Chapter Three

"If you take a look on this estate in Cavanaugh, Your Grace" Gavin hesitantly lifted his eyes from the ledger he had been scrutinizing. The young steward, Thomas Reilly whom Gavin been working with for the past week shove the said ledger estate under his nose.

Gavin momentarily shut his eyes, trying to adjust his vision. Reilly was correct, the estates really are in shambles and some of it, hell, half of it in a shameless destitute and shoulder deep in debts.

He was tired and he swore that if he ever had to examined any more of the offending papers, he will no doubt shove it down Reilly's throat.

"Whatever happened to Durnham?" he asked, keeping his eyes shut. "Was he so damn indolent that some of these estates are practically bankrupt?"

Reilly faltered a bit but he declined to reply his grace's query. He seems taken aback by Gavin's choice of words in regards of his relative.

"Was he so busy siring heirs that he left his rubbish to someone else's care?" Gavin muttered a curse before standing up to fetch his brandy and cigars.

Reilly cleared his throat awkwardly as he squirmed in his seat.

The duke grimly turned on his heels and stalked toward the blazing hearth. He was not certain but had the room grown cold?

He took the fire poker, even the steel felt cold to his touch, he felt goosebumps tracing up his arms.

"Do you realize that I do not have the damndest idea how to cover some of these debts since we started?" Gavin muttered as he stoke the fire but he was sure Reilly heard him judging by his faint rustling on his chair. No doubt he was fidgeting again. He seems to do that a lot when he is around.

Reilly cleared his throat almost too audibly. "Yes well, I think I have the remedy at hand"

Gavin who was crouched on his heels, looked over his shoulder. His green eyes cold and piercing, his hair seems mirroring his mood, black and the blazing fire behind him failed to breathed life into his dark mane.

It made the duke more terrifying and unpredictable as one cannot see his shadowed face. It appears as if his eyes were glowing like green fire and it is the only features that had life in it, cold and angry.

"That is to say, if his grace will give his consent" Reilly tried again as he shrank deeper in his seat.

The corners of Gavin's lips lifted slightly. "How convenient Reilly. But I must warn you I am not that tolerant when it comes to money" The duke rose to his feet, a tall dark figure in the shadows, legs bracing apart in military stance.

"Mayhap we continue our session some other time, your grace?" Reilly muttered hesitantly, turning to his pile of papers.

The duke fleetingly blew out the breath from his nostrils, rubbing both palms to his face and stared at the ceiling. "No. I would like to finish this by today" the duke replied instead, feeling defeated. His recent activities were being paraded to and fro from his bedchambers to this room for days now and it seems like it is the only journey he had known. If he was not mistaken, Reilly was determined to drive him over the brink. He was exhausted and angry and restless.

"We could start by reviewing some tenant agreements, your grace" Reilly nodded to the piled of folders on his grace's desk. Cursing under his breath, Gavin swung to the small counter that serves as his private bar to reach for his cigar. If he was to suffer more of Reilly's torture, he better get some support. At least his brain will register better if it is clouded enough.

"I had thoroughly studied each and every agreement firsthand and I have to say the last steward or solicitor whom the last duke commissioned was not competent enough" Reilly grimly tsked.

Gavin raised one dark brow. "Meaning?"

Reilly looked up from the parchment. "The last duke, forgive me for saying, your grace" Reilly hesitated, uncertainty crossed his features.

"God damn it, man. Spit it out!"

"The last duke raised the tenant's fees by three guineas every year" He said hurriedly.

"What? How can this happen? For how long?"

"Five years to be exact, your grace" Gavin swore. Even Durnham would not stoop so low. Would he?

"You can detect the difference if you compared the renewal of the agreements year after year, sir"

Reilly swiftly handed him the deeds.

Gavin read as he strode over to his massive desk by the hearth.

Reilly blanched as the duke uttered an expletive remark. Gavin spread the other agreement on his desk as he began comparing one deed over the other. Gavin grimly concurred Reilly's suspicions.

"Did his tenants-my tenants aware of this?" Reilly deftly shook his greased head.

"Most of the tenants are farmers and came from the working class your grace. Granted, every one of these people are illiterate. Durnham have ample time robbing these people"

Gavin muttered a colorful oath he could ever think of as he sat back, applying pressure to his eyes with his fingers.

"Were they given each a copy of their agreement before they even pay Durnham?"

