One Night with a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  Chapter Ten

  During the time the men discussed their important matters, Samantha returned to her brother’s library to review the astrology books. She found the one she sought, and retreated into her other world as she strode to the conservatory. Would she ever find her true love?

  “Aunt Min, you mentioned the other day that you didn’t love my uncle when you married him.”

  “Yes, I remember.” Aunt Min peered through her lorgnette. “Why do you ask?”

  “I want to know how you got him to love you. When did it happen?” Samantha arose and gazed at the English roses that bloomed in variegated colors, and chose one to cut with the garden shears.

  “Samantha, I’d be a popular dowager if I could answer those questions in a succinct manner. The truth is, I liked my husband. You weren’t married long enough to understand. Love came later because of his kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Ours became a relationship that withstood great trials and tribulations. When he went off to war, I didn’t know if I would ever see him again. My heart experienced a great loss. I suppose that’s when I realized how much he meant to me. Did he say I love you time and time again? No, but I knew he did by the thousand small things he performed for me.” Lady Minerva sighed, and Samantha assumed her aunt drifted to memories.

  “Such as?”

  “He brought me a rose from the garden to match my gown. Your uncle whispered in my ear and caressed my earlobe even when the children played in our presence. There was always a smile for me at the breakfast table on the patio, and he complimented me many times on how he liked the sunshine reflection on my hair.” She paused for a moment in her recall and touched her cheek.

  “I vowed that if God would be merciful enough to have him return to me after the war, I’d let him know how much I cherished and loved him.” She gazed into Samantha’s eyes. “And I did. Now, tell me why you ask?”

  “Oh Aunt, I feel unsure of myself. I’ve always thought I was logical and rational. Now I wonder if this is so.”

  Her aunt smiled. “Perhaps when the duke arrives, your head will clear up.” She went back to peruse her book.

  “Oh, he is here, Aunt Min. I ran into him, literally, in the foyer.”

  In the study, Raven noted the time on the grandfather clock and how quickly time passed.

  “Would you care to join us for lunch?” Winston asked.

  Raven nodded. “I would if it’s not an imposition though I’m committed to a prior engagement later this afternoon.”

  The majordomo appeared as if on cue. Winston instructed him to have the cook prepare for an additional guest. Raven surmised the announcement would probably throw the kitchen into a frenzy of preparation. It wasn’t every day a duke dined with the family. Raven smiled. He and Winston rose and made their way to the garden.

  They walked through the French doors, and the vision Samantha presented became a picture of loveliness in her yellow organza frock with long sleeves and sheer lace to her ruffled collar. Lilies of the Valley adorned the pattern, and to him, she represented a harbinger of spring, just as the fragrant blooms of the garden scented the air.

  His stomach tightened; his heart beat like some huge war drum. If he were an artist, he would paint her as she appeared right now. Her portrait could grace a museum wall. He would want to remember her at this moment, place, and time.

  In silent repose, a faraway look in her jewel-flecked eyes, she stood in the archway of tinted, fragrant roses, a vision of beauty. Yes, she almost made him feel young again, especially after the sobriety of this last conversation with her brother.

  “Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Lady Minerva arose and curtsied.

  Raven nodded. “Madam, it’s indeed a pleasure to see you again.”

  Samantha curtsied also.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lady, in such a verdant garden. You look radiant.”

  “Thank you, Raven.” She extended her hand. He reached for it and kissed her soft skin. He noted she allowed her hand to linger a moment and then withdrew it.

  “His Grace will join us for luncheon, ladies. Shall we retire to the dining room?” asked Winston, who nodded to his aunt.

  Lady Minerva excused herself for a moment and headed toward the kitchen.

  Moments later, in the dining room, she returned, and the first course excelled. The servants presented the second, third, and fourth courses buffet style. Luncheon took on the appearance of a high-scale official dinner. While understandable, it still made Samantha nervous.

