What a Devilish Duke Desires

by Vicky Dreiling

  “Granfield, you remind me of my late husband,” Grandmama said. “He was a charmer just like you. He always managed to coax me into doing his bidding.” She paused. “However, that does not mean you are permitted to do so yourself.”

  He laughed. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

  “Grandmama, you will notice he did not specify what constitutes his best behavior,” Lucy said. “I would not be surprised if his best behavior does not meet your high standards.”

  Harry grinned. “Miss Longmore, you have found me out. I will have to invent new tricks.”

  “Grandmama, I wish you could see his smile,” Lucy said. “I believe he could light up all the lanterns at Vauxhall with it.”

  Grandmama sighed. “Lucy, I know I’m overly protective of you. At twenty-five, you are a grown woman, and I must allow you to make your own decisions. So you will forgive me when I cling too much.”

  “Grandmama, if you disapprove, I won’t attend.”

  “Of course you will attend.” Grandmama smiled. “Every girl should have a chance to wear a pretty gown to a party.

  Lucy hugged her and whispered, “I love you.”

  As the carriage rolled along, Harry noticed that Lucy kept looking out the window. “Do not worry. I’ll have you at the Albany in plenty of time.”

  “I try to arrive early. It keeps me in Mrs. Finkle’s good book.”

  He’d noticed that she was fretful where her jobs were concerned. Little wonder after she’d had to pawn her mother’s pearls to pay the rent.

  He put his arm around her shoulders and nuzzled her neck. She angled her head, giving him better access. He kissed his way to her jaw, and then he tenderly turned her face toward him. He licked the seam of her lips and she opened for him. God, he loved that she was so responsive to him.

  Of course, he wanted more than kisses, but he must progress slowly. He’d imagined it more than once: unhooking her gown and slowly slipping the bodice down her slim waist. Then he would strip away the stays and chemise, revealing her plump breasts. He’d fantasized suckling her nipples while he caressed her slick, intimate folds. His groin tightened, thinking of the pleasures they could share.

  When the carriage turned onto Piccadilly, she said, “You must let me out a block away from the Albany.”

  “Lucy, I’ll let you out at the entrance to Vigo Street.”

  “No, you mustn’t. If Mrs. Finkle saw me with you, I would lose my job.”

  “I doubt Mrs. Finkle is patrolling the yard.”

  “Harry, please do it for my sake. I can’t risk being seen here with you.”

  He thought it ridiculous, but he knew she would feel more secure if he followed her wishes.

  “Very well,” he said. “My carriage will be here when you are done.”

  Later that afternoon

  Harry waited a half block from Vigo Street. The minute she walked by, he would climb out and escort her to his carriage. She was taking this business a bit too far. Why not allow him to take her up in his carriage without all this fuss and bother?

  She probably did not want to get accustomed to letting others help her. He understood she’d had to provide everything for herself and her grandmother after her parents died, but he felt it was foolish of her to refuse him.

  He couldn’t help worrying about her. She was extremely vulnerable, whether she admitted it or not. The idea of her walking at night in her poor neighborhood made him wild with fear. Her trusty blade would be of no use if someone surprised her. Hell, he’d met her because she’d encountered a thief.

  The carriage door opened, startling him. Lucy stood there with her basket. “I knew you would insist upon playing the part of Sir Galahad again. If you were not a duke, I would recommend you take up treading the boards at Drury Lane, not that I’ve ever attended.”

  He smiled as he assisted her inside the carriage and knocked on the roof. When the carriage rolled away, he said, “Will you let me take you to the theater?”

  “Certainly not. Your friends would assume I am your mistress.”

  When he gazed into her eyes, she drew in her breath. “Do not look at me that way.”

  He covered his eyes. “Tell me when it’s safe.”

  She laughed and grabbed his hands. “You enjoy being ridiculous.”

  “Actually, I enjoy kissing you.”

  “We must be careful that we aren’t seen together,” she said.

  “You worry too much.”