Reilly manufactured a cough before replying; "I cannot be certain of that, your grace. The answer lies with themselves"

Oh lord, his head was throbbing more vigorously as he surmised the information in his thoughts.

"If I may add. I think you should know some more, sir"

"What?" Keeping his lids shut tightly, Gavin braced himself.

"In every and foremost tenancy agreement, the landlord could always waive the usual levy imposed on his tenants by hiring them to work in his plantations or within his household. Clearly this benefits not only the tenants but the lord as well as long as he is familiar with the people he assigned under his employment but-"

"But in my dear second cousin's case, he took them under his wings and still insisted them to pay homage" Gavin cut in which brought a curt nod from his young steward. " And since most of his boarders could not afford to go to school given that they are poor, Durnham raised their tenancy fee at three guineas per year" Gavin concluded in a low voice as his fists balled on its own will, clearly trying to contain his fury. It was another thing for leaving his mess for him to clean but it was another when Durnham robbed these people blind.

"I take it the tenants were not being brief about their deeds since they were helplessly incapable?"

Gavin kept the cynicism from his tone. Of course they weren't.

"Never mind. I just answered my question" Gavin admonished with a wave of his hand.

"What do you propose to do, your grace?" The duke was silent for a minute, Reilly could see his mind whirring under the jet black mane, thinking.

"I want you to recall the agreements entirely and draw up another contract" Gavin shifted in his seat, having propped up his booted foot upon his desk while Reilly scattered to find paper and quill.

His grace dictated as Reilly scribbled away trying to keep up. He concentrated, pining his thoughtful stare to the ceiling.

"Last but not the least, I hereby require that every tenant's offsprings, regardless of their gender to attend school at least four days within a week" Reilly halted, his quill paused in mid-sentence.

"Is that really you want to do, your grace?"

"Why ever the hell not?" Gavin plucked his gaze from the ceiling to shot daggers at Reilly.

Reilly wilted. "I mean, is it not a bit extravagant? In that matter we have to build schoolhouses and acquire tutors and-"

"What do you mean by 'build'? These estates have schoolhouses do they?"

At Reilly's brief shook of head, Gavin swore explicitly then he intended.

"Draw up another contract" He ordered briskly, grim-faced.

At Reilly's signal, Gavin closed his eyes, ignoring the fierce pounding of his head and continue his dictation.

After awhile, having drained himself a second glass of brandy, Gavin gestured to Reilly to read the deed again.

Reilly utterly aghast with his grace's resolution however read the first paragraph.

"'To this month of August 21, 1849, this agreement clearly stipulates that His Grace, Lord Gavin Albert Rutherford shall appoint a construction company to erect schoolhouses in every impoverished estates that come under His Grace's territory'" Reilly paused, lips pursued; obviously unhappy with what he was reading but he continued anyway: "'If ever a construction company place an interest to support the building of said schoolhouses, the said company will automatically be bind in this deed as the company shall complete the erection of the buildings in six months time after the actual deed are signed and agreeable by both parties; His Grace and the company itself'" Reilly sighed, gazing to Gavin, his features marred with dissatisfaction. "And?" Gavin urged, lifting his cynical smile.

"'And if the company should be unsuccessful to meet the above requirements, the company will be impose a fine of three guineas per day'. I do not think this is a good idea, your grace" Reilly stated, waving the deed wearily. Gavin have to hand it to the young man; he got guts to point out his stewardly reflections to him. Most people at his age will cower to the nearest hole if he just so much as glowered.

"Oh? Would you care to enlighten me with your perspective?" Gavin drawled, cocking his head slightly.

"Well, to name a few" Reilly stood up importantly and began pacing. "It is extremely impossible to hire a construction company on short notice"

"Now there's where you are wrong, boy. What I shall require you next is to advertise this in the gazette and The Herald" Reilly seems taken aback by the duke's explanation and shook his head ruefully.

"You couldn't possibly put up this deed for the public display now would you?" He looked horrified at the thought. "It is never being done, your grace. Too much risk involve" Reilly continued shaking his head.

"Could you drop your steward ways and think outside the box for a moment? It is not as it is the actual deed or anything. It is just an advertisement" Gavin enunciate the words. "This way, whichever a company is actually interested will be inform firsthand of what they will encounter and they can always withdraw if they decided cannot meet the requirements and deadline"

Reilly was silent, submersing his grace's explanation.

