Ravaging the Duke

by J R Salisbury

  It would have been a pity had it been lost to the family. It had been in Alec's family for generations. Thankfully, Alec's sister had seen that didn't happen. It had almost been lost forever due to the late duke's gambling obsession. That would have truly been a tragedy.

  "It's beautiful, Alec," Margaret murmured to her husband.

  "Now you can see why it's my favorite, and you haven't even been inside."

  "Can you see the sea from the house?"

  "You can. The best views, I think, are in the duke's and duchess's rooms. They are simply spectacular."

  "I can't wait to tour the house."

  "Why don't we head inside." He pointed to a bank of dark clouds coming in from the sea.

  "It looks as though we made it just in time."

  He offered Margaret his arm. "Yes. Hopefully, the rain will be gone as fast as it came in."

  "I'm sure there is plenty to keep us busy in the meantime."

  "Yes."

  He guided her to the front door where the butler, Roland, stood. "He's been with the family as long as I can remember. His son, Rodney, has been an under butler here for years."

  "Will he replace his father when the time comes?" she whispered.

  Alec nodded. "Yes."

  Margaret started to say something. She was curious as to what would become of Roland after all the years of service. Would Alec give him a pension of some sort or offer him housing? More things she needed to learn.

  "Welcome, Your Grace," the butler said as he bowed to her husband.

  "Thank you. May I present my wife, the Duchess of Wexwood. My dear, this is Roland. If you require anything at all, ask him or Mrs. Small, the head housekeeper."

  "Your Grace." He bowed.

  “So nice to meet you, Roland," Margaret replied. She couldn't help but catch the arch of the butler's eyebrows as she spoke. He hadn't been expecting an American duchess. She wanted to giggle but maintained her decorum.

  Inside the great hall stood an older woman. Margaret immediately took the woman to be the housekeeper, Mrs. Small. Alec introduced her as he had the butler. The woman, too, hadn't been expecting an American for her mistress. Nothing she couldn't handle.

  "Would you care for me to show you to your rooms, Your Grace?" Mrs. Small inquired.

  "That won't be necessary, Mrs. Small. I'll show Her Grace to her rooms myself."

  "As you wish, Your Grace."

  Alec, sensing it a difficult situation, took Margaret's hand and headed to the grand staircase. Margaret did all she could to catch up with her husband's long steps. "She doesn't like me," she whispered as she stared upward.

  "She doesn't know you."

  "She wasn't expecting you to marry an American. Roland, either."

  "Mrs. Small has always been a stern woman. Give her time to warm up to your American ways."

  Margaret grabbed the banister as they began ascending the stairs. She was in love with this house before she'd even gotten a chance to see the rest of it. It was elegant and inviting. "I wonder what she's going to think when we don't leave our rooms quickly."

  "She knows to be discreet. What of your lady's maid?"

  "Shall I dismiss her for a few hours?"

  "As much as I would like you to, I have the feeling you'd rather see the house first."

  Margaret smiled at him. "You are beginning to know me too well. Maybe we could dine in the duke's room. Retire early?"

  "It was a long journey from Kent." Alec snickered.

  "Yes, it was. The roads were quite awful."

  "Means there's been a lot of rain lately. They should be repaired soon. Before we leave."

  She took his hand as he turned down a hallway. He squeezed it as he led her to the end of the hall.

  "These are your rooms," he said as he opened the door. She stepped in and looked around at the furnishings. "Feel free to redo whatever you wish. Nothing has been done since my mother used them, and she hasn't been to Somerset in some years."

  She looked around in awe at the shades of pink and white that dominated the room. The walls were covered in pale pink damask, the floors covered with carpets that closely matched. While it was elegant, all the pink was overwhelming to Margaret. "I adore the furniture. Is it French?"

  Alec nodded. "Yes. My mother, as you know, loves French fashion and decor."

  He showed her through the small sitting area to the bedroom. Off of it was a large dressing area, where her lady's maid was already busy unpacking her clothes.

  "You mentioned the view..."

  "Ah, yes. Come, let me show you." He led her back to the bedroom and walked over to the windows.

  "It's breathtaking, Alec."

  "Even more dramatic from the duke's rooms."

  "Did your mother not like the sea view? Is that why the windows are covered with the lace curtain?"

  "No, she's never been fond of the sea. That's why she didn't spend a lot of time here. Only if my father wanted to make a trip."

  "That is one thing I'll change. I can imagine spending hours looking out at the view."

  "Come, I'll show you the view from the duke's chamber."

  He walked over to a door. He opened it and grinned at her. "This door will lock, but I hope we never have to use it."

  Margaret walked through the door and into the duke's chambers. Like the other of the duke's chambers, this one was quite masculine. The furniture heavy and dark. The view, however, caught her attention, and the furniture faded into the background.

  "It's everything you said it was. It's breathtaking, Alec."

  "I rather like it. I'm glad you do as well."

  She turned away from the windows, and for the first time, saw a huge, dark mahogany bed situated in the middle of the room. It was situated so the duke could see the sea whenever he woke up in the morning. "Who thought to put the bed like this?"

