The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  He could not imagine what was so intriguing about the woman that allowed his brother to be so comfortable in her presence. Still holding her gaze, Storm tried to see the woman that everyone else seemed to be seeing. He simply could not figure it out. There seemed to be nothing that was extra ordinary about her. Except her eyelashes, he thought. They were uncommonly long and lovely. But that was all. Well, her smile was not altogether displeasing either. He did find it refreshing that she was not afraid to smile wider than she ought, and that her smile glimmered in her eyes as well.

  “Oh, I am so glad to see Eleanor smiling. It has been far too long since she has done so.”

  Storm dragged his eyes away and forced them to the woman at his side. Good lord, did she really have to start every sentence with ‘oh’?

  “Why is that?”

  Miss Felicity frowned as if she had never actually considered it, and Storm knew, right then that he could never marry her. She had known her sister had not smiled in quite some time, it seemed, yet she never even bothered to question why. He wanted, no, he needed a woman who knew the importance of family. Although he knew the Miss Felicity loved her siblings, he now knew that her concern for their happiness was not as important to her as it should be.

  “Oh, I am not sure. Ever since father passed she is much changed. I suppose she is still in mourning a bit. She and my father had always been extremely close.”

  This time he looked to the woman again and felt a twinge of guilt. He had been remarkably close with his own father. Most assumed it was merely because he was the heir and his father would naturally have a deeper relationship with him, but that was not the truth. His father wanted all his sons to have the life he had. One where love of family was always the biggest priority. Over title, over fortune, over education. His father had lived for his family. And he loved them fiercely. He spent time with Storm because he wanted to. Not to teach him how to become a proper Duke, but to teach him how to become a man worthy of his family’s respect. And then, his manners finally caught up to him, so he turned his attention back to Felicity.

  “And you? Were you close to your parents?”

  With a sigh, Felicity took a small sip of her water and continued.

  “Oh, I suppose. Well, I do not remember my mother much. I was a bit young when she passed. But I was close with my father. But not like Elly.”

  And then, just when Storm finally thought he was about to have a substantial conversation with the young lady, she shrugged, and turned her attention back to her plate.

  “Oh, I truly have never tasted a stew as lovely as this. Thank you so much again, for having us.”

  Despite the awkward staring match she had with the Duke, Eleanor found that she was enjoying herself very much. Once she and Hunter had managed to turn the conversation to the survival tactics needed to survive a season in London, Eleanor could not help but smile. She had found a true friend in the gentleman, and was grateful for it. However, when Hunter noticed that her eyes had shifted to his brother briefly, he leaned closer to whisper to her.

  “I assure you, my lady, he may be stubborn, but he does not bite.”

  Startled, she nearly knocked over her wine.

  Embarrassed, she felt her eyes go wide and nearly choked on her wine. Stuttering, she nodded.

  “I… I never claimed that he did.” “Well, he is in the market for a bride, Miss Pinecrest. Perhaps you should not be so quick to throw your sister at him. We both know she does not suite him.”

  Eleanor’s eyes widened and she knew her cheeks must be scarlet in color. She had to say something. Anything. But before she could manage to come up with a proper response, Bonnet called over to them.

  “Now Hunter, behave yourself.”

  Putting on an innocent expression, he shrugged.

  “I am. I was merely telling Miss Pinecrest that ...”

  Eleanor did choke on her wine then and Hunter stopped his sentence to make sure that she was okay. His smile was full of humor and she knew instantly that he had no intention of telling Bonnet what he had really said. Relaxing, Eleanor allowed him to continue.

  “I believed she and her family were fated to make this season far more enjoyable than the previous one.”

  Bonnet gave her brother an odd look and then returned to her conversation with her sister. Hunter turned back to her and leaned in.

  “I will be honest with you Miss Pinecrest. I hope, more than you know, that my brother realizes what a lovely and charming woman you are. Had I not lost my heart already, I would have most certainly lost it to you.”

  Eleanor met his gaze to see if he was teasing, but his eyes showed only the truth. No man had ever said such a kind thing to her before. Unable to stop herself she reached out to him again and squeezed his hand firmly.

  “That is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me, but please do not encourage such a thing. Your brother and I clearly do not suit.”

  Hunter frowned.

  “We can agree to disagree on that count, but, if you are set on not pursuing Storm, Blade is also a very good catch.”

  A slow smile came to her lips.

  “Are you certain his heart is not also spoken for?”

  Hunter looked at her bewildered for a moment and then to his brother.

  “You are trying to poke fun at me. I know Blade. If he had found a woman he would have already married her. He, unimaginable as it seems, is by far the most romantic of us all.”

  Eleanor laughed and watched as the others started to rise from the table.

  “Well that is valuable information to have, but I suspect, for now, we should focus on your heart and find Lord Wakefield a suitable bride so that you may return home and no longer have to be separated from the woman you love.”

  Hunter rose and took her hand to help her from her chair, his eyes filled with hope.

  “Do you think that it would be possible?”

  “Anything is possible, Mr. Westbrook, especially when love is involved.”

