The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  “Why? Because she is not dressed in the finest clothing London has to offer. Did you ever look at her, Storm? Really look at her? Then maybe you will see what I see. What Eleanor is, well, quite frankly, is the most remarkable woman I have ever known. And the sacrifices I have made for this family could not hold one candle to what she has sacrificed for hers. If any woman deserves to be dancing around the ballroom in your arms, it is her. And I pity you for being too blind to see it!”

  “Bonnet…”

  “Now it is time for both of us to go to bed.”

  “Bonnet please, tell me what it is that I am not seeing.”

  “I am staying out of this Storm. You were the one that judged her too quickly. That is something you will regret on day. Just remember that her family suffers the loss of parents just as ours does but, excuse my rudeness, Marcus Pinecrest does not have once bit of your strength in him, which, if you care to know, has made her burden far harder than the one I had to bear. Neither you, nor I, could have managed without the support of each other. She had to do nearly all the work on her own. Now go to bed!”

  With that his sister offered him one last glaring look and marched out of the room. Storm thought perhaps he should not allow his sister to drink brandy anymore. It was clear it put her in far too feisty a mood. Filling his glass back up Storm headed toward the window. Usually the rain was a comfort for him but today it mocked him. Tonight, he needed to figure out what everyone in his family seemed to see in Miss Eleanor Pinecrest that he was not. Or at least drink himself into oblivion trying.

  Chapter Eleven

  Eleanor had grown tired of ballrooms. A fortnight had flown by and Felicity was well on her way to finding a husband. The afternoon after her come out ball their drawing room had been full of suitors and Felicity had been invited to so many social gatherings it was becoming hard to keep track of. They had accepted them all. The point was, after all, to make sure her sister married well so that she may never have to learn how horrible their finances were. Afternoons were filled with callers and rides in the parks and each evening a different ball to dance at. Eleanor’s only solace was that the Westbrooks always attended the same affairs so there were plenty of folks looking out for them.

  “She looks very happy.”

  Eleanor looked to companion and noted he was watching her sister. Although Felicity would have been in a better position having married one of the Westbrook men Eleanor could not help but adore the man Felicity had chosen.

  “Yes, I do believe she is.”

  “Has he made an offer yet?”

  Eleanor’s eyes met his, and she realized that, although it was clear her sister was attached to young Alex Larford, she had been remiss in actually looking into the gentleman herself. It occurred to her that perhaps Lord Wakefield could help her.

  “I am only asking because he seems to grow more annoyed at having to share her as each ball passes. A man in love has a very hard time to keep his jealous nature at bay. I do not think young Larson has many days left.”

  Eleanor laughed. It was true. She had noticed Alex growing a bit more possessive and restless while around her sister.

  “I have noticed that myself.”

  After a moment, realizing that this may be one of the few times the opportunity would arise, Eleanor grew serious.

  “You have not heard anything bad about him, have you?”

  Storm looked at her with a puzzled look as if he could not quite understand what she was about.

  “Nothing. He only recently came into his title, but he does seem to be handling himself very well. It will be a few years before the young earl will really settle into his title but I think it is a good match. They can learn to adapt to their new roles together and after they both mature a bit, I feel they will be very prosperous. I, of course, will make sure to help where I can.”

  Tears came to her eyes. She had not expected that kindness, but with help from the duke she knew her sister would live a happy life. Which was why they had come to London in the first place. Marcus would join the army, her sister would be married, and with luck, Eleanor would find a position as a governess by the end of the season.

  “Are you all right?”

  Eleanor quickly wiped a tear from her eye and nodded. It appeared as if all the tears she had refused to cry were rising to the surface.

  “I am fine. I am just very happy.”

  He frowned, clearly not believing her.

  “Is something amiss? You know you can tell me if there is anything I can help with. We may have our differences, Miss Pinecrest, but you and your family are very dear to mine and I will do whatever I can to help.”

  Those amazing gray eyes just stared at her and for one moment Eleanor thought she would just confess everything. She wanted a friend so deeply, but somehow, right now, what she really wanted was just someone to tell her everything was going to be fine. And he seemed so sincere.

  “I just… I just want to thank you. I know it was your family’s friendship that helped Felicity make such a fine match and I will always be grateful for it. Marcus might be a duke, but we both know he would never have made such valuable connections for her.”

  Then, with a small smirk, she looked at him.

  “At least I finally got you to realize Felicity would have made you a terrible match.”

  Storm allowed the change in mood laughing with her.

  “Indeed. I had realized rather quickly we would not suit. Please never tell your sister, but I really only paid attention to her because I knew it would vex you.”

  Eleanor shook her head.

  “You are a scoundrel!”

  “Only when it comes to vexing you.”

  With a raised brow, she rolled her eyes.

  “Well, I should not confess this, but it does irk me every time I see her wearing that blasted bonnet.”

  With a bit of a twinkle in his eye, he leaned ever so closer.

  “It could have been yours. Of course, I could always buy you another.”

  Eleanor smiled and found herself laughing.

  “Do not dare!”

