What a Devilish Duke Desires

by Vicky Dreiling

  “We could have managed, Harry.”

  “I know, but I wanted you to be comfortable.”

  “Thank you.” What was the point in arguing with him when it was only a temporary situation, and in all fairness he owned the town house, so it was his decision, not hers.

  When they stepped outside, she noted that the town house shared an adjoining wall with the neighbor’s home. There was a tall lamp in the yard that likely burned animal fat for light in the evening.

  “It does seem to be a quiet neighborhood,” Grandmama said.

  “My solicitor said it’s very private, so you will not be disturbed,” Harry said. “Shall we enter?”

  When he rang the bell, a butler answered. “This is Davis,” Harry said.

  Lucy looked about the small foyer. It was similar to the small house that she’d imagined living in with Harry.

  Five other servants lined up in the hall. A woman wearing a kerchief and a long apron approached. “I’m Mrs. Clark, the housekeeper, and this is Dottie, the maid of all work.”

  A tall, slender woman curtsied to Lucy. “I’m Mrs. Cooper, your lady’s maid.”

  Lucy curtsied. “Thank you for the introductions.” She glanced at Harry from the corner of her eye. Why had he gone to so much expense for a temporary stay at the town house? Of course, she wouldn’t question him in front of the servants.

  “I’ll give you a tour if you’re ready, madam,” the housekeeper said.

  “Yes, thank you,” Lucy said. She started to correct the housekeeper’s address, and then it dawned on her that Mrs. Cooper might conclude she was not a respectable lady. At any rate, their stay would be of short duration, and Lucy did not feel she owed explanations to temporary servants.

  Harry escorted Grandmama up the stairs and Lucy followed behind.

  There was a small drawing room on the first floor. Lucy’s heart quickened upon seeing an unusual connected seat. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said.

  “It’s a conversation settee,” Mrs. Clark said. “The previous tenants brought it here and left it behind when they left for the country.”

  “Grandmama, I wish you could see it,” Lucy said. “It’s aptly named.”

  “I’m glad you like it,” Harry said.

  “The bedchambers are up the next flight,” Mrs. Clark said.

  When they reached the corridor, Mrs. Clark opened a door. “This is a connecting door to the gentleman’s chamber.”

  Lucy’s face grew warm. She wondered if Mrs. Clark thought she and Harry were married.

  “There is another bedchamber down the corridor for your grandmother’s use.”

  Lucy took her grandmother there. “Thank you, Mrs. Clark. This looks like a very comfortable and inviting bedchamber. Grandmama, will you be comfortable here?” Lucy asked.

  “Oh yes, I like the rocking chair. I can feel the warmth of the sun from the window.”

  “If you need anything, the bell rope is next to the rocker,” Mrs. Clark said.

  “Mrs. Clark, would you arrange for tea in the drawing room?” Lucy asked.

  “Yes, madam.”

  “I must leave for the Albany soon,” Lucy said. “Then we can retrieve our satchels afterward.”

  Harry’s lips parted as if he meant to say something, and then it was as if he reconsidered. “Very well. We’ll leave your grandmother with Mrs. Clark.”

  Lucy waited until the carriage was well under way before speaking. “Harry, I was stunned to discover a crew of servants. We will not be there long enough to justify it.”

  “Lucy, I think it will be at least a fortnight if not longer before the work is completed. Buckley did a lot of damage. I own this property and it’s far more comfortable than a hotel. A fortnight will go by quickly,” he said. “Hopefully by then your lodgings will be in tip-top order.”

  When he saw they were nearing Vigo Street, Harry tapped his cane on the roof.

  “I’ll wait here at five o’clock,” he said.

  He helped her out of the carriage and kissed her cheek. Harry watched her hurry down Vigo Street. He despised having to stop a block from the Albany, but he didn’t want her to lose her position. Now that Lucy and her grandmother were safely settled, he would propose to Lucy. His mother would kick up a fuss, but she would have no choice but to accept his decision. He smiled as he gave his driver directions to Rundell & Bridge, the premier jeweler in London. He’d look over the bands and then bring Lucy the next day to try on a ring. His chest felt as if it were expanding, because soon he meant to make her his wife.

