To Defy a Duke: Dangerous Dukes Vol 1

by Wendy Soliman

  ‘Your lace is quite exquisite, Mrs Defoe,’ Lady Baintree said as soon as they were seated. ‘My sister showed me the ribbon you gave her. I am quite in envy.’

  ‘Then I shall bring you one as well, Lady Baintree,’ Athena replied. ‘I could not have a dispute between sisters on my conscience.’

  Lady Baintree laughed. ‘That would be so very kind. But you must allow me to pay you for it.’

  ‘I wouldn’t think of it.’

  ‘The barn is going to be transformed, thanks to Mrs Defoe’s vision,’ Lady Susan said, smiling. ‘You really will not know it, Mama.’

  ‘I understand you have sisters who help you to make the lace, Mrs Defoe,’ the duchess said.

  ‘Yes, your grace. They are twins. Fourteen years old.’

  ‘Where did you learn your trade?’

  These were the sorts of questions Athena dreaded, and usually managed to avoid answering. But how did one gainsay a duchess? ‘In Nottingham.’

  ‘And who taught you?’

  ‘I was taught at a time when machinery was just coming into fashion, replacing the dying art of hand lacing.’ Athena thought she had avoided a direct answer rather well, without giving offence.

  ‘Machine lace will never match up to the hand-produced,’ Lady Susan said stoutly.

  ‘Your husband is abroad, I’m given to understand,’ the duchess said after a short, awkward pause.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Oh, where is he?’ Lady Susan asked. ‘You must miss him terribly.’

  ‘I cannot say precisely where he is at this moment.’ Well, that was true enough.

  ‘Mine is in Brighton with the Prince Regent,’ Lady Baintree said, a shadow passing across her eyes. ‘And I have no idea when I shall see him, either.’

  ‘Whispers’ Hollow seems rather a remote location for lace production,’ the duchess remarked, a suspicious edge to her voice.

  ‘We prefer to be isolated,’ Athena replied, no longer caring if her abrupt responses gave offence.

  ‘Your answers are very short and precise,’ the duchess said, making it sound as if that was very remarkable.

  ‘I would not wish to bore, your grace.’

  ‘On the contrary, Mrs Defoe. You are quite the most remarkable person I have met in many a long year.’

  ‘You see,’ Lady Susan said, beaming. ‘I told you as much, Mama.’

  The food was delicious—poached salmon, tiny potatoes, crisp vegetables—it literally melted in Athena’s mouth. The sweet courses especially appealed, and Athena couldn’t help thinking how much the twins would have enjoyed them.

  ‘You and your sisters will attend the harvest party, of course,’ the duchess said.

  ‘Attend?’ Athena’s entire body jerked. Mr Bairstowe had issued an invitation, of course, but Athena hadn’t taken it seriously. ‘I hadn’t thought of it.’

  ‘Oh, but you must!’ Lady Susan cried. ‘You must be here to see the barn admired. I insist.’

  ‘We agreed the credit for that was to be yours, Lady Susan.’

  ‘Oh stuff and nonsense. No one who knows me will believe I did it alone. We shall take the credit together.’

  ‘I really don’t think I…’ Athena glanced down at her gown. Her only decent gown. Besides that, she really didn’t want to draw attention to herself. ‘We shall have to see.’

  Athena noticed an incredulous look pass between the ladies, making her wonder what she had done wrong now.

  ‘The duke told me you were a headstrong young woman,’ the duchess said, not unkindly. ‘It’s a refreshing change.’

  The talk became more general after that, and as soon as she politely could, Athena took her leave, promising to return the following morning to help Lady Susan with the final touches to the barn’s decorations.

  Chapter Eleven

  ‘You look fagged out, little brother.’ Eli felt both concern and guilt as he and Harry rode through the Park at a walk. Against Eli’s better judgement, he had agreed when Harry insisted upon a flat out gallop across the lower meadow. Harry had been so enthusiastic Eli had been unable to refuse him. It was like old times, but probably hadn’t done Harry much good. ‘That was too much for you.’

  ‘Nonsense. I’ve never felt better, thanks to your Mrs Defoe.’