  “Or perhaps you should be buying me something to impress Hunter.”

  This time she glared at him.

  “You know very well that I am not interested in your brother.”

  “Do not tell me he is unworthy of you.”

  This had her smiling and in a rare moment of confidence, she looked him squarely in the eye and smiled.

  “Oh, he is everything that a gentleman should be and, although I am far more worthy of joining the Westbrook family than my brother or my sister, I am afraid Hunter and I were not fated to be anything other than dear friend.”

  Laughing loud enough to draw attention, Storm shook his head.

  “So, you believe yourself worthy of the Westbrook name?”

  She blushed slightly, wondering if she had overstepped.

  “Well, merely worthier then my siblings, at least. Though, your family is far superior than most in any way.”

  He smiled. Grinned. Lord, it made her weak in the knees when he showed such pride in his siblings. It was so rare to find in a gentleman of the ton, especially in a Duke.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of the Duke of Oakshire. Jacob Remington was almost as handsome as Lord Wakefield and Eleanor could not help but blush when introductions were made. The Duke took her hand to his lips politely and turned to her companion.

  “Would you please ask Miss Covington to dance and manage not to gawk at her the whole time?”

  Storm laughed.

  “What is wrong Oakshire? Too many gentlemen not being scared off by your brother’s

  The Duke glared at him.

  “It is your brother’s fault that she is trying so hard to annoy me. You owe me.”

  Storm almost laughed.

  “You know, Blade would have married her in your stead.”

  To this the Duke growled.

  “No gawking Wakefield. I would like to b
e able to make it through one dance without getting ready to throw a punch at her partner. And she seems determined to dance with every blasted eligible man in the room to vex me.”

  Eleanor tried to hide her smile. Apparently, it was hard for a man in love to refrain from his jealous urges. Storm nodded and turned back to her. Eleanor could not help but adore the look in his eyes when they met hers.

  “If you will excuse me, I fear it is my duty to make sure the Duke’s fist remain at his side, being as this is, apparently, entirely my family’s fault.”

  Storm was gone a moment later, and Eleanor, compelled by something she had no control over found her hand coming to the Duke of Oakshire’s arm.

  “If it makes you feel any better, your grace, Miss Covington is not enjoying the dancing at all. Perhaps what she really needs is for you to take her to the gardens and kiss her until she is too breathless to argue with you anymore.”

  The duke looked to her with a raised brow, so Eleanor leaded ever so slightly closer and whispered.

  “And then, perhaps, you might want to consider eloping.”

  Then to her astonishment, the Duke allowed a charming smile to come to his face.

  “Why, Miss Pinecrest that is the best idea I have heard this evening.”

  With that, he turned away and started heading toward the lovely Miss Covington who, to Eleanor’s horror, seemed to be enjoying her dance with Storm entirely too much.

  As she watched the couple, Eleanor became aware of how a throbbing in her feet. She really had not been prepared for the affect Felicity’s season would have on her. Her sister was thriving in such a setting. Eleanor suspected that Alex Larford had much to do with it, but Eleanor knew that had it not been for the support of the Westbrook family, her sister would have had a much harder time.

  “You look like you could use a break.”

  Eleanor looked up to see Hunter approaching her. Clearly, she was having a hard time disguising her emotions. Unable to lie to her friend, Eleanor sighed.

  “It seems I have not been off my feet since the season started. I suppose I am just not used to how busy the days can be. Felicity is enjoying herself so much I do not have it in my heart to make her stay in for an afternoon just so I may rest.”

  Hunter looked to where her sister was standing.

  “I hope that they appreciate all that you do for them Eleanor. You are an amazing woman. Now go take some time for yourself. We will watch over Felicity. Storm has seen to it that no guest can go wandering around the manor. Feel free to use one of the empty drawing rooms to rest. No one will bother you.”

  Eleanor hesitated. There was nothing she would like more than even half an hour to herself but she was unsure if she should really leave. Hunter did not give her much of a choice however, for as soon as he saw her debating the issue, he called Bonnet over.

  “Bonnet, Eleanor is feeling a bit under the weather. Do you think we can look after Felicity so she can go rest for a while?”

  Concern in her eyes Bonnet instantly agreed.

  “Of course, we can. Felicity is no trouble at all. Take all the time you need dear.”

  There was little else she could do and Eleanor realized that she was not inclined to decline the offer. Thanking them both she mustered her strength and headed to the nearest exit. The drawing room was not far off and for the first time in a fortnight Eleanor wondered if she may get a few moments to take care of herself.

  He was tired of ballrooms. Horrified that the season was not even at its peak and he was already trying to sneak out of his own ballroom was not a good indication of the months ahead. Not to mention he still had not found one prospective bride. Convinced that he would only allow himself thirty minutes relief before he returned to the overcrowded ball, Storm headed for his nearest place of solace. Often when he could not escape to his own bedchamber, the next best thing was his study. No one bothered him there and right now, the thought of being alone felt perfect. Spotting his destination, Storm quickened his pace and had almost made it when he heard the quiet sounds of a woman crying.

