The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series)

by Jernigan, Brenda

  The quail was delicious, but most of all she enjoyed Jonathan’s carefree company. He was such an imp, making her laugh often. Even Adam seemed to finally relax as he told her about the mischief he and Jonathan had gotten into when they were younger.

  Jewel kept wiping the tears off her cheeks. She didn’t know when she had laughed so much.

  Seeing her eyes glisten with laughter, Adam once again found himself wondering about the lady. He knew Jonathan was trying his damnedest to be charming, and it irritated him. But despite that, Adam was surprised the evening proved so enjoyable. He now found he’d hate leaving her, but he knew he must.

  “Jewel,” Adam said, gaining her attention, “I’ll be departing for London in a couple of days.”

  “Why?” Her brow furrowed but her eyes never left his.

  “Why?” He couldn’t believe she had asked why ... instead of just accepting his statement. He certainly couldn’t tell her the truth, and he wasn’t accustomed to explaining why he was doing things; however, there she sat, waiting for his answer.

  “I’ve decided to let Jonathan oversee Briercliff when I return to America, so I need to see my lawyer to sign the necessary legal papers. Perhaps if I’m lucky, I also will hear something about you while I’m there. Enough time has elapsed. Someone should be asking questions.” Of course there was another reason, the most important of all, but she’d have to accept the excuse he’d just given. “Jonathan has agreed to keep an eye on you while I’m gone so if you need anything, he’ll be near.”

  “I will look forward to your company, Jonathan.” Jewel presented him with the most dazzling smile. Then turning to Adam, she said, “Have you decided when you’ll be sailing?” Adam clenched his teeth at the way she smiled at

  Jonathan. Why didn’t she look at him that way? Since that night when she’d blurted out that he was handsome, she’d treated him as an older brother—an aging duke. She could at least look a little sad, he thought. Instead, she seemed happy at the prospect of seeing more of Jonathan. Damn woman! It was a good thing he didn’t care a fig for her . . . as it was, she was driving him crazy enough.

  “I’ll be sailing the first of the year,” Adam stated bluntly. His previously good mood having disappeared, he found he didn’t want to discuss his leaving any further. “Good night, Jewel.” Standing abruptly, he looked at Jonathan. “Shall we have our brandy in the study?”

  Well, she might not have a memory, but she certainly knew when she’d been insulted! Jewel raised an eyebrow, having picked up the damn habit from him. She wouldn’t give Adam the satisfaction of seeing how his words stung her. Slowly, she placed her napkin on the table, then rose from her chair.

  She turned to Jonathan, addressing him deliberately. “You have made dinner very pleasant tonight. I hope to see you again soon.” Turning, she walked out of the dining room with her head held high, but before she got completely through the door, she looked over her right shoulder. “Good night, Your Grace.”

  Adam smiled grimly. He’d noticed the high color that stained her cheekbones and knew he’d made her angry, but at the moment he required some distance from her. He also needed to speak with Jonathan in private, he realized with a weary sigh. Tomorrow, he would make amends. He’d promised to take Jewel riding, and that was just what they would do.

  Yes, tomorrow would be their day.

  Chapter Seven

  The next morning, seeing the door to Jewel’s room ajar, Adam gently pushed it open and leaned against the doorway while he watched with amusement as she jerked the silver-handled brush through her ebony tresses. Her hair crackled and shone, and Adam wondered if she longed to use that brush on him.

  He knew she saw him in the mirror, and he wanted to laugh at her rigid back as she attempted to ignore him. It didn’t seem to bother her one bit that she was dressed in a rose-colored robe. There didn’t seem to be a modest bone in her body, and he wondered about that. Just what kind of upbringing had she had? In every other way she appeared a lady.

  Evidently, she was still a little upset over his rude dismissal of her the night before.

  “Don’t you ever knock?” Jewel snapped, eyeing him from the mirror.

  “Not in my home, I don’t,” he drawled, a slight smile upon his face.

