by Dawn Brower
“You’re wise for someone so young.” The duke grinned. “I’ll tell you a secret and take it however you will.” He met Devon’s gaze and didn’t waver once. “There are things in this life that will constantly surprise you, and there are mysteries that you may never solve. Expect the unexpected and it’ll make every decision you make that much easier.” He grinned. “And I truly was once a pirate captain, but you’ll not find my name in history books; however, if you ask my wife nicely, she might tell you the story her mother told her as a little girl about the pirate who saved her grandmother’s life.” He turned and walk away. He stopped momentarily, and added, “The conservatory is down the hall to your left if you’re still interested.” With those words, he left Devon alone.
He couldn’t be telling the truth. Devon didn’t believe it. The duke used to be a pirate? That didn’t even seem possible… He shook his head and headed toward the conservatory. Maybe visiting the greenery would help clear his head.
Adeline dipped her paintbrush into the gold paint and then drew a swirl over the ornament she was making for the tree. Everyone had been invited to create decorations and encouraged to make their own ornament. She would much rather have created her own in private. She hated being part of a large gathering. That was why she had been so unsuccessful in her first and only season. She hid in the corner as much as possible. Adeline had probably been the only newly launched lady who wanted to be a wallflower. She had agreed to one season at her mother’s urging. If she hated it as much as she proclaimed she would, then she’d be free to do as she pleased and stay home. She had hoped that the one season she’d agreed to endure would lead her to her one true love. Sadly, that hadn’t happened. Which was why she’d thought to wish for him to find her instead. Adeline didn’t think she could ever suffer another season again. This was her last chance to have love in her life.
Was Devon that man? Could she trust he would love her? Adeline wanted to believe he could be. That was what she wanted more than anything. To love and be loved in return. The kiss he’d given her the night before certainly had sparked something in her she’d never felt before.
She dipped her brush into the paint, then added one more flourish. There, it was perfect. She put the brush down and then went over to a nearby tray and set it carefully down to dry. She’d painted an angel on a circular piece of clay. They’d add a ribbon to it later so they could hang it on the tree.
“Are you already finished,” Francesca asked. “I’m not nearly done.”
“I am.” She smiled at her cousin. “I’m weary and am going to lie down until dinner.”
She must look like a fright too. She had paint all over her hands and the apron she pilfered from the servant’s closet. They had to be getting irritated with her taking them so often. She’d make it up to them later, after all the guests left.
“Will you be joining us for tea?” Francesca asked. She brushed a lock of her strawberry blonde hair behind an ear.
“I am uncertain,” she told her. Francesca had already turned her attention back to her ornament. “But don’t expect me. I may stay in my chambers longer depending on how I feel.”
“All right,” Francesca said absentmindedly. “Have a nice rest.”
Adeline grinned and walked away. One of the things she adored about her cousin was how uncomplicated she was at times. She had an innate sense of purpose and understanding where people were concerned. She didn’t impose her expectations on to them.
As she headed to her chambers, she decided to head to the conservatory instead. She wanted to check on the orange trees her mother had planted. They might have ripe fruit, and if so, she wanted to grab some to take for a snack. The kitchen would be a nightmare this time of day as they prepared for the last meal of the day.
She hummed to herself as she strolled into the conservatory, then turned toward the grove her mother had added a while ago. She stopped immediately when she realized someone else was in the room. Devon was leaning down and staring at the orange trees. He glanced up and his lips tilted upward when he met her gaze. “Addie,” he said. That rich timbre of his sent shivers down her spine. She loved the way he said her name.
“Devon,” she squeaked out his name. She, on the other hand, was a nervous ninny. “Do you have an interest in oranges?”
“I didn’t until the duke mentioned them earlier.” He glanced back at the tree. “I’ve never had an orange,” he admitted.
She lifted a brow. “Never?”
“Not at all,” he said. “How does one tell if they’re ready to eat?”
So that was why he’d been studying them. Adeline smiled and moved past him, examined the fruit on the dwarf tree. Luckily, it had grown a little more than her height. They were a nice bright orange, and definitely ripe enough. She pulled it off the tree and handed it to him. “Peel it and find out.”
He chuckled. “You really are not afraid of displeasing the duke.”
She shrugged. “He wouldn’t care either way. These are not his babies after all.” The conservatory was her mother’s beloved project.
“That’s right,” he said as he peeled the orange. “He mentioned his wife planted the trees. So you don’t think she’d mind.”
Adeline shrugged. “Probably not.” Her mother wouldn’t be too concerned if a few pieces of fruit were stolen. She liked to grow things. “As long as someone finds enjoyment in her efforts, she’s usually quite amiable.”
“They seem like wonderful people—the duke and duchess, that is.”
“I may be biased, but I think so.” She wrinkled her nose. “That might not be true for others.”
He nodded. “I can understand that, and it’s probably true for anyone. We all see people differently. The duke is a little terrifying.” He finished peeling the orange and broke it in half. “Earlier he told me he used to be a pirate captain.”
“He did?” Adeline was shocked. “He rarely tells anyone that.”
