What a Devilish Duke Desires

by Vicky Dreiling

  “Harry, she has all the right qualities. She has impeccable breeding, ten thousand, and is accomplished at watercolors and the pianoforte.”

  He laughed. “You are deluded if you believe I would choose a wife based on her watercolors. This may shock you, but when I wed, I want passion.”

  Mrs. Norcliffe made a face. “Harry, we do not speak of such prurient matters.”

  “Enough of this nonsense,” he said. “You made a spectacle today in the drawing room and embarrassed Miss Osterham and me. I will not tolerate another one of your matchmaking schemes. If there is a next time, you will find yourself in embarrassing circumstances.”

  “How dare you speak to me in this horrid manner?” she said, her voice pitching higher.

  “I dare because it is necessary. You are determined to get your way, but this time, it will not work. The manipulation, coercion, and schemes will stop. Frankly, I’ve worried you might become a bad influence on my cousins.”

  She stared at him with evident shock. “You make me sound like a terrible person.”

  “I know you have been good to my cousins, but I’ve worried about the gossip sessions in the drawing room, and I fear you have slighted others in the past. I know for certain you insulted Miss Longmore. I ought to have spoken to you long ago about my concerns. I’m doing so now. You have gone too far this time. I will not attend your event.”

  “Harry, you will humiliate me,” she said, tearing up.

  “You’ve done this to yourself.”

  “What of Mrs. Osterham and her daughter? They will be mortified. I daresay she will never speak to me again. Harry, please think of the consequences.”

  He remained unmoved by her tears. “You are the one who did not consider the consequences. You promised I would escort Miss Osterham without consulting me. I’m not attending.”

  Mrs. Norcliffe worried her hands. “Harry, you must attend. If you will not think of me, think of your cousins.”

  “Under the circumstances, you may wish to cancel the party,” he said.

  Mrs. Norcliffe narrowed her eyes. “I know what this is about. You mean to spend all of your time with Miss Longmore. I’m not ignorant of your infatuation with that dancer.”

  “Enjoy your party. I won’t be there.” He strode across the drawing room.

  “Harry, stop, please,” she said, sniffling.

  He turned toward her.

  “I do not appreciate your harsh tone of voice,” she said.

  “I do not appreciate your insult to Miss Longmore. She has done nothing to deserve your censure. You, on the other hand, most certainly deserve mine. Your manipulative behavior today went too far. Badly done, Mama, badly done.”

  “It is very clear you have conceived a partiality for that dancer. More than one person reported seeing you flirting with her at Almack’s while she was serving lemonade.”

  “There must be a dearth of gossip if others are reporting that Miss Longmore serves refreshments at Almack’s,” he said in a bored tone. “I cannot imagine what your friends found objectionable in a glass of lemonade.”

  “Do not try to pretend innocence. I know you do not appreciate my advice, but I will give it to you anyway. You will have your dalliance with her, but do not allow her to sink her claws into you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Rest your fears. I am safe from bodily harm.”

  Her nostrils flared. “Harry, I am not amused.”

  “Neither am I. You will treat Miss Longmore respectfully. She has done an admirable job of instructing the dance practices, despite your discourteous manners.”

  “You believe me to be unfeeling?” she said in shocked tones.

  He folded his arms over his chest. “I call it as I see it.”

  “I suppose I have something to prove. Invite her to attend the party on Saturday.”

  “She will not attend,” he said.

  “She will come if you point out it is an opportunity for her to meet other ladies in need of her dance instruction. You would not deprive her of the opportunity, would you? Of course you might wish to attend as well.”

  “That works well for you, but the walk to the goldfish bridge will be a group activity. Miss Osterham is entirely too young for me, and I do not want to stir up false expectations.”

  Mrs. Norcliffe dabbed a handkerchief at her eyes.

  There was nothing he despised more than foolish tears. “What is wrong?”

