Duke of Her Own, A

by Lorraine Heath

  He extended his elbow. “You seem to be of the opinion that I’m not good husband material, and so I thought a simple demonstration was in order: merely to prove I can be most charming when I set my mind to it. I would ask you be equally charming. If you don’t place your hand on my arm and allow me to escort you to the dance floor, all will know you have snubbed me. Not exactly an enviable position for a chaperone to be in, now is it?”

  “You have backed me into a rather uncomfortable corner.”

  Tilting his head slightly, he gave her a devastatingly dangerous smile. “Then allow me to lead you out of it.”

  Truly, what choice did she have other than to accept his invitation? She tried not to look too pleased that she was going to have an opportunity to move with the rhythm of the music. Without a word, she placed her hand on his arm and allowed him to escort her to the dance floor and into a waltz.

  She’d not danced since the Christmas holidays. It felt wonderful again to have her slippers following where a gentleman led. She’d not considered this aspect when she’d made her decision to seek a position as a social chaperone: that she would be relegated to observing the merriment rather than being ensconced in the midst of it. While she’d never had any serious suitors, neither had she ever been relegated to wallflower. She’d had dance partners and a dance card often more full than not.

  “How are you enjoying your recently acquired role of chaperone?” Hawkhurst asked.

  She nearly tripped over her feet. Had he somehow managed to read her mind? Was her face more expressive than she realized?

  “I am enjoying it quite well, thank you.”

  “It comes with a great deal of responsibility.”

  “Indeed it does.”

  “It did not escape my notice that you introduced one of the ladies to Lord Ainsley.”

  “Yes. Jenny.”

  “Mmm.” He pressed his lips together as though to stop himself from speaking.

  “What exactly does that mean?”

  “Forgive my boldness, but your brother mentioned that you mentioned that Miss Jenny Rose was searching for passion.”

  Damn her brother! Was nothing spoken between them sacred? She’d worried about the servants gossiping, and apparently it was Alex with whom she should be concerned.

  “She does feel that passion is important,” she admitted reluctantly.

  “Then I daresay it will be a miracle if she finds it with Ainsley.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “It is well-known”—he’d lowered his voice slightly, which had her stretching up on her toes to hear him—“that Ainsley has yet to…experience passion himself.”

  “Are you implying he has no mistress?”

  “I am implying far more than that. I’m implying he has never known the intimate touch of a woman.”

  She fought not to blush at words so brashly spoken and forced herself to imitate a smile laced with satisfaction. “Then in my book, he is quite the catch: a man who does not seek frivolous dalliances.”

  “Is there no passion in your book?” he asked, with a seductive voice that sent warm shivers cascading down to the heels of her slippers.

  Why was he having such an effect on her? She had no doubt he was intentionally seeking to rattle her with his inappropriate conversation and sweltering looks that belonged in the bedchamber, not on the dance floor.

  “Of course there is passion.” She sounded breathless. Surely, they must be dancing too swiftly, and yet she hardly felt her feet touching the floor. “But I don’t see that a man needs to be promiscuous in order to be passionate.”

  “Then how, pray tell, is he to learn how to pleasure a woman?”

  She couldn’t help herself. She laughed at his audacity. “So you justify visiting brothels as a learning experience? Some sort of school—”

  “Quite. Ladies of the evening serve an important function in our society that is seldom appreciated. They ensure a man does not bumble about on his wedding night. They instruct him on how to touch a woman.” He lowered his head slightly, the warmth of his breath wafting over her cheek. “Where to touch a woman so the act of making love is as satisfying for her as it is for him.”

  She was suddenly acutely aware of just how large his gloved hands were, how long his fingers. She wondered at the passion they might elicit and exactly how he might use them. What had he been taught? She had little doubt he’d been an adept student. Even now, with only his eyes, his voice, his nearness, his gloved hands, he was managing to create unsettling carnal images in her mind.

