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

by Jernigan, Brenda

  “I now know why Adam looks so well,” Derek hastened to comment. “With a lovely young lady such as yourself beside me, I’d stay in England longer, too.”

  “Such flattery, sir, but I assure you I’m not the reason.” Jewel smiled before asking Adam, “Who is Colette?”

  “A lady some people think I am going to marry.”

  The woman he was going to marry.

  Jewel started to say something, but clamped her mouth shut while she watched him. His attention drifted back to Derek, and he spoke to him. She heard little of what they said, her mind lingering on Adam’s statement to her. When Adam had come home, he hadn’t acted like someone who would be getting married soon, but then they had been busy decorating, and she hadn’t given him a chance. He had kissed her, but not until she had pointed to the mistletoe. Had he been waiting for the right time to tell her?

  She was glad now she hadn’t given her heart away. She would bloody well be protecting it from him in the future! She had thought he might care for her just a little, but what was merely friendship to him, she had mistaken for more.

  “Jewel, are the baskets finished?” Adam’s question brought her back into the conversation.

  “Hmm?” She lifted her gaze to stare into his searching eyes, realizing belatedly that he’d spoken to her.

  “Have you and Annie finished with the baskets for St. Ives?”

  “Yes.” She blushed. “That is what I came to tell you. Will we still take them to St. Ives today?” She stood, prepared to leave, needing to put some distance between them.

  “Of course. We’ll take Annie and Derek to help us.” Adam paused. “Once, you told me you’d like to see my ship. Derek has docked her in the harbor there, so I’ll be able to take you aboard.” Adam walked with her out into the hallway. “By the way, I have some things to discuss with Derek, so I’ll spend the night on board the Wind Jammer. But”—his smile broadened—“I’ll be home in time for the party.”

  Jewel didn’t bother to comment. At the moment she didn’t care about the party. She felt numb inside. He would leave her. Even though she’d known all along his intention was to go back to Four Oaks, she still wasn’t prepared. She just nodded and said, “I’ll have the carriage packed with the baskets. We’ll be ready shortly.”

  After she left, Derek said, “I need to satisfy my curiosity, son. I’ve never in all my travels seen a creature so lovely. Who is she, and where did you find her? And why is she staying with you?”

  “Down, boy.” Adam’s eyes took on a faraway look. “Yes.” He rubbed his chin before saying, “She is beautiful, isn’t she? Would you believe I found her washed up on the beach?” He smiled at Derek’s surprise, then went on to explain just how he had come across Jewel.

  “That’s some story, lad. Will you be taking her home with us?” Derek asked.

  “No.”

  “Then, my friend, you’re damned crazy, if you don’t mind me telling you.”

  “That’s what I like about you, Derek. You never mince words.” Adam smiled.

  The conversation in the carriage was light and jovial on the way to St. Ives. Jewel noticed that Derek and Annie were getting along extremely well. Now that she thought of it, Derek reminded her a lot of Annie, who was smiling at some remark he’d just made. She appeared bubbly and much younger than Jewel had seen her lately. Adam joined in the conversation, too, but to Jewel he seemed quieter than usual. Probably thinking of that woman, she thought as her chest tightened. These feelings were new to her, but she couldn’t possibly be jealous of someone she’d never met.

  Around noon they arrived in the festive little village, and the coachman slowed the horses. Greenery decorated each house, and boxwood wreaths tied with scarlet bows adorned the doors. Children’s laughter filled the air as they played in the streets and built snowmen. The joyous sound helped to brighten Jewel’s spirits.

  The sleigh stopped, and the coachman hurried to open the door. Annie and Derek climbed out first. Adam helped Jewel down from the carriage, holding her a little longer than necessary. His mouth hovered inches above her own, and he was only inches from her lips. She held her breath with anticipation. Just when she thought he would kiss her, he turned and grabbed a couple of baskets. Damn man! Why did he affect her so? Loving him would be much too easy.