  “You have not danced once with a suitable young lady at Almack’s. When all of the other bachelors are singling out dance partners, you make yourself scarce in the game room. It is not to be borne.”

  “Ah, I see. This is about the dancing competition and your role as one of the patronesses.”

  “Your willful refusal to dance affects me, Harry. Do you not care that I am embarrassed?”

  “I will not participate in that foolish dance competition under any circumstances. You had better adjust your mind to it. Now, I will see you on Saturday, but do not count on Miss Longmore’s presence.”

  Thursday, early afternoon

  Harry sighed after a visit to the tailor. He knew he needed more shirts, but in the end he decided to add to his wardrobe all at once so he wouldn’t be forced to endure the tailor’s measuring and pinning for another two years or more. By the time he finished, he’d purchased five new coats, four waistcoats, a pair of gloves, and new stockings.

  Harry meant to board his carriage when he saw Lucy approaching. After he stashed his purchases in the carriage, he strode toward her and hailed her.

  “Lucy, you’re just the person I need to see.”

  A savory scent wafted from her basket.

  “I’m bringing meat pasties to my friends at Madame Delanger’s shop. I don’t see them very often,” she said.

  He drank in the sight of her. Her cheeks were a little rosy from the cool breeze. “I’ll not keep you long.”

  The shop bell rang as a young woman poked her head out. “Lucy, come in.”

  “Here, take the basket for our luncheon,” Lucy said. “I’ll only be a moment, Evelyn.”

  Evelyn regarded Harry with wide eyes.

  Harry smiled. “Lucy, will you introduce me to your friend?”

  “Your Grace, may I present Miss Evelyn Rogers?”

  Harry doffed his hat. “I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Rogers.”

  Evelyn curtsied. “Oh my goodness. Lucy, I’ll see you inside.”

  The shop bell rang again as the door closed.

  Harry watched Miss Rogers disappear. “Is your friend always this excitable?”

  “Only when dukes appear,” Lucy said, laughing.

  “I’ve no wish to interfere,” Harry said.

  The shop bell rang again, and an older woman appeared.

  “Your Grace, may I present Madame Delanger?” Lucy said. “This is her dress shop.”

  He bowed, realizing the shop owner was the one who had dismissed Lucy. Harry was a bit surprised that Lucy would return here since the shop owner had sacked her, but she probably wanted to see her friends.

  “I am honored, Your Grace,” Madame Delanger said.

  Harry had the oddest feeling the woman was calculating the cost of his clothing as he stood there.

  “Your Grace, please come into my humble shop,” Madame Delanger said.

  Harry followed them inside and turned to Lucy. “I meant to stop by your lodgings and give you an invitation. My mother has invited you to her annual Venetian breakfast, which is actually in the afternoon, but never mind. I do hope you’ll agree to attend.”

  She looked uncomfortable. “I do not think it will be possible.”

  “Of course you must go,” Madame Delanger said. “I happen to have the perfect frock for you to wear to a Venetian breakfast.”

  He had not even thought about the apparel.

  Madame snapped her fingers. “Mary, bring the white crepe gown with the blue ribbons.”

  Lucy inhaled. “Madame, I cannot. I know what these gowns cost.”
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  “Of course you can,” Madame said. “It is the least that I can do. If anyone asks where you purchased the gown, you may direct them to my shop.”

  Lucy’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I couldn’t.”

  Harry approached Lucy. “We must have something made up for your grandmother as well.”

  “I appreciate your generosity, but Grandmama doesn’t like crowds. It’s difficult with her affliction.”

  “But you must go,” Madame Delanger said to Lucy.

  She bit her lip. “It is an excellent opportunity for me to meet potential dance clients,” she said.

  Harry clutched his hand to his heart. “She wounds me.”

  Lucy shook her head. “He jests.”

  “Come back tomorrow, and we will make all the necessary alterations,” Madame said.

  Lucy knew the gown must be one that another lady had refused.