  “Harry, it is imperative that we take every precaution. No one we know will bat an eye if you are seen in a public place with me, but I would be ruined if that were to happen, because others would assume I am your mistress. I can’t take risks.”

  “I promise we will be careful.” He gave her a wet, lush kiss.

  When the kiss ended, her breathing was ragged. “How am I to resist you?”

  “Don’t,” he said. “You must know by now how much I care for you.”

  “I’m afraid,” she said.

  “Of me?” he said in an astounded voice.

  “No, I’m afraid of myself.”

  “I don’t understand,” he said.

  “You have the power to beguile me, and I fear I will succumb to desire.” He made her yearn for more of his touch, more of his kisses, and she feared that in a weak moment she might allow matters to go too far.

  “Lucy, I know you’re a respectable woman, and I know what is forbidden. My desire for you is like a fire inside me I can’t extinguish. But it is not just desire. I want to hold your hand, I want to hear you laugh, and I want to waltz with you.” He cupped her face. “I want you.”

  “We cannot be careless. Even the slightest hint could ruin everything I’ve worked to attain.”

  “Give me sufficient credit, Lucy. I know what is at stake for you.”

  “And for you and your family as well,” she said. “No one must ever suspect.”

  “Your friends know about us.”

  “Yes, but that’s different. They don’t know anyone in the ton.”

  “I dislike the subterfuge. I don’t want to hide what is between us. I mean to court you properly as you deserve. This is just the beginning as far as I’m concerned. I’m not saying it will be easy, but I have influential friends. They will champion you.”

  She smiled at him. How could she not adore him when he’d vowed never to give up on the two of them? Their time together would draw to a close sooner than she wished. She’d tried to end it once and failed, because he’d become so very dear to her. Lucy swore her time with him would last for a little while longer, and then she would make a clean cut, because she loved him too much to hurt him. There was no doubt in her mind that if their affaire de coeur was ever discovered, it would create problems for Harry and his family.

  “We’re almost to your lodgings.” He quickly kissed her on the lips. “I find myself reluctant to take you home.”

  She sniffed. “Well, at least you are being a gentleman.”

  He leaned over. “Would you like me to be a little less gentlemanly?”

  “Absolutely not,” she said, staring straight ahead.

  He reached over and tickled her waist.

  When she shrieked, he kissed her. At first, she resisted, but she wanted him, wanted his kisses, wanted to be his, and wanted to keep him in her heart as long as she could.

  “Oh yes,” he said, and kissed her again.

  She parted her lips for him.

  Their tongues tangled, and he slid his hands up beneath her breasts. Then his thumbs circled her nipples through the fabric of her bodice. The sensations excited her and made her want more. She was breathing faster and his touch made her want forbidden things.

  “I fear you will think me a wanton,” she said.

  He held her tightly in his arms. “No, Lucy, quite the opposite. Every night in bed I think about you, and I find myself wishing you were with me. I will make you mine, sweet girl.”

  “I cannot allow this to happen again,” she said. �
�There is too much at risk.”

  “You risk nothing,” he said. “I would never wound you or risk your reputation. I swear to you,” he said.

  “It isn’t you,” she said. “Well, it is you.”

  “Whew. For a moment I feared I had a rival.”

  She’d never thought she would be susceptible to desire. It frightened her.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  “Consequences.”

  “Consequences can mean many things,” he said.

  He’d spoken carefully.

  “I’m thinking of the imprudent sort. It frightens me.”

  “What do you fear?”

  She shivered. “That I will succumb to these powerful feelings and let matters go too far. The consequences would be disastrous.” She knew what happened to servants who were discovered to be with child. They lost their positions.

  “Well, I’m heartbroken,” he said. “I must set aside my wicked designs on you and settle for squiring you about at my mother’s dull Venetian breakfast.”

  She laughed a little. “You are fortunate I’m willing to allow even that.”

  When the carriage rolled to a halt, she searched for the bonnet. He found it on the floor of the carriage and grimaced as she put it on.

  “What is wrong?” she asked.

