Page 3 of Enchanting the Duke

CHAPTER TWO

Gabriel, the Duke of Nomansland, checked his watch as his carriage came to a stop in front of Abingdon House.Relieved to see he was on time, he tucked the watch back into his pocket.He hated to be late, no matter his destination, and an overturned cart had required his coachman to perform some delicate maneuvers to continue on their way.

Thompson, the butler, awaited him at the door to the elegant town house and greeted him with a deferential bow.“Good evening, Your Grace.His Grace is expecting you in his study.”

Nomansland nodded, handing off his hat and gloves.“Thank you, Thompson.I’ll see myself there.”

As he made his way through the familiar hall, his thoughts drifted to the evening ahead.He looked forward to a pleasant supper with his friends and business partners and their wives, perhaps followed by a game of cards and some fine brandy.

Passing the morning room, however, he was brought up short by a feminine voice that drifted through the partially open door.

“But Dinah, I don’t understand.How could anyone possibly bend that way?”

Nomansland froze, recognizing the sweet, lilting tones of Miss Chrissy Westfall, Abingdon’s young sister-in-law.His brow furrowed in confusion at her words.

“Well,” came Dinah’s patient reply, “it does require a fair bit of limberness.But I assure you, it’s quite pleasurable when done correctly.”

Nomansland’s eyes widened in shock.Surely they couldn’t be discussing…

“I see,” Chrissy said, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.“It’s so shocking reading Grandpapa’s description of some of his… er, passions.I didn’t know such things were even possible!”

A low chuckle escaped him before he could stop it.He quickly stifled the sound, not wishing to alert the ladies to his presence outside the door.His mind reeled at the unexpected turn of events.Sweet, naive little Chrissy Westfall, inquiring about bedchamber activities?The thought sent a jolt of heat through his body.

Shaking his head to clear it of such improper musings, he continued on his way to the study.He couldn’t help the small smile that played about his lips, however.It seemed Miss Westfall was full of surprises.

As he knocked on the study door, he resolved to pay closer attention to the young woman at supper.Perhaps she wasn’t quite as innocent as he’d always assumed.

He entered Abingdon’s study, his mind still picturing Miss Westfall in some of his own preferred positions.As he settled into an armchair across from his friend, unbidden thoughts were causing him to harden.He imagined her soft, naked body beneath his, teaching her the very acts she’d been so innocently inquiring about.

“Blast,” Nomansland muttered under his breath, shifting uncomfortably.He couldn’t entertain such notions about Abingdon’s sister-in-law.It was entirely inappropriate, not to mention dangerous territory.

“Is something amiss?”Abingdon asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nomansland cleared his throat.“No, no.Where is Dainsfield?Are he and Milly running late?”

“They won’t be coming.It will just be the four of us.”

He nodded, sitting in the chair opposite his host.“Now, what’s this concern Dinah has about Sutcliffe’s?”

Abingdon leaned forward, his expression grave.“It’s young Allen Penbrook.The fool’s run up debts of over five thousand pounds in the last month alone.”

“Good God,” Nomansland exclaimed.“His father will have his hide.”

“If he finds out.The question is, do we cut him off now or give him a chance to recoup his losses?”

He considered this, absently running a hand through his hair.His business instincts urged caution, but he also remembered his own youthful indiscretions.“Perhaps a warning first?Cut him off if he doesn’t heed it?”

As they debated the merits of each approach, Nomansland found his thoughts continuously straying to Miss Westfall.He wondered what other surprises the seemingly innocent miss might hide beneath her proper exterior.

The butler’s discreet cough interrupted their discussion.“Dinner is served, my lords.”

Nomansland rose, his muscular frame unfolding from the chair.As he followed Abingdon to the dining room, he steeled himself for the encounter ahead, given the visions he’d been enjoying.The moment he entered, his eyes were drawn to Miss Westfall like a moth to a flame.

She sat across from his assigned seat, her golden curls framing a face that seemed to have matured since he’d last seen her.Was that only four or five months ago?Her blue eyes sparkled with an intelligence he hadn’t noticed before, and the gentle curve of her neck drew his gaze lower.

“Good evening, Your Grace.I trust you’re well?”she asked, her voice melodious.

He took his seat.“Quite well, Miss Westfall.And yourself?”