Read Online The Duke's Temptation by Addie Jo Ryleigh - Free Book Online Page B

was equally matched with days of utter frustration. Soon after her arrival, it became blatantly obvious Gabe’s household was hardly outfitted to handle a child. Through Mrs. Pearce’s direction, the nursery had been equipped with all the basic essentials. However, no amount of proper furniture would turn a bachelor’s house into a home for a child.
    Not about to be deterred, each day Elizabeth presented Wilkes with a new list of supplies that were needed. After three or so days, the daily number of items she requested had dwindled. Soon there would be no more lists, Phoebe would finally have all she needed, and the days of frustration would come to an end.
    Elizabeth wouldn’t allow herself to celebrate quite yet. Even if she managed to dispel the frustration, she would still be plagued by annoyance from a completely different source . . . Gabe.
    Other than the first afternoon in Phoebe’s room, he hadn’t spent more than fifteen minutes in his daughter’s company. Since Phoebe consumed the majority of Elizabeth’s time, Elizabeth hadn’t seen him for more than fifteen minutes herself.
    She might desire Gabe’s attentions, but her dissatisfaction was nothing compared to the ire she felt on Phoebe’s behalf. The poor child had lost her mother along with the only life she’d known. The least Gabe could do was spend time with his daughter, for there was no mistaking the wonder that flashed across Phoebe’s face whenever her eyes landed on her father. Apparently, Gabe was proficient at melting hearts of all ages.
    Years of dealing with her brother had taught Elizabeth the stubbornness of men, and she conceded little to no control over Gabe and his actions. She’d have to be content with making certain Phoebe had the best of everything. It had become Elizabeth’s new purpose.
    Between sifting through letters of reference in the search for a governesses and making sure Phoebe had all the material items necessary, Elizabeth did whatever she could to bring a smile to the child’s face; anything to chase away the sadness that lingered about her.
    With that goal in mind, Elizabeth added one extra item to the list she’d given Wilkes the day before. A music box. As one would expect, the home of a rake didn’t possess much along the lines of musical entertainment. Instead of sending for a pianoforte, Elizabeth decided to settle on something easy for young fingers to work that would play a simple melody.
    Due to Wilkes’s efficiency and a few hardworking servants, Elizabeth was now able to relax in a chair, musical box on the round side table next to her playing a sweet tune, and watch enjoyment spring from each ungraceful step Phoebe took as she swirled around the floor hanging onto Aunt Millie’s hands.
    Regardless of what she had said to Gabe and Marcus about knowing the needs of a child, Elizabeth wasn’t entirely confident in her ability. Instead of being intimidated, she turned to memories of her mother. Some of her happiest recollections were of the two of them dancing together, often with Elizabeth standing on her mother’s feet since she’d been too young to know the proper steps.
    The past fresh in her mind as she focused on Phoebe’s dark curls bouncing with each movement, a twinge of heartache pressed on the edge of Elizabeth’s enjoyment. Now was not the time for melancholy reflections. She pushed the feeling aside and gave her full attention to the footwork Aunt Millie tried to encourage the visibly ecstatic child to emulate.
    “Now follow me, child,” Aunt Millie instructed, taking a half step to the side. “That’s it. Good job.”
    Phoebe smiled a toothy grin at Aunt Millie’s praise and it warmed Elizabeth’s heart to see the child so happy.
    The notes from the musical box came to an end and yet even without it, the two continued to circle the floor. Elizabeth quickly grabbed the box and wound it. She had set it back on the table when she caught sight of Gabe standing in the doorway,