  "I'm not sure. It's always been there. It was this way when my grandfather was still alive. Perhaps Roland knows better than I."

  "Do you like it?"

  "Yes. It's a sight to behold. Even at night, when the moon is out, you can look out from the bed and see the water."

  Alec walked closer. He pushed a stray tendril of her hair behind her ear. "Would you like to see the view from there?"

  Her hand wrapped around his wrist and kissed his palm as he finished with her hair. "If we did, I'm afraid we'd get nothing more done."

  "Then why don't I show you the rooms downstairs? We can do as you suggested. Retire early. Have supper sent up here."

  "I'm sure there are matters that need your attention afterwards?"

  He nodded. "Yes, but nothing that can't wait. Why don't I show you the library and music room? I promise the piano is tuned."

  "That would be wonderful."

  "The drawing room has superb views of the side garden. I think you'll like it."

  "Let's get started."

  Margaret especially enjoyed the library. It offered sensual delights in colors and textures. Overstuffed chairs and comfortable settees filled it. A huge fireplace sat at one end. She imagined it would give an impressive fire in the winter. She was also willing to bet this was where Alec spent a great deal of his time when he was in residence. The drawing room sported a harsh classicism, which was out of date with Alec's personality.

  "What do you think?" he asked.

  "I love it! Do you know how many books are on the shelves?"

  He shook his head; a smile crossed his face. "No, none. I only know there are books my grandfather and his father brought here. My father had no real interest in adding to the collection."

  "That's a shame. We must add to it."

  "I will leave that task to you."

  She walked around the large room, stopping at a large table. She ran her fingers along the top. "I have the feeling this entire room's contents need to be catalogued."

  Alec nodded. "Yes, there seems to be no real organization to it."

  "Do you spend a lot of time in here when you visit?"


  "Yes. It is inviting in winter, and in summer, you can open the terrace doors and catch a breeze off the sea."

  "I can see why you love coming here. I've already fallen in love with it."

  "Then you wouldn't mind spending summers here?"

  "No, I would adore spending time here."

  "I think I explained when Parliament is in session, I stay in Kent if not in London because it is closer. To really get away, I love to come here."

  "I think we should continue doing that, with one exception."

  "What's that?

  "We visit Scotland at least once a year."

  He nodded. "Especially should your cousin decide to take me up on my offer."

  "I have no doubt Jacob will. He merely wants to think it all out before making such a huge committment."

  "Would you like to see the music room?"

  "Yes, and I want to hear you play."

  He chuckled as he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "You are like a dog with a bone."

  "How's that?"

  "You get hold of an idea and don't let go."

  "That's a rather unsightly comparison, don't you think?"

  "Hmmm, that or a ferret."

  She looked at him in mock horror but continued walking with him until they came to the door. He led her through and took her down the hall to the music room. Alec watched her face as she entered.

  The room was done far differently than the library. In one corner, a harp sat covered. A piano was in the center of the room. On top of it sat a violin. He remembered Margaret telling him she'd learned to play until her mother decided it wasn't becoming of a young woman to play such an instrument.

  "Where did this come from?" she asked. She picked up the instrument and closely looked it over.

  "My grandfather played. It was his. I thought perhaps you'd like to brush up on your skills."

  "You wouldn't mind?"

  "You playing violin? Of course not."

  "Someone obviously loved music," she said, pointing to the wallpaper. Notes and other musical symbols decorated the intricate wallpaper. A large rug with a similar design graced the floor under the piano.

  "My mother redecorated the room some years ago. Why has always been a mystery when she is not musical and spends no time in here," Alec said as he neared.

  "Perhaps she has more of a love of music than you know."

  "Maybe."

  She placed the violin back on the piano top. "Is there no bow for it?"

  Alec smiled. "We will need to look. If not, we'll obtain one the next time we're in London. I know of a shop that deals in fine violins."

  "I'd like that."

  She ran her fingers over the ivory white and black keys. "It sounds much better than the piano in Scotland." She giggled.

  "It does. To be fair, it has not received the attention this one does."

  "Is that because you visit here more?"

  "I imagine so. Why don't you play for me?"

  He turned the tables on her.

  "Didn't I ask you to play?" she asked coyly.

  "You did, but I would much rather listen to you. I promise, when you finish, I'll play a piece."

  ***

  That evening, dinner was sent to the duke's chambers and placed upon a table which had been moved to the windows. Alec wanted Margaret to see the sea as they dined. She was enthralled by the house and estate. Tomorrow, he would take her with him if she wished to ride with him. He wanted to begin meeting his tenants, just as he had in Scotland. He would take his duchess with him if she wished to ride with him. In Scotland, he learned that his tenants loved the new duchess and were taken in by her down to earth personality. The fact she was American also fascinated them. He would do the same here.

  He turned as he heard the door between their rooms open. She stood there in a simple, but elegant, deep red silk dress. As always, she took his breath away.

  "Come," he said softly. "Dinner just arrived."

  She walked across the room to him. Her eyes watched him as she did.

  "This is lovely."

  "It is. Perhaps we can have dinner on the terrace while we are here."

  She placed her hand in his. "I can't wait."

  He led her to the table, where she sat down. Alec watched as her gaze immediately went to the windows.