  Adam turned to the others. “I suggest we split up in pairs to distribute the baskets,” he said. Jewel started toward Annie, but Adam, seeing her intent, quickly grabbed her elbow and took her with him. “The first place we’re going to stop is Cyril’s house. Do you remember him?”

  “Of course I do. He was the man with the eel,” she replied casually.

  “Cyril’s wife just had a baby, and I thought you might like to see them.”

  “That will be nice, but Adam, these people don’t know me. Will they mind my intrusion?”

  As they climbed the steps, it struck Adam just how different Jewel was from any of the women he’d known. In the carriage she’d seemed remote, and he could feel her withdrawing. She actually cared about everyone she met, and she wanted very much to be accepted, whereas he’d never cared what anyone thought.

  They reached Cyril’s front door before Adam answered her. He looked down into her inquiring eyes, thinking how pretty she was. He certainly would like to kiss her now, but he had promised to behave, and from now on he would do just that. Since Derek had arrived with the Wind Jammer, Adam’s departure was eminent. He couldn’t get attached to her for any reason. Yet his next words contradicted his thoughts, as they always seemed to when he was with her.

  “No, they won’t mind. The villagers know you’re a guest in my house. You belong to me.” He shrugged his shoulders. “That makes you accepted.”

  “I do not belong to you! I am not chattel, Adam,” Jewel uttered.

  He arched a brow, taken aback by her vehemence. She most certainly did belong to him. After all, he’d found her and nursed her back to health. He had a good mind to show her just how much she was his! Her inner spirit was something he hadn’t captured, and though there was something vulnerable about her, he sensed a strength she kept well hidden. He gazed into the eyes of an angel. She reminded him of a fresh flower he desperately wanted to hold, yet he had to be careful not to crush the bloom. “Have you any idea?” he murmured.

  But before he could put his thoughts into action, Cyril answered the door.

  “Yer Grace, ’tis good to see ya, and I am glad ya brought Lady Jewel,” Cyril said, greeting them. “Please come in out of the snow.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Jewel said, handing the basket of goodies to Cyril.

  Cyril’s wife, Mary, appeared from the back of the house with the newborn infant in her arms. “It’s a pleasure to see you,” she called, smiling her welcome.

  As they stood talking, one of the younger children rushed through the door. “James has been hurt! Come quick!”

  Mary shoved the baby toward Jewel, then ran out the door to see what had happened to her other child. Cyril and Adam followed her.

  Jewel slipped off her coat and placed the babe on her shoulder. He nuzzled her neck, completely content to let a stranger hold him.

  She walked over to the window and looked out on the scene below. It appeared James had cut his leg in a sledding accident. Jewel was surprised at how Adam took charge, ripping the child’s pants leg and examining the cut. She supposed he had taken care of such things when he was aboard ship.

  The baby started to fret. She rubbed her hand up and down his back, talking in a soothing voice. Glancing back out the window, she saw and felt Adam’s hot gaze. Even from this distance, she could see the darkness of his eyes.

  Moving away from his view, Jewel went back, sat down in a rocking chair, and began humming a lullaby to the child she cradled in her arms. The warmth of the baby’s hand as he gripped her finger made her wonder if she herself would someday be a mother. Somehow the thought appealed to her. She smiled to herself.

  A noise caused her to look up. Ada
m stood watching her from the doorway. “What’s the matter?” she asked, wondering at his frown.

  Adam entered the child’s bedroom, and his gaze rested on the bewitching creature before him. Jewel seemed completely at ease with a child in her arms, and for just a moment, he wondered what she’d look like if that were his child. He shook the crazy notion completely out of his head. Why did his thoughts constantly venture in this direction when he was around her? There was something about her that he had never found before. And he was willing to lose it all—to lose Jewel? He shook the thought aside angrily.

  “Are you ready to go?” His voice sounded strange to his ears as he struggled with his emotions.

  “Yes,” she said uncertainly.

  Hell. He knew she was confused. But so was he.

  After handing out all the baskets, the four of them climbed into the sleigh, and Adam instructed the driver to carry them down to the dock.

