The Duke's Ward (The Reluctant Duke Book 1)

by Fenella J Miller

  Chapter Twelve

  Richard had been dreading this question. How was he to explain to her the reason for his mercurial behaviour without revealing his true feelings? Then his world righted. Had it not been she who had said he could be saddled with her? She must believe it would be possible for them to marry. He would tread carefully – not alarm her – she was an innocent and he'd no wish to make her feel obligated to accept his offer because of his behaviour.

  'It was your derogatory comment about yourself that brought me back. It would be an honour for myself or any other gentleman to have you as their bride. You're a lovely young lady in every respect and your limp is scarcely noticeable...'

  Her smile faded. Before he could prevent it, she leaned down and pulled up her skirts revealing the true extent of her injury.

  'See, my limp might be almost imperceptible but the scar on my leg is quite hideous.'

  He wasn't sure if he should be shocked by her improper behaviour or concerned that she obviously thought of him as an older brother, and not a potential husband, or she wouldn't have shown her bare leg to him.

  His instinct to protect overcame his scruples and he knelt beside her and put her leg on his thigh. He ran his fingers from just above the knee to her ankle, tracing the line of the scar. He wanted to kiss every inch of it, but more dangerously he wanted to pull her down onto his lap and make love to her. Why hadn't she put on stockings and shoes before coming down?

  He replaced her foot and flicked down her skirts before standing.

  'It's not pretty, but not as bad as you think. If I was considering you as a bride it certainly wouldn't put me off.' He turned and flicked his coat over his embarrassment and fussed with the coffee pot until it was safe to resume his seat.

  'Anyway, Richard, now I come to think of it by the time any husband saw how bad it was it would be too late to recant as we would be married.'

  Her words were like a hammer blow to his heart. He was about to say something that would reveal his intentions but she spoke again.

  'The question is academic as I've no intention of marrying anyone. My parents were supposedly well-matched but barely spoke and certainly slept in separate chambers for as long as I can remember. I intend to remain at home and take care of my sister and be a devoted aunt to any children that Sarah might have.'

  'And a perfectly splendid aunt you will make. Forgive me for saying so, my dear, but might I respectfully suggest that you refrain from showing your naked limbs to any other gentleman?' He'd expected her to be flustered by his drawing attention to her immodest actions but instead she smiled widely.

  'You're a nincompoop, cousin, to think I'd show anyone else but you. I consider you as my older brother as you very well know. Which brings us to the other thing that we're both tiptoeing around.'

  'The fact that I kissed you? Or that you suggested I might be forced to offer for you after visiting you in your bedchamber?'

  'Yes, both of those are pertinent. There appears to be a blurring of lines between us. I've thought about it carefully and decided I prefer to think of you in the role of sibling rather than potential suitor. Therefore, although I did enjoy being kissed by you, it would be most improper for it to happen again. Siblings absolutely don't exchange that sort of kiss.'

  'I'm mortally offended that you don't consider I'd make you a suitable husband.' He clutched his chest in a parody of a broken-hearted lover and, as he'd hoped, she laughed at his tomfoolery. 'I'll remain forever a bachelor nursing my wounded pride.'

  'You'll do no such thing, Richard. I told you that I intend to find you someone you can be comfortable with whilst we're here. Unfortunately, I missed my first opportunity by dashing off in that ridiculous fashion.'

  'Then I'll make it my business to find you someone that you would be happy with. It's hardly fair for you to have all the fun.'

  'I accept the challenge. We'll reconvene tomorrow morning and present each other with a list of requirements so there can be no confusion as to the sort of person we're looking for.'

  'I think that first we must both eat humble pie with your mama. I doubt that she'll be happy about our nonappearance.'

  'Does she have to know what actually happened?'

  'She already does know that you went out on your horse so that bird has flown.'

  'I'm too fatigued to think of anything right now. You're always telling us that you were an officer, a military gentleman, surely it's for you to come up with a solution, not for an unworldly young lady such as myself?'

  'Go to bed, you unprincipled baggage, I can see you intend to run me ragged before we return to the safety of our country estate.'

  Despite her infirmity she moved with grace – in fact, everything about her was perfect. She paused at the door and her smile made her look even more beautiful in his opinion.

  'I love it that you refer to Denchester Hall as ours, rather than yours. I've decided that when the new building's complete I'd like to move in there with you.'

  'I can assure you, my dear girl, that I always intended that you should.'

  He drained the last of the coffee and sank most of the decanter before following her example. He wasn't quite sure how he felt. He was in love for the first time in his life and that was something to be joyful about. However, persuading his darling girl that he wasn't her brother, but a potential lover, was going to be difficult.

  More pressing was what excuse he could present to the duchess in the morning that wouldn't exacerbate matters. Amanda was correct to suggest he should be able to do this but lately he hadn't been able to marshal his thoughts as he had in the army. Was he becoming soft after so short a time as a civilian?

  *

  Amanda woke early eager to get on with the business of writing her list of requirements to give to Richard. She intended to make it both comprehensive and impossible to fulfil. She sat at her escritoire and compiled the list. The more she wrote the more she warmed to the task.

