Deepest Desires of a Wicked Duke(125)

A servant approached her. “Miss Lamb? I am to bring you this way.”

She followed the servant, and Grey called out, “This is Sin’s idea of an engagement ball.”

A what?

She had arrived here with her heart in a whirl and questions roaring in her head. Did she marry Sin and lose the home forever? Or stay at the home, which meant she couldn’t marry Sin?

Portia followed the footman down twining corridors, along huge hallways. Past coats of armor, massive oil paintings, enormous vases spilling with bouquets of exotic hothouse orchids and roses. It was just as she remembered it from ten years before.

She was used to the foundling home and to struggling to make ends meet each month. How could she fit into this world?

“This way, miss.” The servant opened a door and stood in front of it. “Your Grace, Miss Lamb. And the Duke and Duchess of Greybrooke.”

As the servant announced Helena and Grey, Portia realized they had followed her. In the drawing room, she spotted glossy dark hair decorated with strands of glittering diamonds. Sophie, seated on a settee. Sophie’s simple Egyptian-style gown flowed over her rounded belly. Beside her was a handsome man with golden hair, dressed as a pharaoh. He must be the Duke of Caradon.

Standing by the fireplace was Sin. Portia almost melted just looking at him. He looked more gorgeous than ever in late-eighteenth-century dress. He wore a pure white shirt with lace at his throat and wrists. How erotic it was to see the lace against the lightly stubble-covered, masculine skin of his throat and dripping over his long fingers. A frock coat and waistcoat of pale embroidered gold fit him as if painted on and set off his dark brown hair.

Across from him, seated in large, leather club chairs were—shock of all shocks—her brothers, Geoffrey and Gregory.

Sin came to her, kissed her softly on her cheek.

She met his gaze. “What is going on? All of the ton appears to have come for a ball, and I thought—well, the Duke of Greybrooke told me this is to be an engagement ball.”

“You weren’t supposed to tell her,” Sin growled at Grey.

“Marriage should not begin with secrets,” Grey responded.

“I didn’t want her to know because I feared I would disappoint her. However, with the help of Caradon, I believe I am beginning to make these fine gentlemen”—he nodded to her brothers—“see sense. Care to add your position, Greybrooke?”

She noted he was being formal.

“Of course.” Greybrooke stepped forward. “My wife, the duchess, has a special place in her heart for all children, especially those who are unfortunate. I believe Caradon has named a figure that he will donate to the home. A staggering amount, I believe it was?” He paused.

Gregory cleared his throat. “It was generous. However, such a gift means we have to take great care as to the reputation of the house. There have been rumors about Portia’s behavior—”

“I am prepared to stop those rumors immediately,” Sin said.

“There are rumors about me?” She goggled.

“Sadly, yes,” Sophie said. “Simply because you were on the island with Sinclair, and it became known that you shared a bedchamber.”

“I was kidnapped and taken to the island against my will. I hardly set up a clandestine affair while being knocked out by a drug and taken unconscious in a boat. Oh, I really do think Society is idiotic.”

“I know you do,” Sin said. “But you want to be part of the foundling home, which means these rumors have to end. I intend to end them this evening.”

“Sin, I can’t—”

“I will match the Duke of Caradon’s donation,” Greybrooke said. “That means thirty thousand pounds, including ten from Sinclair, will be put in trust for the management of the foundling home. That will only occur if three things happen.”

Portia was too stunned by the amount to speak.

“Portia will manage the funds and the house as she wishes. You will accept this without complaint,” Sin said.

“You will also accept any decision she makes in regard to her relationship with the Duke of Sinclair. And finally”—Greybrooke looked to her—“I am sorry to make this a condition, but Sinclair is my friend. I want to see him leg shackled. The money will be given to the home if you marry Sinclair, Miss Lamb.”

Sin straightened. “Grey, I can’t blackmail Portia into marrying me. The money is hers to use for the home, whether she becomes my wife or not. However, I will clear any smear on her reputation. And Portia will have access to thirty thousand pounds to run and expand the home, or purchase more buildings.”

She couldn’t believe what was happening. “I could have homes all over England with such an astonishing amount of money.” She met Sin’s eyes, with her heart heavy. “But I think I am better suited to that than to being a duchess.”