  Even before they got to the wharf, Jewel could see the topsails of the Wind Jammer. She drew in her breath as the sleigh pulled up to the dock. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  Adam was pleased she showed an interest in his ship. Of course, she probably didn’t know much about ships, he thought.

  “Thank you, madam. You are looking at the fastest clipper ship to be found,” Adam said proudly. “She is two hundred sixty feet long, forty-five feet abeam, and has a depth of twenty-nine feet. Notice the long and lovely lines, and the enormous expanse of sails lacking in most ships.”

  “Your sails are different. Most are white, but some of yours are blue.”

  “You’re very observant. They are actually azure blue. When we’re at sea, the white and blue sails make us blend into the horizon. It’s a good way to escape the enemy when the need occurs. To other ships, we look like a floating cloud.”

  Staring at the Wind Jammer, Jewel knew she had been on such a craft. She shut her eyes and saw herself walking across a ship’s deck. There were many men around her, but their vague faces meant nothing to her. She stepped up behind a big wheel.

  “Are you feeling ill?” She felt Adam nudge her.

  Her eyes flew open. “No, just thinking.” She smiled. “I’m impressed, but do you not have any guns?” Was the man mad to sail the sea without protection?

  “Yes, sweetheart, we are very well protected. The cannons are hidden. Come, let me show you my ship.”

  Jewel enjoyed the tour of the vessel. Each click of her heels upon the wood deck brought back another memory. The fact that she could sail, for instance. All the parts were starting to fit together, except for a missing piece—one she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  Adam’s detailed explanations amused her. I’ll bet he’d be surprised if I told him I could sail this boat right out of the harbor, she mused. But then she’d have to admit the truth. She had learned all that from a pirate, and Adam probably would hate her. Jewel kept her thoughts to herself, wondering what she was going to do.

  The seamen glanced at each other as she passed, and they took great pains to be cordial. Adam spoke to them with authority, and they jumped to do his bidding. Jewel could tell from the look in their eyes that Adam had their loyalty and devotion.

  It was late in the afternoon when Adam and Derek walked the ladies back to the sleigh. Adam instructed the driver to stop for nothing on the way home.

  He took Jewel’s hand in his, but before he helped her up, he bent down and whispered, “I’ll be home tomorrow night, and I expect you to be radiant for the ball.” He kissed her cheek.

  Jewel’s gaze lingered on Adam, noticing the way the setting sun flickered across his coal black hair. She wanted to say something, anything, but couldn’t find the words. Lifting her hand, she gently touched the side of his face, then turned and climbed into the carriage.

  Chapter Fifteen

  At long last, Christmas Eve had arrived. Tonight was Jonathan’s party. Jewel found herself looking forward to the gala, although her nerves jumped at the thought of being around so many strangers.

  She leaned her head against the cool windowpane. Annie had told her the weather had been strange this year, and today was a perfect example. The air had warmed enough to melt the snow. Only traces remained, and that, too, would soon vanish.

  Jewel had tried to keep busy, hoping it would make the day pass faster. Behind her water splashed into the tub as the maids emptied the last buckets of hot water. Taking a kerchief out of her pocket, Jewel wiped the steam from the windowpane and peered out at the stormy sky. The dark clouds moving in looked ominous, threatening to let loose their raindrops at any moment. Her brow drew together in a frown. She could remember another such storm, but when and where? Then, too, she’d felt impending doom grow near. Her nagging memory just wouldn’t cooperate. Well, maybe this bad weather would hold off until after the party.

  “Has His Grace returned home?” she asked the smallest maid.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Jewel stepped into the tub, wondering why Adam hadn’t stopped in to see her. After yesterday, she didn’t know what to think. Adam had a way of keeping her teetering on the edge. He’d been so different since he’d returned from London. He’d acted as if he’d miss her. Yet he still planned to sail. And very soon, she imagined, since Derek had already arrived. Uncertain of what she’d do, Jewel found relief as everyone fussed over her as she bathed, taking her mind off her uneasiness.

