One Night with a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  Silence thickened once again. God help him. Two women in the cartel? That would take arm wrestling with the others, but the idea now appealed to Raven.

  “Your Grace, now we must be off, but you may pursue it further if you so wish.” Lady Minerva sighted the Dowager Lady Margaret, she rushed toward her, clasped her hand and thanked her for her hospitality. “We shall meet again.”

  Raven reloaded the pistol and then handed it to Lady Minerva who placed it in her reticule. Raven went with the Winstons to see them depart and stood with his hands clasped behind his back as the carriage rolled off. He turned and returned to his study.

  The visit at Ravensmere completed, Samantha asked her aunt many questions about the pistol on the carriage ride home, which helped the time pass. Lady Minerva spoke at length, but did not impart too much information.

  “Aunt, I think you shocked all of them with that tale,” Samantha said.

  “It was not a tale, but a restatement of fact.” Her reticence was obvious. “However, there were some omissions, which are mine and mine alone to know.”

  “But how could my uncle allow such a gift to his wife? Would not that have been inappropriate?” asked Samantha.

  “Your uncle was a man who trusted his wife without reservation. He also enjoyed men, rich men, who fawned over me. He knew they could flirt and attempt to compromise. He enjoyed their admiration for me, and he accepted it as a compliment to his impeccable taste. You could say, I was his possession, but I possessed him with my fidelity.”

  Lady Minerva laughed. “That was great amusement. The demonstration of the gun went off well. I now hold the winning hand. Let us see if it gets us into the cartel, Samantha. The look on their faces was priceless.”

  “Aunt, you continue to amaze me. What have you not done in this world? I am so inexperienced compared to you,” she said.

  “Samantha, as with most issues, time and patience will often get you what you desire most. Your patience ebbs and flows,” she chided in a familial tone. “I have seen much and enjoyed my life, and I loved my husband with a passion. When he died, I grieved for a long time, but the pain did ease and my fond memories have been a comfort to me.”

  Lady Minerva said, “Now, my dears, I wish to close my eyes and rest. It brought back such pleasant memories, and I would like to savor them. Wake me up when we arrive.”

  The rhythm of the horses lulled Minerva to sleep.

  “Sweet dreams,” Samantha whispered. “I so envy you your wisdom and strength.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Winston House, London

  Days later, a servant brought a potted plant to the garden, and handed it to Samantha along with Raven’s note. Samantha opened the envelope.

  Dear Lady,

  It is my ardent hope you like this flower. The bulb came from India and my master gardener worked on the development of a new hybrid that will tolerate our English climate. We believe he has succeeded, and it will be entered in the National Flower Show. We have called it the Star Gazer, named after you. Let me know if you are pleased with it.

  As always,

  Raven

  “Place the container in the semi-shade until I determine whether it prefers sunlight or darkness.”

  She looked at the exotic bloom, freckled in brilliant colors of crimson and purple spots with dark edges. She couldn’t recall having seen such beauty. So now there was a flower named after her. Samantha Star Gazer sounded stilted. What next, she wondered.

  While Raven was in the library with her brother, she ascended the steps and closed her bedroom door. She thought to reply to him with a note also. With pen and paper in hand, she wrote:

  Your Grace,

  I hate you. Go away.

  Samantha Star Gazer

  She crunched up the note and wrote again.

  Your Grace,

  You should think of something more innovative. To name a flower after women you have pleasured is tawdry.

  Samantha

  That note wound up in the wastebasket also.

  There was a light tap on her door. Samantha opened it to the butler.

  “Lord Winston would like to know if you will join him in the drawing room.”

  “Is the duke still here?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  “Inform my brother I am indisposed.”

  The butler waited.

  “That is all.”

