Josephine (Lady Archer's Creed Book 4)

by Amanda Mariel

  She longed to remain beside him. No man had ever held her before. She’d been kissed once as a girl, but only a quick meeting of lips with a neighbor boy. She’d found it rather mundane at the time. Now she found herself wishing Devon would kiss her.

  Hesitantly, she reached out a hand and trailed the pad of her finger over his soft lips. Surely the kiss of a man would far surpass that of a boy. She pushed herself up on her elbow to look down at him. His chest rose and fell with the rhythmic pattern of sleep. She could kiss him and he’d never know it.

  With great care, Josie lowered her mouth to his. She pressed a delicate kiss upon his lips then pulled back far enough to gaze down on him. Her heart pounded as she reached out to trace his lips once more. He was male perfection. Handsome with his aristocratic nose, square jaw, and full lips. The kind of man that caused ballrooms full of debutants to trip all over themselves.

  A shiver tickled her skin but she could not say what had caused it. Being so close to the duke, or the chill in the room. She supposed she should stoke the fire before it burned out completely. Reluctantly, she lifted her fingers from his lips.

  He reached out, catching her wrist.

  Panic seized her, squeezing her chest. She stared at him wide-eyed searching for an explanation. “I…I didn’t mean—”

  “Mean to what?” He stared back, his eyes smoldering.

  “I w-was only checking to make s-sure—”

  “Has anyone ever told you what a terrible liar you are?” Devon brought her hand to rest on his cheek and nuzzled it.

  Tingled shot through her as she tugged her arm attempting to get free. “I am not.”

  “You wanted to kiss me.” He grinned. “Deny it.”

  Josephine notched her chin, swallowed hard. How the devil could he possibly know her intent? She could scarcely admit it even if he had guessed the truth, but what other explanation could she give for touching him so? “I need to stoke the fire.”

  “I believe you already have,” he said, his voice low. With his hand wrapped around the back of her neck, Devon guided her lips to his.

  Josie melted against him giving herself over to the sensation. When his tongue swept into her mouth, she met him without hesitation. The veil of darkness in the room lent an odd sense of anonymity and she let herself go completely.

  Pressing her body to his, she ran her hand across his muscled chest craving more, wanting all he could give. Gone was the shy debutant. In that moment she was a woman burning with white hot desire.

  He trailed kisses across her cheek to her ear, pausing there to whisper, “That is enough, Angel.”

  Heart thumping, she turned her head to gaze at him. “And if I disagree?”

  “I told you I would leave your virtue intact. If we continue as we are, I can promise you the opposite will be true.”

  Josie’s cheeks burned with the reality of what she’d been inviting. In those moments she’d had no regard for propriety, no care for her reputation or future prospects. Good Heavens she’d all but served herself up on a silver platter. He must be the devil to have caused such a reaction in her.

  “Lay back down.” Devon said, relaxing his hold on her.

  Josie sat up and pushed the curls away from her face. “Let me tend the fire first.”

  “Are you chilled?”

  The exact opposite was true. Every inch of her was heated, flushed, burning. It was for that reason she needed to get out of his bed.

  Devon tugged at the covers. “Get under the blanket.”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  He gave a rakish grin, his green eyes sparkling. “But you want to.”

  She glanced at the low burning fire then back to him. He most certainly was the devil for only he could read her thoughts so completely. With little hesitation, she snuggled close to his side, allowing him to toss the covers over her.

  To her utter dismay and gratitude, his soft snoring soon filled the room.

  CHAPTER 5

  Devon wanted nothing more than to stay at Faversham Abbey and allow Josie to continue caring for him. Alas, he could not trust himself with her. He’d spent the entire wedding ceremony daydreaming about her kisses. During the wedding breakfast, he could scarcely take his eyes off her. Even now, tucked safely in his carriage and well on his way home, he could not chase her from his mind.

  What was it about the chit that captivated him so completely? A silly question indeed and not worth pondering for he already knew the answer. She was unlike anyone he’d ever met. An odd mixture of virtue and wanton, lady and hellion. She drove him wild with desire and curiosity.

  The carriage swayed and jostled over a rough patch of road. Devon pulled back the curtain and looked outside. He squinted against the bright sunlight and dropped the curtain back into place. The ducal estate wasn’t very far ahead. Once there, he would be too busy to think of Josie.

  A bittersweet thought as he rather enjoyed having her on his mind despite everything that made them ill fated.

  He could have taken her the previous night. Perhaps he should have, but in the end he could not ruin her. She was made for marrying not clandestine affairs and he could never wed anyone. He would not risk the ton discovering mother’s madness, nor could he ask a woman to accept her and risk passing on the bad blood to their children. It simply would not be fair to anyone.

  As much as the missive requesting he return home at once had irritated him, he could not deny the necessity of leaving Josie behind. It was best for everyone. In time he would forget about her as she would forget about him. The thought pained him, but there was nothing for it.

  He straightened his cravat and smoothed his jacket as the carriage made its way up the cobbled drive to stop in front of his country estate. Not that he had anyone here to put on airs for. No. He would enter to a house full of servants and his mother—no one else. He’d long ago accepted his life for what it had to be. Damn Josie for making him long for something more.

