The Debonair Duke by Emilyn Hendrickson

scarcely knew how to reply. “I don’t recall,” she began.
    “Is your mother one of those who knows every relative on either side of family trees?”
    “She considers family important, but I confess she is a trifle vague when it comes to great-uncles and first cousins once removed,” Pamela said with a smile.
    “Good,” he declared. “You will receive this necklace —in its original box and by special courier—from your eccentric great-uncle on your father’s side of the family. He”—and the duke stared off into space for a few moments before he raised a finger in point— “ wishes you to wear this necklace in place of his first love, for whom he originally bought it, who died and was never able to wear it. That gives you an excellent excuse! You will be honor bound to wear the necklace. I believe your mother is a stickler for what is proper.”
    “Goodness,” Pamela exclaimed after she had followed his tortuous line of reasoning through in her mind again. “I do know there is a great-uncle still alive somewhere in Kent, and I recall Mama referring to him as somewhat strange. The necklace proposition will seem rather odd, however.”
    “Consider, once you receive the necklace you will be able to store it in your father’s safe. That will set your mind more at ease in that regard,” the duke said persuasively.
    “I do not know,” Pamela said, feeling there must be something amiss with this mad scheme if she could only think of it.
    “Tell me, what mother would not wish to see her daughter arrayed in those exquisite jewels with a legitimate reason for wearing them? I shall personally drop a word or two in Lady Jersey’s ear, the others as well, if necessary. Most young women can wear but simple pearls. You not only will wear something different, you will have a most romantic reason for doing so. Everyone likes a touch of the romantic. You will be a succès fou . ”
    The duke sounded so plausible, so convincing, that Pamela simply gave up trying to find holes in his logic. She was not quite certain she wished to be a raving success, but the duke’s idea was better than anything she had.
    “Very well,” she capitulated. “My eccentric great-uncle it is. Mama is sure to want to read the message, so I cannot write it. And where will we find a courier?” she queried, frowning at the obstacles presented.
    “Leave it all to me. Once you are at home, place the necklace back into the leather box. I shall come to call with Lady Anne this afternoon near the end of the calling hours. You will have to find some reason to give the box to me. Can you disguise it?” Pamela felt an inner glow at the look of regard he gave her. Why, it seemed as though the duke actually thought she had an opinion worth listening to!
    “That ought to be simple. It is very like the shape of a book of poetry I own. Perhaps I could lend the ‘book’ to Lady Anne?” Pamela said, while thinking she was sailing off into rather deep waters, especially for one who considered herself to be as truthful as possible.
    “Clever girl,” the duke said with quiet approval.
    “I am glad you did not expect me to claim that it was a gift from you,” Pamela said without realizing she had given voice to her inner thoughts.
    “My dear girl,” the duke said in dismay, “I trust you do not hold me in such contempt!”
    “I am sorry,” Pamela said contritely when she realized she had spoken so foolishly. “I know you would not be so improper. My wits have gone begging, I fear.”
    “Indeed,” he agreed with chilling reserve. “I shall see you later. Until then, I have much to do.” He turned to enter his carriage with a rush, taking off down the street with alarming speed.
    Pamela paused on the edge of Green Park, looking after the departing carriage and feeling quite vexed with the duke. Hurriedly, retracing her steps to the bookshop, she found her father’s carriage waiting for her.
    “He is the most impossible man,” she fumed to