  Her reflection glared at him. “If you’re trying to point out that this is your home—I’m well aware of that fact.”

  From the way he looked, her rudeness hadn’t fazed him. His casual manner irritated her. “Still angry about last night?” he asked casually.

  “What makes you think I’m upset?”

  “Well, for some strange reason your hair seems to be taking a lot of abuse. I wouldn’t be surprised if it all fell out, the way you’re brushing it.” He chuckled.

  She slammed the brush down and turned to face him. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  His eyes twinkled devilishly. “Sweetheart, there’s a lot you could do for me. However, I’m going to do something for you.”

  “Oh.” Jewel looked skeptical. His easy humor caught her off guard.

  “How would you like to go for the ride I promised? I thought we could take a picnic lunch.”

  She jumped up, forgetting her earlier irritation. All she could think about was getting beyond the castle walls and out into the fresh air. “Do you mean it?” Seeing Adam nod, she ran over, threw her arms around his neck, and placed a light kiss on his cheek. “Thank you! I’ll be dressed in a moment.” In her excitement, she hadn’t thought twice about her small display of affection, or the fact that her arms were still wrapped around his neck.

  At his sharp intake of breath, she suddenly realized the position she was in. Before she could retreat, his arms went around her waist, and she felt his breath hot against her forehead and his hard muscular body beneath her fingers. She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

  With only a robe between them, Adam liked the feel of Jewel’s firm young body pressed next to his. He reached out and stroked the curve of her throat with his knuckle, thinking perhaps they should have their picnic here in the bedroom. What a delicious thought!

  She wasn’t good at hiding her emotions, and somehow he knew he’d always be able to look into her liquid brown eyes and see the truth. At the moment, he could see doubt, but there was a passion that burned deep, a yearning he’d seen other women pretend to feel. God help him, he wanted to taste the fire and lose his soul in this woman’s charms.

  Bending his head, he gently brushed her lips. His voice sounded raspy as he struggled for control. “Sweetheart, I think you should get dressed . . . unless you can think of something else we could do?”

  Remembering that Jewel wasn’t one of his paramours, he released her. But the move was so sudden that she stepped back on her gown and lost her balance. Quickly, he reached to steady her. She really was clumsy, he thought, but adorable.

  Jewel trembled. She had no idea what to say. Adam’s lazy smile made her breath catch, and she felt that she was falling under his spell. And the worst thing was that she couldn’t seem to stop herself from feeling this way. Being only a temporary part of his life, she could never be anything more to him. Hadn’t he already told her he was leaving and, memory or no memory, she’d be on her own? The feelings she had for him were nothing more than gratitude. After all, he had saved her life, so it was natural to find her rescuer attractive. Wasn’t it?

  The gleam she saw in his gray eyes scared her because she didn’t quite understand it. “I—if I am to ride, I’ll need something to wear other than a gown. Should I wear the breeches I had on earlier or did you buy me something?”

  “I did.” Adam grinned. “It’s deep purple. Would you like me to help you find it?”

  “N-no,” she stammered, pushing him out of the room. “I’ll find it myself. I’m sure it’s not proper for you to be here, especially when I’m not dressed.”

  He turned around, catching her hand in his. He lifted her fingers and placed a brief kiss. “I think it’s the most
proper time.”

  Jewel’s thoughts were on Adam as she finished dressing. He could be so charming, and for one brief moment when he had held her, she had wanted something more. Even though she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted from him. He confused her.

  Her spirits were high. Finally, she would see this strange land she found herself in. She looked into the mirror and liked what she saw. The deep purple velvet made her skin look creamy and smooth, and it also brought out tiny flecks of purple in her eyes. The white muslin petticoats hung just below the hem of her skirt, giving it the appearance of lace trim, which also matched the lacy front of her blouse, and a snug-fitting jacket accented her small waist.

  Annie pulled Jewel’s hair up to one side, pinning a hat of purple and white ostrich feathers there. The ends of the feathers came down and barely touched her high cheekbones. Of course, she didn’t need rouge since Adam usually kept her cheeks tinted pink.