  Dessert and tea followed after a conversation punctuated with innuendo and outright inquisitiveness on Samantha’s part. She wanted to ask many questions, but her brother’s stern disposition lent her caution. So she resigned herself to the small conversation and kept it light, too much aware of Raven’s presence. Self-assured, his eyes looked dark gray this afternoon. Of course, his morning coat and fawn-colored breeches lent him an aristocratic air. His Hessian boots shined with a high polish; he was much the fashion plate as her brother had mentioned.

  Lady Minerva addressed the duke. “Your Grace, I do hope you will attend the auction sponsored by Almack’s this weekend. As my niece mentioned, the Winston Foundation is the sponsor of the event, and it would be such a coup to have you in attendance. As the dowager, I have consented to represent them as the Lady Patroness. Forgive my boldness, but with your permission, if I could but inform my ladies on the committee that there is a possibility, I know it would be well received.”

  “Raven, my aunt is correct in that your attendance will give distinction to the event. I know I don’t have to tell you how much depends on this. All the funds for the school are at stake here. Please do consider your presence,” Winston said.

  “Your sister did speak to me at length about the auction last evening. I have given it much thought if I can but postpone other appointments.” His grin flashed. “Do you sincerely wish me to attend, Samantha?”

  “Yes. For many reasons.” She lowered her gaze and bowed her head.

  The silence thickened in the room as if time stood still.

  Then with a broad smile, he said, “In that case, I believe I can.”

  Samantha gave him a provocative glance and a furtive wink.

  Raven spoke. “Ladies, I’ll attend the auction alone. Perhaps I could join you, Winston?”

  “But of course,” her brother answered agreeably.

  “Thank you, Your Grace. You have made an old lady happy,” said the aunt.

  “And the young lady, is she joyous, too?” He addressed Samantha. “You are reticent today.”

  “Indeed I am, but to answer your second question, I endeavor to demonstrate my best deportment. It’s troublesome to be sure.” She lowered her lashes to show her humility, which became difficult for her to pull off without a coquettish smile. Instead, she flirted with him in front of everyone.

  Samantha studied him as he spoke. First, she noted his lower lip had more fullness and was more pronounced than his upper. What would they be like to kiss again, but with passion? She realized her lack of experience in this area. Anyone with a mistress should know how to do this well. Would it be appropriate when the moment presented itself for her to ask him for a demonstration of a great kiss? Maybe the next time they were on a balcony. Those notions could be the death of her.

  Raven laughed outright. “To be frank, after your barrage of vehement words, you tested my control. I learned long ago never to lose my temper, but I never forget an insult. It’s a useless vice to allow your opponent to see a weakness. I wait for the right time to strike back. However, I’m not sure you can restrain yourself, Samantha.”

  “Oh, then, do I have your permission to have at it, Raven?” she inquired, her words quick, her cheeks warm with a blush.

  “You don’t have my permission, sister,” her brother replied with a quick retort which earned him a reproachful look from Samantha.

  Aunt Minerva came to the rescue, as always. “Your Grace, part of my responsibility
here is to keep these two from a duel of wits and commands. Most of the time I succeed, and there are moments when it exasperates. We need to change the conversation.” Lady Minerva moved her hand to her cheek for a moment and then placed it on her lap. “Do tell us about your family as we know so little.”

  “I must say, Lady Minerva, I’ve enjoyed our lunch and conversation.” His broad smile pleased. “My brothers and sisters are all married and away from the estate. At times I feel isolated. Peaceful, I think would be a good word because when they visit there is so much commotion that I sometimes wish for serenity and quiet. But when I get it, I become aware how much I miss them and their children.”

  He stared into the distance before continuing. “The house jumps with playfulness when they’re around, and I’m expected to leap with them. It takes my stable hands at least a week to recover from endless attention to children, adults, horses and ponies.”

  After a pleasant conversation about a new play at Covent Garden, Raven removed his watch from its pocket, rose from the chair, effused his thanks, bowed to the ladies, and stated a prior appointment would keep him from the further enjoyment of their company.

  “Samantha, I would like to talk to you about astrology when next we meet.”

  “Yes, Raven.” Her flecked eyes held his gaze. Was that an unspoken invitation he saw? If so, he knew he could get lost in them if given a chance. Or was it merely a reflection of the sun on the crystal decanter?