  Five o’clock

  Harry kept watch as he waited in his carriage. Lucy would arrive in another ten minutes at the latest. Having taken several carriage rides today, he felt a bit cramped. He opened the door and stepped out. A few minutes later, Lucy appeared and hurried toward him. He opened the carriage door and lifted her up inside. When he started to climb inside, he heard Everleigh’s familiar voice.

  “Quickly,” he said under his breath. “Pull the drapes over the window.” Then he shut the door and turned to greet Everleigh and his father, the Earl of Beauland. “How are you both on this fine day? You chose not to visit Rotten Row?”

  “Not today,” Beauland said in a terse tone.

  “Harry, was that Miss Longmore?” Everleigh asked.

  The devil. “Yes, I saw her walking and offered to take her up in my carriage. She was on her way to see her grandmother.”

  The Earl of Beauland arched his bushy gray brows. “Granfield, if you wish to conduct your amorous affairs at the Albany, have the decency to be discreet.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Harry said, not bothering to hide his outrage.

  Everleigh’s face grew ruddy. “Granfield, do forgive us. Father, you are mistaken. Miss Longmore is the young lady who instructs dance in Mrs. Norcliffe’s drawing room.”

  “We will discuss this privately,” Beauland said. “Good day, Granfield.” He barely nodded to Harry and strode off with his son.

  “Bloody hell,” he muttered. To hell with Beauland. The man was worse than any stiff-rumped matron. But the truth hit him. He had made her his mistress, and worse, he’d exposed her to gossip. Damn it. It was his responsibility to protect her.

  Harry strode back to the carriage and realized his heart was pumping fast. It was just bad luck to run into the pair. Why the devil weren’t they at Rotten Row like everyone else?

  It was an unfortunate encounter, but it was over. Although he knew it wasn’t.

  Harry climbed into the carriage and took Lucy’s hand in his. God, he hadn’t expected this to happen. He should have been more cautious.

  “Harry,” she said, “was that Everleigh on the pavement?”

  “Yes, that was him.”

  “Who was the older gentleman?” she asked.

  “Everleigh’s father,” he said. “I told them I was taking you to your grandmother. It is the truth.”

  “They saw me alone in the carriage with you,” she said.

  “Everleigh is a gentleman and will never mention it. There is nothing to be concerned about.” But he wasn’t happy that he’d accidentally exposed her to Beauland, of all people. There was nothing to be done about it other than keep a closer eye on their surroundings. He had to use caution, because the wrong set of circumstances and a heaping dollop of gossip could ruin her reputation. She was going to be his wife, and he must do everything in his power to protect her.

  Tuesday morning, the town house

  “You have a dance lesson this morning, do you not?” Grandmama said to Lucy as they finished breakfast.

  “Yes, I agreed to instruct for Mrs. Norcliffe again.”

  “Oh, dear, I know you’re not bowled over by that superior lady.”

  “Mrs. Norcliffe has no use for me beyond dance instruction, and frankly, I’ve no wish to do more than instruct and collect my wages.”

  “Is Granfield taking you up in his carriage?” Grandmama said.

  “Yes, he is.” Lucy had w
anted to walk, but Harry had been adamant that she shouldn’t walk alone on the streets as long as Buckley was still roaming free. The problem was that the authorities might never catch him. He was just one of hundreds of miscreants walking the cobbled streets.

  When the bell rang, Lucy finished her cup of tea. “Grandmama, I must go instruct the dancers and report to the Albany afterward.” She didn’t tell her grandmother that he must let her out a block away so that no one would know that she had traveled alone with him.

  Lucy met Harry in the foyer. “I’m ready,” she said.

  “I’m not sure I am. I don’t think I’ve ever danced the Allemande.”

  “Today, you will learn it,” she said.

  He led her out of the town house and helped her up in his carriage. As it rolled along the streets, he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I find myself missing the hotel—or rather being there with you.”