  “Based on what my brother has revealed about your endeavors, you are no doubt quite the expert.”

  “I do consider myself such, yes. Would you want a man who did not know the way to lead you on a journey into passion?”

  Jerking her head back, she came to a stunned standstill. “That is quite enough, Your Grace. It is entirely inappropriate for you to speak of such things to me.”

  “My apologies, but you seemed unable to decipher why Lord Ainsley would be incapable of giving Miss Jenny Rose what she desires, and unable to fathom why it is not such a horrendous thing that men such as your brother, Falconridge, and I do seek pleasure before marriage.”

  “For the sole benefit of your future wives?” she asked incredulously.

  He gave her a decidedly wicked grin and a wink that caused her heart to flutter madly as though it were a trapped bird seeking freedom. “Not solely, of course, but I do think one can argue that at some point, the benefits will accrue to the wife. Now come, the music continues, as should we before we become the fodder for gossip.”

  He tightened his hold on her and swept her along, giving her no choice except to follow.

  “You may justify your behavior as much as you like,” she finally managed to say after a while. “I shall not consider you a suitable match for these ladies.”

  “Then it seems the way to one of the ladies’ hearts is through you.”

  She wasn’t exactly certain what he meant by those words, but they definitely carried a hint of a challenge and perhaps a bit of warning. She couldn’t have been more grateful when the final strains of the music drifted into silence. He placed her gloved hand on his arm and began to lead her toward the chairs where she’d been when he first approached.

  “I must confess that I do not blame you for considering me such a bad influence. In my youth, I was quite the rabble-rouser, and on more than one occasion you caught me engaged in activities that were questionable. Still, I assure you that with the years has come maturity. I would like very much to gain an introduction to Miss Jenny Rose.”

  “Your Grace—”

  “Before you deny me such a simple request, may I remind you that you vowed you would not encourage the lady to favor me, but neither would you undermine my efforts. Not introducing me undermines my efforts, and, therefore, causes you to break your promise. Hardly commendable behavior for a woman who is charged with guarding others. I daresay the Rose family might look upon you with less favor if they thought you weren’t a woman of your word.”

  “Oh, you are ever so clever,” she said.

  “So I’m told.” He winked at her. “Not only clever with my words, but with my hands. Think on that, Lady Louisa. Would you truly deny your charges what I can offer?”

  “Arrogance? I believe I would.”

  “Do not confuse arrogance with confidence.”

  Before she could comment, she was met by Jenny, whose gaze slowly swept over Hawkhurst as though he were a delicacy she was considering tasting. These Americans were so incredibly brash. It was little wonder they required a chaperone.

  They also required an introduction, and while Louisa was hesitant to provide one, she knew it would indeed be an insult to Hawkhurst now that he was here not to introduce him. Of course, as soon as introductions were made, he invited Jenny to dance, and unfortunately, she was available.

  Louisa was hesitant to admit that they looked quite remarkable together. Jenny was tall and willo
wy, the top of her head even with his shoulder. He wouldn’t have to lower his head to speak quietly to her. He’d barely have to lower his head in order to kiss her.

  Where had that irritating thought come from? She’d definitely not allow any kissing.

  “He’s certainly a tall drink of water.”

  Jerking her head around, she discovered Kate was standing beside her. What sort of irresponsible chaperone was she not to have been aware of Kate’s approach?

  “I beg your pardon?”

  Kate nodded toward the dance floor. “The intriguing gentleman with whom Jenny is dancing. Who is he?”

  “The Duke of Hawkhurst.”

  “You don’t approve of him.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Not in so many words no, but the way you were watching him: like you expected him to misbehave. Quite honestly, Lady Louisa, you don’t need to worry about Jenny. She can take care of herself.”

  Perhaps that was the reason Louisa worried so: She feared she would discover she wasn’t needed at all.

  Not by the English lords, not by the American heiresses. And she desperately wanted to be needed.