“So it is true?” His tone held an edge of shock. “I thought he was bamming me.”
Perhaps she shouldn’t have confirmed it… “There are stories, but they were before my time. I don’t know how much truth they hold.” She couldn’t say more than that. Devon probably didn’t believe in time travel. It was a closely held secret in her family, and she didn’t know him well enough to impart secrets to him yet.
He tore off a piece of the orange and held it out to her. “Try it with me.” He slid a slice into his mouth and moaned. It did funny things inside her stomach.
She took the slice he offered her and took a bite. Juice slid down her fingers. He took her hand and licked the juice, then sucked her finger to make sure he didn’t miss a drop. It was decadent, and she had no idea how she should proceed…no one had licked her finger before. “I’ll leave you to your orange. I…” She swallowed hard. “Have things I need to do.”
“I’ll let you run away now, Addie, my sweet,” he called after her. “But I do intend to find you later.”
Adeline didn’t turn around or respond. Instead she went straight to her bedchamber. Her heart pounded inside her chest. What was he doing to her?
Chapter 4
Devon stared at the billiards table and frowned. He had promised Merrifield, Hampstead, Goodland, and Lindsey he would stay while they finished their game, but he wanted to leave. It was no fun to watch them play. Especially when there was a pretty maid that he’d like to play with instead. He had no idea what part of the house Addie usually worked in, but he hoped to finally discover that answer that day. He had looked all over the house but hadn’t found her. It was almost as if she were hiding. The only place he hadn’t looked was where all the ladies were spending their time. Devon shuddered. He was not brave enough to enter a drawing room filled with eligible ladies to find his little minx. It would be his luck that she was actually there. He supposed she could have had the day off… He could resume his quest after the billiards match finally ended.
“Why are you sulking in the corner?” t
he Duke of Lindsey asked. His tone held a hint of amusement in it. “If you wanted to play, you should have spoken up before we started.”
“I don’t need any chastisement,” Devon drawled. He met Lindsey’s gaze. “Since when did you decide to act like an old matron dropping unwanted advice?”
Hampstead chuckled. “He has you there Lindsey. None of us particularly like to hear anything resembling advice.” He leaned over the table and took a shot, then stood to watch the balls roll across the table. “Besides, he’d play horribly. He’s too distracted.”
“Is that so?” Lindsey turned toward Devon. “Who is she?”
Of course he’d land right on the problem. There was only one thing that would gain Devon’s attention this much. He would not tell the duke about his maid though. He might try to find her, then seduce her right out from under Devon. He would not allow that to happen. She was his. “None of your concern,” he said coldly. “Don’t you have a game to finish?”
Lindsey’s laughter echoed through the room and irritated Devon, but he refused to let the duke know that. “That makes it more fun,” he said as he leaned down to take his shot on the table. “Thanks for making it more interesting.”
“You’re asking him to pummel you,” the Viscount of Goodland said. “We might as well find some place to hold a match now. It will end in a sparring match with the winner getting the spoils.”
The Earl of Hampstead lifted a brow. “You believe it’ll end that way?”
“It will,” Merrifield said and laughed. “As soon as Lindsey discovers the identity of Winchester’s maid all bets are off.”
Devon was going to kill them all. His irritation was so high he was ready to hit a wall. He might not actually commit murder, but he’d definitely hit one of them if they didn’t stop talking. He counted to ten in his head, then said in a congenial tone, “Lindsey can meet her. I’m sure his title’ll impress her. It isn’t as if she’s ever met a duke before.” He snapped his fingers. “That’s right, she’s probably met at least two considering the duchess is also the daughter of another duke.”
“But neither one of those dukes are eligible,” Lindsey replied. “They all think they can convince me to marry them.”
That was unlikely to happen, ever. Lindsey was as against marriage as the rest of them were. He wouldn’t marry until he had no choice, and only to beget an heir. Devon had no intention of marrying even for that. He snorted. “They’re not all that ignorant.” He shook his head. “They know you won’t marry them. They want you to fall in love with them, though. Maybe even hope you’ll make them your beloved mistress. The actual ladies…” He grinned. “They don’t care about love, they want your title. You should at least get your malarkey straight.”
“You’re stalling,” Lindsey said. “What is your maid’s name?”
He shrugged. “I cannot recall. She has red gold hair and ice-blue eyes that’ll freeze you with one glance. She works in the kitchens.” Devon grinned and outlined a silhouette with his hands that would gain all their attention. “With a body so curvy it’ll make your mouth’s water at the idea of exploring it.” His Addie was all golden and blue eyed with a lean, lush body that begged to be loved. He wasn’t sure if there was a kitchen maid that fit that description and, quite frankly, didn’t care. As long as it gave Lindsey something to go searching for. “I doubt she’ll give you a second look. She has one of those no nonsense attitudes.”
“She’s making you chase her and you haven’t caught her yet,” Lindsey said as he lined up his shot. “I won’t have to work so hard.”