  “The hotel was like a fantasy world,” she said. “But now we have temporary lodgings and soon my grandmother and I will be able to go home.”

  “I want to ensure that you’re in no danger from Buckley before you attempt to return to your lodgings,” he said.

  “I will take precautions,” she said. “Believe me. I do not want to run afoul of Buckley or any other criminal.”

  She could tell from the stubborn set of his chin that he wasn’t happy with her answer.

  “I will escort you in my carriage a block away from my mother’s house,” he said. “I’ll make sure no one marks that we’re alone.”

  “You cannot continue to escort me everywhere I go,” she said. “You have other responsibilities.”

  “Will you please allow me to escort you until that rat Buckley is discovered and taken to gaol? If you’ll not think of me, then think of your grandmother.”

  “Harry, of course I think of you. I don’t like putting you to so much trouble.”

  “You are not trouble to me. Quite the opposite.”

  Harry let Lucy off half a block away from his mother’s town house. He watched her hurry toward his mother’s door. Everything inside of him rebelled at concealing their relationship. He hated the subterfuge and wanted to end it. What he really wanted was to get a special license and marry her immediately. But he’d already thought all of this through and knew that for her sake he must stay the course. If he married her suddenly, it would likely create gossip. He would propose soon and marry her in a quiet ceremony in a fortnight. Then he would take her and her grandmother home to Havenwood when the season ended.

  He waited fifteen minutes, and then he strode to the door and rang the bell.

  “Your Grace,” Gibson said, bowing. “Mrs. Norcliffe awaits your presence.”

  “Thank you,” Harry said.

  He strode upstairs and into the crowded drawing room.

  “There you are, Harry,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “I hope you are ready to dance.”

  “I will see that he does his part,” Mina said, laughing.

  Lucy stood at attention near his mother, presumably waiting for a signal from her to proceed.

  “Miss Longmore,” Mrs. Norcliffe said imperiously. “You will instruct the Allemande.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Norcliffe, I have instructed the Allemande many times before.”

  Mrs. Vernon smiled at Lucy and took her place at the pianoforte.

  Mrs. Norcliffe frowned. “Everleigh is late. I wonder if we should send a missive?”

  “Oh no,” Mina said. “He probably lost track of time. I’ll ring for a fresh pot of tea while we wait.”

  Harry clasped his hands behind his back and regarded Lucy with a slight shrug. He rather looked forward to dancing with her this morning. Just to tease her, he would find the right moment and wink at her.

  When the tea tray arrived, Mina poured and handed round cups. Harry walked to the window. Below, he could see the gardener tending to the vegetables.

  He sat with Justin and spoke about fencing for quite a while. Harry hadn’t picked up a blade in some time, but Justin had continued his lessons with Angelo. When the clock chimed, Harry frowned. At least thirty minutes had elapsed.

  He rose and approached Mina. “I wonder if we shouldn’t send round a missive to Everleigh. It’s not like him to be late, is it?”

  “No, not at all. Do you suppose he is ill?” Mina said.

  Harry shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”

  Mrs. Norcliffe joined them. “Harry, perhaps you ought to call on Everleigh.”

  “Very well.” He meant to ask Mina to inform Lucy that he’d left to check on Everleigh, but Gibson entered the room and gave his mother a sealed letter.

  By now, others were watching with avid curiosity. Mrs. Norcliffe covered her mouth. Then she took a deep breath, rose, and said, “‘Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that an unexpected family matter has arisen. I ask your forgiveness, but I do hope you understand.’”

  Harry saw Lucy’s alarmed expression. She went to his mother and said something. To Harry’s astonishment, his mother glared at her. What the devil?

  After everyone departed, Harry said, “Mama, something is wrong.”

  “Yes, something is definitely wrong. Helena and Amelia, please leave us.”

  When the two sisters departed, Harry said, “Will you please tell me what is wrong?”

  “Miss Longmore, you will leave this house and you are not welcome here again,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

  “Aunt, you cannot mean to speak to Miss Longmore in this manner,” Mina said. “It is cruel.”

