A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules

by Janna MacGregor

  A moment of silence drifted between them, upsetting their earlier ease.

  “That was thoughtless of me. Forgive me?” he asked softly.

  “Of course.” Her gaze immediately softened. “I shan’t be long.”

  He nodded briskly.

  The slight tilt of her lips looked like an invitation to sin. It would take little effort to bend down and touch his lips to hers while he begged her forgiveness over again until she’d smile. He cleared his throat in a sorry attempt to rid himself of such a vision. But all he could think about was running his tongue over that mouth.

  Immediately, that ever-present tightness in his gut—the one he suffered whenever he was around her—hit lower. The falls of his breeches became increasingly tight.

  Pure, sweet temptation.

  As Katherine ascended the stairs, Christian found himself smiling. He’d never smiled, or for that mattered groaned, as much in the last three years as he had in the last two days.

  And it was all Katherine’s fault.

  She was simply amazing. Honestly, she made him lose all sense of time when he was in her presence. What was astonishing is how she gave him a new sense of what was important in life.

  Which was a rare thing ever since he’d returned to London. He didn’t think a woman could make him feel like this.

  * * *

  When Katherine turned to go up the stairs to her office, she could feel Christian’s gaze following her every step of the way. It had to be her imagination, but he was practically undressing her with his eyes.

  She always felt in control when she was here, but with Christian present, she sensed that power more acutely. What would he do if she kissed him here?

  He might return her kiss and finally let her experience what real passion felt like. With a lightness in her step, she proceeded up the stairs until she stopped right below the landing at a site that immediately made her heart rattle in her chest.

  Outside her office, hunched in a corner, sat a small girl, Mary Anne’s daughter, Isabelle, with tears streaming down her face. Mary Anne had reluctantly brought her to work. Isabelle’s grandmother normally watched the young girl, but today she’d been ill. Katherine had assured Mary Anne that her daughter was quite welcome to visit today or whenever necessity required.

  For Katherine, this was a family, and she was determined to protect them and their loved ones if possible.

  “Isabelle?” Katherine walked to her side. When the little girl didn’t look up, Katherine knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”

  The little girl took a deep gulp as if trying to swallow her sorrow. “My brother, Neddy, got to go to the fishmonger’s stall to fetch our supper. I never get to help.” One lock of black shiny hair fell across her face when she rested her chin on her chest. “When I asked if I could go, my ma said no. It was no place for a little girl. I’d be in the way.” Isabelle lifted her gaze and stole a glance at Katherine. “Then I asked if I could go to the market across the street where they sell pretty ribbons, but she said no to that too.” She wiped her nose across her sleeve. “She said little girls didn’t belong there by themselves.” She sniffed again. “So where can little girls go and where do they belong? I’ve been trying to figure it out since my ma brought me here.”

  Her tender sigh cut straight through Katherine. She’d felt the same way too many times to count, particularly when she’d beg her mother to allow her to accompany her when she had a late performance at the theatre. Her mother had said practically the same thing to Katherine. Thankfully, she’d had Willa, who had always found something for her to do that made her feel better.

  “That is a tough question for any female.” Katherine squeezed her shoulder. “Would you help me put my office back in order while your mother gathers some things to take home? I don’t have all the answers, but I’ll tell you what I believe the answer to your question should be.”

  The girl nodded and sniffed gently. Katherine stood. Isabelle scrambled to her feet, then took Katherine’s hand. They walked side by side into her office. Soon, Katherine had her folding the samples of linen, satin, and silk into neat stacks.

  Katherine dipped her head until she captured Isabelle’s gaze once more. “To answer your question, sometimes it’s not safe for little girls to be alone. Your mother was protecting you. But there’s nothing that a girl can’t do. Don’t forget that.”

  Isabelle’s eyes widened, and she crossed her heart. “I won’t. I promise.”