  She peered near the window to see if his carriage left, but it did not as yet. Aunt Min’s creaky door opened. Footsteps caught her attention as her aunt took to the steps. There was a conversation between Raven and her aunt that she couldn’t discern through a closed door so she cracked it open slightly to eavesdrop

  “Your Grace.” Lady Minerva bowed. “It is nice to see you again. Is Lady Margaret with you?”

  Raven shook his head. “With your permission, I’d like to bring her around next week. Would Wednesday be appropriate? There is a short session in Parliament, and I should be able to accompany her. Otherwise, I can arrange for her to meet with you. May we speak?”

  “Is it about the pistol?” she asked.

  “I’ve spoken to your nephew about the pistol and await return replies from my associates. I should have some answers next week. However, I wish to converse about Samantha.”

  “Then shall we retire to the garden? The sun is warm this time of day.”

  With utter charm, she ushered him in and spotted the exotic bloom. “Is this from you, Your Grace? It reminds me of flowers I saw in India.”

  Raven went into detail about the lily, its name, and that the name was in honor of Samantha. Lady Minerva smiled.

  “I now remember they are called Star Gazers because the blooms appear to stare at the sky. They like the sun, but want their feet planted in the earth.”

  She returned it to its place. “I digress, Your Grace. Samantha is infuriated about the words in your proposal.”

  His stern look held her eyes. Raven summoned his courage and asked the question closest to his heart. “Am I never to be forgiven? There must be something I can do. You lost the love of your life, and you managed to adjust. Wherever I turn, I see Samantha’s face and know how much I’ve lost.”

  Minerva interrupted, “Samantha also determined that your home still was a shrine to your late wife.”

  Raven exhaled. “Yes, perhaps that was my intention at the time. Samantha is willful and disrespectful. It vexes me, but what can I do? She is the woman I want, but I am also a prideful man. Will you assist me, my lady?”

  Lady Minerva listened with patience and asked, “You want my help to get her to accept your marriage proposal? Your faux pas was understandable. Samantha is young and impressionable. Do give her some time, perhaps a week or two. I will assist you in every way I can. I do believe she loves you, and I want to see her happy instead of miserable as she is now. You will have to court her, though. Perhaps next week I will arrange for us to ride in the park, and we could encounter you. There are times that absence does make someone’s presence valued. Please continue to call here. Also, do bring your aunt here often. We shall bombard Samantha and become allies in this endeavor, shall we not?”

  “I used to think I was a patient man, but have since discovered I am no longer the man I thought I was. It wouldn’t be permissible to force my attentions on her if she doesn’t wish them. My honor prevents me from another proposal of marriage if she were to refuse, again. It would be unthinkable as a gentleman. I will do as you suggest for a short time. Thank you and good day, my lady.”

  After Samantha was assured the carriage had moved on into the street, she came down the stairs and joined her aunt in the garden. “I suppose you’ve seen the Star Gazer, Aunt Min.”

  “It is most unusual, and quite a rare species. You should be flattered. Place it in the sun.”

  “I don’t need flowers named after me,” she blurted out and thought of the Duchess Rose.

  “I, for one, would have liked a bloom named after me rather than a pis
tol. It is much more romantic. Sit down with me, my dear. We have matters to discuss.”

  “I don’t want a lecture, Aunt Min. I will not see him. It still hurts.”

  “Of course it does, but the hurt will cease soon, and you’ll find that you want to see him. I will offer to be your intermediary and perhaps his aunt, too. Then at the appropriate time, you may wish to forgive him.”

  “Never, I will not see him or forgive him. I hate him.” She was tempted to take the bloom and destroy it.

  “Samantha, at some point, stop your prattle. There will be a checkmate. You’ll have to make a true decision. Do you want him or not? Everything you tell me leads me to believe that you do. His was a great love, and then it was lost. If you are wise, think of what you can do as his duchess. You could be the strength behind him.”

  “Aunt Min, I am unhappy and the most miserable creature in the universe.”

