Read Online To Marry a Duke by Fenella J Miller - Free Book Online

‘Can
we walk around the Priory before we go in to breakfast? I should like to view
the Gatehouse again- it’s a shame it’s no longer used.’
    ‘If that is what you would like, then that’s what we’ll do.
I’m entirely at your disposal, Miss Tremayne.’ He offered his arm and she
slipped her hand through, revelling in the contact. They strolled in silence
for a while.
    ‘My lord, may I speak frankly? I wish to ask a question that
I am almost sure is impertinent.’
    He hid his amusement. ‘I promise I’ll not be offended. Ask
your question without fear.’
    She stopped and stared earnestly at him. ‘If you and Lady
Allegra love this place so much, why did you sell it to my father?’
    He was too surprised by her question to answer. He should be
angry, give her a sharp set down, but her innocence, the genuine concern he saw
on her face, stopped him.
    ‘My father gamed the place away. Mr
Tremayne merely bought up his debts. We had no inkling of the situation until
two days ago.’
    ‘How dreadful for you! What a horrible
shock it must have been.’ He could see her eyes glittering with unshed tears.
    ‘It’s not so bad, Miss Tremayne. Your father allowed us to
stay here to grieve in peace for nine months and when we have to leave, in two
weeks’ time, we are taking the family jewels. They will supply us with a more
than adequate income.’
    ‘It’s not right. A Duke of Colchester has lived here for
hundreds of years. We are the interlopers. I’ll never be happy knowing our
arrival has displaced you and Lady Allegra.’
    He patted her hand. ‘Thank you for your concern, my dear
Miss Tremayne, but it’s unnecessary, I assure you. We shall manage very well.’
    ‘No, I’ll not allow it.’ She snatched her hands from his and
turned away too overcome to speak.
    Strangely he found himself wishing to gather her into his
arms, to stroke the dark curls and offer her comfort. He didn’t like to see her
upset. He reached out, intending to touch her shoulder, but she spun back her
expression almost fierce.
    ‘I have a solution to your problem. I wish you to promise
you will listen and not interrupt.’ She cocked her head, waiting. He nodded.
‘My lord, if you were to marry me your difficulties would be solved. You and
Lady Allegra could remain here, where you belong. I could live here then
without feeling guilty. I know what I’m suggesting is outrageous, but I’m being
practical. Tremaynes are famous for it.’
    Richard had listened to her suggestion with mixed emotions.
His initial shock at her presumption was immediately replaced by an unexpected
feeling of affection for the earnest young lady staring up at him. He did not
suspect for a moment the offer was made out of self-interest, that she shared
her father’s desire for her to be a duchess. She was prepared to sacrifice
herself to save him. His throat clogged and his voice was gruff when he finally
managed to answer.
      ‘My dearest girl – I
am overwhelmed by your offer -but I cannot allow you to do it. You do not know
me; we have been acquainted scarcely a day. You are offering to tie yourself to
me for life.’
    To his astonishment she threw herself into her his arms
allowing him no time to step aside.
    Before he realized what was
happening he had encircled her waist and his mouth captured hers in a gentle,
explorative kiss. Who was the more shaken by the embrace was hard to tell.
    After far longer than was decent he reluctantly released her
but retained his hold on her hands. He gazed entranced at her sparkling eyes
and swollen lips and there was an unexpected constriction in his chest. Without
conscious thought he dropped dramatically to one knee.
    ‘My darling, Demelza, will you do me the honour of becoming
my wife?’
    ‘Yes please.’
    He jumped up but, as he was about to enfold her a second
time, he became uncomfortably aware they were the centre of attention. Word had
spread and several interested spectators had gathered to watch him