Read Online The Irish Duke by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online

grandfather a few short years later. I empathize with you.”
    “Yes, it is a sad coincidence. I don’t remember my father, but I loved my grandfather deeply. He took me to live with him at Stanmore Priory when my mother remarried because he didn’t approve of her marriage to Aberdeen.”
    “Your grandfather’s daughter Catherine was Aberdeen’s first wife.”
    “Yes, it’s complicated. My father and Aberdeen’s first wife were brother and sister. So in effect, my mother married her brother- in-law. It was a marriage of convenience. Both my mother and Aberdeen were left with three small children. Unfortunately my grandfather was right. The marriage has brought my mother little happiness.”
    “When your grandfather died and you were forced to live with your stepfather, it must have been difficult.”
    “I was devastated,” Abercorn said quietly. “When I turn twenty-one in January, Aberdeen will no longer be my guardian. I count my blessings that I inherited my grandfather’s estate in Ireland and his title. It will allow me to be my own man and not depend upon Aberdeen for anything.”
    “Our deep love of Ireland is another thing we have in common, James.”
    “Your Grace, I have taken you as my role model. You served as the lord lieutenant of Ireland and it has inspired me to follow in your footsteps. I too have ambitions to become the viceroy one day.”
    “Bravo! That is a worthy endeavor.”
    “I am looking forward to taking my seat in the House of Lords when I reach my majority in January.”
    “Wonderful. I shall make a point of joining you there upon occasion.”
    Louisa was amazed at the friendship that had developed so quickly between the pair. Their admiration for each other was palpable. Abercorn wishes that John Russell could be his father and it’s obvious that their high regard for each other is mutual. No doubt Father would like James Hamilton for a son.
    She heard Mr. Burke’s voice.
    “Excuse me for interrupting you, but Her Grace has sent me to summon you to the blue drawing room where she is entertaining the Hollands and the Greys.”
    “Ah, my duties as host are remiss. Lead on, Mr. Burke.”
    “Would you mind if I took a closer look at your books, Your Grace?”
    “Be my guest, James. It gives me pleasure to share them with another book lover.”
    Damnation. I’ll have to sit here all afternoon. Louisa felt her leg cramp and moved her position, as quietly as she could, to ease it. A minute later, her heart sank as she watched James Hamilton’s dark head appear as he climbed the ladder to the upper level.
    He stopped halfway and turned his head to look at her. “My instincts were correct.”
    “I got a leg cramp.” She spoke defensively, as if that excused her eavesdropping.
    “If you wish to listen secretly to what is said in private, you should wear a less distinctive fragrance. Your jasmine stole to me some time ago.” He finished climbing to the upper level and walked toward her.
    Her pulse raced. “It wasn’t intentional. I came to look up betony.” Sitting on the floor she appeared defenseless and completely without guile.
    He held out his hand to help her to her feet. She stared at his outstretched palm, wanting to place her hand in his yet hesitant to succumb to his magnetism. He had such a commanding, masculine presence that if she touched him, she feared he might gain some mystical power over her. Instead of her hand, she gave him the book.
    “Culpeper’s Complete Herbal. This is a rare treasure,” he said with reverence. “Does he list the properties of betony?”
    She rose to her feet gracefully, without his assistance. “Yes. Let me show you.” Without touching his hands, she turned the pages until she found the colorful illustration. Then she deliberately stepped away from him, putting a safe distance between them. Abercorn was too tall, too broad, too dark, too compelling, and far, far too handsome.
    Louisa erected an invisible shield to protect