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Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

Chapter 6

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Mabel was considering becoming a professional caterer; her aunt was considering fainting.Aunt Prunella pressed a hand to her chest. "A lady cannot send invoices."Mabel kept sorting receipts. "A lady can send anything if the envelope is thick enough."Aunt Prunella frowned. "What if people laugh?"Mabel looked up. "Then they will laugh while paying."Mabel was sorting receipts at the kitchen table when the Duke of Caldermir arrived. The maid announced him in a voice usually reserved for fires.Mabel looked at the receipt in her hand. "Did he say Duke?"The maid nodded. "Yes, my lady."Mabel frowned. "Which one?"The maid glanced toward the hall. "The only one in the hall."Mabel set down the receipt. "That is not helpful. We are in London."Lucien entered before anyone could explain. He wore a dark coat, a silver watch chain, and the expression of a man prepared to negotiate with a hostile government.Mabel rose; the chair caught on the rug. She held it still.Mabel inclined her head. "Your Grace, if you have come about the swan, it was structurally unsound."Lucien clasped his hands behind his back. "I have come to make you an offer."Mabel raised an eyebrow. "I'm not selling the pear."Lucien kept his expression serious. "I am aware."Mabel nodded. "Good. It was very good."Lucien glanced at Aunt Prunella. She had appeared in the doorway with the look of someone witnessing a miracle and fearing the invoice.Lucien turned back to Mabel. "May we speak privately?"Mabel pointed toward the parlor. "You may speak there. My aunt will listen from behind the curtain, and the maid will listen from the hall. Privacy is not one of our household customs."Lucien studied her. "You are remarkably direct."Mabel shrugged. "It saves time."They went into the parlor. Aunt Prunella moved behind the curtain with such speed that the furniture trembled.Lucien remained standing. "I require a wife."Mabel blinked. "That is an ambitious way to begin a conversation."Lucien kept his voice even. "A temporary wife."Mabel folded her hands. "That is less ambitious and more alarming."Lucien explained the terms: six weeks. There would be a legal contract, separate finances, and no expectation of affection.Mabel sat down carefully. "How much?"Lucien had expected surprise, outrage, perhaps a thrown cushion; he had not expected a business question. Lucien met her gaze. "£2,000."
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Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

29 Part