  "Champagne?" he offered.

  "Please. What's the occasion?"

  "I don't need one," he replied huskily.

  Alec removed the cork from the bottle of chilled champagne. He poured two glasses of champagne and offered her one.

  She accepted the glass and smiled. "I understand there are men who can uncork a bottle of champagne with a sword."

  He chuckled and picked up his glass. "I believe it's quite popular in France. Perhaps your mother will get to see such a feat."

  "Have you ever tried?" she asked coyly as she lifted the glass to those berry colored lips. Alec felt his cock responding to such a simple act.

  "No. I'm quite sure if I had, my father would have beaten me quite severely for wasting his perfectly good champagne."

  "Pity. I'm sure there's an art to it."

  "One that I don't possess."

  He sat down across from her and watched as she took her first sip.

  "It is very good. French?"

  "The best comes from France."

  She took another sip. "Should we see what Cook prepared for us? I'd hate for us to get foxed before we even had an opportunity to eat."

  He lifted the silver food cover that sat in front of each of them. Dinner consisted of fish, most likely caught off the coast in Somerset. It was covered in a cream sauce. Potatoes and peas were among the vegetables that accompanied the fish.

  She placed her glass on the table and clapped her hands lightly. "Fish. I don't believe I've had bad fish since I've been here. This looks delectable."

  "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to keep things simple."

  They shared a contentment as they shared the meal that needed no words. As they finished, Alec spoke.

  "I thought I would begin to visit with the tenants tomorrow. Would you like to ride with me?"

  "Yes." She nodded. "I would very much like to be with you when you visit them. I think it's important that they see me, get to know me, instead of my being a duchess locked away in her castle."

  "My mother was such, and I'm glad you've chosen to be involved."

  "We can't grow the estate if we don't work together, can we?"

  "No, we can’t."

  "Any other plans for tomorrow?"

  "We'll go into town, and I'll show you the sea tomorrow."

  "I need to prepare for your sister's stay."

  "There is plenty of time."

  She smiled as he poured her another glass of champagne. "I had a thought."

  "What is that?" he asked. He uncovered a dish of fruits and cheeses for dessert. Something simple to end a delicious meal.

  "Why don't we invite my cousins?"

  "Your cousins?"

  "Yes, Norwood and Jacob. I believe Monty has gone to London. There is some woman he met in France who caught his eye. I think she was traveling from Paris with her brother to London. We can extend the invitation to them."

  "I can write him. Your cousin Jacob, however. You're sure you want to invite him here?"

  "How else can he be convinced to take the position you offered him than to invite him to spend time with us. That is, unless you read something into your visit with him and don't think he can be trusted."

  "I believe he can be trusted. At least I hope I'm right in my evaluation of him."

  "I think you're right. I'm sure the only thing keeping him from accepting is the change. It's a huge one for him and a very large committment."

  "Then you feel he'll accept."

  "Yes." She sipped her champagne. "I'm sure inviting him here to spend some time will make him change his mind. If he had any doubts."

  "Then I'll write to Norwood and your cousin in the morning. I'll
tell Norwood you'd like to extend an invitation to his lady friend and her brother as well." He'd also let Norwood know what Margaret wanted to do by inviting Douglas. He'd seek Evermont's advice as well. He saw no reason not to invite the man, but he wanted no surprises. Perhaps a couple of Evermont's men could double as footmen. Only to keep an eye on the young American.

  "It'll be our first real house party."

  "You're right. Eleanor will be more than happy to assist you through it."

  She smiled. "She already extended her assistance. I don't know what I'd do without her."

  "You're a fast learner, Margaret. I have no doubt by next year you'll be hosting all kinds of soirees and dinners."

  "Don't forget balls. Your sister told me at some point it would be important for us to hold a ball. London would probably be the best place."

  "When?" He groaned. Women were a strange lot. He wasn't sure he'd ever know how they thought. Not even Margaret.

  "Don't worry yourself. It probably won't be until next year."

  "Yes. By then it'll be expected of us."

  She cocked her head and looked at him with a subtle smile. "Alex? Do you swim?"

  "Yes. I learned here. My father thought it important. Why?"

  "Will you teach me?"

  "Yes, of course. After we've met our tenants and you and I ride into town. Why the interest in swimming."

  "No reason. I thought it might be important since we live next to the sea."

  "Ahhh..."

  He caught her watching him as he threw himself into a more comfortable chair in the room and sprawled there. "It is time to remove your dress, duchess."

  "I will require your assistance unless you wish me to call for my maid."

  Alec stood up and carefully helped her remove the unwanted garment. "I will let you do the rest."

  She arched an eyebrow. "Truly?"

  "I wish to sit here and watch."

  "Very well." She lowered the bodice. The silk eased down her body. He watched closely. Finally the chemise fell to the floor, leaving her clad only in her stockings. She was naked to him.

  He was on his feet. He walked to her, excited from the erotic pleasure of watching her disrobe. He leaned over and kissed her lips, then her neck, and finally her breasts. He lost himself, and her scent filled his head. He heard nothing but his breathing and her occasional sigh. He tasted her skin as he touched her breasts.