Forbidden Duke (Princes of Avce Book 4)

by Victoria Pinder

  Donna opened one of the guest bedrooms and showed her friend inside while her entire body heated and she hid her face. “Umm…”

  Beth laughed and walked over to her bags that were neatly stacked near the closet and wooden bureau. “I can tell from your blush that he’s better than Harry in every way. Never marry a man who doesn’t satisfy you.”

  Donna gazed up and nodded. Beth had said that many times and she slowly felt her body heat decompress. “I understand your advice, now.”

  Beth gave her another hug. “Good. Let me take a five minute shower and change my clothes. Breakfast sounds great and I’ll meet you downstairs—I can find my way.”

  “If you aren’t there in fifteen minutes I will come get you.” Donna nodded as she retreated and headed toward the door.

  She floated down the stairs, at peace at last. She had no idea that saying yes could be this easy. As she made it to the first floor and a reading nook tucked by the stairs, Blackwell jumped up from a chair with a book in hand. “So, did I pass initial inspection or do I have to work harder?”

  She walked to his side and checked out the sailing autobiography he’d been reading. “She likes you so far. She knows I love you.”

  His shoulders showed his relief. “Good. I hope going to Remington’s this afternoon is okay. I wasn’t expecting that call.”

  A sickbed wasn’t something anyone could plan ahead. She shrugged. “Of course. If we can straighten everything out in person with Chelsea, that would be good too. But the most important thing is to be there for your friend and his grandmother.”

  He kissed her cheek and offered his arm. “Like you, he was raised by his grandmother, only his parents died when he was a baby.”

  “That’s horrible.” She took it and they went through the grand room to the terrace. This room had clearly held formal balls less than a century ago and the essence of ghosts who wanted to dance, drink or laugh remained. Perhaps they could have their wedding here? “I’m glad I have memories of my parents. At Christmas, the living room was full of presents that they must have bought throughout the year. My grandmother loved me, and I loved her. She tried but the holidays were when I missed them the most.”

  He guided her to the terrace where they could gaze at the green grass that glistened with dew in the morning sunlight. She let go of Blackwell and went to the tea service as Beth joined them. “Donna, Blackwell, nice to see you again.”

  “You have the best sense of direction, Beth.” Donna poured hot water over a bag of Earl Grey.

  Blackwell waited behind seats he’d pulled back from the table for them. “You must be hungry. Let’s get you breakfast.” Beth took the offered chair and Donna brought her a cup of tea.

  “Thank you,” Beth said.

  Donna sat opposite Beth, and Blackwell waited for them both to fully be comfortable before he took his seat next to her. “This evening we’ll go to the last night of celebration for the royal wedding. There will be dancing and a feast to cap off the week of festivities. My mother will ensure we’re properly outfitted as I think there is a theme.”

  Beth shielded her eyes as she gestured with her tea cup. “Is that your mother coming across the lawn?”

  “Yes.” Blackwell jumped out of his seat, poured his mother tea, and held it for her as she walked up the short terrace steps. He waited for her and said, “Mother, glad you could join us. This is Beth Conners.”

  “Nice to meet you.” His mother then pushed a white handkerchief with a twinkling emerald set in gold toward her son. “Lady Sky lent me this broach. Please bring it back today when you head over, Blackwell. This will belong to the new Lady Sky when Remington marries.”

  Soon, she’d meet Blackwell’s friends. She knew almost nothing about his life. Donna buttered her toast and asked, “How old is Remington?”

  Blackwell deposited his napkin on his lap and added milk to his coffee. “Older than me by a month. He has thirty days left to find a bride so he’ll probably be happy Chelsea is available.”

  Trading a potential bride sounded old-fashioned. Donna’s heart sped faster as she lifted her chin. “Well, I hope that’s up to her. I wouldn’t want to marry anyone I didn’t choose.”

  Blackwell leaned forward and brushed his hand against hers. “Of course. We’re not barbarians here. Let’s enjoy the morning.”