  Chapter 5

  “I see Hawk has made his diabolically clever move,” Falconridge said laconically.

  “Appears so,” Alex replied.

  “Who would have thought to do a bit of flirting with the chaperone in order to get into her good graces and thus receive an introduction to the lady in whom one truly has an interest?”

  Alex had been surprised that Louisa had accepted Hawk’s invitation to dance. But then what choice did she have? She was not in a position to snub a duke publicly. Alex wasn’t certain what irritated him more. The fact that Hawk had danced with his sister or the fact that he was now dancing with the lovely Jenny Rose. Dear God, but her name suited her, for she was a blossom among thorns.

  Clever phrasing, that. Shall have to remember it, he thought. Might come in useful.

  “She’s your sister. She should at least give you an introduction,” Falconridge murmured.

  “She’s a bit cross with me at the moment. I suspect she shan’t give me the time of day should I bother to ask.”

  “Why ever would she be cross with you?”

  “Because I took exception to her opinion of us as unsuitable.”

  “We are unsuitable.”

  Alex slid his gaze over to Falconridge. Was this the same man who had stormed out of his home, because of his sister’s unflattering opinion of him? “You were quite vocal about your objections regarding her opinion.”

  “I was vocal about my refusal to prove myself worthy.”

  “Because you don’t think you are?”

  “Let it go.”

  “Surely, you jest. So, we have a bit of fun—”

  “It’s more than that, Ravensley. I have skeletons in the closet that I’d not wish to inflict on any woman.”

  “Yet you must wed.”

  Falconridge sighed. “Yet, I must wed, and these heiresses suit me well. They are pragmatic. They do not want love or emotions. They want a title. I want their money. Perhaps a good romp in bed from time to time when it suits. But nothing that arouses any sort of sentiment.”

  “Then I should warn you that Louisa was kind enough to reveal that Kate Rose is in want of love; Jenny, passion.”

  “Then I suppose it is Jenny I should focus on. Passion I can deliver. Love I cannot.”

  “I daresay I shall be content to have either. All I care about is the weight of the coin purse.”

  “A rather cold sentiment.”

  “An honest one.”

  “A sad one…that this is what our lives have boiled down to. Money. It is the root of all discontent.”

  “Thought it was the root of all evil.”

  “That as well.” Falconridge sighed. “I suppose ‘tis time I took a step toward that unattractive part of my life and begin purposely to court a woman with the intention of marriage. Hopefully, Hawk improved your sister’s disposition so she’ll be willing to give us an introduction.” He took a step forward, glanced back. “Coming?”

  It irked him to rely on another man to forge the path for an introduction, but then Alex supposed it was no different than asking his sister for the favor. “Do I really have a choice?”

  Did any of them?

  “I cannot believe you told Hawkhurst that Jenny sought passion.”

  Louisa had reluctantly made introductions when Falconridge and her brother had approached while she’d been speaking with Kate. Immediately Falconridge had invited Kate to dance, leaving Louisa free to pull her brother behind a nearby potted frond and give him a good piece of her mind.

  “I didn’t realize it was a secret,” Alex said.

  “Not a secret, perhaps, but a confidence. What else have you told him?”

  “Nothing of any importance.”

  She shook her head. Obviously her brother had no idea what was important and what wasn’t.

  “Do you think Jenny will take a fancy to him?” Alex asked.

  “I don’t know. She seems to enjoy everyone’s company. She is the more easily pleased of the two.”

  “Upon closer observations, she is also the more attractive. Will you introduce me when she returns?”

  “Alex—”

  “Louisa, I’m not nearly as bad as you believe. I assure you others are far worse.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Lord Ainsley, I suppose.”

  “Ainsley? Good God, no, the man is a saint.”

  “I thought as much,” she said smugly.

  “Would you want to be married to a saint?”

  “Better than being married to the devil.”

  “That might be worth arguing, but I’m weary of being in disaccord with you.” Her brother leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell me something else about the sisters.”