  Before he had left the ballroom, he had made sure all of his sisters were in their proper places and the footmen had been given strict orders not to let anyone roam about the manor, so Storm thought he was actually hearing things. No woman could have possible escaped that ball without his being alerted. But when another soft sob filled the air, Storm found himself peering into the drawing room he stopped in front of. The site before was one he thought he may never forget.

  Eleanor Pinecrest sat on the windowsill, her arms wrapped around her knees, with tears pouring down her cheeks. Her eyes seemed focused on the rain that was running down the window pane, but clearly her thoughts were elsewhere. Storm had never imagined seeing her in such a state. The woman he had come to know was always stubborn, and strong willed and full of determination. The woman he saw now was vulnerable, and worn out and, he thought with a bit of awe, lost. Something was very wrong with her and Storm simply could not ignore it. Slowly entering the room, he began to cross to her.

  “Miss Pinecrest?”

  She was startled by his appearance and he thought she would try to flee the room, but she was too weak to even manage that.

  “I am sorry; I know guests are not supposed to be wandering the house. I just could not…”

  She did not finish her sentence, but Storm did not mind. Moving closer, he handed her his handkerchief. Staring at it for a moment, before looking up to him, Eleanor let out a rather pathetic laugh.

  “I still have not returned the one you gave me the first time we met.”

  He wanted to sit, it felt awkward towering over her, but he was not very sure he was completely welcomed.

  “I have enough to spare. Take it. And tell me why you are so upset.”

  For one moment, he really thought she would send him away, but for some reason she managed to accept the offer and motioned to her feet.

  “We were all so busy getting ready for the ball; I had not realized that I have been walking around so much. And then we were all rushing to get ready… I just did not think.”

  “You did not think of what?”

  “My shoes, I have had them on all day.”

  Storm had honestly though she had lost her mind when he suddenly took notice of her shoes. They were old. Very old. And if he had to guess they were also about two sizes too small. What on earth was she thinking wearing those, even for an hour? Her feet must be bleeding. Not surprisingly, his first impulse was to scold her, but Eleanor looked so vulnerable that he honestly did not have the heart to. And, much as he hated to admit it, he had come to learn that Eleanor was a very logical and reasonable woman. If she was wearing these shoes there must be a very good reason.

  “We need to get those blasted things off your feet.”

  That caused her to burst into another wave of sobs.

  “I am afraid if I take them off I will not get them back on. We still have a few hours before I can take Felicity home. I just… I just need a few more minutes to rest them.”

  Eleanor knew he wanted to scold her. She really could not blame him. Staring through her tears at the blasted shoes she tried not to meet his eyes. Surely all she would see was his smug know it all smile. After what seemed like an eternity of silence Eleanor closed her eyes and was about to gather enough courage to speak when her breathe was literally taken away. Two strong arms had slipped around her and before she knew what was happening she found herself engulfed in warmth. Eyes wide, she stared into the thunderclouds of the duke’s.

  “What are you doing?”

  He was already heading toward the door, carrying her as if she weighed no more than a feather, an angry expression on his lips.

  “Well, you are clearly unable to walk and I can hardly take your boots off here, which means we need to get you to another room to tend to your feet.”

  “Lord Wakefield I …”

  “Miss Pinecrest, please, you need help. I hope you do not think I am such a scoun
drel that I would leave you in such a state.”

  It occurred to her that she truly had never thought that. As much as she argued with him she knew that he always took care of things. She had been noticing it these last weeks while their families grew closer. If something needed to be done Lord Wakefield was always there to take care of it. Eleanor had come to understand and admire that about him more than anything else. And right now, he wanted to take care of her. Warm and safe and intoxicated with the scent of him, all Eleanor could think was that she wanted to let him. Resting her head against his shoulder she whispered.

  “Through all of our differences I have always known you are a good man.”

  She knew he appreciated the compliment even though he never said anything.

  “But as gallant as it is, you simply cannot just go carrying me through the hallways.”

  He grunted at that.

  “The servants’ stairs are not far, I can take you to one of the guest rooms. You will obviously need to spend that night here. I will make sure Felicity is set up in a room nearby. Bonnet will take care of her for the rest of the evening.”

  Eleanor let his words sink in but she could barely hear them. He was so warm. Why had she never realized how comforting that was? No wonder so many women pined for him. In his arms, even she could not seem to think of one reason to find fault in him. They remained silent as he carried her upstairs. He was remarkably strong. Eleanor could not believe that she had never noticed that before either. It was not until she he was laying her onto one of the beds in a guest room that she found her voice.

  “Thank you, Lord Wakefield.”

  “Why are you wearing these shoes?

  He said this as he started angrily undoing the laces of her shoes. She knew should stop him. Or protest even, but right now, all she could think about was the fact that one person cared enough to want to take care of her. Eleanor knew she was a strong person but, for the first time in years, she felt that maybe she could be selfish and let someone else help her. There was a note of anger in his tone but Eleanor knew he was trying to refrain from letting it show. The anger seemed to be aimed somewhere other than directly at her. But as the tears rose to her eyes once again she finally met his gaze.