  Beth stirred her tea and stared out at the trees and the garden. She turned around and nodded, “Your house is gorgeous, Your Grace.”

  Blackwell added a blueberry muffin to his plate. “Call me Blackwell. Donna considers you family and I’d like to do the same.”

  Good. Nothing could go wrong. They could have a simple ceremony once Blackwell took care of the paperwork, and Donna wished she could happily disappear on his estate, never to worry about anything the rest of her life. However, she knew she’d study hard and absorb his mother’s teaching on how to be a duchess. Her life would be better if she gained confidence that she might be a real lady, and this was the better plan. Either way, she’d get to be with Blackwell and that should be all that mattered.

  16

  Blackwell opened Donna’s car door after they’d parked in front of another estate that might double as a palace. The black gates with gold trim showed a well-cared for garden with flowers tastefully lining the drive that gave this home pops of color that Blackwell’s didn’t have. Her entire condo building wasn’t as big as this house.

  Blackwell placed his hand on her lower back and guided her up the marble steps to the huge double doors. He knocked and a well-dressed, nice-looking dark-haired man her age opened the door. She held Blackwell’s arm until the man reached out and shook his hand. “Blackwell, I’m glad you could come.”

  Blackwell then introduced her. “This is Donna Smith. Donna this is Lord Sky, Remington Burke. Remington, Donna’s agreed to marry me.”

  Remington had a slighter build than Blackwell and a face that would fit in any Hollywood film. He shook her hand. “That is wonderful news. Please call me Remington. It’s nice to meet you, though I am sorry about the timing.”

  He led them both inside. As he closed the door, Remington told Blackwell, “I’m glad you’re here. My grandmother wants to see you. She’s in the morning sun room, where she has a view of her roses.”

  Blackwell turned and held both of her hands. “Will you be okay?”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Go and don’t forget the broach.”

  “Thanks.” Blackwell kissed her fast and walked down the hall.

  Once Blackwell disappeared from sight, Remington waved for her to follow him. “Come this way, Donna. The servants have set up tea if you’d like.”

  She walked into a blue room with floor to ceiling windows and saw tea and small cakes set against the wall on a wooden buffet. She smiled and said, “Thanks.”

  “I’ll be back in a moment.” Remington bowed. “Make yourself comfortable.”

  The gorgeous man could be in movies, but he seemed reserved and sad over his grandmother. Her heart understood what that was like so she nodded and didn’t keep him with small talk. Donna could see the front door from the blue room threshold, but made her way inside to check out the small cakes. The vanilla smelled delicious.

  She reached for a napkin, but then heard the side door open and close and forgot about the cake. A woman with long brown frizzy hair and uneven bangs over her glasses waited by a window. She offered to shake her hand. “Hi, I’m Donna Smith.”

  The woman barely acknowledged Donna but stayed close to the side door and looked at the main entrance as if she feared being trapped. “Is Remington gone?”

  Donna stood straighter. Did the woman have a connection to Remington? “I think so. He went to see his grandmother. Who are you?”

  The woman then offered to shake her hand and Donna accepted. “Cassidy Bright, technically Lady Cassidy.” She made a face as if she found her title ridiculous. “I’m trying to get in to see Lady Sky withou
t running into Remington.”

  Donna’s brow furrowed as she stared at the slightly frizzy-haired woman with thick glasses. Bright? As in, related to Chelsea? “Why? He seems pleasant enough.”

  She made a pfft sound as she shook her head like Donna had no idea about anything. “Let’s just say that Remington and I don’t get along, though his grandmother more than makes up for his bad manners. How are things with you and His Grace, the Duke of Oakley?”

  The woman’s gaze grew intense, as if she cared. Donna stepped backwards. “Blackwell and I are engaged.”

  She gave her a thumbs up like she was part of a conspiracy. “I told my sister not to bother going to the estate yesterday as Oberlin had met someone else. She hoped to prove me wrong.”

  Sister? Yesterday, Chelsea Bright had been perfect in her matching peach and pearls. She blinked at the woman wearing baggy clothes that hid her figure, and all of that wild brown frizzy hair. Donna surmised, “Chelsea is your sister.”