  “It seems a shame to cover your beautiful red hair.”

  She pulled a face. “You like it?”

  He laughed. “Very much.”

  “I must go now,” she said.

  “You will allow me to escort you, and I will not listen to any arguments. Save your breath.”

  “Yes, master,” she said.

  He laughed. “Oh, I like that.”

  “I might have known,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  When they reached her door, he lifted her hands and kissed them. “I will call for you at two o’clock on Saturday.” Unable to help himself, he drew her into his arms again and kissed her deeply. He slid his hands to her bottom and drew her soft curves flush against him. A small feminine sound escaped her. When he tore his mouth away, they were both breathing faster. “Until Saturday,” he said. When she disappeared inside her lodgings, he ran down the stairs and started toward his carriage. The distinctive clop of hooves on the street alerted him.

  A yellow curricle approached. Harry cursed under his breath as he recognized Castelle, but he would give away nothing.

  “Granfield, what brings you to this dilapidated neighborhood?”

  He’d no intention of answering. “Smart curricle. Is it new?”

  “Indeed, I acquired it only three days ago. I’m planning to race on Monday. You should come.”

  “I might.”

  Castelle regarded him with a crafty expression. “Visiting your mistress?”

  Harry retrieved his watch. “You will pardon me. I have an appointment.”

  “More than one, eh? I envy you, Granfield.”

  Harry doffed his hat, climbed into his carriage, and knocked his cane on the ceiling. The carriage lurched into motion.

  Harry’s heart still hammered in his chest. It had never occurred to him that anyone he knew might travel in this neighborhood. While Castelle had irritated him, Harry had prevaricated. The important part was that the man had not seen Lucy. Of course, there was nothing wrong with him calling at her home, but Castelle had immediately assumed he was calling on a mistress. In the future, he would ensure there was no one he knew driving in her neighborhood before he assisted her out of the carriage.

  Thank God Castelle had not seen her. It was unlikely that any of his other acquaintances would travel in this rough neighborhood. In truth, he wanted to move Lucy and her grandmother to a safer neighborhood, but he had no say.

  He could have a say, though. It would take only a ring and a vow, but he knew Lucy’s fears. If he pushed too soon, she would balk. Fortunately, his mother’s party would prove to be the perfect venue to ease her into society. It would be the perfect way to introduce Lucy to his friends and their wives. Bellingham and Colin would lend their support no questions asked, and he knew their wives would take Lucy under their wings.

  But the incident with Castelle still bothered Harry. He’d come very close to exposing her in a compromising position. The devil. The consequences would have been bad. He must be vigilant and ensure that she was protected at all times.

  Buckley stood in the shadows beneath a dilapidated stairwell across the street from Lucy’s lodgings. His right ankle still ached like the devil. He took out a bottle of laudanum and swigged from it as he watched the toff walk Lucy to her door. Buckley swiped his filthy glove over his mouth, and then his eyes nearly bugged out. The toff plastered her against him and stuck his tongue down her throat. She stood on her toes and clung to him.

  The swell’s fancy carriage and cut of his clothing marked him as a rich man. No doubt the little bitch was spreading her legs and reaping the rewards of fancy gowns and jewels.

  She’d cost him his livelihood. All of his former clients had instructed their butlers to shut the door in his face when he begged for an audience. No doubt, Lucy had spread ruinous lies about him. She’d probably told Mrs. Vernon that he’d been drinking. So what if he had a nip of gin with his laudanum in the morning? He needed it for his bad ankle, thanks to that bitch Lucy.

  How dare she cut him out of his living? He’d given her a chance. Nobody else had wanted her, but he’d taken her on as an assistant. What had she given him in return? Less than nothing. She’d robbed him of his reputation and his clients, but he’d make her pay soon enough. He’d catch her unaware one night when the toff wasn’t around. He’d grab her and sell her for six pence to dozens of men every night.

  Buckley pictured himself collecting coins as men stood in a queue waiting to defile her. Oh yes, she’d pay dearly for double-crossing him.