  “Your Grace.” A footman opened the door then bowed.

  Devon alighted from the carriage, his jaw clenching when he caught sight of Miss Harrington racing toward him. As usual, her hair was pulled severely back and wire rimmed spectacles rested on her nose. But the hard set of her mouth and red face were not at all normal. He took several long steps coming to stand before her. “What is the matter? Is it mother?”

  “Yes. I am afraid she is beyond herself this time.” The rotund older woman rung her hands. “We tried all we could before sending for you. Nothing got through to her.”

  “Where is she now?” Devon asked.

  “In her room. Sally is with her. Her Grace refuses to allow anyone else entrance.”

  “I will take care of her.” Devon strode toward the front door determined to go directly to mother. Sally, bless her heart, had served mother since her own childhood. As a ladies maid she excelled, however, Sally was no match for mother’s madness.

  “Your Grace! Wait! There is something else you should know.”

  Devon stopped on the porch, turning back to Miss Harrington. “Out with it.”

  “Last night, she snuck out and killed several of the chickens. Said they were telling her what to do and it was the only way to shut them up.” Miss Harrington put her hand on her chest and shook her head. “It took two footmen and a stable lad to get her back to her room. She’s been there ever since. I had her meals sent up rather than risking another scene.”

  Devon nodded. “You did well by her. Now cease your worrying. All will be fine.”

  Even as he spoke the words, he had a hard time believing them. Mother had never done something so unsettling before. It seemed she was sinking further into her madness and he doubted his ability to pull her back toward sanity. Still, he could not abandon her—not now, not ever.

  He took the stairs two at a time then sprinted down the hall to mother’s room. The door did not budge when he tried to open it. He knocked, calling out, “It is I, Devon. Open. The. Door.”

  He stepped back
when the handle rattled to allow room. A moment later Sally flung it wide. “Thank heavens, Your Grace. If you aren’t a sight for sore eyes, I don’t know what is.”

  He smiled at Sally then stepped into the room, glancing around. Everything appeared as it should, except there was no sign of mother. His heart rate increased as he searched the space. “Where is she?”

  Sally indicated a far corner behind mother’s favorite chair. “Hunched in the corner, Your Grace. She’s been there all morning and half the night. Nothing I said or did persuaded her to move.”

  Devon strolled over to the chair and looked behind it. His heart hitched when his gaze found mother. She had her back pressed to the corner, knees pulled up to her chest, and arms wrapped around her legs. Her gown streaked with mud and her hair tangled. “Mother.” He waited a long moment but she showed no signs of having heard him.

  He reached behind the chair and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Mother,” he said a bit louder.

  She angled her head up, staring tab him with blank eyes.

  “It is me, Devon. I have returned home. Do come out and greet me.” He forced a wide smile. “I missed you so.”

  She blinked then, opened her eyes, and smiled back. “Devon, my dear boy.”

  “Come great me with a proper hug, Mother.”

  She released her hold on her legs and stood before hesitating. “It may not be safe.”

  He held out his arms in invitation. “You have nothing to fear, Mother.”

  “The chickens…”

  He fought to keep a pleasant expression. None of this was her fault and becoming irritated would serve no purpose. “Do not fret over the chickens. They will not bother you again.”

  “Promise?” mother asked as she fretted with her stained skirt.

  “You have my word.” He wiggled his fingers. “Now come greet me.”

  Mother came around the chair and flung herself into his embrace. No sooner did he wrap his arms around her small frame than her shoulder’s started shaking. “I am so sorry, Devon. I knew of nothing else to do.”

  “Shhh. All is well.” He rubbed a small circle on her back.

  Sniffling she glanced up at him. “Do not be cross with me. I had to shut them up.”

  “I’m not angry.” He whipped the tears from her cheeks. “How about I have a bath sent up and Sally can help you get washed and dressed?”

  Mother looked down appraising her frock. She burst into laughter as she brushed her hands across the muddied skirt.

  He could not imagine what she found so amusing, and though he was curious, he dared not ask. Instead, he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I will have it sent up at once. After, I will join you for tea.”

  Mother sobered. “I would like that very much. Thank you.”

  Devon gave her one last smile before exiting the room. His shoulder had started throbbing and his head was beginning to ache. He’d have Stalworth, his valet, change the bandage and fetch him a strong drink.

  The man would no doubt fail to fawn over him as Josie had, but he was quite certain Stalworth would prove capable enough. The image of Josie bent over him, tending his injury, sprang into his mind. He longed to see her again, but knew it would never be.

  If he had ever suffered the delusion that he could lead a normal life, this episode proved otherwise. Mother needed him to care for her. Protect and provide for her. He had no room in his life for anyone else—no matter how hard he wished things were different.

  CHAPTER 6

  J osie stood near the window, gazing out as her friends chatted about Adeline’s wedding. She and Jasper had departed for their wedding trip hours ago. Most of their guests had also left, including Devon. How could he go without so much as a bye your leave?

  She swallowed back the lump rising in her throat and stared out into the black night. He did not owe her anything. Still it pained her that he could walk away so easily. And what of his injury? She’d not even changed the bandages before he left.