"Moreover, by imposing a fine to the construction company will eventually encourage them to finish their obligation in due time without mishap or delay, don't you think?" Gavin added as he poured himself another glass of his best brandy.

Finally after a brief pause, Reilly drew himself to his full weight and smile humorlessly.

"I daresay your details have merits your grace. I am fully humbled being under your employment" Reilly bowed his head.

"Now that we have done that, what is next on the agenda?" Gavin queried, snapping the ledger shut, gleefully pleased with himself for achieving worthy of the blasted dukedom.

"Well, let's see" Reilly muttered absentmindedly shuffling among the papers. "There is also the matter of our-" he paused glancing at the duke who raised one dark brow expectantly. "Debtors, your grace"

"How much?"

"Twenty thousand pounds, your grace"

"Twenty th-" the duke words trailed off in astonishment. Granted, he wouldn't have any trouble settling the overdues but the absurdity of it completely caught him off guard.

Fervently the duke raked his fingers through his hair as he considered the ludicrous amount.

"It was only half of the amount, your grace. The overall amount should be around thirty thousand pounds" Reilly clearly disliked being the one who revealed the amount to the duke as he seems to diminished by the minute.

Gavin let out a frustrated breath he had been holding as he ruffled the pages the estate ledgers obliviously. "Tell me, Reilly. Is there any more surprise in store for me or shall I squeeze it from your throat?"

"T-that is all, your grace. I swear"

"Right then" without saying another word, the duke took his quill and started to scribbled something on a piece of paper.

"There is one thing, Your Grace" Reilly managed hesitantly forcing Gavin to raise his irritated gaze to his face.

At His Grace's silence, Reilly hastily ventured. "I have learned that before Lord Durnham handed over the title to you, he had purchased a prosperous estate just outside Lincolnshire. Long Bennington, to be exact at a rather informal auction"

"What do you mean 'informal auction'?" Gavin queried, setting his quill down and turning his utmost attention at the interesting piece.

"Well, that is to say" Reilly's voice dropped into a whisper as if in fear others might heard him.

"The auctioneer was rumored to be the notorious gambler, Ledbury, a penniless earl who apparently in a drunken stupor and lost his entire fortune in a card game with Mr. Christie. He was forced to sell his only estate to the nearest bidder who was our man Durnham and unfortunately not that promising. Afterwards-" Reilly's words cut off as he shivered. "He put a derringer to his mouth and pulled the trigger"

"I don't believe I heard the tale" Gavin admonished suspiciously.

"That is because it happened a year ago. You were still in Punjab, your grace"

"Whatever happened to his heir then?" Reilly paused to think as if the thought didn't crossed his mind.

Then he shook his head. "I have no idea, sir. Apparently there was no heir as no one had came forward to demand for the estate or the title" A look of sadness flicker on his young face.

"Do you happen to have the estate folder in your possession?" At the duke's inquiry, Reilly snapped back to reality and rummaged his case to locate the requested piece.

But as he progressed, Gavin noticed the boy had turned his case inside out and spilled the remains on the floor.

"It is not here!" Reilly exclaimed, exasperation laced his voice. "It's gone! I have been robbed!"

Panicked, he bounded across the room, nearly stumbling on his face in his haste to detect the deed.

Gavin sighed, calmly recollect his quill to resumed his inscription.

From what he gathered for the past weeks, Reilly was easily succumbed to panic stricken state. Whether the solution was hanging under his nose or he would have forget his own head if it wasn't attached to his body.

"Your grace. Will you take a look at this!" Reilly rushed to his side, a piece of sealed missive in his hand.

Gavin sighed as he took the envelope and ripped the opening with his fingernail.

"What in-?" the duke swallowed the last cuss from tumbling out. Reilly nodded vigorously in agreement.

The duke reread the bold handwritten letter as if he had not really comprehend the contain.

"Your Grace,

First and foremost allow me to offer you my sincerest apologies for if this correspondence has distracted you in any way. I understand that since you have recently returned from abroad and being inherited the title I am sure you are quite a busy man.

It has come to my urgent attention that Lord Paul Cosgrove, the late Earl of Ledbury had sold our only ancestral home of Ledbury Hall its estates and properties to the last Duke of Hemington.