  Two yards tall in stockinged feet.

  Broad-shouldered and athletic build.

  No more than thirty years of age.

  Clean-shaven.

  Abundant hair on head - colour immaterial.

  Colour of eyes unimportant but must be set apart and not small.

  Regular features.

  Full set of undamaged teeth.

  An earl at the least.

  Not been married before.

  Intelligent and with a good sense of humour.

  No interest in blood sports, gambling or heavy drinking.

  No interfering mother.

  Prefers to live in the countryside.

  Does not require me to gallivant all over the country with him visiting relatives and friends.

  An interest in breeding horses and dogs.

  An excellent landlord to his tenants and a good employer to his staff.

  She read it through and was laughing by the end. If such a paragon existed the likelihood of him being found was almost nil.

  Mary came in with her chocolate but she waved it aside. 'Find me something pretty to wear, please, preferably a new gown.'

  The girl appeared with three and laid them across the end of the bed. 'The daffodil yellow, with the golden sash is very attractive, my lady. Or the duck-egg blue with the turquoise beading.' She picked up the third. 'Perhaps you would prefer the green sprig muslin with the emerald sash and embroidery?'

  'The sprig muslin, Mary. I also wish to have my hair dressed more elaborately, but I'm in a desperate hurry as I'm to meet his grace in the library at eight o'clock and I do so wish to have my breakfast first.'

  'I've been practising a new style, my lady, and I think it would take less time than your usual coronet.'

  Her hair was put up in an attractive coil at the back of her head leaving curls escaping on either side of her face. Normally she had it plaited and pinned tightly around her head – this really was a great improvement.

  The gown was equally fetching; her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flus
hed with excitement. One might almost think one was attractive when dressed in such an ensemble.

  'Here you are, my lady, just the matching slippers and reticule. If you intend to go walking there are boots, bonnet and spencer made to complement this gown.'

  'Thank you, Mary, you have worked a miracle today.'

  The tall-case clock that stood proudly against the wall of the entrance hall struck eight as she dashed past. Her mother never rose before midday but her sister was often down early. Richard had usually broken his fast and gone about his business before either of them arrived. She hoped this was the case this morning.

  The breakfast room was empty but the usual tempting array of dishes stood in their silver lidded dishes on the sideboard. The footman was waiting to offer his assistance if needed. He knew that she preferred coffee and Mama and Sarah took tea.

  With a piled plate she headed for the table, the list for Richard burning a hole in her pocket. 'Has his grace eaten yet?'

  'No, not this morning, my lady.'

  She poured herself some of the dark, aromatic brew she loved and proceeded to demolish her substantial breakfast. She was fortunate indeed that whatever she ate she remained slender – but today she was wearing a gown that showed off her feminine curves to perfection. She wanted him to know that despite her lack of substance she was every inch a woman grown.

  The only reason she wished him to know this, of course, was so that he could be sure she wouldn't disappoint her mythical future husband.

  Her empty plate had vanished and been replaced by a fresh one on which she had two slices of toast and marmalade when he sauntered in looking immaculate in his dark blue topcoat, grey silk waistcoat and snowy cravat.

  'Good morning, Amanda, might I be permitted to compliment you on your appearance? I'm not exactly sure whether a sibling would even notice what his sister was wearing. I'm not blind to the fact that you're wearing a new ensemble and it behoves me to acknowledge this fact.'

  She stood up and slowly turned around so he could get an uninterrupted view of her splendid ensemble. 'I put this on especially so you would know exactly how to describe me to my possible suitors.'

  This was the perfect time to hand him her list. 'There you are, these are my exact requirements and nothing else will do.' She held her hand out imperiously and he placed a similar item on her palm.

  'And these are mine. I thought you might like to know that I decided as I'm the Duke of Denchester I've no need to explain anything to your mother or anyone else about last night. I shall just apologise politely for being absent.'

  She resumed her seat and he joined her once he had selected his breakfast. A fresh pot of coffee appeared without being requested. Should she look at his list when he was present or wait until she was alone? Whatever he did, she would do the same.

  He put her list on the table beside his plate but made no attempt to open it. She fidgeted and then unable to contain her impatience stood up abruptly. 'I intend to go shopping in Bond Street later, do I have your permission to do so?'

  His laden fork was poised in front of his mouth and with a sigh of resignation he replaced it on his plate. 'I think, my dear girl, that what you should have said is this. "Do I have your permission to go to Bond Street as I would dearly like to do so?" Not tell me that you are going to do and then belatedly ask if you're allowed to do so.'

  'Semantics, my dear Richard, and well you know it. As you so rightly pointed out the other day, I'll be one and twenty in three months and can then do exactly as I please.'

  'I think you will find that until you're married you remain my responsibility. Do you wish to have a grand ball to celebrate your anniversary?'

  'Absolutely not. Even if I wanted to, it would be impossible as the Dower House can only accommodate fifty people at the most and the Hall will be in ruins by then.'

