A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules

by Janna MacGregor

  Christian handed their hats and wraps to the footman. “Iverson, we’ll take a little stroll, then we’ll be ready to be on our way.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” The footman nodded.

  Christian held out his arm, and she slipped hers around his. Soon, they were out of sight of the carriage and had made their way to the garden. The bubbling of the fountain greeted them, along with the sweet fragrance of flowers. They entered a wooden archway covered in blooms that led them to the pond. Several small lanterns provided light for the paved pathway.

  Once through, Katherine took a deep breath and exhaled.

  They stopped, and Christian reached into his evening coat and pulled out a small flask. “Take a sip.”

  Without protest, she did as he directed. She didn’t particularly care for whisky, but she needed something to take the chill away. “Thank you.”

  “You look as if you’ve seen your husband’s ghost.” He took the flask and drank after her. “Did you know Lady Woodhaven’s brother would be here?”

  “Yes,” she said softly. “I’ve never met him before. Helen wanted us to meet. She thinks we’d be a good match, but I told her I didn’t want to remarry.” She was babbling like the fountain, but it allowed her a moment to tamp down the dread that someone would recognize her as Elise Fontaine’s daughter. Lord Abbott hadn’t known her true identity, but he’d examined her for so long, she was shaken. Fear wasn’t always logical and often appeared when she felt uncomfortable or in new situations. “I didn’t care for the way he held my hand. Was it that apparent?”

  Christian stared at her with unwavering calm. “I’d be lying if I told you no. However, I don’t think anyone noticed except for me. Everyone’s attention was on my exchange with Lord Abbott.” He waved his hand toward a bench beside the pond. “Come, let’s sit down.”

  “I don’t care to sit.” Instead of following, she walked to the fountain at the opposite end of the pond. Another wooden archway led to the small formal garden that Helen had lovingly restored. Several of the flowers Katherine had personally planted herself when she’d come to visit. Never had she felt as welcomed in society, or really by anyone, as she had that day. She’d been accepted by a peeress, and they’d become dear friends. Helen was the only one she’d ever confided the truth of her birth, but she’d never told her friend that she was a convicted thief. Katherine took a shallow breath and carefully released it.

  A large warm hand touched her shoulder. Somehow, Christian had come to her side, once again without her hearing him take a step. Instead of being frightened, she found his touch more soothing. For a moment, she wanted to place her hand over his and draw from the strength that resided there. He, of all people, had seen her distress and helped her escape from Lord Abbott’s perusal.

  “Better?” Christian’s voice was as smooth and dark as the whisky they’d shared.

  “Yes, thank you.” She turned around and faced him.

  The look of concern in his eyes made him even more handsome than she had thought previously. Though he didn’t move an inch, she could feel the power of his confidence and his composure.

  But he hadn’t been that way earlier. With his speech this evening, he’d surprised her with his passion for wanting to help his men. He truly cared about them. He reminded her of a river that possessed careening currents and swirling eddies underneath its surface. Simply put, he was a man with untold depth beneath that calm demeanor.

  “If you don’t want to discuss Abbott, that’s fine with me.” As if uncertain whether he could touch her again, he raised his hand slowly, then with the lightest of fingers, pushed a wayward curl behind her ear.

  There was tenderness in his touch, or was she imagining it?

  “Thank you for saying what you did in there. I made everyone on edge, and your words soothed the tension from the room.”

  “It needed to be said.” She closed her eyes and released a breath. The warm, silken feel of his long fingers skating across her cheek made her want to lean into him.

  “Those who haven’t been to war can’t truly understand what I was saying.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “But you did.”

  How long had it been since a man had talked to her with such concern and kindness?

  The answer was simple.

  Never.

  Of course, she and Meri had shared things, but it was all an act. She knew that now. Meri had cultivated the fine art of what to say along with when and where to hold a lady’s hand. There hadn’t been any true affection in his attentions.

  But to think that Christian had any real concern for her was absolutely ridiculous. Kat straightened her shoulders. She always pushed forward and would do so now. Yet, there was no harm in enjoying his touch. Was there?

  Of course not.

  “The day we met, I found one of my men begging on the street. He had no job or home. I can’t tell you…” He took a moment to compose himself. “I don’t expect you to understand, but I can’t let that stand.”

  She understood well enough. The indignity, not to mention the hopelessness, of being at the mercy of strangers and praying for kindness and a coin. How she wanted to tell him she understood more than he could imagine.

  He drew his hand away. “I take it that you didn’t come to the party for Abbott but for Helen’s sake.”

  “Among other reasons,” she said softly. She wanted to grab his hand and place it on her cheek again.

  “What are those?” The deep rumble of his voice warmed her more than the whisky.

  “Business, but mostly I’m here because you’re here. I have an answer for your proposition.”

  “My proposition?” He leaned forward slightly and clasped his hands behind his back. His brown eyes seemed to shimmer in intensity as his gaze never left hers. “Sounds wicked.” His whisper floated around them in the night air before he laughed.

  She couldn’t help but join in. He’d lost his earlier seriousness and replaced it with a playful attitude.