  Worried she’d taken too long, she flew down the stairs, practically knocking Adam down.

  “Slow down, sweetheart. You’re going to be the death of one of us yet. Here, let me look at you.” Adam stood back, giving his approval. “You look lovely, but then I knew you would when I picked out that color.”

  She had a moment to look at Adam’s attire. His riding jacket was made of the same rich material as hers. Most men wouldn’t dare wear purple, but then she was finding out that Adam Trent wasn’t like most men. Yet upstairs, she’d really been aware of his manly ways. She felt her body grow warm as she continued to take in Adam’s clothing. His white shirt opened at the neck, revealing golden skin. The brocaded waistcoat matched his black riding pants, and his Hessian boots glistened from hours of polishing. Just one look at him spoke of his noble background.

  Once outside, they found the horses had been brought around front. Marie gave them a blanket and a basket packed with food. Jewel draped the blanket over her arm and held the wicker basket while Adam placed everything on Star.

  Walking over to her mount, she marveled at how tall the animal appeared.

  “Jewel, 1 don’t think you’ve ridden before,” Adam informed her.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You’re on the wrong side of the horse, my dear. You mount from the left.”

  “Oh,” Jewel mumbled, embarrassed at making a fool of herself once again. She moved around to the other side. “Adam, this horse is too high. I think I need a smaller one.”

  Adam chuckled, and the groom’s head snapped up in amazement. Apparently, laughter from Adam was not a common occurrence. The groom smiled, then shook his head.

  “I think this afternoon is going to be an interesting experience for both of us.” Adam helped her up before mounting himself.

  “Don’t be afraid or the horse will sense it,” he instructed, showing her how to hold the reins properly.

  “I’m not afraid,” Jewel said confidently.

  Adam was pleased at how fast she learned to handle her mount. Her ostrich feathers had slid a little further down her face, but it made her look delightful. Accustomed to being around women who had to have every little hair in place, Adam found Jewel a refreshing change.

  The crisp beautiful morning made Jewel appreciate her jacket. Autumn colors flecked the countryside as they rode away from Briercliff. She turned and looked back over her shoulder. The castle appeared to watch over the valley and the sea, a fortress high on the cliffs of Cornwall.

  “Briercliff is beautiful,” Jewel commented, turning back to him.

  They rode along steep cliffs that fell to a sea littered with fang-toothed rocks and shallow reefs. Adam smiled as Jewel peeked over the edge. He explained that the many coves were havens for smugglers. They could hide themselves and their loot in every nook and cranny without fear of discovery.

  The unending presence of the sea breathed ceaselessly over their shoulders. One slip and they would tumble to their death. “I sure hope this horse knows what he’s doing, because I most certainly don’t.”

  Adam chuckled, but ignored the sharp cliffs as he focused his attention instead on the sway of Jewel’s hips and the confident way she sat on her horse. She was afraid—he knew from the way she tightly gripped the reins—yet she refused to give into it. She was proving to be a Pandora’s box, filled with exciting facets to her mysterious personality.

  “You’re doing extremely well handling your mare,” he commented.

  She smiled at his praise. If he only could see the handful of mane she had gripped in her hand, he might change his mind.

  Soon they were through the narrow passageway and she was able to breathe a sigh of relief. They continued on to the small village of St. Ives, which Adam had said was his favorite. It charmed her with its harbors, thatched-covered cottages, and small lanes. Making a right turn, they followed a path to the docks where a fisherman unloaded his catch of the morning.

  “Good morning, Your Grace,” the bushy-faced fisherman called out to him.

  “And a good morning to you, too, Cyril. How did you fare this morning?”

  “Not bad, Yer Lordship. Fishing was good today—even netted a conger eel.” The proud fisherman’s face beamed before he reached into his basket and pulled out the unusual catch.

  The slimy snake writhed in the air. Jewel gasped. She dropped her reins, causing the mare to sidestep. Adam reacted quickly, soothing the horse with soft words. He reached over, patted the mare’s neck, and retrieved the leather straps.

