The Dangerous Duke

“I have decided to appoint a young companion and I have already received several answers to my advertisement.”

“You did what?” Devlin exploded. “You placed an advertisement already?”

“Why certainly.” His mother raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Isn’t that what newspapers are for? I can’t imagine you finding me a suitable young woman, given your circle of acquaintance, and I’m certainly not going to ask about the neighbourhood or approach an agent in the matter, so a discreet advertisement was the answer. I think I like this reply. The others all seem to be from earnest young women who seem far too dull for my liking.”

She picked up a letter. “This young person has enclosed an excellent character reference from her aunt, a Mrs. Preston, who seems to be a perfectly respectable widow. She describes her niece as a ‘personable young woman,’ which means she is attractive. You may find yourself disappointed as regards the plain bluestocking. And — ” the Dowager squinted at the letter “ — there’s another reference from a very learned Mr. Murgatroyd, who is a schoolteacher. Also perfectly respectable.”

She peered closer at a page. “Hmm, Miss Preston appears to have excellent handwriting. Perhaps she can write my letters for me as well.”

Devlin snatched the letter as the pages fluttered onto the bed. He scanned the writing, his black brows drawn into a forbidding frown. His face was thunderous. “I see this Miss Preston can speak several languages, including French. French?” He looked at his mother in amazement. “What on earth do you want to read in French, Mama?”

“I don’t know yet; maybe Miss Preston can advise me.” The Dowager gazed upward as if in deep thought. “I seem to remember some charming volumes of French poems in the library that your Papa used to enjoy.”

“French poetry and Papa?” Devlin growled. “’Tis scarcely to be believed. I’m not happy about this, Mama.”