  Mrs. Norcliffe’s eyes blazed. “You think so? I have just received a letter from the Countess of Beauland. Everleigh will not call upon you again. Do you hear me? He will not call again because of that harlot,” she said, pointing at Lucy.

  Harry inhaled sharply. “You had better make a sincere apology to her this moment and you will address her respectfully,” he said. “I will not allow you to insult her.”

  “She is not respectable, as you well know,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “She was seen walking out of the Albany, no doubt fresh from your bed and thence into your carriage.”

  “Miss Longmore works as a maid at the Albany,” he said. God, he was furious and trying desperately to contain his anger. “Now make your apology.”

  “Beauland has decreed that he will not have any association with our family until you rid yourself of your mistress. Congratulations, Harry, you have managed to ruin all of Mina’s hopes,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

  “Beauland will not dictate to me or any other member of our family,” Harry said, raising his voice.

  “Aunt, you are rushing to judgment,” Mina said. “Miss Longmore has done nothing wrong, and I’m sure Harry is equally innocent of any wrongdoing.”

  Lucy lifted her chin and closed the distance to Mrs. Norcliffe. “Madame, I will depart immediately and will not bring censure upon your family again.”

  “You might have thought of that sooner,” Mrs. Norcliffe said in a curt manner. “Instead you brought shame upon my family.”

  “Enough,” Harry said, slicing his hand through the air. “Mama, I will not allow you to treat Miss Longmore in this disgusting manner again. I’m leaving. You may wish to reconsider what you have said. If you wish to keep this family together, I highly advise you to apologize to Miss Longmore now.”

  “I will not,” Mrs. Norcliffe said, her eyes filling with tears. “I knew from the moment I saw you ogling her that she meant to sink her claws into you.”

  “I beg your pardon for offending you, Mrs. Norcliffe. I will leave you now.”

  Harry shook his head. “If you do not apologize, I will never forgive you,” he said. “Never.”

  When his mother clamped her lips shut, he strode out of the drawing room and down the stairs. He opened the door and caught up to Lucy on the pavement. “Stop,” he said, taking her arm.

  “No, please leave me be.”

  Tears tracked down her face.

  “I love you,” he said. “And
I will not let you go.”

  A servant walked past with a dog. “Come with me to the carriage so that we can talk.”

  He offered his arm, and she took it. As he helped her inside the carriage, he realized she was shaking. He called out to the driver, “Just drive until I knock the roof.”

  When he sat beside Lucy, he wrapped her in his arms. The carriage rolled off and Lucy’s face crumbled. “I…I knew this was a m-mistake from the b-beginning.”

  “I don’t believe it was a mistake,” he said. “I think we were destined to be together.”

  “How can you say that?” she cried. “I told you before that I will not be the instrument of unhappiness to your family, but I have done so.”

  “Lucy, do you love me?”

  A wounded sound came out of her throat. “I l-love you, Harry, but we cannot be together.”

  “Yes, we can,” he said. “I will make it happen.”

  “You cannot,” she said. “Have you not realized the damage that I have caused to your family and to Everleigh’s family? You know Mina and Everleigh are in love. Even if Beauland had not made his accusations, there still would have been trouble. No one in the ton will ever accept me. Never. I am a maid, Harry, and worse, I am your mistress. I’ve been in denial, but it’s true.”

  “Lucy, I mean to marry you.”

  “I am a maid and as of today that is all I am. No one will ever hire me to instruct their children.” Her eyes welled with tears. “My reputation is ruined, and I have come between you and your family. I swore I would never do that to you, but I have. We must part now.”

  “No, Lucy. I will not let you go.”

  “You must,” she said. “For the sake of your cousins and your mother.”

  “I love you, and I will not live without you.”

  “Yes, you will, Harry. That is my parting gift to you. I will disappear from your life. It is the kindest thing that I can do for you. I will always carry you in my heart, but we have known from the start that this would never work. You will find a lady of your own class, and I know she will love you.”

  “I won’t let you go,” he said. “I won’t.”