  “Miss Longmore, may I be permitted to escort you home?” Harry asked. “I’ll wait if that is acceptable to you.”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  After Lucy finished eating luncheon with her friends, Harry led her from the shop to his carriage. Her friends waved as he assisted her up the steps.

  Lucy’s excitement dwindled the moment the carriage rolled off.

  He turned to her. “Is something wrong?”

  “I cannot attend your mother’s party. I’ll have nothing to contribute to the conversations, if anyone even notices me.”

  “Of course you will,” he said. “No doubt others will ask your opinion about the dance competition.”

  She had no doubt Mrs. Norcliffe disapproved of her and would not appreciate her presence. “Why did your mother invite me?”

  “I lectured her on a number of matters, all having to do with her manipulative and unkind behavior to you and others. My mother feels she has to prove herself. So she proposed I invite you. When I said you wouldn’t attend, she suggested you might have an interest in acquiring new dance clients at her party.”

  Lucy narrowed her eyes. “I know she disapproves of me. Why would she make such a suggestion?”

  “To ensure I attended. Thank you for agreeing. I’m actually looking forward to it now.”

  “I fear this will prove to be a mistake. I know nothing about Venetian breakfasts or how to get on with the ton.”

  “I have every confidence in you,” he said, his voice rumbling.

  “Other single ladies will resent me,” she said.

  “Why? They have no reason.”

  She huffed. “Of course they do. I wager most of them have you in their sights. My presence will be unwelcome.”

  “I will be mortally jealous each time another man looks at you.”

  “They will pay no attention to me. I lack the requisite noble birth and fortune.”

  “Lucy, do you not know how beautiful you are?”

  “Are you flattering me for a reason?” she said.

  “Any man with eyes will take second and third looks at you.”

  “I doubt it,” she said.

  Harry cupped her cheek. “I think you are perfect.”

  She wasn’t, but he made her feel special and wanted.

  He untied her bonnet strings and grinned at her.

  “What are you about?” she said, laughing.

  He removed her bonnet and tossed it aside.

  “Give me back my bonnet.”

  He gazed into her eyes. “Later,” he said.

  The wicked tone in his voice alerted her. “Harry?”

  “Close the drape, Lucy.”

  She was breathing a bit faster. “Why?” she said.

  “Because I want you,” he said, his voice low and a little rough.

  She reached for the drape and slowly closed it.

  “Good girl,” he said, closing the drape on his side.

  He pulled her onto his lap. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”

  When she complied, he kissed her with a fierce hunger. He touched his tongue to her mouth, and when her lips parted, he kissed her deeply.

  “I should resist you, but I can’t,” she said.

  He was undone by her words. When he kissed her again, she clung to him. He loved the way she felt in his arms, all soft curves and sweet surrender. His blood ran hot, and the temptation to touch her gripped him hard, but he mustn’t drive her away by moving too quickly. He wanted the perfect place and time to savor every moment. When the time was right, he meant to introduce her to erotic pleasure. He would be gentle as he touched and kissed every inch of her body.

  His groin tightened as he kissed a path along her jaw and returned to her lips. This time she opened for him immediately, and when he tangled his tongue with hers, she made a little feminine sound in the back of her throat.

  He lifted his mouth. Something inside his chest expanded. All he knew was that she’d somehow become essential to him. He looked into her eyes and knew that one day soon, he would make her his bride.

  She tried to right the world that he had so easily turned upside down. Her heart thumped crazily. She was elated and terrified at the same time. Deep down, she knew she was taking risks, but she told herself she would never let matters go too far.

  He took her hand and pressed it against his chest. She could feel his heart beating.

  A slow smile spread across his face, and she could not resist him. He pulled her onto his lap. Then he kissed her openmouthed, and she parted her lips for him. This time she dared to touch her tongue to his. He cupped her face, and the scent of him was like a wicked potion, one that threatened to undermine every decent principle her mother and grandmother had taught her.

