“I am nothing of the kind.”
“You are.” He grew serious. “I wouldn’t change a single thing.”
A bold hunger entered her eyes, turning the green to a dark hunter. And he was lost all over again.
Lowering his head, he kissed her so gently their lips barely touched. Lust pleaded for him to push on and love her once more. Yet he wanted to savor the feel of her, every inch.
For that reason, he took his time. Burning each detail of her body into his mind, so whatever happened, he’d always have a piece of her to remember.
At dawn, Gabe stole from Elizabeth’s room to his own. A feat he’d never had to accomplish in his own home before. Besides dodging a few husbands, he hadn’t felt a need to be circumspect with his bedroom pastimes. Accustomed to doing what he pleased and damn the consequences, the situation felt downright unnatural.
However, for Elizabeth he would do anything—well, apparently not anything. His sacrifices didn’t extend to keeping his hands off her.
He’d taken her innocence, the one thing she should have saved for someone who would be able to give her a future. Not a man who’d destroyed a life.
Nevertheless, no matter how much his gentlemanly instincts told him otherwise, he couldn’t summon any regret. Not when the few hours spent in her arms had been the most spectacular and special of his life.
If he thought being with her would ease his craving, he soon realized he’d been mistaken. After leaving her side, his day was filled with nothing but thoughts of her.
The very affliction that had enabled his steward to waylay him on his way to the stable. And the reason he currently sat behind the desk in his study, trying to keep his mind off Elizabeth’s exquisite body and on the damn reports Phillip had stressed needed his immediate attention.
Gabe raked his hands through his hair and slammed his elbows on the desk. Bloody hell. The minx would be the end of him before long. Then again, at least he would die with thoughts of her sweet lovemaking on his mind.
Seeing no escape from the study without at least glancing at the papers, he picked up the stack and prepared to struggle through the various numbers and figures.
Much to his surprise his eyes didn’t roll back into his head after the first few minutes. In fact, before long, he found himself alert and intently studying the papers, scribbling his own notes in the margins. For once, he was actually interested in reading the latest estate summaries.
A knock at the door penetrated his concentration.
“Enter.”
“Your Grace?”
Still engrossed with the figures, he failed to raise his head and acknowledge Wilkes. “Yes, Wilkes.”
“Luncheon will be served shortly.”
That got Gabe’s attention. “Luncheon? It can’t be that time already.” A glance at the clock on the bookshelf told him how wrong he was. He must have been more absorbed with the documents than he thought. He’d somehow managed to spend hours in review.
“Shall I have a place readied for you at the table?”
Indecision pulled him in two directions. One of which was very in line with his standard decadent lifestyle. The other held a touch of propriety and, he hated to admit, duty. Two things he’d avoided after realizing he’d never be anything more than a typical Wesbrook.
A part of him wanted nothing more than to join the others in the dining room and enjoy a midday meal. Why not be honest? The meal itself had nothing to do with it. All he wanted was to join Elizabeth. Actually, what he wanted to do with Elizabeth didn’t include a meal, other than prolonged use of the dining room table . . . but there would be no eating of food involved.
The other part—one he’d never encountered before—thought to continue working on the reports. The information was fresh in his mind and he wanted to stay on pace with it. After spending the last four years avoiding this very thing, he’d been as stunned as Phillip when he hadn’t outright refused to look at the documents.
Duty won out and Gabe refused to examine what that meant. “Not today. Please have a tray prepared and I’ll eat while I work.”
Gabe couldn’t be positive, but Wilkes appeared almost pleased before he gave a nod and started to back from the room.
Before his butler could fully retreat, Gabe halted him. “Has my brother left?”
“Yes, he departed yesterday, as you instructed.”
Gabe gave a gesture of dismissal and the door clicked shut behind Wilkes. Sending his brother to fight his war still sat uneasily, but he knew it had to be done. He had Phoebe to think about. Besides, Nate was right. Since they made it appear as if Gabe had banished him from Frenton Hall, they’d earned the time to discover who was behind the blackmailing.
Either way, at the moment he didn’t have time to mull it over. If he managed to finish the reports, he might have time to read the new contracts Phillip had given him.
How far he’d come from the man who’d harassed his friend for doing this very thing. If Marcus could see him now, he’d no doubt cripple himself laughing. Thankfully, Marcus was miles away in London and would never find out about Gabe’s brush with his ducal obligation.
Chapter 32
Elizabeth hadn’t been overly concerned when Gabe never joined them for luncheon. When he’d left her room after hours of teaching her the finer points of lovemaking, he’d given no indication he would resort back to his distant and aloof self.
In fact, the passionate kiss he’d bestowed upon her before he’d snuck out the door signified something else entirely.
So instead of fretting, she decided to spend the rest of the day with Phoebe. With everything that had happened, she felt as if she had neglected the child.
About to rectify that, she walked to Phoebe’s room with an extra bounce in her step—a bounce attributed to the sensual hours she’d spent in Gabe’s arms. Elizabeth gave the door a quick tap before she pushed it open and entered the room.