  ‘I am glad she was able to help.’

  ‘The proof of her genius sits beside you.’

  ‘And beside you,’ Eli replied with a wry smile.

  ‘She’s talented, beautiful, and very mysterious. Why the devil does she want to hide herself away at Whispers’ Hollow, and what does her husband think he’s about, leaving her there unprotected?’

  ‘I have absolutely no idea.’

  ‘But, unless I miss my guess, you intend to find out.’ Harry flashed an irrepressible grin. ‘I know you, Eli. She has fascinated you, and you won’t rest until you discover her secrets.’

  ‘Perhaps she doesn’t have any. And even if she does, what right do I have to interfere in her affairs?’

  ‘That is undeniably true, what with you about to embark about matrimony. I, on the other hand, am free to do as I please.’

  ‘Leave her alone! She’s mine.’

  Harry roared with laughter. ‘I thought so,’ he said smugly.

  Eli regretted allowing Harry to goad him into making an inappropriate response. Athena wasn’t his and never could be. More was the pity. Even so, when it came to her, he was as a moth to flame, totally compelled, even though he knew it was a dangerous and pointless attraction. As Harry had so kindly just reminded him, he was about to be married, even if he didn’t yet know the identity of his bride.

  They returned to the stables and Byron whinnied. Meg was obviously here somewhere, Eli thought, grinning.

  ‘You and me both,’ he muttered, patting Byron’s neck.

  Once they had dismounted, Eli slapped Harry’s shoulder and told him to go and rest.

  ‘Don’t overdo it and ruin all of Athena’s good work.’

  ‘Athena, ah? What a very pretty name.’ Harry waved to Eli as they parted in the back corridor. ‘Until later.’

  Eli went to his study and had food brought to him there. He was acutely aware of Athena’s presence in the building. She would be taking luncheon with his mother and sisters, enduring their endless questions about her circumstances—questions he knew she wouldn’t adequately answer. His Athena was a master at dissembling. The desire to join them was strong, but Eli resisted. He had already shown more interest than was wise in Athena. He never joined his mother for luncheon and if he did so today, it would only fuel her speculation.

  Instead he tried to work on the papers Jessop had left him to look over—a contract for the purchase of additional land adjoining one of his other estates—all the while keeping a weather eye on the driveway. He would see Athena leave, and when she did, he would go after her. He urgently needed to speak with her.

  Half-an-hour later his vigil was rewarded, and he saw her ancient cart making its way down the drive at a slow plod. Eli was up and out of the room in two bounds. He saddled Byron himself and was on his back a very short time later. He knew better than to follow Athena down the drive. He would be seen from the house. Questions would be asked. Instead, he cut through the woods to the west of the stables. A track brought him out about halfway to Whispers’ Hollow. He halted Byron and waited.

  It was a full ten minutes before he heard the rumble of the cart approaching. Not wishing to scare her, he joined the track and rode towards her so she would see him in good time. Her adorable head jerked up when she heard Byron whinny, and a small gasp of surprise slipped past her lips. Just for a moment, he could have sworn those lips turned upwards, but she straightened them again before he could be entirely sure, leaving him no nearer to knowing if she was pleased or annoyed to see him again.

  ‘Out for an afternoon ride, your grace?’

  ‘No, Athena, I was waiting for you.’

  ‘Good heavens. Why?’

  ‘Are you absolutely sure t
hat contraption is safe?’ he asked, eyeing the cart with scepticism.

  ‘We can’t all afford the best of everything, your grace.’

  Eli sighed. ‘If you don’t stop your gracing me, I shall put you over my knee, right here and now, and spank obedience into you.’

  She sent him a look of frozen surprise. Her face coloured and this time the corners of her lips definitely lifted. ‘You wouldn’t dare.’

  He imbued his responding grin with wicked intent, conscious of his blood heating and his cock stirring. ‘My advice to you, my dear, is not to put yourself in a position where you might find out. I never could resist a challenge.’

  ‘I don’t intend to put myself anywhere near you. Please move aside so I can pass.’

  ‘Besides,’ Eli added, remaining right where he was, blocking her path, ‘I have already offered to purchase you a safer form of transport.’

