Page 40 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“The very one. We became friends. Olivia is away right now in the country. I found her name in here.” Althea turned the ledger around to show Sybil.

Girl infant

Mother: Katy McKinnon—deceased East End

Adopted 1864 to The Reverend William Durham, Herefordshire

New Name: Olivia Durham EC

00165

“Olivia never knew her mother’s name,” Althea said.

“What does the number mean?”

“I am not certain. A notation for the transaction? It is probably in another of the ledgers. Most of the listings have numbers. Do we know anyone who can open a locked safe?”

“A safe?”

Althea explained about the safe at the charity home and that Damon and his men had gone to retrieve it.

“Well, Archie might know of someone during his time living on the streets. I will ask him. We have two cases lined up. Will you need Edwina tomorrow? Divorce case for a banker’s wife and a baronet’s wife.”

“No, have her start. I may be a little longer on the Chellenham one.”

Sybil sipped her tea, giving Althea a sly smile. “Do tell.”

Thankfully, the bell rang, for Althea did not want to discuss her intense and growing feelings for her infamous rake.

Her rake? Staking a claim already?

“I will see to the bell,” Sybil jumped up.

A few moments later, Sybil entered the room with Damon behind her. The summer breeze had tousled his golden locks, making him look glorious.

“Mrs. Bartle is gone for the night, so may I take your coat, Your Grace?” Sybil said with an amused smile on her face.

“No, thank you, Miss Norton. I will not be staying long.”

“Then I will leave you to it. I am just upstairs should you need me.” Sybil gave her a wink. “Just shout out.” She departed and closed the door behind her.

“Does your cousin think I am going to ravish you?” Damon asked as he removed his coat and tossed it onto the sofa.

Althea came to stand before him, laying her hand flat against his chest. “Are you? Society dictates that we should not be alone, but I’m capable of looking after myself. And I am capable of making up my own mind. And taking what I want.”

“Are you?” Damon said huskily. “Going to take what you want?”

“Eventually, yes. But for now, I will settle for a kiss.”

Damon immediately gathered her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Their tongues clashed as he tasted every inch of her mouth. He was very skilled. Easing off to tenderly nibble on her lower lip, then suddenly plunging in again to take complete possession. Althea felt as if she were swimming in the ocean, and wild, rogue waves threatened to overwhelm her. It was exhilarating. Utterly exciting, and her insides turned to custard.

Breathless, Damon broke the kiss. “What you do to me.”

Althea grabbed his lapels and pulled him closer. “What? Tell me.”

“You have me completely confused. I have never felt like this; it is utterly terrifying, yet never have I felt so alive. And I have never discussed my emotions or supposed lack of them to anyone before.”

She laid her head against his chest, and the comforting sound of his rapid heartbeat soothed her. “You can tell me anything.”