The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  “I see.”

  Eleanor could tell bonnet wanted to question her more but remained silent. Blushing, she turned her eyes back to the man they were discussing. Eleanor thought she would be terrified if he would have ever discovered the truth, but it was far more comforting. Storm would never betray her. Despite all that had existed in the past, Eleanor knew that as sure as she knew her own name. He was not a cruel man. What he was, she thought sadly, is perfect. Trying to bring humor back into the day, Eleanor smiled.

  “Who do you think gets the black eye first?”

  Bonnet laughed.

  “I never bet against Storm. Although my brother has never been much for violence, he is very capable of displaying it when necessary.”

  “Is that why he has perfected his glare? So that he can avoid punching his sister’s suitors?”

  Bonnet giggled again.

  “You must admit, it is a very effective weapon.”

  “Indeed.”

  “But I shall take pity on all of my siblings right now. Aria and Peaches will never attract a man worth anything with Storm glaring around.”

  Then, to Eleanor’s surprise, Bonnet let out a whistle and every single Westbrook stopped what they were doing and started to head toward their picnic area where Bonnet was now suddenly unpacking baskets of food that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

  “That was very impressive,” Eleanor whispered.

  Bonnet laughed.

  “You can always count on my families appetited to get their attention.”

  As everyone settled down and the food was passed around Eleanor found herself truly happy for the first time since her father had passed. The Westbrook energy was infectious and Eleanor was so happy to be included in their outing today. Laughter seemed to be the best medicine, she thought smiling. Then, Storm turned to her with curious eyes.

  “Why Miss Pinecrest, I did not know your smile could grow that wide.”

  Laughing she took a bite of her sandwich and motioned to his family.

  “I hope you know how truly blessed you are, your grace.”

  He raised his brow, but beamed with pride at his family.

  “It has become very apparent these last few days. I have you to thank for that.”

  Then, from across the blankets, Willow decided to try to get her revenge.

  “It is game time Miss Pinecrest.”

  Eleanor felt Storm tense beside her.

  “Willow,” he warned “I will not let Miss Pinecrest get caught up in your nonsense.”

  “Oh, you cannot stop it now. You are the one keeping secrets. You see Miss Pinecrest, every Thursday we play a game that I like to think brings us closer together. It would normally be Storms turn, but since we all adore you I think we should make an exception.”

  Eleanor looked the youngest Westbrook female knowing she was being challenged.

  “What must one do?”

  “Oh, it is simple. You just have to answer three questions honestly.”

  “Oh?”

  “And it happens to be my turn to ask today.”

  “I see. And what if I am caught in a lie?”

  “Then you have to do something completely embarrassing that the family determines.”

  Eleanor suddenly grew nervous, but she was certainly not going to back down.

  “And once I answer, do I get to ask you three questions as well?”

  “Yes. As long as you are honest. If you lie, you cannot ask me anything.”

  Eleanor nodded. Storm tried to protest again, but Eleanor whispered that she could manage.

  “What is the first question then, Miss Willow?”

  “Which of the Westbrook men do you find most attractive?”

  Eleanor was surprised at the sudden devilish streak the young woman seemed to be developing, but Eleanor was perfectly capable of the challenge. Again, Storm went to protest but Eleanor felt all the Westbrooks eyes on her and smiled calmly back.

  “Well I am extraordinarily fond of dimples so I would have to say Chance.”

  She could see the protest on Willows lips but the young lady knew she was trapped. If she accused Eleanor of lying it clearly would indicate to Chance that Willow though he was not attractive.

  With a glare the woman bit her tongue.

  “All right, Miss Pinecrest. Question two.”

  Eleanor remained silent awaiting the question.

  “Whose company do you enjoy most?”

  Eleanor did not even blink.

  “Well as much as I adore your family, I would have to say my dear sister Felicity.”

  Again, no one could question that. Even though, Eleanor thought for the first time in her life, that might not be entirely true at the moment. Willow had clearly forgotten Felicity was with them.

  Willow was relentless if nothing else.

  “Final question; If someone threatened to kill one of the Westbrook woman unless you kissed one of my brothers, whom would you kiss?”

  This time it was Bonnet who spoke.

  “Willow Westbrook, this game is over right now.”

  Eleanor ignored everyone and met Willow’s gaze.

  “Well, Willow, I suspect I would end up kissing them all because if anyone ever threatened your sisters all of our brothers would do whatever was necessary to save them, even kiss me.”

  There was a sudden silence. Eleanor raised a brow.

  “I believe it is mine turn to ask you, correct?”

  Willow glared. Apparently, her siblings never got the chance to fire back at her.

  “Who is your favorite sibling?”

  Willow’s jaw dropped.

  “I… I could never choose.”

  Eleanor grinned.