  “To do what you want in life, you have to prepare to make the journey worthwhile. For instance, work hard. Be observant. Be true to yourself. Learn your letters.” She lowered her voice. “And hold dear the ones you love.”

  “Like my ma and Neddy?”

  “Them especially. Do you like books?”

  The little girl nodded.

  “Then I predict learning your letters will come easy to you. Once you learn to read, the whole world is yours.”

  “Though, I’m not a girl, I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Meriwether.” A deep voice sounded behind them. “That’s good advice even for boys.” Christian’s large body filled the doorframe.

  “Miss Isabelle.” He executed an abbreviated bow to Isabelle. “Pleased to meet you.”

  Katherine looked down at the little girl. “This is His Grace, the Duke of Randford.”

  Isabelle nodded and performed a curtsey in answer to Christian’s bow, then said softly, “Pleased to meet you too.” Her voice was a little uncertain as she looked to Katherine. “Your Grace?”

  Katherine nodded her approval. “Nicely done, Isabelle.” She bent and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

  “Don’t I receive the same praise for my part?” Christian asked.

  Her gaze whipped to his face, where an enchanting smile greeted her.

  “Seems only fair,” he added with an earnest look, then the rogue winked at her.

  “Of course.” She laughed, but the breathlessness in her voice betrayed the effect he had on her. If she could see him in such a mood every day, it would become an addiction, one she’d never want to be cured of.

  “Lady Meriwether, I have everything I need.” Mary Anne stood outside the door.

  “But I’m not finished,” Isabelle protested.

  Katherine knelt until she was eye to eye with Isabelle. “I promise the next time you’re here, you’re welcome to tidy my office. It’s always messy.”

  Isabelle grinned, then nodded. “I look forward to it.”

  “As do I,” Katherine agreed.

  “My lady, thank you for allowing me to take the work home so I can stay with Isabelle there.” Mary Anne juggled some fabric in her arms.

  “Of course. I hope your mother feels better.”

  “Thank you. I have someone to watch her tomorrow if my mother doesn’t.” Mary Anne nodded to Katherine and Christian, then held out her hand for Isabelle, and in a trice, they were gone down the steps, leaving Katherine alone with Christian.

  “You have a special affection for the little girl?” he asked.

  Katherine stared up at him. The attractive candor in his brown eyes made them sparkle.

  “I want her to feel important and understand her worth. I experienced the same thing when I was a little girl. Sometimes you need to know you’re wanted or have a place in the world.”

  “How well I understand that sentiment.” He stepped closer until a foot separated them. “Believe it or not, I’ve felt like Isabelle before.” He looked away for a moment as his eyes clouded with memories.

  Kat studied his profile. He stood frozen as if trying to tame his torments. He’d been hurt. Then he returned to her with a warm, caring gaze that made her want to tell him all of her safely kept secrets. “But I have no experience with the depth of courage and perseverance a woman must possess to make it in the world. I’m in awe of you, Katherine.”

  Heat cascaded across her cheeks at the affectionate respect in his voice.

  “Thank you,” she said softly. His deep
voice broke through her chest, upsetting her neatly positioned heart.

  “You need to know that I want to kiss you.”

  Immediately, she took a small step forward until her half-boots met his hessians. They were toe-to-toe, and her heart pounded.

  “May I?”

  She nodded.

  Instead of kissing her on the lips, he bent down and pressed a light kiss on the sensitive skin below her ear. She shivered slightly at the touch. Every part of her awoke as if coming out of a year-long sleep.

  “Are you cold?” he whispered before trailing his lips against her neck.

  She tilted her head, giving him greater access. “No. Just aware … of you.” The tickle of his breath against her skin felt like another type of kiss, one more intimate, as if they’d done this before. “I want you to kiss me.”

  “What if I’ve forgotten how?”

  “I think it’s like riding a horse,” she answered softly. “You never forget how.”

  “Oh, Kat. Those are”—he slid his finger slowly across her cheek, the touch incredibly erotic, then tenderly took her in his arms—“the wisest words I’ve ever heard.” Gently, he pressed his lips against hers.

