Dusk With a Dangerous Duke by Alexandra Hawkins Page A

at Madame Venna’s Golden Pearl before she closed the doors forever? In many ways, there were very few differences between the ladies of the ton and the women he bedded at the brothel. Both of them required payment of some kind.
    “For some time, I have longed to speak with you,” the countess said, staring at him with a worshipful expression that had once made him feel invincible and capable of heroic feats.
    Then he had failed her, and her adoration seemed akin to mockery.
    *   *   *
    “The Duke of Huntsley is here ? In this ballroom?”
    What confidence she had gained in her flirtatious exchange with Frost swiftly faded with the announcement that the duke had arrived and was currently searching for her.
    “I am afraid so, my dear,” Lady Netherley said, gazing anxiously at Grace. “I told him you were—” She made a vague gesture with her hand. “About. Hunter was impatient so he set off to look for you on his own. By the by, where were you? You and Frost seemed to vanish after your dance.”
    Her cheeks warmed at the implication. “We were just getting to know each other,” she said weakly. “He said he was curious about me since the duke rarely speaks of me.”
    How could he, when he had not bothered to inquire after her?
    Now that he had finally come for her, she was uncertain how she felt about it. There was a fluttering in her stomach, and her palms were beginning to sweat.
    “Shall I have someone bring the coach to the front door?” Lady Netherley asked, correctly guessing that a part of Grace wanted to flee.
    The other part was relieved it was almost over.
    “Are you leaving?” Lady Sinclair inquired, likely overhearing the marchioness’s question. “I thought you might. It was one of the reasons why I told Sin to keep Hunter away from the ballroom this evening.”
    Grace glared at Lady Netherley. “You told Juliana, too? How many people are conspiring against me?”
    “No one is plotting against you, Grace,” Juliana said soothingly. “While I do not quite understand the dowager’s intentions for betrothing you to her grandson at such a tender age, I assume it was necessary. Nevertheless, this situation with Hunter is simply unacceptable, and do not believe for one minute that you are to blame.”
    “I have always thought so,” Grace said drily.
    “Everyone will tell you that Hunter is a good man. Stubborn, I grant you, and oftentimes selfish, but he never shirks his duties.”
    “Why are you telling me this?”
    “Because I hope you will give him a chance. Us, as well,” she said, her gesture encompassing Lady Netherley. “It was one of the reasons why we orchestrated this introduction before you encountered Hunter. We want to show you that you are not alone. You have friends, even if you decide that you do not wish to be the Duchess of Huntsley.”
    “Frost advised against the match,” she blurted out.
    Juliana’s green eyes hardened, reminding Grace of emeralds. “Of course he did,” she muttered, exchanging a look of annoyance with the elderly marchioness. “May I offer you some friendly advice? In the future, walk away from Frost if he begins to share his opinion on the subject of marriage. It will spare you from his ignorance, not to mention a mild headache.”
    The urge to defend Lord Chillingsworth bubbled up inside her, but it would have taken more time than she had. Besides, it was obvious that this was not the first time the blond marchioness had disagreed with the earl.
    “I will alert the servants of our departure,” Lady Netherley said, her voice quavering with unspoken emotion.
    Grace couldn’t decide if she was distressed over their leaving or the small detail that her evening had not gone as planned.
    “No,” she said quietly, touching the older woman on the arm to delay her from seeing to her task. “I am staying.”
    Lady Netherley brightened instantly. “You are?”
    Juliana studied Grace’s face. “Are you certain? No one was intending to force