Enclosed I have submitted a cheque for 30,000 pounds to redeem the above mentioned back to Cosgrove management. If ever you discover that there is shortfall, please do not hesitate to contact Cosgrove family solicitor namely Mr. Winston Pruitt of Dunderby and Co. I will gladly reimburse you for whatever deemed necessary"

"It was signed as 'Jules Cosgrove' " Gavin remarked turning over the letter in astonishment and then he looked at Reilly who was pursing his lips thoughtfully. "Do you know who?"

Reilly shook his head distractedly. "I have no idea who 'Jules Cosgrove' is. Maybe Ledbury has an heir after all, Your Grace" Gavin folded the letter and tucked it neatly into his breast pocket. "If it is true, why didn't he surfaced and make public of his claim to the title?" The duke strode to his desk and examined the cheque.

"Instead he let the title die with his sire and why go all the trouble of acquiring the estates?"

Gavin gazed expectantly to his solicitor as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

"Could this be a sham, Your Grace?"

Gavin shook his head, the corners of his lips lifted in a mocked smile.

"If it is, then Jules Cosgrove is a fool" the duke took the cheque for Reilly to see. "He just given us a cheque for 30,000 quid and signed for it with the Bank of London"

"Clearly Cosgrove has something at the estates and are reluctant to share the secret with us. Tricky little chap" Gavin added under his breath.

"What do you intend to do, Your Grace?" Gavin pinned Reilly the most strange look as if he had sprouted horns.

"I will pay Cosgrove a visit of course" Gavin raised one dark brow cynically to Reilly. "I trust that you will handle my estate matters while I am in absence?"

Reilly nodded his head rapidly. "Of course, your grace. There is not much to do left since you handled well. When will you leave for Lincolnshire?"

"Tomorrow, first light"

"Will you be needing an escort, your grace?"

"Heaven forbid. You are dismissed for today, Reilly. I will summon you in the coming days to resume our meeting. I bid you good day" with a curt nod, he left the room.

* * * * * * * * * *

The duke fervently thought he was crucially making an irrevocable mistake the moment he set his steed out of London. Firstly, he should have took heed of Edward's warning that it will take him a day of riding and he was sure he will be utterly sore when he reached Long Bennington.

And two, he should have take a companion along, preferably Edward to accompany him as the duke has not the faintest what will he be expecting the moment he reached there.

Nevertheless, Gavin found out it is good to be on the countryside. The air was warm and the breeze was scented with fresh morning dew.

Gavin remembered that Edward stated that he will track him if ever he failed to return to London in 2 days time. For whatever notion, the duke was not certain.

Edward was as aghast as he was when Gavin told him the events that leads to the discovery of Durnham's transgression during his hold of the dukedom. Vehemently Edward wanted to look for Durnham and set his clocks straight only to be thwarted by Gavin and told him that it will only make matters worse if they ever prolonged Durnham's tyranny. Gavin did it not because of cowardice but merely believe that the table will turn when the time permits. Edward dropped the subject, somewhat reluctantly.

Gavin recognized he was out of Westborough after a few hours. According to his reading on his map in another 30 minutes of travelling, he will meet a fork and ahead of it an inn. He decided he will turn in for the night, the duke mused as he noted the sun was setting in the horizon.

Gavin entered a courtyard of an inn named 'The Fox and Hound', a two story establishment, bustled with patrons and bar goers.

He left the stable boy to tend to his horse as he strode into the receiving parlor where he was greeted by a portly man behind the counter.

The man rose his bushy eyebrows as he scrutinized the duke's bearing and clothes.

"Aye guv. What can I do fer ye this evenin'?"

"Yes. I would like a room please" Gavin replied as he peeled off his traveling coat, hat and leather gloves. He guessed he was the owner judging by the way he straightened his clothes importantly

"Ye travellin' alone this parts?" the man peered over his shoulders at the doorway.

"Yes. I 'm alone" At Gavin's admission, the man raised his brows suspiciously as he took the key and place it on the counter and collect a shiny gold coin in return.

"Will ye be needin' anythin', milord?" He gushed as he examined the gold coin in awe. Clearly the man know his customers. Gavin took the key and placed it in his breast pocket.

"Port of brandy and dinner would be much appreciated" Gavin smiled to the man as he slipped another piece of coin his way for his dinner and port.

"Will this be enough?"

His eyes narrowed. "More fer yer, guv. We have a private taproom for the likes of yer, milord"

He bellowed for his maid and instructed her to bring the duke to the said room.

The room was neat and clean and spacious with fire blazing in the hearth.