  *

  'Then we shall have marquees in the grounds. I insist that we invite the entire neighbourhood and make it a double celebration. I've yet to meet my neighbours or many of my tenants and those that reside in my villages. We can have a garden party in the afternoon and invite staff and similar folk in the evening for a ball for your name day.' He sincerely hoped it would be their nuptials they would be celebrating as well as her anniversary.

  'As you please, your grace, after all I am entirely under your control. When I'm five and thirty you might have tired of dictating how I live my life – at least I hope so.'

  He hid his smile in his napkin. By the time she was that age they would have been married for years and hopefully have a nursery full of children who looked exactly like her. She might not realise it, but he was her perfect man and he was damned if any nonsense about etiquette would come between him and the woman he was besotted with. As his wife she would still be legally his to command, but he would never rein in her wild spirit or her energy for life.

  'There's no necessity for me to answer that question as by then you will be happily married and surrounded by children and a devoted husband.'

  'Of course, as will you. How happy we both shall be living in our separate establishments and no longer associating in this irritating fashion every moment of the day.'

  She dropped her napkin on her empty plate. Her smile was somewhat forced, but he nodded as if he hadn't noticed. 'I'll peruse your list when I get a moment. If I remember correctly, we remain at home this evening so I'll dine at my club.'

  As soon as she'd left the room he opened the list and scanned the contents. By the end he was laughing openly. She might not realise it but he fitted every one of those requirements perfectly. Would she recognise herself in his list?

  He was damned if he was going to kick his heels all morning awaiting the arrival of the duchess – although he'd better not offend her as she would, if he had his way, be his mother-in-law by the end of the summer. He didn't doubt for one minute that eventually Amanda would recognise she loved him as much as he loved her and put aside her qualms.

  If she didn't do it willingly then he would contrive to so thoroughly compromise her she had no option but to concur. When they were safely married she would soon understand this was how things were meant to be.

  He quickly scribbled a note of apology to the duchess and left it with the butler.

  O'Riley knocked on the library door and he bid him enter. 'What can I do for you this morning?'

  'Well, your grace, it's a touch sensitive. I attended the party last night as you instructed and kept an eye on Lady Sarah.'

  'Did something happen? Should I be concerned?'

  'Not about the young lady, your grace, it's the duchess. She spent every moment playing cards and by my reckoning lost several hundred pounds. She's a hardened gambler.'

  'God's teeth! Then who was taking care of the girl?'

  'Nothing to worry about on that score, your grace, Miss Westley never left her side. Lady Sarah behaved perfectly and didn't dance with any gentleman more than once. She was properly introduced by the hostess so I reckon all of them were acceptable.'

  'Did she seem partial to any of those she partnered?'

  'No, your grace, she just enjoyed the dancing and the company.'

  Richard gestured that Patrick take a seat. 'This business with the duchess is more serious. She insists on playing cards after dinner if I'm present which is one reason why I absent myself as often as possible.'

  'She was playing with other ladies, no gentleman at their table. Those seated with her changed several times, apart from two of them who had attended this event solely to gamble. They'd not come to dance, socialise or anything else. I regret to tell you that her grace was one of these.'

  'And the other woman? Was she the one who gained from her grace's losses?'

  'Not entirely, although she took a goodly amount; two others, who didn't stay the entire evening, also took a share of the winnings.'

  'I need you to attend every event in future as well as Miss Westley. You must discover who her grace gambles with and then investigate their proven
ance. It's perfectly possible that the duchess was dealt a series of bad hands and that is why she lost so heavily. She is certainly a lady who likes the thrill of risking her money. God knows, she has plenty of it to lose.'

  'Are you considering that there might be more to this? That the ladies who won have set out to fleece her?'

  'I'm probably overcautious – but I've seen it happen. I've played often enough with the duchess to know that she's sharp-witted and an excellent card player. I imagine that it's unusual for her to lose so heavily.'

  They sat in silence for a moment both cogitating this disturbing news. 'Perhaps I'm worrying unnecessarily. In my experience if someone was cheating in order to win they would allow the person they'd targeted to win the first time they met. The fact that she lost is reassuring in some perverse way and indicates that this is probably perfectly innocent.'

  'I reckon it's worth keeping an eye on, nevertheless, your grace.'

  'Absolutely. Was there anything else?' His man shook his head as he got to his feet. 'Then, my friend, you're free for the rest of the day. Just make sure I know where you are in case I need you.'

  He recovered his note to the duchess and decided he would speak to her in person. Not to apologise, but to warn her about her card playing.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Beth pleaded to be allowed to accompany Amanda and Sarah on their shopping expedition. 'Please, please, take me. I promise I'll be a good girl; I won't make a fuss, I'll walk quietly and pretend I'm a grown-up person.'

  Miss Westley overheard this request. 'I'm not required by her grace until midday, my lady, so I'd be happy to accompany you and walk with Lady Elizabeth.'

  'That would be splendid, if you're quite sure. Beth's always on her best behaviour with anyone else.' Amanda turned to her younger sister who was skipping from foot to foot in excitement. 'You must go upstairs quietly and ask Nanny to get you ready. Be down here in one quarter of an hour. Can you do that, Beth?'