  For a moment, she didn’t move. The next step was up to her, and she’d not waste this chance. She traced the seam of his lips with her tongue. They were exquisite, as full and soft as she imagined. Her chin touched his where the slight bristle was in direct contrast to the softness of his mouth.

  She exhaled slowly, and he slipped his tongue past her lips. He tasted of coffee and cinnamon. Tentatively, she brushed her tongue against his. She didn’t want this to end. He brought her closer, testing this newness between them. Her heart thudded against her chest, trying to reach him. Without a doubt, he had to feel it. She could practically hear the pounding echo throughout her office.

  Christian moaned when he deepened the kiss, and she obliged by rubbing her tongue against his.

  Oh, heavens, it was exquisite.

  No. He was exquisite, particularly when he was being so attentive to their kiss.

  One of Christian’s hands settled against the small of her back. Pressed against the hard plane of his chest proved the definition of exquisite torture, and she melted against him. Her breasts ached for more. The heat of his body enveloped her. They continued exploring each other’s wants and needs, for minutes or perhaps hours. It was difficult to tell the passage of time as they were in their own world with their own rules.

  Ever so slowly, he released her from his embrace, then simply stared at her as they struggled to breathe.

  He glanced at the door for a moment as if debating whether to stay or go. With a nod for her, he made his decision. “Kat, until we meet again.”

  Breathless and quite happy, Katherine knew she should take heed, but where was the fun in that? She pressed her fingers against her swollen and tender lips.

  There was one thing she was certain of.

  She’d never been kissed like that before in her entire life.

  Chapter Twelve

  The warehouse that Kat had introduced to Christian crawled with activity. The men he’d hired to work at Rand House were busy cleaning and outfitting the place with work areas. It was hard to believe it was only yesterday that she’d shown him the empty building. Within twenty-four hours, it was hardly recognizable. It looked as if it might be open for business within days.

  His mouth twitched with a grin. Without Kat, this operation might still be a rumination. She’d sent over a list of vendors that might be able to supply the necessary tables and tools for the refinishing work on the lap desks. He’d given the list to Phillip Reed, who he’d assigned to be in charge of operations.

  He couldn’t wait to see her again and tell what all had been accomplished in such a short time. But what would he say? They’d shared an intimate moment, then he’d walked out of her workshop without a word. Like a tongue-tied adolescent instead of the polished and refined duke he wanted to be. Last night, he’d fallen asleep still thinking of that perfect kiss.

  Well, at least one question was answered. A simple kiss wasn’t going to satisfy the hunger he had for her.

  Who was he fooling?

  It was much more than a kiss.

  But he had to tread carefully. They were working together, and he didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship. Yet, there was a part deep inside him that knew it wasn’t merely a friendship, but something rare.

  Whatever it was, they would have to define it themselves.

  “Reed, what do think?” Christian asked as he surveyed the warehouse operation.

  Phillip Reed studied the surroundings and nodded. “It’s a grand location, Captain. We’ll have supplies brought in through the back, and the empty storage room will be perfect for storing tools, stains, gold-leafing sheets.” He pointed to one of the rooms in the back that had sliding doors as a back entrance. “We can bring in wood there. Once we see how the demand is for the refinishing of the writing desks, we can adjust the business accordingly. It’d be nice to make larger custom pieces. That’s my specialty.” He tucked a pencil he’d used for drawing the building’s layout behind one ear. “I can teach the craft to others.”

  “How many do you think we can employ?” Christian asked. “Twenty perhaps?”

  “That’s not enough, but it’s a start,” Reed said confidently. “I’d say fifty within the month.”

  “Fifty?” Christian said incredulously. That was a huge amount of manpower for a new business. “Are you sure?”