Arrogant arse… He sighed. “Fine, have it your way.” He threw up his hands in defeat. “Pursue her if you must. If she chooses you, I’ll bow out gracefully.” If Lindsey laid one finger on Addie, he’d beat him black and blue. “Finish your game and see if you can locate her. I’ve looked all day and have had no luck. I suspect it is her off day.”
“Perhaps,” Lindsey agreed. “Or she doesn’t want you to find her. I’ll be happy to locate her and keep her for myself.” He hit the cue ball and sank his shot. “And that’s how it is done, gentlemen.” He rubbed his hands together. “Now that the game has concluded, I do believe I have a special lady to seduce into my bed.” He waved at them and then left them alone in the game room.
“Sometimes I truly hate him,” Devon said.
“Are you really going to let him win?” Merrifield asked with a bewildered expression on his face.
“Absolutely,” Devon said in earnest. If there was a strawberry blond woman on the estate Lindsey was welcome to her. “He’ll do whatever he wants anyway.” He grinned. “And I don’t feel like making it into much of a competition. That’ll only ensure he makes it more difficult for me. Now I think I’ll leave you three to entertain yourselves. I’ve had enough games for the evening.” With those words, he left. He wasn’t done for the night. Devon would find his maid, even if it took all night.
Adeline had hoped to see Devon, but he spend his day with a group of gentlemen that had arrived later than anyone else had. Her mother had thought they had decided not to attend the house party and had been surprised when they showed up. Adeline thought it was rude of them to arrive days after the party had started. From a distance she’d studied them and then had been surprised when Devon and the Marquess of Merrifield had greeted them. There had been a lot of nodding and large grins expressed by the group. It was almost sickening to watch. They fit in. She did not. Would that be a deterrent for Devon when he realized she didn’t like crowds and hated socializing?
She stayed with the ladies and had tea while everyone gossiped. Adeline had hated every second of it and had left at the first chance she could escape. She’d sent her regrets for dinner and instead had a tray sent to her room. There was only so much socializing she could handle before the need for being alone overtook her. She had always done better on her own. Her family was wonderful, and she loved them dearly, but even with them she felt overwhelmed at times.
Now it was late, and she’d finished another book. Her father had stocked the library with the latest fiction for her. She flew through books and then she’d be scrambling for something to read, and she read almost anything that would stimulate her mind. When she ran out of entertaining stories, she turned to nonfiction and studied ancient Greek and mathematics. She was not tired at all… Perhaps she should go to the library and grab another text to read. One that might make her sleepy and not want to keep reading through the adventure or love story. Yes, that was exactly what she needed.
Adeline pushed the blankets off of her and grabbed her wrap. She grabbed the book and left her room. It was dark, but she knew the house well and didn’t bother grabbing a candle. She had blown hers out after she finished reading and hadn’t wanted to bother lighting it again. It didn’t take her long to reach the library. She pushed open the door and was surprised to find there were candles already lit.
“I had hoped you would visit the library again,” Devon said huskily. “I took a chance, and it looks as if it may have worked out in my favor.”
Adeline had not tied her wrap closed because she had believed everyone would be asleep. She’d been foolish… “Wha…” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You were waiting for me?” She had almost asked what he was doing there, but that would have been an idiotic question. He had already said he had been there for her.
He moved close to her. “I am.” Devon took another step toward her. “It’s been a long wait too.” He took one more step and there wasn’t much distance separating them. “Are you not glad to see me?”
“It’s not that…” She did want to see him. Adeline craved being near him. She just didn’t trust herself to be near him, alone. He was a temptation that she couldn’t afford to give in to. “Being alone with you…it’s not proper.”
“Do we need propriety between us?” He lifted a brow. “I thought we were beyond those strict rules and firmly in the bonds of friendship.”
Adeline moved past him.
She needed to think and when he was near she lost all ability to form simple sentences. He made her want…him. The rules be damned. Her reputation was already in tatters from her lack of social skills. No one expected her to marry anyway. Why not give in to her desire for him and take what she wanted for the first time in her entire life? Because her parent’s would be disappointed in her…
She went to the shelf where the book she’d been reading belonged and placed it in the correct spot. When she turned around, she found Devon staring at her. “Have I frightened you?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she told him. Adeline lifted her chin. “I’m not afraid of anything.”
“Brave words little minx.” He stepped toward her. “You’re not under the kissing bough now, but I’d still like to kiss you.” He closed the distance between them. If he took one more step, they would be flush against each other. “May I?”
She took a deep breath and nodded. Her decision had been made. Consequences did not matter to her at the moment—she wanted to do everything with Devon, and would. There would be no regrets come morning. If he couldn’t love her, at least she’d have this one night. One where she could look back with fondness. There may never be another opportunity to experience pleasure again. Gentlemen had all but forgotten about her existence and no one was knocking at the door to court her.
Devon leaned down and pressed his lips to her. The kiss had started chaste and then he pushed his tongue into her mouth to deepen the kiss, and fire burst through her entire body. As their tongues danced against each other her need grew. Her core tingled with expectation and she wanted to press herself against him and rub herself all over him like a cat seeking attention. She practically purred like one too as he stroked her back.