  ‘But I don’t want you to.’

  ‘Worried what your husband would have to say?’

  ‘Precisely. He’s a very jealous man.’

  ‘Which makes him an even bigger fool for leaving you alone and unprotected.’

  ‘We are not all free to do as we would like, Eli.’

  His heart plummeted. ‘I of all people can attest to that fact,’ he said, suddenly feeling the full weight of the burden that rested on his shoulders.

  ‘I am not alone,’ she said, her face heating as he continued to look at her. ‘I have Boris and Millie. Two fiercer protectors it would be difficult to find.’

  ‘And yet still you hide yourself away.’ Eli sent her a probing glance. ‘What are you hiding from, sweet Athena?’

  ‘What makes you think I’m hiding from anything?’

  He moved aside, she encouraged the pony forward, and Eli rode alongside her. ‘By not denying it, you have just confirmed my suspicions.’

  ‘You are too clever for me, your grace.’

  ‘Athena, by all that’s holy, if you don’t—’

  ‘Stop it, just stop it!’ Her eyes blazed with an emotion he couldn’t put a name to, and she looked close to tears. ‘Go and find someone else to take your frustrations out on. I don’t have time to play games with you.’

  Eli sighed, long and deep. ‘Why are you so intent upon defying me?’

  ‘Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.’

  Eli looked at her askance. The more he got to know her, the more of an enigma she became. She would have the world believe she was a mere lace-maker, and yet her manners were pristine, her voice educated, she and her sisters were named after Greek goddesses, and now she was quoting Shakespeare at him.

  ‘King Henry, if memory serves.’

  ‘Yes.’ She shook her head, as though just realising what she had said, or rather quoted, and what it must tell him about her. ‘As to defying you, why are you so determined to hound me?’

  ‘Touché,’ he said softly.

  ‘I have already made it clear you owe me nothing. I was glad to be able to help you, and Lord Shelton, and that’s an end to the matter.’

  ‘Did you enjoy my mother’s society?’ he asked in an abrupt change of subject.

  ‘She is interesting.’

  ‘Interesting?’ Eli roared with laughter. ‘That is a unique way of describing her.’

  ‘She wasn’t at all what I expected, since you ask.’

  ‘Oh, and what had you expected. An autocratic duchess who rules with a rod of iron?’

  ‘Well yes, something like that, I suppose.’

  ‘You think I would allow anyone to dictate to me? Especially my mother.’

  ‘She is dictating your choice of bride.’ Athena blushed again when she spoke, as though she hadn’t meant to say the words aloud. ‘Not that it’s any of my business.’

  ‘I am only going along with her plans because I’m not in a position to choose my heart’s desire,’ he replied, fixing her with a pointed look.

  ‘Then I feel very sorry for you.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  She burst out laughing, presumably because they were suddenly being very stiff and formal, something that hadn’t happened in any of their exchanges up until now. Her musical laughter was a delight to hear, and Eli found himself laughing, too. At that moment he would have parted with all his wealth, all his privileges, in exchange for the freedom to court this vibrant, lovely young woman. She had secrets she refused to share with him, which made her seem mysterious, and incited his protective instincts. His intuition told him she was in danger, and Eli would move heaven and earth to keep her safe, if only she would allow it. Even if she did not. Did she not realise the extent of his influence? Whatever it was she was running away from, he could make it go away. At least he could do that much for her. Eli was filled with a firm determination to make her tell him what it was.

  ‘Are you planning to return to Whispers’ Hollow with me?’ she asked.

  ‘It would probably be for the best,’ he said, striving for a mock-serious tone. ‘I’m not satisfied that death-trap of yours will make it. Besides, I doubt whether I could get Byron to go the other way, even if I wanted to. Just look at him.’

  Athena laughed. Eli’s stallion was prancing sideways, tail held high, tossing his head whenever Eli released his firm hold on the reins, and occasionally pawing the ground. Meg continued to ignore him.

  ‘He’s just showing off,’ Athena said. ‘The male of the species tends to do that when a lady takes his fancy, I find.’

