SHE DANCED ALONE IN THE EMPTY BALLROOM AFTER MIDNIGHT-UNAWARE THE DUKE WAS WATCHING

smile was small and thin.

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“I came to Ashenford to consider a marriage,” the Duke said. Petra sat up, her hand going instinctively to the pale ribbon at her throat. “I have decided,” said the Duke, “that I shall not offer for Miss Petra Marchmount.”

The room went silent, marking the second time in two days that his words had commanded continue reading …