  Reed nodded briskly. “I met with Lady Meriwether early this morning. She suggested we assign some men with transporting the finished desks to her workroom as soon as possible. She wants to tailor some of her linens to match the colors and designs. From there, she’ll put the stock in her shop and start taking custom orders. She wants them by the end of the week. She’s confident they’ll sell. Plus she said she’d use a few of the men to help with delivery of her own products.” He shook his head. “The woman is a genius.”

  Christian could readily agree to that. He’d wanted her assistance and expertise, but her efforts to help went way beyond what they had originally discussed. It was completely unselfish of her to devote this much time to his charity when she had her own challenges. Within the week, she’d be meeting the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber. Christian had little doubt she’d be able to convince the man he should choose her linens for the Royal Pavilion.

  An overwhelming sense of rightness rolled through him as he inhaled. He couldn’t have asked for a better person to help him.

  Or a better person to kiss.

  “She also suggested some of the men travel to the counties where specialty woods are available. Thought they could bring back samples for me to look at. If the wood is of high enough quality, we could start making original pieces here.” Reed folded his arms across his chest. The look of satisfaction on his face made him appear years younger.

  Reed’s demeanor had transformed since Christian had approached him with the idea and put him in charge. He seemed happy, confident, and more of his old self.

  Calam Walstrom, one of the infantrymen who had worked as a Randford groomsman, drew near. He nodded briefly to Christian before showing a list with tools, paints, and varnishes for Reed’s approval. Calam had been one of the first to inquire if he could work here and learn a new trade. He wouldn’t be the last.

  After the men finished their conversation, Reed turned back to Christian. “Captain, Lady Meriwether gave me the name and address of a place called Hailey’s Hope. It’s a charity for soldiers who’ve returned from the war without any place to stay. The Duchess of Langham and the Marchioness of Pembrooke operate it. Lady Meriwether said they have a new dormitory wing set to open. It might be the solution for some of your men who’ve returned with injuries and can’t work right away. When they heal, we can see about finding them jobs.”

  “She came up with that solution?” he asked. The woman had an answer for everyt
hing.

  “She’d asked me how I came to find you once I returned. I told her about me begging.” Reed glanced at the floor, then turned his gaze to Christian. “She wasn’t prying, but concerned. She offered me money, but I refused. I pulled out the last coin I’d received on the streets and said that I was keeping it as a souvenir. I even told her I’d bit it to see if it was lead or gold. She said she’d done the same thing when she was a young girl.” He chuckled then turned serious. “Yours was the last coin I’d been given. I’m keeping it as a reminder of where I’ve been and where I’m going. I can’t thank you enough for this chance, sir.”

  Christian patted his shoulder. “Reed, it’s you who I can’t thank enough. We’re all necessary for the operation to be a success. Just like we were on the battlefront.”

  Reed could only nod as he wiped his eyes with his fingers. Christian’s chest tightened at the sight.

  The shop’s front door opened, and both of them turned to see his valet strolling determinedly toward them.

  Morgan was soon by their side. He nodded to Reed, then turned to Christian. “Captain, your brother’s … I mean half brother’s personal belongings have arrived in London.”

  The steady beat of his heart stumbled. Poison Blossom and Meri’s apartment were relatively easy matters to handle, but his half brother’s personal items were another. Meri had possessed them to the last, a glimpse of his life right before his death. It made his passing a reality.

  Christian let out an unsteady breath. “Reed, I must go.”

  “Of course, Your Grace,” Reed said. “Duty calls.”

  It was the first time Reed had addressed him as such. Indeed, he had a responsibility to help the wives, and that required sorting through Meri’s possessions. He prayed there was an easy explanation for the lost money. But knowing his half brother’s flightiness and penchant for gambling, the chance of retrieving any money was rather slim.

  “Sir, shall I come with you?” Morgan asked softly. “I brought a carriage.”

  “No, thank you. I’d like to walk. I’m heading over to Lady Meriwether’s workshop. If she can spare the time, I’d like to have her with me when I open Meri’s possessions.”