  Grinning like a schoolboy, Hunter nodded.

  “As I have said before, you are going to be the most interesting addition to the ton this season.”

  As the men departed to have a brady before they would join the ladies in the drawing room, Bonnet came to her side and stared after her brothers.

  “I am sorry if Hunter said anything that embarrassed you. My family can be a bit much at times.”

  Looking around at the chattering group, Eleanor smiled warmly.

  “I think they are wonderful. I have always wanted to be a part of a large family. To be honest, I am glad for the chance to be here. Felicity needed a friend her own age.”

  Bonnet reached out and touched her arm.

  “So, do you, I think.”

  Eleanor sighed.

  “You have been remarkably kind to us. I do not know how we can repay you.”

  Bonnet linked her arms through Eleanor’s with a smile.

  “You can promise not to let my eldest brother scare you off. I confess, I could use a friend myself. It has been a very long time since I have found a kindred spirit and Lord knows I could use a break from my sister’s company, as lovely as they are.”

  And with that, Eleanor found herself quite happily seated in the drawing room next to another new friend and suddenly very grateful that she disliked fastening her bonnet ribbons.

  Chapter Seven

  A few days later, Storm awoke to see some packages waiting for him in his study. Thinking it must be some late birthday presents, he made sure no one was looking and tore open the wrapping of the top one. He adored getting presents, a fact that he would never admit to anyone. There was something wonderful in knowing that you were receiving an item that you had no knowledge of.

  The instant that he removed the cover from the box, his eyes grew wide. In it lay a new black suit. It was made of the finest material and on further inspection cut to fit him perfectly. Intrigued, he opened the others to find a new white shirt, white cravat, and the finest p
air of hessians he had ever owned. It was clearly something that only his tailor could have managed. The clothing would fit him perfectly. After a small search, he found a card.

  -Lord Wakefield-

  Although I have no regrets about seeing you fall into the pond, I do feel bad for having ruined a perfectly lovely suit. It is not the suits fault that its owner is a scoundrel.

  - Miss Eleanor Pinecrest-

  Despite himself, Storm laughed. She was certainly an interesting woman. He should have known to expect such a gesture. It was quite improper, indeed, but he would enjoy every second of his sisters come out ball now. Miss Pinecrest may have thought she would win the round but he would certainly rectify that when he wore his new suit proudly.

  Tucking the card in his pocket, Storm sent for his valet to have the items moved to his dressing rooms with strict instructions that they should be prepared for him for the ball that evening. Although he had not seen the Pinecrest sisters since his birthday dinner, he knew that they had joined his sisters for tea nearly every afternoon since. He had not joined them merely because he knew that the only conversation Bonnet would allow was in regards the upcoming ball. Storm was pleased that Peaches was so willing to share her debut with Miss Felicity. The two had been inseparable as of late and it gave him comfort to know that his sister would be happier having a friend at her side for her first entrance into society.

  Storm debating forgoing his afternoon plans to have a chance to run into the ladies that afternoon, but thought better of it. It would be best to just show up in the suit and catch her off guard. Sometime, he thought, it was best to catch a woman by surprise.

  The second package arrived just as she sat down to breakfast. Her brother raised his brow, but she merely excused herself and rushed up stairs. She had almost expected its arrival, and although she knew she would never wear the bonnet inside, she was anxious to see what it would look like. She was not, however, expecting the gown that had come along with it. It was so lovely her breath was stolen away.

  “Oh my, it is gorgeous.”

  And it was. A rich emerald green, the gown was fit for a ballroom instead of an afternoon tea. It could not compare with anything she owned. For one tiny moment, she allowed herself to imagine arriving at a ball in such a gown. But it would not be possible. She was no longer sorry about sending him the suit. It had cost her a fortune and she had felt the slightest bit guilty for wasting money, but she sold one of the two pieces of jewelry she still owned and believed that it was her money to spend. The look on his face would be priceless.

  Tucking the dress back into the box she hid it beneath her bed and smiled. This gift she would not return, but she knew that she would also never wear it. If times grew worse, she may always sell it. It was probably worth more than the necklace she had sold. Whatever the case may be, she had clearly irked the Duke of Wakefield. Still, she was more than capable of handling one man. Yet, when she finally read the note attached, Eleanor wondered if she has been wrong.

  -Miss Pinecrest

  Do try to keep this one dry. The soaked to the bone look is very out of fashion.

  -Wakefield-

  That afternoon was, in one simple word, chaotic. Preparation were causing a flurry of activity at the Westbrook residence and more than once Eleanor found herself jumping out of the way of someone hurrying to the ballroom with massive flower arrangements. It seemed the only person who was completely calm was Bonnet. In fact, her friend was now sitting comfortably on the chaise in the drawing room sipping tea.

  “You are remarkably calm.”

  Bonnet laughed waving her hand around.

  “Yes, well, I am thoroughly prepared. I find it best to just remain out of the way until I see someone doing something they ought not. Unlike my siblings, the staff is immensely well trained and organized.”