  After a moment he handed them back to Jewel, holding her hand a little longer than necessary.

  She hated snakes—that much she could remember—but when she looked again, it wasn’t a snake the man held. The warmth of Adam’s hand calmed her trembling. Somehow, he seemed to give her strength.

  “Sorry, miss, if I startled you,” Cyril said, stuffing the creature into a basket.

  “T-that’s all right. What is that ugly thing?”

  “That was a conger eel, and they’re not good for anything, but can give a most painful bite. So always be careful should you encounter one.”

  Jewel smiled down at the fisherman. “I’ll remember that, Cyril, and let’s pray I never see one of those slimy things again.”

  His laughter shook the bright red curls on his head. “If you’d stay for dinner, I’ve caught some mighty big lobsters we can steam, and I do believe that’s His Grace’s favorite meal.”

  “Sounds wonderful, Cyril, but we’ll have to decline this time,” Adam told him. “I’m taking Lady Jewel to the copper mines, and we still have a good ride in front of us. However, you can send a few lobsters to Briercliff . . . perhaps for supper.”

  “Very good, Yer Lordship. You’ll have them tonight.”

  After bidding good day, they rode up into the country. Jewel was surprised at how well Adam got along with the commoners. He knew all their names and stopped to ask each about their families, and if there was anything he could do for them. She could see how much his people cared for him. Sneaking a glance at Adam, she couldn’t help the smile that touched her lips. He presented a hard exterior, but deep down he seemed a good man, one she could easily fall in love with, even though she knew that could never be possible.

  Several hours later, they reached the tin and copper mines. Jewel became eager to stretch her legs. She listened to Adam as he instructed her not to leave the horses while he talked to the foreman of the mining operation. “I promise it won’t take long,” he said.

  She felt certain she’d never seen a place such as this. The land was different. Stark sentinels of stone guarded the entrance to the shaft where dirty, sweaty men poured out of the mine for a noontime break. One man in particular seemed to stare at her with a lurid grin upon his face. She shuddered at the way his gaze roamed over her body.

  Turning away from him, she spotted an odd-shaped building with steam belching from the chimney.

  Adam had told her not to move, but the building wasn’t that far away. Her curiosity got the better of her. She would c
ome right back, Jewel promised herself as she wandered over.

  When she drew closer, she noticed a young man with sandy brown hair standing in the door. He seemed like a harmless lad as he addressed her. “Good day, miss. Might I help you?”

  “Hello,” Jewel greeted him. “I hate to bother you, but I was curious about His Grace’s mines. Just what do you do here?”

  “This here’s the smelting building.” The young man laughed at her puzzled expression and went on. “I see I’ve need to explain further. First we finely grind the ore that is brought up from the mine. Then it’s mixed with a liquid, and the metallic minerals float while the gangue sinks. That way the metals can be melted down, and we’re left with a fine copper product.”

  Jewel nodded. “Are the mines deep?”

  “Some are. There’s one shaft that goes down several hundred feet ’neath the sea. Ye can actually hear the water rolling overhead.”

  “Really! It sounds terribly dangerous. What keeps it from caving in?”

  “Our shafts are from rock instead ’f dirt like some mines.

  We’ve never had a cave-in,” he told her. “Would you care to see, m’lady?”

  “No, thank you.” Jewel held up her hand. “I’ll take your word for it, but I appreciate your taking the time to tell me about your work, and I’m sorry I took you away from your meal.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He tipped his hat. “ ’Tisn’t ’ften we get to see a pretty lady round here.” He picked up his sandwich and started to eat.

  Jewel decided to pick some purple heather she had seen earlier. It was located near a large boulder, but was in the opposite direction from where she should be. If she hurried, Adam would never know she had wandered off.

  Bending down, she snipped the lovely flowers, thinking to make a small bouquet for their picnic. She turned to leave, but the leering man she’d seen earlier loomed directly in front of her, blocking her way.