  Lady Minerva shook her head, “You have caused yourself a great deal of stress. Emotions can do that to us. I’d also like to say that when a man sends a woman flowers, or a plant, in this case, it is considered disrespectful not to write him a note of thanks. It can be brief, but it should not contain anger. Now run along and soften your words and your heart and send him a note.”

  Samantha listened to her aunt who took her niece’s hand and caressed it. “As a caution, curtail your anger. Men run from temperamental females. Show him the kind of wife he could have. Remember, we are just women, and we Winston ladies are unique. Don’t ever forget that.”

  As an afterthought, she added, “Samantha, sometimes a woman has to be soft and supple, flexible yet strong, much like steel. There is a time for everything.” She continued in a guarded tone, “You can accomplish much if you learn to control your temper. Raven is a good man with much on his mind. Intrigues beset him that we can’t imagine. You don’t want to add to those problems. Instead, become his shelter in a storm.”

  Her eyes met Samantha’s. “Why not add to his goals…and yours. It would be a true partnership. If there is love to boot, you will have all you seek. Think on this, my dear. No more silliness.” She arose and went to cut a flower.

  Her aunt went on to say that she heard gossip within the ton of some of the matriarchs who had set their eyes on Raven for their daughters since the word passed around he dismissed his mistress. “It will be a full blown attack to see who will land him. The word is out you’ve refused his offer. He’s vulnerable and susceptible, and you have hurt his ego. I need you to be aware of this inevitable fact. These other women will be sweeter than sugared fruit—enough to gag you.”

  Samantha frowned.

  ****

  Duke of Ravensmere’s Country Estate

  Raven pieced the puzzle together from the mound of investigative reports that were strewn across his desk. He still needed to fathom the real motive for such nefarious dealings. The Russian Prince was an obvious part of the scheme, and his mistress fed the information to someone but was it with the Prince’s knowledge and approval? What Raven needed was absolute proof that Prince Nicholas was not in on the plot against him. Their friendship went back many years, and to have an old friend betray was offensive, but he knew money could corrupt and influence. Next, he would find out if the Prince Regent knew anything about the plot to block the cartel application and whether he sanctioned it. Both loved England, even though sometimes on opposite party sides. Raven thought the Prince Regent, the future King of England, to be a friend. A friend in need most of the time, but a friend he respected.

  Raven visited the boathouse as he did most nights for the past many years where the peace and serenity gave him solace. Now, after Samantha, this solitary place gave him pleasurable memories of their first liaison and their passion for each other. However, after the fiasco of the second evening, he was reminded of how much he could lose. Raven concluded he would have to tell Samantha about his deathbed promise and needed much for her to understand his motives. Above all, he was an honorable man. He could not continue the fight against himself and further deny his need for her.

  One night while he visited the boathouse, he came across the book of Keat’s poems Samantha gave him as a gift. He found a note addressed to him. She wrote,

  Dearest Raven,

  I dream of the future and these dreams include you. Rarely am I at a loss for words, as you know. I am now because I cannot envision a life without you. What I feel for you is so strong that the emotion possesses me day and night. I love your honor, your truth, and your valor. I even like your charming arrogance. And at times, I adore your absolute nobility. Other times, I don’t. Was it not said love and hate are on opposite ends of the same candle? You have a quiet magnetism like all Aquarians. And because of your integrity, you always keep your promises.

  I intend to seduce you tonight, and this perhaps shocks you, but for reasons I’ll explain later, you are the only man I care to be with now and forever. Of course, I don’t intend for you to read this before the seduction, but afterward, perhaps it will explain my actions. Forgive my inability to tell you about my virginal status, otherwise, you might not be tempted since you are indeed too honorable.

  Fondly,

  Your Samantha

  Damnation. Raven placed the note back into the book. The mirrored lake glistened and rippled to jog the memory of their glorious night where they made love for the first time. Did he ever have a choice, or did she lead him where he longed to follow? It became a monumental jest, and he laughed out loud.