  ‘I’m sure you would know,’ he replied in a smoky, provocative tone.

  ‘Petticoats,’ she hissed at him. ‘Who gave you the right to gift me petticoats?’

  ‘It was the least I could do. You did sacrifice yours for my sake.’

  ‘Yes, but even so, it was an unseemly gesture.’

  ‘You didn’t like them?’ Eli raised a speculative brow. ‘I thought you would be pleased.’

  They reached the cottage before she could respond, but Eli sensed she was struggling not to smile. What woman didn’t enjoy receiving gifts of intimate apparel? At least in that respect, Athena appeared no different to the rest of the female race, and he was glad to have brought a little pleasure into her life.

  Everything was activity within the vicinity of the cottage. The twins saw them, came running over, then appeared to recall who Eli was and stopped dead in their tracks. He had known everything would be different, of course, and would give much to have the carefree twins back again.

  ‘Hello,’ he said to them, jumping down from Byron and then extending a hand to Athena to help her down. ‘What have you been doing?’

  ‘Are you really a duke?’ Selene asked.

  Yes, he thought she was Selene. Both girls wore silver crucifixes, and he had noticed yesterday that Selene’s had a tiny ruby in its centre. Lyssa’s was decorated with a sapphire. That was how he had told them apart.

  ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ Lyssa added in a note of faint injury.

  Both girls belatedly remembered their manners and curtsied. Eli made them giggle when he offered them a courtly bow in return. Millie joined them, and at least she showed no inclination to be obsequious.

  ‘Come for another nap in my comfy bed?’ she asked.

  ‘I actually came to see how things are going.’

  Eli strode off, waving the men off when they would have stopped to bow. Everything seemed to be in order, the work coming along nicely. He spent a moment or two speaking with the men repairing the staircase, satisfying himself that they were doing a thorough job. Couldn’t risk his goddess turning an ankle on an uneven board.

  With nothing further to delay him, Eli returned to Athena and Millie. They were unharnessing Meg, watched with intent interest by the smitten Byron.

  ‘Are you looking forward to the harvest dance, girls?’ he asked.

  ‘Dance?’ They looked at one another.

  ‘Are we invited?’ Lyssa asked, hope flaring in her eyes.

  ‘Mr Bairstowe said some
thing, but we weren’t sure.’

  ‘Well of course you are invited. All the tenants go. It is the highlight of the year, and you wouldn’t want to miss it.’

  ‘Can we, Athena?’ they asked in unison.

  Athena sent Eli a damning glance. It was evident she hadn’t taken Bairstowe’s invitation seriously, or had told the twins it wasn’t serious. It was equally evident they were very eager to attend. It was just as well Eli had come here with the specific purpose of setting her straight, even if Athena didn’t appreciate his intervention. She shared a look with Millie, who shrugged, and then returned her attention to the twins’ eager faces.

  ‘Of course we shall attend,’ she said with a weary sigh.

  Two days later, Eli’s mother’s guests started arriving throughout the afternoon. So far Eli had managed to avoid them all by burying himself in his study, short-tempered and out of sorts with anyone who happened to cross his path. Most people appeared sensibly to avoid him. Another two days before the harvest dance, when at least he would see Athena again. He had denied himself that pleasure on the day after his visit to the cottage, when he knew her to be with Susan. Seeing her would only ignite the deep desire he felt for her, the palpable, pulsating ache that flamed his blood whenever he caught a whiff of her unique scent, heard the rustle of her skirts, or the sound of her melodic voice.

  Now she was no longer on the estate, he would have suffered death by a thousand cuts just to spend a few minutes in her engaging and lively company. But Eli stayed away from Whispers’ Hollow because nothing could be achieved by his going there. Curses flowed from his lips at his inability to do as he pleased.

  He had pointed out to Susan she would likely have nothing to wear. Susan had risen to the occasion and insisted she accept the gift of one of her old gowns. Athena was a little taller than Susan, but no doubt she could use some of her lace to rectify any shortfall in the hemline. It pleased him to think his goddess would have something fresh and pretty to wear, along with her new petticoats, even if he wouldn’t be free to admire the resulting image.