  “Alex—”

  “Please, I beg of you, give me a leg up. Something. Anything. Just a hint.”

  He sounded so incredibly pitiful, so desperate. And he was her brother. If Hawkhurst, Falconridge, and Alex were going to fixate on the sisters, Alex was the lesser of three evils. “Kate prefers the waltz. Jenny has no preference.”

  He seemed relieved that she had shared the smallest bit of information. “Why weren’t their dance cards filled?”

  “How do you know Jenny’s wasn’t?”

  “Hawk is now dancing with her, and I know you didn’t scribble his name on her card.”

  “Jenny likes spontaneity, and so she leaves every other dance empty so that she has a surprise partner on occasion.”

  “Spontaneity. I relish that in a woman. Speaks of an adventuresome spirit, don’t you think?”

  Yes, Jenny was spontaneous, fun-loving. Always laughing and smiling. No cares in the world, apparently. Louisa couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps it was more than the lack of a dowry that had resulted in her having no marriage proposals.

  “Am I too predictable?” she heard herself ask aloud before she’d even realized she’d formed the question.

  “Hardly. Who could have predicted you’d set yourself up to serve as a chaperone?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Before that. Do you think gentlemen found me boring?”

  He shook his head. “No. I believe it is as you surmised. Many of us need a way to rebuild the family coffers. It has put our own ladies at a decided disadvantage. Primogeniture assures we have few wealthy heiresses of our own. We will be in a bit of a pickle if these Americans are no longer enamored by rank. I don’t know why you find fault with us going after their money while they are after our titles.”

  “In truth, the whole arrangement saddens me. Like Kate, I believe love should have a say in the entire affair.”

  “Speaking of Kate, you didn’t explain why her dance card isn’t full.”

  Her brother seemed determine to learn all he could. “She says she tires easily.” Louisa shrugged. “In truth, I think she simply says no to
men who don’t strike her fancy right off.”

  “She’s fortunate that she can be choosy.”

  “Indeed she is.”

  The orchestra stopped playing, and Alex shoved himself away from the wall. “Now, dear sister, please, I beg of you, put me at an advantage where these two young ladies are concerned.”

  “I thought the evening went remarkably well,” Jenny said, her voice a wistful sigh.

  Sitting in the carriage, across from Jenny and Kate, Louisa could understand perfectly well the reason Jenny felt as she did. The young lady had danced every single dance, while Kate had danced nearly every dance. Louisa had noticed a decided difference between the young ladies: Jenny welcomed the gentlemen’s attentions while Kate merely tolerated them. Those attitudes each carried its own burden when it came to striving to find an appropriate husband for each lady. One who liked all men; one who liked none. How was Louisa to narrow the choices down?

  “I thought your brother looked rather like an angel,” Jenny said.

  Louisa hoped the darkness of the interior of the carriage hid her open mouth and widened eyes. “Alex? An angel?” She laughed lightly. “Hardly.”

  “Is he a bit wicked then?”

  “He has his moments, I’m certain. We don’t discuss particulars.”

  “I thought Hawkhurst looked like the very devil,” Kate said.

  “But he dances well,” Jenny said. “I rather enjoyed having his attention.”

  Louisa was aware of her hands gripping her fingers. She told herself it was because she didn’t want the young lady to finish her Season betrothed to a rogue. It was that concern and not any sort of disappointment because the lady would remove Hawk from the marriage market. She didn’t want to acknowledge she had enjoyed his attentions as well, even if their conversation had been inappropriate. Inappropriate, yet interesting. She couldn’t envision him ever discussing a topic as mundane as the weather. He would seek to shock, and in the shocking he would excite.

  She’d halfway hoped he might ask her for another dance, but, of course, she’d served her purpose, provided him with the introduction he desired. Then he had cast her aside. Conquer and move on seemed to be his preferred style when it came to ladies.