  Eleanor laughed thinking how truly lucky she was to have made such a dear friend. Clearly this evening was going too far exceed anything she could have done for Felicity. She was about to express her true gratitude when the door to the drawing room burst open.

  “Good afternoon ladies.”

  The appearance of Hunter Westbrook had Eleanor smiling instantly. Since the night of his brother birthday dinner she felt a kindred spirit in him. After greeting him warmly, Eleanor allowed him to sit beside her.

  “Do tell me, Miss Pinecrest, how did this family get on without the pleasure of your company before you arrived in London? You and your sister have become quite a fixture in this household.”

  Smiling, Eleanor met the man’s gaze. His lovely green eyes locked on hers and for a moment she wished that they were the ones haunting her dreams at night, rather than the gray eyes of his eldest brother.

  “I am afraid that it is we who are the fortunate ones. Your family is very charming. It is a pleasure to be amongst them as often as we are welcomed.”

  “Except for our eldest, that is.”

  Lifting her chin higher, Eleanor turned her gaze away for a moment.

  “He is tolerable I suppose.”

  Hunter smiled at the comment. Whispering, he noted to her.

  “If you are going to help me marry him off, you need to stop describing him as tolerable.”

  Eleanor sighed, remember that she had stated she would help him with the loathsome task of marrying off his brother.

  “Besides, he really is not as bad as you think he is.”

  “Perhaps you should speak with him and come to a truce before the ball this evening. I would be beneficial to both our families for us all to be united tonight.”

  Eleanor frowned, but could not dispute the point. Taking her silence as encouragement, Hunter pressed on.

  “He is in the library currently, with Chance. I am sure they could both use an interruption.”

  Eleanor raised a brow.

  “It appears that Chance wants to take up sword fighting and cannot understand why Storm and Bonnet will not allow it.”

  Eleanor giggled and looked to her friend. It was quite surprising how influential his opinions had become to her, but she knew he was right. If Felicity was to share Peaches’ ball they should at least all look as if they were on good terms. Surely, they could come to some truce for the sakes of their sisters. Smiling, Eleanor met the gentleman’s gaze.

  “Very well, it appears as if I suddenly have the urge to read.”

  Hunter rose and helped her to her feet.

  “I knew you were a reasonable woman, Miss Pinecrest.”

  “Do call me Eleanor. As you so politely noted, our families are much entwined as of late. I see no reason we need to remain so formal.”

  Hunter smiled and brought her hand to his lips.

  “Very well then, Eleanor, but you must call me Hunter in return.”

  Once she took her leave from the others, Eleanor collected herself and headed toward the library. If nothing else, she would give Chance the opportunity to escape. Lord knows, she knew what it was like to need to escape a lecture from one’s brother.

  Storm stared at his youngest brother and wondered when Chance had started to grow up. He realized that perhaps he and his other brothers had desired to pursue more athletic male activities even younger than Chance was, but Storm simply could not allow is accident prone brother to take a sword in hand. Nor any other weapon that could potentially kill someone, for that matter.

  “Chance, you must see that allowing you to hold a sword in your hand, is equivalent to letting Blade alone with a man who had acted inappropriately toward your sister. Someone is going to end up seriously injured.”

  His brother glared and slumped back into his chair.

  “I will be careful you know.”

  “You are always careful and yet somehow you always manage to be involved in some sort of accident. We have been lucky that you are never seriously injured, but a blade could kill you Chance.”

  The sound of footsteps sounded and Storm looked up to see Miss Pinecrest slipping through the doorway. When she saw his expression
, she hesitated, but did not leave.

  “Hunter told me that I might find a book I was interested in reading in here. Am I interrupting?”

  He disliked how familiar she was becoming with his brother, and in his current mood was not all inclined to being agreeable. How quickly one afternoon had changed his mood.

  “Yes, in fact, you are.”

  Surprised, she bit her lower lip, but Chance was already on his feet. Casting an aloof glance in his brother’s direction before turning, his younger brother greeted the newcomer.

  “Actually, I was just leaving. It seems that I am still too young to be out of the nursery for long.”

  Stepping further into the room, the blasted woman did not have the good sense to leave his brother be. Instead, she tilted her head and studied him.

  “How old are you?”

  “Two and ten.”

  Eleanor seemed to nod her head, her eyes darting to him. Storm sent a look to her that he hoped would silence her, but she seemed determined to continue.

  “Ah, you know, when my brother was your age he was quite a handful. His tutor suggested that he put his restless energy to good use and so papa started teaching him how to box. My father was quite a pugilist and soon enough my brother had managed only to hit things he aimed for.”

  Storm saw the gleam in his brother’s eye and wondered if it would truly be considered murder if he were to strangle Miss Pinecrest. Soon enough, Chance was grinning.

  “Do you think your brother could teach me?”

  “I am sure he would, if, of course, your brother approves.”

  And then, Storm realized his fate was sealed. There was no way he could deny the plea in his brother’s eye. Still, Storm resisted. He just simply could not bear the thought of his brother getting injured. Nor taking up a sport that had cause so much trouble in his own past.