Page 34 of A Duchess to Reclaim

With a simple motion of his hand he’d rounded up the spies he had circulating the party and they all had reported to the location as told.

“Some are conflicted,” Eve answered first. “I heard some ladies say that there must have been a mistake regarding Her Grace being spotted at theDevil’s Masquerade.They are now assured of her innocence, after appearing so beautiful and composed today.”

“And the others?” Dominic asked. Eve blushed, but answered.

“Others say that this party is but a mere attempt to cover a blemish, Your Grace. That Her Grace was ruined by her previous betrothed, and ruined is all she’ll ever be. Some have even said…”

Eve’s words trailed off and Dominic tensed.

“Out with it,” he commanded.

“Some have said that our mistress is even being paid to attend theDevil’s Masqueradeas an entertainer.”

Fury flared through Dominic’s veins, but his iron will tampered it.

“Ada? What have you heard?” He asked, turning to her.

“Similar remarks, Your Grace,” Ada answered, “though more so those that incline our mistress toward innocence. And one rumor of you.”

“Proceed,” he granted.

“That you left the country because your mistress abroad had a child,” she reported.

Dominic barked out a laugh, unfazed by the rumor. It wasn’t the first time something like that had been said and he doubted that it would be the last. Many men disliked his ability to gain what they could not. That sort could be handled easily.

“Their names?” He asked, and Ada delivered them. Eve then gave her list as well, and Dominic quickly jotted them down.

“Felix, anything?” He then asked, turning to the manservant.

Felix gave him a wary glance.

“No reports on rumors, Your Grace, but something should be mentioned of the Duchess,” he replied.

Dominic’s brows drew down. They’d made it halfway through the party so far, and although he’d been busy making his own headway, every time he’d looked over at Amelia she’d seemed cheerful and successful.

“Well, don’t keep me waiting,” he insisted.

“I believe she’s fading, Your Grace,” Felix replied. “She is starting to look most uncomfortable. I was sure there were even tears in her eyes at one point.”

Concern, strange and new, rippled through Dominic. He’d known she hadn’t wanted to do this, but tears?

“Did anyone else see?” He demanded.

“I don’t believe so, Your Grace, one of her friends was quick to cover her so she could dry her eyes,” Felix replied.

Dominic gave a single nod.

“I’ll take care of it,” he stated. “Go, get back to your work.”

His servants bowed , and after being left alone, Dominic took a moment to himself. He’d grown quite well at balancing the Duke and the brute within him, and now, it was time to practice the delicate art of performing both. He studied the names, drew in a deep breath, fixed a handsome smile on his face, and returned to the party.

One by one he visited his targets, putting on a show of absolute decorum as he approached with all respect. Then, when the moment was perfect, he leaned in and sought his vengeance. He whispered into their ears like a lover, letting them know he was aware of each of their darkest secrets.

How is your footman, Lady Harley? The one you bring to your bed every third Thursday of the month.

Your husband misses you, Lady Stark, perhaps I can speak with him about leaving his mistress’s bed on your behalf?

Your debt at the underground salon has grown quite high, Lady Chilton. Perhaps I could speak to your husband about it for you?

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