  Raven planned to invite her and the aunt to something or other so he could see Samantha again, but then thought better of it and restrained himself. Since he was still attached to Lady Buxton, it was better to do nothing right now.

  They saw him to the door. Raven noted again the implied invitation Samantha’s lips offered. He doubted he was mistaken. Did she know that her every move fascinated? He savored the appeal of her mouth. He would like to trace her bowed pink lips with his finger. He shooed away the annoying thought that frequently commanded his mind. Ah, well, after all, she was a widow and familiar with the joys of love sport. He concluded her mood to be playful and that whatever her desire, she could succeed. Could he be her goal? He found he wished it so.

  He doffed his high hat and went down the steps to his carriage.

  Somehow he knew the Almack’s auction would present challenges as well as consequences. Raven found he looked forward to the event. Did fickle fate have something in store for him? A sly smile crossed his face in anticipation.

  Chapter Eleven

  Samantha pounced on her brother when Raven departed Winston House. “Now tell us,” she coaxed in excitement. “Is there to be a cartel in which you will participate? Will I be allowed to invest? Will it be profitable? How much will it cost us? Brother, oh, my goodness, say something.” Samantha’s face flushed, and her words sped out rapidly. Her irritation at his silence became all too obvious.

  “I don’t know I could get a word in edgewise, Sister dear. “Yes, no, yes and £50,000 are the answers,” Winston teased.

  She frowned and pouted, certain of the answer to the most important question. “And which one is the no?”

  “The one about your ability to invest in the cartel.”

  She stomped a slippered foot. “Oh, he’s such a pompous ass.”

  Her brother grinned.

  “I just know he has no regard for women with brains.”

  “Au contraire, Sister, he has a high regard for your intellect. All I’m at liberty to say is the international cartel would find it hard to be involved with women investors. There is also tremendous danger involved, and I would not want you jeopardized. Besides,” he said in an imperial manner, “I haven’t made up my mind whether to join or not. There are issues I have to research, and also to consult with my barrister and banker. I do not wish to continue this weighty conversation with a sister who is angry. Isn’t that so, Aunt?”

  “You spoke for over three hours, and that is all you have to say?” Samantha rose from the chair, hands on her hips. “What danger could there be? I give the cartel my money, and they do everything else.” She now realized how much of a simpleton she sounded, but in irritation said, “Don’t dare tell me it remains man talk, or I will do something dreadful to you in places where it will hurt.”

  “If you promise to calm down, I can tell you I’m convinced if it were not for you, this offer would not have come our way. Your high spirit has caught the attention of the powerful man, which has rubbed off on us. Sister, understand my predicament.”

  She thought his demeanor sweet when he begged. So much like the little boy she used to hug and kiss. However, she would have to display some temper so he would be aware she was not someone with whom to trifle. “Brother, I’m disappointed, to say the least. Perhaps we should continue this conversation at another time. Aunt Min and I have to go to the jeweler to have the clasp on her emerald necklace repaired, and we’ll be late if we don’t leave now.” She smiled with a haughty look. “A lady should never keep her jeweler in wait. Is that not so, Aunt Min?”

  Lady Minerva grinned at Winston who held the chair out for her.

  “Come, Aunt,” Samantha implored in an artificial tone.

  “Yes, child, this decrepit body does not move as it used to, but be a sweetling and get my jewelry case. Brandon, may we use the landau? You will have no need of the coachman?”

  “No, Aunt.” He pondered. “I have a lot to read. I’ll not need it.”

  Samantha stormed out of the room and hurried up the steps to retrieve her aunt’s jewelry case.

  Since the weather had warmed, she took their stoles and skipped to her aunt. “Here, Aunt Min, just in case you need it. I brought your bonnet also. You don’t want to catch the ague.”

  “Thank you, child. Keep a good eye on those gems when we arrive at Mr. Pilgrim’s. I heard tell the other day that a ruffian attempted to rob the footman who guarded the jewelry case.”

