Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,29

so have our grooms comb the woods and road for them.”

The butler nodded and left the foyer, along with the housekeeper, leaving only the three of them as they dripped on the tiled floor.

“Do I still get milk and biscuits?” Claire asked hopefully.

“Plan on it,” His Grace said emphatically. “But first, my lady, we must get you dry and warm. Your teeth are chattering. For a moment, I thought you’d turned into a magpie.”

Her daughter giggled. Elise thought how very undeserved Disrepute’s nickname was. He had been kind to her upon their first meeting and was exactly the same now, years later. She didn’t think many dukes would be so solicitous of a child who was a stranger.

“If your clothes are damaged, we can check my mother’s wardrobe. She passed away many years ago. The gowns would be out of fashion but would give you something to wear for now. I will have Mrs. Digsby place you in her bedchamber.”

The butler returned and the duke said, “Young Lady Claire may have a broken foot or ankle, Pratt. Do you remember when my sister fell out of the tree and broke her leg?”

“I do, Your Grace. Lady Samantha was quite determined to do everything you and His Grace did.”

“I seem to recall a chair that could be wheeled around. It had something that braced the leg, which allowed Sam to rest her leg and keep it straight and elevated.”

“I do recall the chair, Your Grace. I’m sure it’s in the attic. Shall I have it fetched for Lady Claire?”

“Yes. Bring it to my mother’s rooms. The hot water should be sent there and to my rooms.”

The duke turned to her. “Let’s go upstairs. The sooner we get the two of you out of your wet clothes, the better. I don’t want you catching a cold. Or worse, pneumonia.”

Elise thought of the duke removing her clothes and felt her cheeks flame. No man had ever seen her unclothed, not even Norwood. When they had coupled, it had always been in the dark. He would hitch her night rail to her waist and had done the same with his dressing gown. She thought of how clumsy they’d both been, even after a couple of years of marriage. She had never gotten over her embarrassment of what went on between a man and a woman. For his part, Norwood performed the act quickly, giving her a kiss and then slipping his manhood inside her. It never lasted very long and she always felt relieved when it was over.

Something told her coupling with the Duke of Disrepute would be an entirely different experience. Ever since they had met at her first ball all those years ago, she had followed his and Charm’s exploits in the newspapers. It was the rare gossip column that did not mention one or the other. From what she’d read, it was apparent Disrepute had been with more women than any man in England. He must know some secret for so many women to allow him into their beds.

As they went up the stairs, he kept asking Claire questions to take her mind off her pain, which endeared him even more to Elise.

“So, my lady, do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“No. I have cousins. Joseph and Josiah. But I can read. Better than Josiah.”

“You can read? My, you must be very clever for your age.”

She held up several fingers. “I’m four.”

“Four? That’s a marvelous age to begin reading. And how old is Cousin Josiah?”

“Six. Joseph is seven. We live with them since Papa went to Heaven.”

“My mother and father live in Heaven, too. I’ll bet they are friends with your papa.”

“And Grandpapa. He just went to Heaven. Mama said Papa is waiting for him. They watch over us.”

“Then they’ll see if you steal my biscuits,” he warned playfully.

Claire’s eyes widened. “Oh!”

The duke laughed. “Better mind your Ps and Qs.”

“What’s that?”

“It means you better behave.”

“I’m a good girl. Mama says I’m always good. My cousins used to be bad but Mama makes them behave now. Especially at lessons.”

The duke flashed a grin at Elise as he opened a door. “I’m sure your mama is very good at that.”

Mrs. Digsby must have been following them upstairs and said, “Is this the bedchamber you’d like Lady Ruthersby to use, Your Grace?”

“Yes. Comb through the wardrobe and see if you can find anything suitable for her to wear.” He turned to Elise. “I’ll leave you in Mrs. Digsby’s capable hands and go bathe and