The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Read Online Free Page B

prepared to and I don't want you visiting Heatherfield again.'
    'I've no intention of doing so. Although Lord Carshalton is a handsome man I could never like a gentleman who can kill another without compunction.' Her brother raised an eyebrow. 'I know that Bennett was a serving officer but he never showed any signs of being a violent man once he returned.'
    'Carshalton shouldn't be blamed for what he did, Madeline, if he hadn't dispatched your attacker I would have done so myself.'
    She stared at him in shock. 'I don't believe you. Taking another person's life, unless you are a soldier, cannot be right.'
    'I would expect you to feel that way, little one, a member of the fairer sex is not supposed to understand such matters.' He leaned back in his chair and smiled. 'There's something I must discuss with you. I know you enjoy being the chatelaine of Silchester, but I think it's time you stepped aside and let my very efficient staff do the job they're more than adequately paid for.'
    'If I'm not to be running this establishment in future what am I expected to do with my day?'
    'Visit your friends, paint watercolours, practice on the pianoforte – spend your time doing what other young ladies of your age are doing. You and your sister will be spending your first Season in Town next spring and I'm sure you will need to replenish your wardrobes before then.'
    Madeline put down her cup. 'Let me get this quite clear, Beau, from henceforth you expect me to drift around the place doing absolutely nothing?'
    'I expect you to behave as the sister of the Duke of Silchester. Are you going to eat your cake? If not, then I'll do so.'
    'Take it. I've lost my appetite. I'm going to the library to find myself a book. I shall not be joining you for dinner.'
    Without giving him the opportunity to respond to her comment she stalked off, but didn't go to the library, instead she returned to her apartment and changed into her habit. Perhaps a ride around the park would restore her good humour.
    Her brother wasn't a stupid man, but sometimes he could be remarkably dense. Did he know her so poorly that he thought she'd be content without a purpose to her life? When Mama had died two years ago becoming the hostess of this grand place had made her grief easier to bear.
    Giselle, her younger sister, was happy being a lady of leisure but this didn't suit her at all. Whatever Beau said about the matter, she was determined to find herself something interesting to occupy her time that didn't involve the insipid pastimes he'd suggested.
    Good heavens! He'd been happy to allow her to arrange the house party this summer in order to find Bennett a suitable bride, so why did he think she would be content with nothing to do?
    When she got to the stables something prompted her to ask for Beau's recently acquired bay to be saddled for her. She told the head groom there was no need for anyone to accompany her as she intended to remain within the grounds.
    She'd not been out for long when a pheasant flew out beneath the animal's hoofs. He shied violently, took hold of the bit, and bolted.
    *
    The militia arrived at Heatherfield and Grey quickly explained to the captain in charge what had taken place. He also showed him the corpse stored in an outbuilding.
    'My lord, we shall dispose of this body for you and there will be no further investigations. You may rest assured that my men and I will search the area and question the local populace. I shall report back to you with any information I might find.' The man saluted and remounted his horse. The troop split into three smaller groups and began their investigation.
    When he'd left his regiment on the Peninsular he'd thought his days of violence and danger were over. He must try and persuade his grandmother to return to the family estates where she would be safe.
    Despite her age she'd dealt calmly with the events of the morning as if murder and mayhem were a regular occurrence. He found her and her bosom bows happily