  He would wait for the right opportunity, and then he would snatch her off the street.

  When Harry’s carriage stopped on Petticoat Lane, he got out and instructed the driver to keep a sharp lookout for criminals. The neighborhood was exceedingly wretched. Just the thought of Lucy venturing in this rough place made his gut twist.

  As he walked toward the building, he thought about Lucy’s heartbreak and desperation the day she’d taken her mother’s pearls to this seedy place. He doubted the pearls would still be there, but he would make the effort on the slim chance they were.

  He walked inside, and a rancid smell nearly made him gag. A hulking, hunchbacked man eyed him. “Can I help ye, Governor?”

  “A redhead came here recently and pawned a pearl necklace. Do you still have the pearls?”

  The man regarded him warily. “I’m not a fence, Governor.”

  “I didn’t ask if the pearls were stolen. I asked if you have them.”

  “Lots of folks come and go. I can’t be bothered rememberin’ all of ’em.”

  Harry glared at him. “I daresay this establishment would not withstand a thorough search by the watch. Now answer my question.”

  “Aye, she come in one mornin’. I paid her, Governor.”

  After issuing a threat to alert the watch, Harry realized his mistake. The pawnbroker would tell Harry what he wanted to hear to keep the authorities at bay.

  It was entirely possible the man was lying about the pearls, but Harry decided to take a chance. “Let me see them.”

  The pawnbroker pulled out a blue velvet pouch and deposited a necklace on the counter. Harry picked it up and ran his fingers over the smooth pearls. Damnation, he knew nothing about jewelry. For all he knew the necklace was paste.

  “What’s it gonna be, Governor? I ain’t got all day.”

  Harry left it on the counter and strode across the grimy shop. He would buy her a new one, because he didn’t believe for a second that it was Lucy’s necklace. When he opened the door, the pawnbroker called out, “Wait, Governor.”

  Harry paused and looked over his shoulder. “Well?”

  “There’s so
methin’ you might have overlooked,” the pawnbroker said.

  Chapter Twelve

  Friday, early evening

  Your Grace,” Madame Delanger said, and curtsied as Harry entered the shop. “My seamstresses are almost finished fitting Miss Longmore.”

  “Excellent,” he said. Lucy had requested the fitting after the regular shop hours to avoid seeing any former customers who might recognize her. She’d wanted to avoid any awkwardness.

  “Your Grace, please make yourself comfortable on the chaise,” Madame Delanger said.

  “Thank you,” he said, stretching out his legs.

  Earlier, he’d persuaded Lucy to let him take her up in his carriage to the dress shop so they could transport the gown in his carriage. After leaving Lucy in Madame’s care, he’d taken himself off to White’s for a brandy and read the papers.

  He retrieved his watch. Poor Lucy. If the experience was anything like his recent visit to the tailor, he pitied her. All that measuring, trimming, and pinning was sheer torture to him. Then again, maybe ladies liked it. Lord knew his cousins were always discussing fashion.

  Madame Delanger regarded him with a shrewd expression. “Lucy is fortunate to be in your good graces.”

  He suspected Madame thought he’d made Lucy his mistress and meant to disabuse the woman of the idea. “On the contrary, I am the fortunate one,” he said. “I look forward to introducing her to my family and friends.”

  Madame’s brows lifted. “Indeed, she will be elevated to a great degree.”

  He regarded her with a bored expression. “Lucy needs no elevation.”

  “Indeed, Your Grace. I quite agree,” Madame said. “Ah, here she comes now.”

  Harry set his hat aside and stood. Lucy blushed as she walked out in a white gown with short, puffed sleeves decorated with pretty blue ribbons. The same ribbons were on the bottom part of the gown. She wore a close-fitting bonnet with a wide blue sash.

  “Turn around slowly,” Madame said.

  Lucy blushed as she complied. Harry saw the artistry behind the simple style, for a wide blue bow with a long sash at the back drew the eye immediately. When he met Lucy’s gaze, he realized she was a little uncertain of herself.