Gavin was served with dinner and a port was left on the side table as the duke settled more comfortably in his seat.

"Will yer be needin anythin' else, milord?" the skittish girl asked nervously.

"Yes. Tell me , girl. How far it is to Long Bennington? " The girl's eyes widened in thought at the duke's question.

"Long Bennington?" the girl parroted, dumbfounded. "Afta ye left here, ye will be enterin' the village of Marston, m'lord. Ye have to follow the River Witham and afore it ends, ye will be in Long Bennington, no doubt" The girl leaned a little closer to the duke as she whispered.

"Ye be goin' to Long Bennington, m'lord?" The duke smiled wanly in response.

"Whatever fer?" Her eyes darted nervously as she asked this.

"I wished to conduct my visit with Lord Ledbury " Her eyes widened in surprise.

"The good earl has resided in his grave fer year now, m'lord"

"I know that. I am hoping to visit his heir in Ledbury Hall, preferably tomorrow" The girl pursed her lips in confusion.

She was about to say more when someone bellowed her from the front parlor. Hastily, she bobbed a curtsy and fled the room. Gavin wondered what brought that on. The duke shook his head in dismissal and proceeded serving himself dinner. He was surprised it was rather tasty despite the simple cooking and arrangement. The duke had concluded his port when the owner appeared at the entrance of his private dining area.

"Were the morsels be meetin' with ye satisfaction, m'lord?" The man nodded to his half emptied spread by the side table.

"Yes, I thank you. I did not catch your name?" Gavin stood and thought, hell it won't hurt to have another port. The man beamed. "Joe. Joe Potts, m'lord. I heard ye be goin' to Long Bennington?"

The duke nodded, wondered how fast the news had spread.

Cautiously, Potts moved to stand before the duke. "I been told ye be meetin' Ledbury's heir?"

"You did not heard wrong, Potts" Gavin's lips lifted humorlessly wondering what is Potts are about.

"Well, If I am too f'ward fer askin'ye this" Potts scratched his head uncertainly. "Whatever fer?"

Gavin gave in a resigned sigh. "Unfortunately I am the new duke of Hemington. I believe that answers the rest of your question, Mr. Potts?"

Satisfied, Gavin watched as Potts' jaw dropped nearly to the floor.

* * * * * * * * * *

Gavin left 'The Fox and Hound' the next day much to his relief as he was incapable of anymore visitors who have learnt that their new landlord was in town paying a visit to his tenants. Much to his amazement, he had inherited the whole of South Kesteven, something that Reilly had forgot to mention, obviously. People, young and old had come as far as Allington to view their new duke. Words travels fast these parts, Gavin acknowledged.

They were gushing at the duke, pouring their hearts out stating their plights and problems. Clearly these people have been neglected by Durnham and most of them were undernourished with no means of income to support their livelihood.

He was making the right decision solely in safeguarding their lives. Gavin decided firmly as he urged his horse out into the dirt road. Gavin hoped that Reilly will do as he was bidden to do and established the renewed tenancy agreement. He was surprised to know that he could not wait to get started of building schoolhouses.

As promised by the young maid last evening, he met with the River Witham after passing a quaint little farm village of Marston. He obediently followed the meandering path of the river and before it ends, Gavin saw the battered road sign that said: Long Bennington. He was almost there. The duke thought grimly as he beginning to feel the soreness on his backside.

All he have to do now is to ask directions of where Ledbury Hall would be, find the damning Cosgrove and demand for his estate ledger, undoubtedly in his possession. Of course he will return Cosgrove's money and firmly reprove to him that he owned Ledbury Hall and its properties fair and square whether through an inheritance or an auction. Then he shall be in his way to London. The duke decided that he should lease a curricle for his journey back to the city. He could not endure any more stiffness on his back or backside.

As if on instinct, his horse turned to a pebbled driveway which brought man and beast to a century old but imposing Victorian mansion. Gavin surmised wearily that this mansion should be Ledbury Hall judging by its extravagance built. It had two stories with a stable yard at the farthest corner, a bountiful array of rose garden, various in color and manicured lawn and in its center, stood a grand marble fountain, its pool were gleaming with the steady flow of crystal water. The calming and steady rhythm of the gushing water brought a certain amount of peace spiraling within him added by the heady sweet smelling of rose zest.