  This morning it had been a little pink around the edges. Not enough to concern her over much, but all the same, she’d hopped to monitor the wound. Infection could be setting in. Even now, he could be developing a fever. Left to fester, the infection could kill him.

  Perhaps she should go to him. No, he’d made it clear he no longer wanted her help when he left without a farewell. His wellbeing was no longer her concern. She pressed her eyes closed and inhaled a deep breath. Except that she would never forgive herself if he died as a result of her having shot him.

  Josie paced across the room to where Georgie and Theo sat near the fire. “I need your help.”

  “Would this have anything to do with the dashing Duke of Constantan?” Georgie slanted her head to the side, one brow arched in question.

  Josie spared a glance at the opposite side of the room to make certain Felton and Alistair were not paying her any mind. The men sat at a small mahogany table drinking brandy while playing cards. Neither looked her way. “I am determined to check on His Grace before returning to London.”

  “Oh?” Theo stopped waving her fan, holding it in midair as she stared at Josie.

  Josie’s cheeks warmed, but she pressed forward. “If something should happen to him and I could have prevented it…” She glanced at the rug then back to her friends’ curious stares. “Well, I would not forgive myself.”

  “Very well. What do you require from us? A chaperone?” Georgie smiled, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.

  “Yes. So as to maintain an air of propriety. However, if you refuse, I still intend to go to him.” She notched her chin defiantly. “My reputation be damned.”

  Of course, things would be much easier if her friends would agree to help. Without their aide, she would have to borrow one of Jasper’s horses and seek directions to Devon’s estate from strangers along the road. Surly, most of Faversham knew where he resided. He was, after all, a duke.

  However, if Theo or Georgie agreed to help, she would have a carriage at her disposal and proper chaperones. There would be no reason to sneak about, making it all the easier to gain directions and achieve her goal.

  Theo closed her fan and rested it on her lap. “I am afraid I cannot help.”

  Josie’s heart sank.

  “Alistair has important business to tend to in London. He already informed me that we are to leave at first light on the morrow.” Theo said.

  Josie turned her attention to Georgie, pleading with her eyes. “And you?”

  Georgie smirked. “I’m certain that I can convince Felton to take us.”

  Theo laughed. “A wild animal would likely make a better chaperone than you.”

  Georgie flicked an imaginary piece of lint from her gown. “She never said she wanted a chaperone, only that she wished to preserve an air of property.” She peered playfully at Theo. “For that, I will do perfectly.”

  “Indeed you will. And thank you.” Josie said. “I owe you a boon.”

  “Nonsense. This is what friends are for.” Georgie stood, her attention roaming to the far end of the room. “I do believe I will collect my husband and retire now.”

  “As will I. Retire that is.” Josie nibbled her lower lip. “Send word if Felton refuses so that I can make alternate plans.”

  Georgie placed a hand on Josie’s shoulder. “He will not refuse.”

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “A wife has her ways of persuasion. If you know what I mean.” Georgie winked.

  “Good grief, Georgie! Save such talk for Felton,” Theo said, a small smile playing at her mouth.

  Georgie laughed, dropping her hand from Josie’s shoulder. “Be ready to depart directly after breakfast.”

  “I will. Sleep well, ladies.” Josie gave one last smile before taking her leave.

  Once in bed, her mind roamed back to the previous night. She longed to be back in Devon’s arms, to feel the passion he’d ignited once more. Would he be pleased to see her? What would she do if he was not? He could ref
use her entry. Send them on their way without even seeing her.

  She tossed and turned, imagining all sorts of scenarios, until at last she could not bare it any longer. Rising from her bed, Josie lit a lamp and retrieved one of her medical books. It would serve her better to occupy her mind with how she could help Devon rather than how he would greet her. That is if he even needed her medical skills.

  Settling back against her pillows, she opened the book and began reading a section on infections. The author, a practicing physician and scientist, had radical ideas about treatment and diagnosis. Josie appreciated that he did not recommend bloodletting which she had always believe unless and best and archaic at worst.

  Eventually, her eyes grew tired and she set the book aside ready to embrace sleep. She felt confident in her ability to care for Devon regardless of whether or not he wanted her to. All she could do now was go to him. With luck, he would be in fine form and pleased to see her. She drifted into slumber with the memory of Devon’s kiss playing on her mind.

  * * * *

  Josie had woken no more confident in her plan to go to Devon than she was when she fell asleep, but determined none-the-less. After dressing, she’d gone to the breakfast room and attempted to at least appear as if she were eating. In truth her nerves were too worked up to allow for breaking her fast. Now she sat opposite of Georgie and Felton on her way to Devon’s estate.

  She sat quietly, fiddling with her skirts while Georgie and Felton discussed archery. It seemed there was a tournament coming up in Soho that they planned to compete in. Josie could not help but envy them for the love they had found. She desperately wished that she too would make a love match with a man who would understand and appreciate her.

  The carriage jostled sending Josie crashing into the side wall before jerking to a stop.

  “What the devil!” Felton reached for Georgie. “Are you hurt, Lady Bug?”