  Loneliness enveloped him because his love for Samantha grew even stronger. He never wanted to hurt her. But he made a promise—a deathbed promise to his late wife, and tried hard to honor the vow. He spoke to the darkness. “What good is honor when your loins ache, and your mind is tortured by the truth? I would give anything to have Samantha in my arms right now.”

  Patience was not one of his best virtues. Engrossed, he walked back to the manor house, his riding crop tipped his black tasseled Hessian boots, sat in the garden, smelled the fragrance of the roses which mingled with the Star Gazers. Everywhere he now turned there was a reminder of Samantha. What if she didn’t want to marry him?

  Chapter Forty-Six

  London

  A total of seven weeks had elapsed since the fateful evening of Raven’s proposal to Samantha. Raven met Samantha and her family in the park and even once they enjoyed tea at a residence of one of the matrons. Raven, of course, also received an invitation. Other chance meetings occurred where he was invited to join the Winston party and he was somewhat encouraged as this was the first instance.

  Raven visited the Winston School for Ladies with Prince Nicholas, and both made generous contributions. He and the Prince met several of the ladies at the school and spent a few hours in discussion about the future of these girls. The duke now had a complete comprehension of why Samantha espoused such a cause and was determined to assist her however he could.

  Raven continued to call at Winston House every Friday like clockwork, and he made progress, but not enough as far as he was concerned, and he grew impatient.

  Raven awaited an appointment with the Prince Regent, which didn’t happen in quick order. The approval of the charter application of the cartel was at a standstill. He ran out of patience on all fronts.

  At times he had a premonition someone followed him, but every time he turned around, no one was in sight. Trusting his instincts, Raven arranged to have his footmen accompany him to all the places he went except for his visits at the Winston’s. He did not want Samantha to be fearful so the footmen would wait in the coach.

  Samantha concluded he had suffered enough and soon, she would invite him to dinner and receive his calls. She just wished nausea would not reoccur. That is when it occurred to her that she’d missed her courses for two months. Could she be with child?

  At first, the thought frightened her. Her mind conjured all kinds of situations and explanations. When she counted the days, the undeniable fact was that she carried a child within
her womb.

  Should she tell him? Her thoughts bombarded her with shock waves. How would she manage to tell her brother? Goodness, what would she do when the ton heard about her being in a family way? The world did not stop spinning, but the start of a new life was a major consequence. She’d have to speak with Aunt Min.

  Raven would want to do the right thing and marry her, but this in and of itself was not a good enough reason for marriage. It would be a grievous wrong not to tell him about their child.

  She placed her hand over her stomach. “Don’t worry, little one. Your mama will protect you and make things right.” She found she liked the way the word Mama slid off her lips. She added, “And so will your Papa.”

  She swore she heard an angel sing. Samantha remembered her mother’s voice.

  I know you have guarded over me, Mama. Now I am to be a mother, too. I will need guidance. Please watch over the babe and me. I have missed you so much.

  ****

  On this particular Friday, Raven made his usual call to Winston House. To his surprise, the butler showed him into the drawing room where they could be private. He entered the smaller room to a smiling welcome from Samantha. “How are the Star Gazers, Your Grace?”

  “They fare well indeed. You’ll have to come and see the exotic blooms for yourself. We have high hopes for a prize winner.”

  She motioned for him to sit opposite her. “Please sit so we can chat in private.”

  He did.

  “Perhaps I could attend the National Flower Show with you, Raven?”

  He gave her a mighty grin. “I shall expect you to and will make suitable arrangements.” He crossed one leg over the other. His body and mind relaxed and he was elated to be here with her alone. However, he still remained cautious about his lovely chameleon.

  “I’ve missed talking to you, Raven. I was unwell for a while, but the malady has passed.”

  “Why wasn’t I told?” His concern was evident.

  “I didn’t want to worry you. Tell me about Parliament, about the cartel, and about any other circumstances. I’m anxious to know.”