  Lady Minerva adjusted her wrap and gave instructions to Samantha that she was to go into the jewelers with the coachman immediately. Lady Minerva would follow when all were well ensconced within the doors of the establishment.

  “Is this understood, Samantha?” Lady Minerva asked.

  Samantha agreed, knowing it useless to dissuade her aunt when she made up her mind. In short time, in simple but classic splendor, the ladies arrived at the jewelers. Lady Minerva’s late husband favored this particular merchant, so every salesperson fawned.

  The owner, Mr. Pilgrim, converged on them. “My dear ladies, I’m delighted to see you.” He showed them to the tapestried chairs and seated the ladies in front of the glass cases. The owner sat behind the counter. “How may I assist?” asked the man.

  However, Samantha thought the man unimpressive. Not everyone could be a giant among men, but found she now compared all to the sober, somber, staid Duke of Ravensmere. Or better said, the handsome and stubborn Raven whom she’d like to get to know better, perhaps in many ways?

  Samantha listened with care to Lady Minerva, who said, “I wish to have the emerald necklace redesigned, Mr. Pilgrim. When my husband purchased it for me, it pleased me no end. Now I find I have other uses for the emeralds. I would like to take the largest emerald and have it made into a pendant for my niece, Samantha.”

  “Oh, Aunt, no,” she exclaimed. “I can’t allow this. This necklace is your treasure. How could I accept such a splendid gift?”

  Lady Minerva merely said, “Mr. Pilgrim, forgive my niece’s bad manners. Presents are meant to be given for the enjoyment of the giver also. I would like the pendant to drape from the neck, so it sits with dominance in the cleft of the breast. You still understand these things, don’t you?”

  Mr. Pilgrim flushed, but nodded.

  “Do you have something in your case that would allow me to see the length so I know how it will fit my niece?”

  The merchant found a necklace of the appropriate size, and placed it around Samantha’s neck. They looked at the mirror.

  “Yes, that is a good
length, do you agree, Mr. Pilgrim?”

  He nodded again.

  “The other two emeralds, the ones above the largest stone, are to be reconfigured as earrings.” Her hand clamped on her niece’s lap to restrain her. “The rest of the gems are to be arranged so they make a single circle around my neck. You may measure me now if you wish, but be careful not to upset my bonnet feathers.”

  Lady Minerva faced Samantha while she waited for Mr. Pilgrim to come to her. She smiled with nostalgia, and sighed. “I remember my youth,” she said to the bespectacled man.

  “Part of the joy, dear Samantha, is to see the look of wonderment on the recipient’s face. You know I have no daughters, and I’m not enamored of my daughters-in-law enough to bestow such a gift. That will be for my sons to give them. Allow me to present these to you with all my love.” She patted Samantha’s hand. “You know you spark up my life, and without you, I might still dodder around that old dower house.”

  She again faced the jeweler. “One thing more, Mr. Pilgrim, the pendant and earrings must be ready this Saturday for the Almack’s auction.

  The man blanched.

  “You may have them delivered to Lord Winston’s home where I now reside, along with your invoice. Do remember, Sir, I inspect invoices with great care.” Her voice remained imperial.

  The door to an inside chamber in the store opened. Raven and Lady Louise Buxton passed through. The two ladies turned in unison to face the duke. His face showed absolute surprise when his one eyebrow arched upward, and he took a noticeable deep breath.

  Lady Louise took Raven’s arm like a claimed racehorse, fingered her sapphire necklace with her petite hand and preened. The message was too obvious to Samantha, who experienced a jolt of reality. Worse yet, speechless and unable to withdraw her eyes from him, her silence spoke volumes. Samantha held the gaze of his eyes and was unable to look away. She frowned at him then placed her gloved finger to her eye, which glistened, and attempted to withhold tears.

  Lady Minerva maintained a cool and reserved air, which came from an experienced woman of the haute ton. Her head held high, she spoke in a polite matter-of-fact tone. “Your Grace, we meet again and so soon.” Her aunt nodded to Lady Buxton before Raven could say a word. “Come, Samantha, we must go now.”