Phoebe lifted her head from the doll cradled in her arms. A chubby smile split her lips. “Lizzy!”
Her small body danced with excitement but she still managed to do her duty as an imaginary mother and gently placed her doll on the miniature bed Elizabeth had asked Wilkes to acquire.
The motherly task taken care of, a flurry of yellow and lace darted to Elizabeth, grabbed hold of her hand, and with about as much strength as a mouse, pulled her into the room.
“Jane and I are playing with Jacqueline and Victoria. Play with us.”
Elizabeth glanced at her maid and was greeted with a mixture of happiness and relief in her eyes. Since moving to the country, Phoebe had become more relaxed with her situation. Unbeknownst to all, the child possessed more liveliness than anyone thought possible. She had managed to wear out almost every maid. They’d started to take shifts in order to stay ahead of the tiny bundle of energy. Being the oldest of five, Elizabeth’s maid was familiar with children and had offered her assistance.
Apparently, Phoebe’s vigor could outmatch even the experienced.
Elizabeth liked to think the extra stamina was a good thing. It meant Phoebe was thriving in her surroundings. That her spells of silence and sadness were behind her. All Elizabeth needed was to find a governess who would nurture and help that extra spirit grow instead of snuffing it out.
Elizabeth grinned. Probably someone who had an extra set of hands and maybe a hidden reserve of energy.
“Playing with you is the very reason I came here, but . . .” Elizabeth trailed off, watching excitement build in the blue eyes.
“Yes?”
“I was hoping you’d like to go exploring with me. If you don’t object to Jane watching Jacqueline and Victoria while we are gone.”
Phoebe bounced on her toes as she spun to Jane. “Will you?”
“What do we say when we ask for so
mething?” Elizabeth questioned.
“Please.”
With a nod, Jane answered, “It would be my pleasure.”
All settled, Elizabeth held out her hand. “Well, I do believe we are ready to explore.”
The ribbons tied in the little girl’s hair couldn’t keep the dense curls from bouncing as Phoebe hopped to the door. Before they exited, they gave Jane a quick wave, then were on their way.
“Where are we going?” Anticipation raised the light voice an octave.
Elizabeth took a moment to appear as if considering it, drumming a finger on her chin for greater effect. “I’m not sure if I can tell you. Can you keep it a secret?”
Phoebe’s eyes widened and her short steps became even more erratic. “I won’t tell.”
Elizabeth couldn’t resist and tapped the button nose with her finger. “Of course you won’t.” She lowered her voice and in an exaggerated whisper said, “We can’t speak of it but Wilkes told me there might be some old clothes in the attic we can play with. Since I know how much you enjoy adventures, I suggested we look for them ourselves.”
“Can we?”
“Would I lie to you?”
A wide shake of the child’s round little head sent the curls twirling around her face.
“Just so.” They continued to the stairs that led to the attic. “Now, we have to be careful. We might have to fight off giant spiders and even a few pirates.”
Phoebe’s shoulders snapped back. “I’m not afraid.”
Exactly the response Elizabeth had expected. Unlike most young girls, the idea of bugs and pirates excited Phoebe. This girl, ringlets creating a dark halo around her head and sporting a new, frilly dress, was a box of contradictions. One moment she appeared a dainty youngster playing with her dolls, and the next a bloodthirsty pirate hunter.
If it made Phoebe happy, it made Elizabeth happy.
The old door stood before them and Elizabeth turned to Phoebe. “Are you ready?”
Not an ounce of fear vibrated from the child as she nodded in accord.
Hand in hand they climbed the creaking stairs, Elizabeth slowing her steps to match Phoebe’s pace.
They reached the top and Elizabeth spared a moment to take in the space. The room spanned a large portion of the house but most of the area was packed with old trunks, crates, and furniture. A layer of dust covered every possible surface. There were even tiny motes dancing in the air, visible when they hit the beams of sunlight streaming through the windows.
The minute particles tickled her nose and she stifled a sneeze. Phoebe wasn’t as successful and released one quite refined and high-pitched.
“Bless you.”
Wilkes had warned Elizabeth of the possible mess, but she wasn’t prepared to walk into something that appeared as if it hadn’t been disturbed in the last century. However, she’d never been deterred by a little dirt. Besides, from the look on Phoebe’s face, the untouched filth only made the adventure more appealing.
“Are you ready, sweet?”
“Yes.” And with the one word she darted off.
Elizabeth followed swiftly after. “Be careful.”
Time quickly drifted away as they inspected trunk after trunk. Finished with one more, Elizabeth sat on her heels and straightened her back, trying to work out some of the stiffness from bending over numerous chests.
A quick glance at the shifting light through the windows suggested a good chunk of time had passed. She gave her attention to Phoebe, sitting on a fairly clean spot on the floorboards and sifting through the various articles they’d found during their quest. Most of the dust on that section of the floor had long since been collected by the bottom of Elizabeth’s dress, and what she’d left behind had been taken care of by Phoebe.
Elizabeth snickered to herself. Wilkes should compensate them for dusting.