  “My proposition that you help me find a way to employ my men?” His laughter faded, and a slow smile broke across his lips.

  For an instant, she was breathless as her heartbeat sped up at the sight.

  “Now, I’m intrigued. I assume it’s the right answer,” he teased.

  “It is the right answer if it’s mine,” she volleyed in return.

  Slowly, he lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “My, what confidence you possess.”

  She shrugged and said offhandedly, “I’ve always found such a trait attractive.”

  “As do I … especially in you.” His voice grew quiet, the hushed stillness interrupted by the gurgles of water.

  Goose bumps covered her arms. Like a handsome giant ready to devour her, he stood before her. Instead of being frightened, she wanted to continue to poke and prod him until she found out what his weaknesses and limitations were. She wanted to jab him with questions until she finally uncovered the many layers that made him so unique.

  She stared at his full lips and wished for something she shouldn’t. The air between them grew heavy, much like a storm ready to unleash its fury. They stood silent, considering each other.

  Suddenly, the air sparked with something new, an energy that seemed to vibrate between them.

  “You’re a spirited woman, Katherine. Sparring and teasing with you makes me feel alive in a way”—his voice turned sinfully dark—“I haven’t felt in years. I’m aware of my surroundings so much more, and that includes you.”

  On the proverbial cliff, Katherine stood ready to leap. Exhilaration of the unknown slammed through her.

  “How so?” For a moment, she wanted to withdraw the words. She never flirted, nor did she seek men’s attention. Meri had been the exception. Now, she wanted to hone such a skill. For heaven’s sake, she felt out of breath. What was it about this man that she had such a strange reaction?

  “Hmm, let me consider all the ways I’m aware of you.” His eyes grew hooded, and his mouth seemed on the verge of a smi
le.

  Christian was the most relaxed she’d ever seen him. Immediately, she grinned in return. “I’m waiting. How are you aware of me?”

  “Well, for one”—he held up his index finger as if making a point—“the first time I saw you, I was struck by how beautiful you are.” He then put two fingers in the air. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I found you charming in the way you weren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with me when we first met.”

  “You’re trying to lower my guard.”

  He drew nearer, and his breath kissed her cheek. “Am I succeeding?”

  They were so close that she could smell his shaving soap. The scent wrapped around her, and for a moment, she breathed it in. “No,” she said softly. “You’re just a man.”

  “The things you say are pure poetry.” Another low rumble of laughter vibrated in his chest. “I’m just a man who hasn’t kissed a woman in years. More than three years, in fact.” He bit his plump lower lip.

  This was what it was like to have captured a man’s full attention. Did he want to kiss her?

  Oh, God. What if he did?

  She should be shocked. He was her husband’s brother. But honestly, she might have participated in a marriage ceremony, but she’d never had a husband.

  The deep cadence of his voice could hypnotize her. Her blood heated, warming her from within. Below her belly, her body clenched, then released. It throbbed. His words wove a web of seduction around them that she never wanted to escape.

  “Just a man,” he repeated as his gaze darted to her lips. “I’m just a man who wants…” Christian closed the distance between them, then cupped her cheeks before he gently tilted her chin for a kiss. Their gazes locked. Want and desire flared in his eyes, igniting the same within her.

  Immediately, she leaned against him, lifting her mouth to his. She blinked slowly, on the verge of closing her eyes. “Christian.” Her whisper floated through the night.

  Until a flurry of movement erupted beside them in the rosebushes.

  Christian darted in front of Katherine, shielding her. “Who’s there?”

  A bird burst through one of the rosebushes, flying straight up, the rapid flap of its wings whirring the air around them.

  Almost instantly, a white-haired cat darted out of the bushes in pursuit, then stopped. Knowing it had lost the chase, the cat sat in a deigned pose of indifference before commencing to groom itself. Only the swooshing of its fluffy tail betrayed its aggravation at losing dinner.

  “Well, this is awkward.” Christian’s voice simmered with barely checked laughter as he moved to her side. “Did we disrupt him or did he interrupt us? I’m not certain who is owed the apology here.”

  With her heartbeat back under control, Kat chuckled. “Didn’t they teach you the proper etiquette for this situation in duke school?”

  “I missed that day.” The half smile on his face was endearing. “But I did attend the lecture on how to pose for a ducal portrait with your dog.” Chuckling, he took a step back and regarded the cat.

  Without a glance their way, the cat turned with its head held high and tail straight in the air and walked back into the rosebushes.

  The distance that separated them felt like a mile. Katherine wanted to take a step forward and recreate the intimacy they had shared but thought better of it since he’d changed his stance. He now stood with his feet apart, shoulders wide, and once again, he clasped his hands behind his back. This was the war hero she’d come to know over the last couple of days.

  “I apologize,” he said while studying a rock on the ground. He toed it gently, then a plunk sounded as it fell into the pond.

  “There’s no harm done.” She cleared her throat and clasped her hands in front of her to keep from twisting her fingers. “I was enjoying myself.” She smiled slightly as she locked gazes with him. “With you.”