  Cassidy nodded and pushed some of the mop of hair she had behind her ear. “My little sister, yes. She’s taken her place in society and intends to marry well.” Then she scrunched her nose as if she could smell something awful. “Guess this means she’ll accept Remington’s offer and they’ll both be insufferable—together.”

  Footsteps echoed from the hall and they glanced over to see Remington returning. Cassidy backed into the side door as if ready to escape. “Oh, here comes Remington. Can you distract him while I slip past him in the hall so I can go say goodbye to Gigi? I owe her more than a few hugs.”

  None of this made sense, but the whirlwind of Cassidy already had one foot through the door. Donna nodded. “Okay. I’ll try, but Blackwell is probably still with his grandmother.”

  Cassidy made a dismissive wave as she closed the door. “He can be there. I’m just avoiding Remy.”

  Remy? “Interesting.” Donna turned around and picked up a tea cup so she had something to do with her hands. Remington walked into the blue room as Cassidy slipped out into the hallway behind him. “Mr. Burke,” Donna asked, “I was wondering if Miss Chelsea Bright will be in attendance today.”

  “Remington is fine.” He poured a cup of tea for himself and seemed amicable despite the mess of his life. “I hope she does come over. It will be good for her to know Blackwell is off the market, though my grandmother might not approve if I asked her.”

  Cassidy made a choking gesture and rolled her eyes behind him then darted out of sight. Donna tried not to laugh, but instead asked, “Any particular reason?”

  The door to the next room opened and closed. A second later, Blackwell came into view. She’d have to ask him about Cassidy and Remington’s history.

  Remington turned around and stood taller then placed the tea he’d poured on a tray. “No, I see Blackwell is returning. Please excuse me while I go check on my grandmother. I’ll be right back.” He left down the hall.

  Umm. Now that wasn’t Donna’s fault if he saw Cassidy in there with his grandmother, was it? Donna sipped her tea and went to stand beside her fiancé the moment he came in. “Blackwell, did Lady Cassidy make it into the room?”

  He nodded and kissed her cheek. “It’s why I left, to give them both a few minutes. They wanted to talk and it was clear I wasn’t wanted in that moment.”

  “Cassidy!” Remington’s voice shouted.

  Donna tugged her ear. There was more going on here than she knew and her face heated. “So, Remington caught her. I think we should leave.”

  The front door opened and Chelsea entered the mansion, looking sophisticated in an all-black shirt tucked into her knee length skirt. Blackwell massaged her lower back. “Wait, Chelsea is here. Give me a few minutes alone with her?”

  If Blackwell was completely free by the time she finished her tea, she’d be thrilled. She gave him a demure smile. “Sure. I’ll wait here.”

  “You can’t be serious!” Cassidy’s voice carried from the room with the dying woman.

  Donna stayed where she was but she saw Remington and Cassidy storm out into the hall arguing and using hand gestures like they were making dramatic points.

  They went into the room across from his grandmother and slammed the door.

  Donna told Blackwell, “Oh dear, it doesn’t sound like Remington is happy.”

  He shrugged and walked toward the front door and the newest guest. “It’s the law. Give me five minutes with Chelsea and then come in and get me. We’ll be in the sitting room across from the front door.”

  “Good luck.” She blew him a kiss.

  The house was quiet while she sipped her tea. Today she’d have faith that Blackwell meant every word and that she was his first choice. She stared at the clock and saw thirty seconds past. Blackwell said five minutes but surely they’d had enough time. She put her empty cup down so she could say she’d finished and headed to the door, taking strength from the depth of her love for Blackwell.

  However Remington and Cassidy came out of the other room and walked toward her. “Lady Cassidy, Lord Sky, are you all right?”

  Remington’s body straightened. “It’s nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

  While this wasn’t her family, her grandmother would have been sad if she fought with someone near her deathbed. So Donna took a deep breath and said, “Seriously, it’s okay if you walk away from one another as you both love your grandmother. For now, can you try to get along or at least ignore each other?”

