What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling Page A

you allow me to escort you and your granddaughter in my carriage?”
    “That’s very kind of you, thank you,” Grandmama said.
    “Excellent. Miss Longmore, I take it you have no objection?”
    She could not object when her grandmother had accepted. “No, of course not.” But she was uneasy.
    He looked at Lucy. “What is the address?”
    She lifted her chin. “Soho, south of Tottenham Road.”
    His expression froze for the briefest moment. Then, just as quickly, he recovered.
    Clearly he knew their lodgings were not far from the notorious Seven Dials, an impoverished and dangerous area near Covent Gardens. “Actually, we will take a hackney, as our lodgings are out of your way.”
    “A gentleman always honors his promise,” he said, “and it is no trouble.”
    Yes, but you undoubtedly regret your hasty invitation to such a rough locale.
    After he helped them up the carriage steps, he picked up his dog. “Miss Longmore, would you mind watching Bandit for me?”
    “Not at all,” she said, setting the puppy on her lap.
    “Where did he go?” Grandmama said.
    “I imagine he went to give his driver directions.” He’d been so kind today, but when she’d given him her address, she’d seen the momentary look of shock on his face. Gentleman that he was he’d tried to hide it.
    “I like him very much,” Grandmama said. “He is a charmer like your late grandfather.”
    “We know very little about him. Why would he persist in making our acquaintance when we could never be part of his social set?”
    “Mr. Granfield is likely part of the landed gentry. So he is not so elevated to prevent an acquaintance…or perhaps more,” Grandmama said with a smile.
    “He is wealthy,” Lucy said.
    “Why in heaven’s name would you complain?” Grandmama said. “You ought to snap him up before someone else does.”
    “Grandmama!” she said, shocked.
    Her grandmother laughed. “I was teasing. In all seriousness, you should judge him by his character, not by his wealth or lack thereof.”
    “No one is without faults,” Lucy said.
    “I wonder why you are so determined to dislike him,” Grandmama said.
    “I don’t dislike him—quite the opposite. It’s just that our circumstances are miles apart.”
    “Why not give him a chance?” Grandmama said. “I truly believe he cares for you. Why else would he spend the entire afternoon with us?”
    Because I fear he will wound me. “I keep asking myself why he isn’t courting proper ladies who have large marriage portions.”
    “Perhaps he wants love, not riches, in a wife,” Grandmama said.
    Part of her wanted to believe that he was the gentleman of her dreams. She wanted to experience the exhilarating feelings again when he teased her and smiled at her. But if she allowed hope to blossom, she could find herself heartbroken. “I’m sure he was only being courteous today.”
    “Keep this in mind. No gentleman spends that much time with a lady if he’s not interested,” Grandmama said. “If it were me, I wouldn’t let him get away.”
    “Shhh,” Lucy said. “I hear footsteps on the pavement.” When she looked out the window, the light was just beginning to fade a bit.
    When Granfield returned, he sat with his back to the horses. He took Bandit from Lucy and set him on the seat beside him. Then he knocked his cane on the roof. When the carriage rolled into motion, he stroked the puppy’s fur with his gloved hand, drawing Lucy’s attention. She couldn’t help noticing the muscles in his tight trousers. Her face grew warm. What was wrong with her? She didn’t want him to catch her ogling him.
    “Are you comfortable, Mrs. Longmore?” he asked.
    “Indeed I am,” Grandmama said. “You have a well-sprung carriage.”
    He set his hat aside. “I enjoyed your excellent company today.”
    “You’ve been very kind, sir,” Lucy said.
    “It was a fine day,” he said. “One of the best I’ve had in quite some time. Thank you for meeting me at the