Page 64 of In Need of a Duke
“What happened?” he asked again, his voice low against her ear.
“I want to go home.”
“What about a new dress?”
“I will find another shop. I will send for a modiste to visit us.”
He pulled back enough to cup her face in his hands. “Who hurt you, Honeybee?”
She shrugged.
He pressed his lips together and nodded, before dropping his touch and grabbing her hand. “Follow me.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, following him out onto the street.
“You are not leaving without a new gown today. Or five. No one will speak ill of you.”
CHAPTER 17
Charlotte tugged on his hand,attempting to pull Ian backward as he stormed for the modiste.
“What did they say?” he snapped.
“Please, stop. This will only make it worse.”
There was something about seeing her cry that made him feral, like a fighter about to throw a knockout punch. No one was allowed to hurt her.
The bell on the shop’s door jingled at their entrance, but silence fell as all eyes turned to Ian and Charlotte.
No one gasped or whispered, no one fainted, but it didn’t mean the silence didn’t come to a roaring end when the modiste cleared her throat and discovered her backbone.
“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to see you. It’s been some time.”
Ian wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. He needed answers.
“Madame Gaillot, I wish to know why my wife just left your shop in tears.”
He felt Charlotte try to bury herself behind him, hiding herself away. He absolutely hated when she did that.
When the modiste didn’t answer, he stepped forward, dropping Charlotte’s hand. “Here is what I propose. You kindly ask the rest ofthe patrons to leave, and then you will personally see my wife gets anything she desires.”
“I can’t close my shop, Your Grace.”
“No?” He clasped his hands behind his back. “Then what is the arrangement you have with Lord Cantwell?”
“Well…” she blustered, her face red.
“The lovesick duke.” Someone giggled from the back of the shop.
His stare snapped to the two young debutantes holding ribbons in their hands. “What was that?”
“Please, there is no need for a fuss…” Charlotte hissed behind him. She grabbed his hand again and pulled.
Except she was worth a fuss. Every damn time. Fury pounded in his ears as watchful eyes studied him, picking him apart.
Thetonwas nothing if not vicious in their judgment.
Very well.