Gavin steadied his steed to a halt in front of the stoned steps as he waited in vain for someone to take his horse. Minutes has passed and the duke gave up, slid from his saddle and started walking his horse to the back stable when a young man came running towards him.

"S'sorry, milord" The young man wheezed, bending over trying to catch his breath. "Didn't hear ya comin'. It has been awhile since we been receivin' visitors"

The duke cocked an eyebrow. "Indeed?"

The lad nodded.

"Is your master about?" Gavin gestured towards the mansion. The lad rubbed his chin while the other hand holding to the rein.

"Aye, m'lord. Ye can look for Swinton . He'll sure see to it ye can see the master" He nodded towards the house as he towed Gavin's horse to the stable.

Gavin climbed up the steps and before he could knock, the heavy doors swung open presenting a middle –aged man with squinting eyes.

"Yes?" his question vibrated deep. Gavin blinked and presented his card, he undoubtedly presumed, to the butler.

The butler took the card in his white gloved hand, his left eyebrow was forever cocked at an odd angle as he glanced at the name.

"Please do come inside your grace" He bowed his head in welcome as he moved aside for Gavin to step in the receiving parlor. His townhouse definitely dwarfed only by the parlor alone. Why, the size of it was only of his library.

"Is your master about?" Gavin inquired as he took off his traveling coat, divested his hat and peeled off his gloves and hand it to the waiting man.

The butler pursed his lips in thought. "The master is in the blue parlor, your grace" The butler finished his task of arranging the duke's belongings before directing him to a chaise near a closed door.

"If you would be so kind to wait here while I present your card to the master, Your Grace" Gavin was not certain but he was sure the butler was snickering before he knocked softly on the door.

The butler discreetly slipped inside the room only to be returning again to state the master will be receiving him.

The duke strode inside the room. Of course it was famously named the blue parlor as its furnishings consisted entirely of blue in color. Blue drapings, blue Persian carpet, even the wallpaper were in soft blue in color. But Gavin couldn't discern the golden haired vision who rose slowly from her blue settee. He was not sure whether it was because she was not draped in blue color or is it because he was struck by the fairness of her complexion.

She has the face of an angelic expression, with slender in height, her cheeks were faintly rose tinted, with pert nose, her pouty mouth now twisted in nervousness and it was her eyes that somehow caught Gavin's attention. It was deep blue sapphire and it narrowed suspiciously. She was dressed in a green sprig muslin and although it was hopelessly out of fashion, it hugged her womanly curves perfectly.

"I knew you would come to call, your grace" the golden haired angel offered him a brief curtsy. Gavin stiffened at the musical sound of her voice. Yet he could not help but continued to stare.

Minutes passed as he stood rooted in his spot clearly not believing his eyes. The beauty nervously smoothed her skirts.

"Did anybody ever told you that it is rude to stare?" She stated in firm tone as she met Gavin's frown with her own. She raised her chin challengingly.

"I believe you have come to demand more money?"

"No" Gavin finally found his voice but he kept his gaze pinned to her in suspicion. "I came to see Cosgrove.

She stiffened noticeably. "You claimed you are not here for money but you wanted to see Cosgrove. Why?" Gavin advanced towards her. The duke noticed the butler have closed the doors and they were all alone. Her sapphire blue eyes narrowed in defiant and Gavin couldn't see any color lovelier than the shades of her eyes.

"I came to set things straight with him" The duke was dangerously close to her now he could smell her scent, of strawberry and rose. Gavin felt his head spin. Reluctantly he took a step back for in fear he will be entrapped by that smell. Damnation, he will not go through with it again. He made the same mistake with Daniela, fooled by beauty, fooled by innocence and certainly he won't be fooled by golden haired angel smelt of strawberry and rose this time. Gavin silently added it to his list.

"What set things straight?" her voice was shaking.

Gavin chuckled devilishly and shook his dark head in dismissal. "Nothing that will concern you, my lady"

They were still standing facing each other, although not so close but Gavin could still feel the heat prickling his skin because of her nearness.

"I have you know sir, every concern of Cosgrove certainly a concern of mine" She stated, her dainty chin lifted stubbornly, her eyes flashing.

"I came to see Jules Cosgrove, my lady" Gavin smiled cynically, his hands itched to ran his fingertips to that rose kissed lips. So proud, so feisty.

"Well, you are in luck, your grace" She moved regally towards him, putting out her slender hand to him and stated to the duke's amazement: "I am Jules Cosgrove"