  Finally, after her bath, she took a seat in front of her mirror. Annie brushed her hair until the raven highlights glistened. They decided, instead of curls all over her head, they would pull her hair up on one side. The result was breathtaking. A mass of ebony curls cascaded down the right side of her face and over her shoulder, coming to rest on the upper part of her breast. Among the curls, Annie pinned white baby’s breath and ribbons of peacock blue.

  Jewel placed a hint of color on her cheeks and just a touch on her lips. Long, sooty lashes framed her warm brown eyes, and for a final touch, she accented her bottom lashes with a touch of black kohl.

  Annie held the dress so Jewel could step into it, then fastened the hooks in the back. Worn off the shoulders, the gown dipped in a vee in front and was trimmed with blue peacock feathers. Each little feather moved against her alabaster skin as if the dress were a part of her, seductively teasing her breasts. Although she’d been assured it was modest compared to most, Jewel thought the neckline seemed daringly low.

  She adjusted the sleeves and rubbed her hand over the soft, sapphire blue velvet, noting the richness of the material. The skirt pulled up from the bottom, revealing on both sides a white satin underskirt, which had tiny seed pearls and sequins of white and silver sewn very carefully in the folds.

  She watched the way the light caught each little sequin as she swayed back and forth in front of the mirror. Then she smiled. Adam had done well with his choice of dresses.

  “Ye look like a delicate porcelain doll, lass,” Annie commented.

  Jewel did feel like a fairy princess with her cheeks warmed by a blush and eyes sparkling with excitement. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I-I hope I’ll say all the right things tonight.” She bit her bottom lip, wishing the knots in her stomach would settle down. What if someone recognized her? Would she never see Adam again?

  “Adam will be havin’ tae keep an eye on ye fer sure.”

  Jewel wasn’t too sure about that. He couldn’t care too much if he was leaving.

  “ ’Tis time tae be goin’.” Annie nudged her gently. “I see ye biting yer lip. Ye nervous, lass?”

  Jewel nodded.

  “Excuse me a minute, lass.” With a pat on her arm, Annie left her standing there. When she returned, she handed a glass of deep amber liquid to Jewel. “Drink this, lass. It will help with yer butterflies.”

  “What is it?”

  “Brandy. Believe me, ye’ll be relaxed after ye have some.” Jewel swallowed, then crinkled her nose at the strong taste. Taking a deep breath, she tipped the glass and threw her head bac
k, swallowing the rest of the brandy in one gulp as instructed. Bouts of coughing ensued, followed by teary eyes. Annie was right, Jewel thought as the warmth spread through her body, and she had to admit she did feel a little better. With her head held high, she descended the staircase.

  Adam steeled himself to give away nothing. By God, Jewel looked like an angel. And dressed in his colors. Unwelcoming desire pulsed through him. Whatever had possessed him to have the gown made with his royal colors?

  “Your beauty will not be surpassed tonight, madam.” Adam bowed gallantly before her. “And I’m happy to say I’ll be your escort.”

  She smiled, her dark eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Arise, my humble servant.” She tapped him on the shoulder as a queen would. “You, sir, will set many a lady’s heart aflutter tonight.”

  “Ah, but will I touch your heart, madam?”

  “Let’s just say the night is young, sir.” Her laughter floated around him when she walked over to retrieve her cape, but he followed and took it out of her hands, draping it across the banister.

  “Oh, we’re not going?” she said with a puzzled look. “Not yet.” Such beauty had to be adorned, he thought. He hoped she’d always have the sparkle for life he saw in her eyes. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a long silver box. “Merry Christmas,” he said softly, handing Jewel the package he’d bought without so much as a second thought.

  “Adam, you’ve given me so much.” She glanced up at him with a glorious blush brushing her cheeks. “I’ve given you little in return,” she said, fingering the box nervously. “You really shouldn’t have.”

  “You’re right, of course I should have waited until tomorrow morning, but I wanted you to wear this tonight.” And, for some odd reason, he wanted her to look her very best tonight. He’d probably carry the vision of her with him a long time after he left.

  She handed the package back to him abruptly. “You need to give this to your fiancée.”