Miles Lesson - Jennifer Connors.pdf

Chapter 5
“Natalie, where have you been?” Elinore's whine cut through the room
as Natalie entered the small parlor. “I have had servants searching for
you.”
“What did you need? I was in the garden reading.” Just then, Natalie
remembered that she left her book in the grove, by the tree she'd
been leaning against. Her encounter with the duke had left her
disconcerted. Now she would have to go back out and retrieve it.
“Reading? How boring. I wanted to tell you about the duke. He's even
more handsome in person than I have ever heard tale of. His eyes are
the bluest, blue I have ever seen.” As her cousin droned on, Natalie
nodded when appropriate, but otherwise didn't pay any attention. She
didn't need Elinore to tell her how handsome the duke was. She had
first hand knowledge. A knowledge she never would have thought
she'd have.
“What do you think I should do to win his heart?” Elinore looked
expectedly at her cousin, serious concern on her pretty face. It took
Natalie a moment to realize that a question was asked, so she simply
looked as if she was giving it consideration and waited for her cousin
to start her monologue once again. It didn't take long.
“With this many other girls, I should wear my most flattering clothing.
The ice blue silk tonight for dinner, do you not think?”
Natalie nodded and smiled and her cousin began anew. Natalie
wouldn't be invited to dinner, but would received a tray in her room.
She wouldn't be invited to any of the soirées or events that were
planned during the week long stay. Her only purpose was to be around
to listen to her vacuous cousin drone on about nothing. It was a bleak
life, but Natalie had no choice. Her father's death had left her with no
one, except her aunt and cousin.
Before the melancholy of her memories could beset her, the Duke of
Sutherland walked into the small parlor. He had a delightful, roguish