Ducal Encounters 01 - At the Duke's Discretion by Wendy Soliman Page A

father’s involvement.”
    “I had hoped the rumours circulating about Chesney’s eyesight would turn the Sheridans against him. Obviously, that didn’t work, and their continued patronage will slow our business down considerably.”
    “I realise that, but it will only take a week for the duchess’s work to be completed.”
    “We have other commissions due before then. We are already running behind.”
    Reece extracted the emerald bangle from his pocket and placed it on his employer’s desk. He picked it up and examined it closely. “Superb,” he said with evident satisfaction. “But what of the necklace we need to go with it?”
    “She says she won’t make it until she has done the duchess’s commission.”
    The gentleman thumped his clenched fist on his desk. “Perdition, since when did a slip of a girl start calling the shots in this organisation?”
    “We need her, sir,” Reece said mildly. “The old man can’t work nearly as fast as she does, and she knows it.”
    “For the love of God, we didn’t have this trouble when her father was alive. Perhaps you should remind her of the consequences if she continues to defy us.”
    “She knows well enough, which is the only reason why she helps us. But she is temperamental, and I get the feeling that if we push too hard she will push back.”
    “Which will implicate her and her precious family.”
    “And put us in gaol.”
    “Hmm, there is that. God preserve me from headstrong women!” The gentleman fell into momentary contemplation. “I suppose a week’s delay can be explained away, but I don’t want her to think she has won this particular skirmish or there’s no telling what she might try next.” He leaned back in his chair, pausing to think. “There must be some way to bring her to heel. What does she fear the most, apart from her uncle’s health and her sister’s reputation, neither of which seem sufficient to make her completely obedient?”
    “Well…” A slow smile spread across Reece’s face. “She hates to be touched.”
    “I won’t have you despoil her. At least not yet. If you strip her of her dignity then she will definitely defy us. Woman are odd that way.”
    “It doesn’t need to come to that.” And you don’t need to know if things get out of hand . “But if I can get to her when she’s away from that shop, I can put the fear of God into her.”
    Reece’s employer rubbed his chin in his cupped hand. “Do what is necessary to secure her continued obedience.”
    “She sometimes walks on the common when she finishes work for the day.”
    “Well, that sounds ideal. No one walks there much.” The rigidness left the gentleman’s shoulders. “I will leave the particulars to you to decide. I don’t need to hear them. I also do not relish having to tell our London masters we cannot control the girl. I placed my faith in you, Reece, because you assured me you could manage matters. Do not make me regret that decision.”
    “You will have no cause to do so.”
    “Good.” He stood up. “You did right to tell me about this, but do not come back again unless it is absolutely necessary. We cannot be seen together.”
    Reece nodded, relieved to have escaped further chastisement. His employer was not a pleasant person to be around when he was displeased. “You can depend upon me, sir.”

Chapter Five
    Amos filled the following day by involving himself in the business of the stud. He had been able to ride almost before he could walk and horses were in his blood. He had never seriously considered doing anything with his life that did not directly involve them. When he finished his tenure at university and was in need of an occupation, he had sold the idea of an innovative new stud to Zach and persuaded him to let him to run it. Six years later, it was an established and respected enterprise, having earned a reputation for producing decent Nonius foals, extensively used by cavalry regiments in Europe.
    “I am glad you