  She broke the kiss and the sound of their combined breathing portended trouble if she ever lost her head with him. “We must stop.”

  When she tried to slip off his lap, he locked his arms around her. “Not yet, sweet Lucy. Please, not yet.”

  She could not deny him, because she loved the feel of his arms around her. All this time, she’d been the one to say it was impossible, but now she wished with all of her heart that it would somehow work out for them. For now, she would let the exuberant feelings carry the moment. She remembered Evelyn’s advice to enjoy a romantic interlude with him. Somehow that sounded selfish as if she were using him, but she could never treat him so cavalierly.

  He was witty, charming, and determined when he wanted something. There had likely been many women who had fallen under his spell, but she pushed away the idea of others who must have come before her.

  Harry kissed her again and this time it was as if he were starving. When he tore his mouth away, she felt something hard beneath the thin layers of her skirt and chemise. She knew so little of men that it took her a moment to comprehend he was aroused. She ought to move, but then he would realize she knew his predicament.

  He held her tightly. “I’ve shocked you.”

  Her face got hot. “A little.” She recalled that erotic book of engravings. Obviously he was a man of lusty appetites.

  “I will never press you for more than you’re willing to give.”

  Lucy dared not allow more than his lascivious kisses. Already, she was alarmed by the heady combination of desire and tender feelings that had sprouted, despite her resistance. She’d tried to put up a wall, but he’d scaled it so easily. Now she felt confused one minute and euphoric the next.

  “You know I’ll never hurt you,” he said.

  Not intentionally.

  All too soon, the carriage rolled to a halt. “We cannot stay long,” she said. “I must report to the Albany.”

  “Let us tell your grandmother about the party on Saturday. We’ll talk afterward in the carriage.”

  After they were seated at the table, Harry told Mrs. Longmore about his mother’s invitation while Lucy made tea. When Lucy handed him a cup, he looked into her eyes. How did he manage to make her feel breathless with his I’m-a-rogue look?

  Mrs. Longmore sipped her tea. “Granfield, I appreciate the invitation, but crowds are difficult
for me, especially when I have not made the acquaintance of others previously.”

  “I understand,” he said.

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  “Please, call me Harry.”

  “I will settle for Granfield,” Mrs. Longmore said. “I don’t want my granddaughter subjected to those who might mock her because she is an outsider.”

  “No one would dare in my presence. Believe me, there are plenty of people who are welcomed to ton functions who are not aristocrats. Not everyone is a blueblood. Lucy has made an impact already with her dancing instruction.”

  Mrs. Longmore leaned forward, felt the table with her hand, and set her cup aside. “What of your mother?” she said.

  “My mother suggested that I invite Lucy,” he said.

  “Lucy, are you certain you wish to attend?” Mrs. Longmore said.

  “Yes, I am. It is an opportunity to gain more clients for my dance lessons.”

  “You’ve done very well without attending a party,” Grandmama said. “I’m a bit concerned you will be out of your depths with the ton.” She paused and said, “Your Grace, I mean no disrespect to you.”

  “I completely understand,” he said, “but Lucy has already met my cousins and several friends of my family. My cousins are impressed with Lucy’s dancing skills.”

  “Grandmama, I admit that I was a little reluctant at first,” Lucy said, “but Madame Delanger offered to alter a gown that another girl refused. The fabric is white crepe with a beautiful blue ribbon.”

  Grandmama frowned. “Madame Delanger sacked you. Why would she do such a thing?”

  “It is an opportunity for her as well. If I wear the gown to the party, others may inquire about her shop.”

  “Humph. Madame Delanger is an opportunist,” Grandmama said. “I wouldn’t go out of my way to help her if I were you, but enough of her. I worry that the party will be awkward for you. The haut ton is a closed society, and I worry you will be isolated.”

  “I will not let that happen,” Harry said. “Lucy has met my cousins, and I wish to introduce her to my closest friends.” He smiled boyishly. “Actually, I want to show her off.”