “The duke’s arrival was quite fortuitous.”
    Daphne fiddled in her reticule looking for nothing in particular, their stares making her squirm in discomfort. Fortuitous as his presence might have been, it irritated her that she had even required his assistance. She had acted ignorant and naïve, and was now indebted to the man. How could she even think to ask him for his financial assistance after this scrape? It only added to the list of things she needed from him, and she had never been one to willingly ask for charity, despite her brother’s demand.
    “I hope the rain stops,” Sarah added. “I do not want to be late for dinner with Cousin Thomas. I can’t wait to regale him with the story of the duke’s gallantry.”
    “I’m certain he’ll be far more interested in sharing the details of how his day was spent,” Daphne said.
    Sarah cocked her head, a hint of mischief sparking in her eyes. “You mean his day spent scrambling to reassure and recuperate investors?”
    Daphne’s head snapped to the side. It was evident she had far underestimated her cousin. “Perhaps.” Daphne pursed her lips and glanced at Henrietta and Albina. Were they equally aware of her family’s shipping problems?
    “Has Thomas spoken with you about business?” Daphne asked.
    The corners of Sarah’s mouth twitched ever so slightly and her eyes darted to the floor. “Not particularly, though one would have to be a fool not to know of the troubles our family faces.”
    Our family? When had Sarah begun to claim Farrington dealings as her own? Daphne let out an imperceptible snort. Sarah was most definitely not a Farrington.
    “Yes, dear,” Aunt Susan added. “I’m afraid Thomas has not been as discreet in his dealings as he intended.” She gave a weak smile. “We were going to wait for a more opportune moment to share our concern, but now, with the duke’s interest and heroics, I suppose this is as good a moment as any.”
    “How exactly does the Duke of Waverly have anything to do with my family?”
    “You simply must ask the duke for his assistance,” Henrietta piped, her eyes bright with excitement. “His influence alone will resolve any issues with our family’s name.”
    There was that word again. No mind that her cousins were now as ridiculous as her brother in their insistence on involving the duke in personal matters. “What do you mean, our?” Daphne asked. “Is it not the Farrington name in question?”
    Henrietta blinked. “Well, yes, I suppose, but you are our relation, Daphne. Anything that happens to you, affects us as well.”
    Aunt Susan tilted her chin upward. “We may not be Farringtons by name, but we share blood, Daphne. I may not have been able to stand by my