They definitely looked as if they’d spent the day laboring. Phoebe’s porcelain skin had streaks of dirt across one cheek and a generous smudge on the tip of her nose. Elizabeth doubted she’d escaped the same untidy fate Phoebe had succumbed to.
They’d both need a bath before dinner. Elizabeth closed the lid to the trunk and pushed to her feet. “Phoebe, darling, we should be going.”
“But Lizzy, we’re not done.”
Phoebe’s bottom lip protruded in the most adorable pout. That, combined with her innocent eyes, sent a tug on Elizabeth’s heartstrings.
“Another time. If I don’t get you cleaned up before dinner, your father won’t recognize you.”
The prospect brought a smile to Phoebe’s face and she quickly scampered to her feet. “What about the stuff?”
Elizabeth considered the pile at Phoebe’s feet. It was too much for her to carry and she wasn’t about to have Phoebe lug anything down the stairs.
“Don’t fret. I’ll have Wilkes send someone to retrieve our loot.” She took Phoebe’s hand and helped her step over the clothes. “Besides, it should be cleaned before you play with it.”
Hand in hand, they descended the stairs. As they walked down the hallway, she couldn’t help but feel guilty for the trail of dust left in their wake.
They reached her chamber and were greeted by Jane, who was readying Elizabeth's gown for the evening. A moment of panic clawed at Elizabeth when she realized Jane didn’t have Phoebe’s dolls. She must have left them in Phoebe’s room.
Since receiving the dolls, Phoebe never left them alone. Elizabeth almost wondered if her attachment had something to do with all the upheaval in her life.
Victoria and Jacqueline simply were not left unattended—as ridiculous as it sounded. If Phoebe didn’t have them, one of the servants became responsible for keeping watch.
Elizabeth of course doubted the maids remained with the dolls the entire time. They had their own duties to attend to. But despite what they’d done out of Phoebe’s sight, they’d always been in Phoebe’s room with the dolls when she returned.
Elizabeth worried what Phoebe’s reaction would be. Braced for an outburst, Elizabeth turned to Phoebe, ready to console her.
Instead of looking upset, Phoebe smiled, released Elizabeth’s hand, and ran toward the bed. “Victoria, Jacqueline, guess where I went.”
Elizabeth’s relief was paramount at the sight of the dolls. Constant chatter erupted from Phoebe when she reached her dolls and scooped them from the bed.
With Phoebe busy cataloging her adventure to her dolls, Elizabeth spoke quietly to Jane. “I thought the dolls had been left in her room.”
“I take my responsibilities very seriously. I never back out on a promise,” Jane answered with no offense.
“I know. I merely had a moment of panic. I’m afraid of how she would react.”
“All the servants know what she has been through. We would do anything to keep from upsetting her.”
“Thank you.”
Jane smiled. “Besides, no one is brave enough to withstand His Grace’s wrath if anything were to happen.”
Elizabeth studied her maid, certain she had to be mistaken. “His Grace barely pays any attention to Phoebe.”
“It may seem so, but the talk among the servants is how he keeps very close watch on what she does throughout the day. Many have overheard Wilkes reporting to His Grace.”
“He’s probably making sure she isn’t left unsupervised again.”
Jane shook her head. “I think there is more to it. He asks for specifics and questions if she is enjoying herself and if she is happy.”
Elizabeth didn’t know how to answer. Could Gabe care for Phoebe more than he let on? If so, why would he hide it? For heaven’s sake, he is her father. His love for her is almost expected.
Jane still eyed her intently. Elizabeth hastily addressed the maid. “Thank you for telling me. Whatever
it is, I’m glad he has taken an interest.”
“I don’t see how anyone could resist.”
Elizabeth remembered the first time she’d laid eyes on Phoebe. The realization Gabe had conceived the child with someone else hadn’t been enough to freeze Phoebe from her heart. “I know exactly what you mean.”
Phoebe looked up from the dolls. The dirt covering her face reminded Elizabeth of the desperately needed bath.
“Can you please have a bath readied for Phoebe and assist her with it?” Elizabeth asked her maid.
“What about you?”
Elizabeth almost laughed. “By the look on your face, I see I didn’t manage to avoid the dirt either.”
Jane’s mirth won out. “Actually, you are worse.”
Elizabeth turned to the mirror behind her. The reflection gazing back at her carried the same aghast look Elizabeth knew she sported, but that was the end of the similarities to the woman Elizabeth had seen looking back at her this morning.
Her once smooth hair was no longer secured by the knot at the base of her head. The knot was still there but large tendrils of hair had escaped. Where Phoebe had managed only a few smudges of dirt, Elizabeth looked as if she had rolled in dust and cobwebs.
Speaking of cobwebs, a white clump donned the top of her head like a not very well-fashioned hat. All in all, she was a complete mess. It was a wonder Phoebe hadn’t mentioned something.
Then again, the child probably thought it had all been part of the quest.
The only mark on her face she couldn’t attribute to the attic was the trace of a bruise on the left side of her face, right along the hairline. The most physical sign from her brush with the intruder. Fortunately, if she refrained from touching it, it no longer caused any pain.
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