  “Katherine…” The rest of his response melted into silence. He rocked back on his heels. It had to be her imagination, but a slight flush colored his cheeks. “You were married to my half brother. You’re still grieving. I shouldn’t have been so forward. I’m no better than Abbott.” He took a deep breath and released it. “But I thought…” He studied the ground again. “I thought we might…”

  Where was the man who just delivered a blistering lecture to the guests at Helen’s dinner party? For the love of heaven, say it and put me out of my misery.

  After a few moments when he didn’t complete the thought, she did the honors for him. “That we might have found something in common? Perhaps share something together that we’d both enjoy?”

  “Yes.” A slight grin broke across his lips. “An eloquent way of putting it.”

  “Would you like to hear my answer now?”

  “Now seems the most perfect imperfect time,” he said softly.

  “How’s this for eloquent?” she teased with a jaunty smile. “Yes.”

  “Really?” The sudden joy on his face was infectious.

  “I’ll be more than happy to help you. I’ve come up with a few ideas.” In for a penny, in for a pound. “Perhaps you could start a furniture refurnishing business? The men could start out with small pieces.”

  “For instance?” His brow furrowed.

  “Lap desks, writing desks, and smaller pieces that would easily fit as accents within the boudoir or sitting room of a lady.” Before he could say no, she continued. “Ladies in my shop are always interested in such things.”

  An arch of his perfect brow was his response.

  It was an excellent idea. She simply had to convince him. “Your charity could sell them at my linen store until demand increases. Once the business is viable, you’ll need your own shop.”

  He remained silent, which wasn’t at all how she thought he’d react.

  “It’s perfect, Your Grace,” she declared. “You use repurposed artwork. Most of the pieces I have in storage are gorgeous and unique. They merely need a little care and love from your men who would do the work.”

  “You have an inventory?” he asked.

  “I have a room full of them. I pick up various pieces when I visit the market every week. I know what my customers need to complete their perfect bedrooms.” She wasn’t being boastful, but she talked with her customers about their ideas and what they enjoyed in life. The highest echelon of the ton admired her shop while they ordered her goods. Each woman hoped to recreate in their own home what Katherine had built and designed—an escape from the stark reality of life.

  Anything that fulfilled their visions and desires for their private chambers was in Katherine’s best interests as well. “Some are antiques from abroad. One of a kind.”

  “Why haven’t you started this business yourself?”

  “I haven’t had time. If I receive the linen contract, I definitely can’t do it. All my effort will be on that.”

  The lines across his face loosened as his eyes widened. A grin tugged at his lips. “It has potential.”

  “It’s brilliant,” she argued. “I have an appointment for us to see a warehouse. I think it would make an excellent workshop for your men. But don’t think I’m pushing you. If you don’t want it, I do. I’ll need the extra space if I receive the royal appointment.”

  “What type of commission would you be seeking?” His gaze never left hers.

  “None. Your payment of four hundred pounds is more than enough. If I’m correct about the demand, your men will be opening a shop close to mine in no time. We can help each other by referring customers to one another. A satisfied customer brings in more customers.”

  He took a deep breath and released it. He stared at the full moon for a full minute before leveling his gaze her way. “I like the idea. I insist on paying for the inventory.”

  “It’s my contribution to the cause. Willa will be delighted to have the house free of the clutter.”

  “And you’ll make time to help me?” he asked with a hint of wariness in his tone. “While you’re trying to win the contract?”

>   She nodded. “Beth wants to help me prepare for when the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber comes to evaluate my linens. That allows me to help you.”

  He held his arm for her to take. “Then let’s not dally. I need to get you home so you’ll be ready for tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear what other brilliant ideas you come up with after a good night’s rest.”

  She took his arm, and together they strolled out of the garden toward the carriage. He thought her ideas sound. She smiled in satisfaction before it slowly drifted away.

  Working this closely with him would not be easy. Her lonesome heart might want more.

  And she couldn’t let it.

  Chapter Ten

  The next day, Christian waited for his friend to arrive. Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson was more than a friend. He was the perfect audience for Christian when he wrestled with a new idea or concern. They’d met at university and had become fast friends. That friendship had grown over the years. Christian felt closer to Grayson than he ever had with Meriwether.

  Last night after Christian had returned home from Lady Woodhaven’s dinner party, he’d received a note that Grayson would visit this morning. Now more than ever, he needed his friend’s guidance.

  Christian had spent practically the entire night pacing his room. He’d been overjoyed with Kat’s thoughts for starting a business. But there were other matters seeking his attention, namely a solution for Meri’s mess. For all his ability to strategize and plan, Christian was in a fog. He still waited for the Earl of Sykeston’s response to Christian’s request that he come to London. Only then would Christian broach the subject of marrying Constance. But what could he offer Miss Howell? She couldn’t stay hidden forever working in a factory.

  It didn’t help matters that Katherine was at the center of the fog. Every time he thought of her, things became murkier. For God’s sake, he almost kissed her last night. Her empathy and playful banter had been like a spark to a powder keg. It had set off a want—no, a need—that couldn’t be extinguished. He wanted that connection to another person. But not just any person, only Katherine.