  Remington stared at Cassidy with so much ice that Donna felt the chill. “It’s not that easy. My grandmother believes that Lady Cassidy should be my wife and she made it her dying wish.”

  Donna stepped back with apprehension. Her grandmother would never have asked such a thing and truthfully hadn’t approved of Harry all that much. At least in America, she’d had her own self to blame for her bad choices and not a family deathbed wish. She couldn’t imagine marrying someone unsuitable and then having to thank her grandmother.

  Cassidy ran her hands through her hair again, pushing the thick mane behind her. Her glasses seemed large on her pale face. “Look, I love Gigi and want her peace more than anything else, but Remy, we both know you and I are a bad idea.”

  His shoulders were tight as he said, “I know my grandmother wants us and I must marry.” Defeated, he added, “Cassidy, I’m speaking to your father about this.”

  Cassidy massaged her temples as Remington walked down the hall and back into his grandmother’s room.

  Her face turned ghost white and Donna felt a knot in her own stomach for the woman she hardly knew. She quickly changed the subject. “Blackwell is taking a long time with Chelsea.”

  Cassidy covered her lips and her eyes rounded behind the lenses. “They’re alone? That’s a bad idea. My sister isn’t that mature.”

  Donna headed toward the sitting room near the front door with Cassidy on her heels. “Yes, Blackwell wanted to break the contract. So he wanted to tell her first before meeting with her father today. I’m going in.”

  Cassidy scowled and Donna walked into the sitting room to fetch her fiancé.

  Her heart froze and stopped beating.

  Chelsea, shirtless, in a black lace bra, was flush against Blackwell on the couch.

  She’d discovered Harry cheating in the living room, on his couch. This couldn’t happen to her twice. She fisted her hand and shouted, “Blackwell!”

  He pushed Chelsea off him. “Donna, it’s not what you think.”

  Harry had said almost the same thing once. She felt as if she was shrinking with shame as she pointed to him. “Seriously! Her shirt is missing. It’s exactly what I think.”

  “No. It’s not.” Blackwell came toward her.

  Yeah right. Donna slammed the door and ran out the front and down the steps. Cassidy was behind the wheel of an older brown car but Donna leapt before the bumper. “Lady Cassidy, can I get a ride?”

  She nodded, her hair wild, and Donna jumped into the passenger seat as Cassidy said, “Sure, t
hough I think you’re making a mistake. My sister wanted to be a duchess, bad.”

  “Well she can have him. I don’t marry cheaters.” Donna’s entire body began to tremble. So much for her happy ever after. She should have known better than to believe in that nonsense.

  17

  Blackwell stared at the wreck of a car that drove off the estate with Donna inside. His heart nearly stopped. The past five minutes replayed like a horrible nightmare. The worst part was realizing that Donna had left without listening to his explanation.

  His gut knotted. They’d talked about trust and now he’d have to spend his life making up for another man’s mistakes—if they went through with the ceremony.

  He went back inside the house and saw Chelsea tucking in her shirt. His entire body felt cold as he said, “Chelsea, I’ll be speaking to your father about this stunt.”

  Her lips pouted and she seemed like she was a toddler instead of an adult. “He won’t believe you.”

  The last person he could ever marry was Chelsea—the woman was devious and calculating. Remington left his grandmother’s sick room and walked toward them in the sitting room—the door was wide open.

  Blackwell lifted his chin, looking at Remington while talking to Chelsea. “He’s not getting a dime more from me. Now, I have to go.”

  Remington tapped him on the back. “Lord Bright is coming over to see my grandmother now. It would be best if we could clear up any and all business as a group, Blackwell.”

  Tingles went down his spine, but Remington was right. It was best to wash his hands of this and move on. With luck, Donna would realize that she’d reacted and made a mistake and wait for him at Woodbridge Hall. “Are you going to ask for Chelsea now?”

  He couldn’t let that happen without telling his friend how conniving she was and that she’d thrown him for a loop with that stunt in there.