  “That is not the truth, Willow. The first day I met you I remember you clearly saying which of your siblings your favorite is. Would you prefer for me to tell everyone?”

  Instantly alarmed, Willow shook her head.

  “What is your challenge then?”

  “I challenge you to say the thing you like best about each member of your family.”

  Normally Storm would feel inclined to protect his sister but Eleanor had handled the awkward situation so well that he actually felt grateful to her. Unable to refrain, Storm gently placed his hand over hers as Willow stated her compliments.

  “Come let us go for a stroll.”

  Once they were clear from being overheard Eleanor whispered softly.

  “Are you mad?”

  He chuckled, placing her hand onto his arm and drawing her ever so slightly closer.

  “No. You handled that with grace and I have never seen someone outside of the family put Willow in her place quite so well. And I apologize that she was so rude to you.”

  Eleanor smiled.

  “I think it was a test.”

  “Perhaps. She has a hard time sometimes with people. She does not trust easily.”

  For a moment they remained silent. Finally, she spoke.

  “I think you and your brothers need to have monthly meeting to prepare for her come out.”

  He laughed at that and was glad that she joined him. Laughing was clearly another pleasure she had denied herself. Which was a shame really, as her laugh was charming.

  “You have a lovely laugh.”

  She looked at him for a moment as if to see if he was teasing her. When she realized he was sincere, she blushed and thanked him. He needed to hear it again.

  “As charming as your laugh is though, Miss Pinecrest, I must say that I simply cannot support a match between you and my brother Chance.”

  Eleanor laughed so loudly at that statement his family glanced over for a moment. Eleanor had tears in her eyes.

  “I am heartbroken, truly.”

  He smiled down at her.

  “I am curious to what your true answer is. I suspected it was Hunter.”

  Eleanor stopped their strolling and met his curious gaze.

  “I have learned that when it comes to comparing siblings one should
always find a third option. Had I said Hunter, I think you would be cross with me, and had I chosen you, Hunter would have had his feelings hurt.”

  Storm thought about it for a moment when the young woman leaned in with a sly smiled.

  “I would ask if you would support a match between me and Hunter… but alas, his heart is no longer available for the taking.”

  Something about the thought of her with his brother made him feel nauseous. Of course, he would support a match if that is truly what Hunter wanted. Now that he truly knew her, he could not deny that should would be a loving and caring wife to his brother. It was all he really wanted for his siblings, after all. Then the rest of her statement struck him.

  “Pardon?”

  She looked completely started. Apparently, his brother was keeping secrets from him as well. Unable to lie to him though, something he found very refreshing in a woman, she smiled meekly.

  “I assumed you knew. Dear me… we really must break our habit of assuming things about people. Hunter confided in me that he is in love with a woman he knows back in Newmarket. He had not mentioned that you were not aware.”

  Storm met her gaze and once again felt something odd stir in him. His family seemed to be so comfortable with Eleanor. It was endearing in a way that they all felt secure enough to confide in her things they had not even mentioned to him.

  “He has not spoken of her to me.”

  With a weak smile, she looked toward the ground.

  “Perhaps he wanted to make sure that I did not misunderstand his companionship.”

  Storm did not know how to respond, but she took a deep breath and smiled.

  “He need not worry. I have spent my whole life having my beauty compared to my sister’s. I would never have imagined your brother’s intentions ever were meant to be more than kindness and friendship.”

  The truth of the matter was, he thought, she should never feel as if she was not worth a man’s attention. Eleanor Pinecrest was very worthy of a great deal more than she believed. He was planning to prove it to her tonight. After their dance, she was bound to at least catch a few men’s eyes. Reaching out he gently lifted her chin until her eyes locked with his.

  “Although my behavior toward you, at least until a few days ago, has been unjust and rude, please believe me when I say this. Any man of worth would see that your beauty far exceeds your sisters in every way.”

  It was not a confession he had thought to share, but Storm knew he meant every word of it. How many women in London would have done what she did to save her family? Storm reckoned he could only think of one other and that would be his oldest sister. Eleanor was a special woman and Storm thought it was about time people started to see that.

  She was blushing now, clearly taken back by the compliment. The desire to kiss her was growing stronger and stronger.

  “That was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you.”

  “It was not kindness Eleanor, it was honesty.”

  And then Storm realized that he was going to kiss her. He was relatively sure that his lost part of his mind somewhere between tending to her injured feet and this moment. Worst of all was that he was not sure he wanted it back. The need to kiss her was overwhelming. And then, the need to kiss her was ruined.

  “We really should be going you two. We do not want to be late to the ball this evening.”

  Bonnet was heading toward them. Storm debated throttling her. But his sister had saved him from kissing Eleanor in the middle of a park. A park where anyone could have witnessed it, including his family, so he would spare Bonnet’s life this time.

  “Of course. Will you be joining us for dinner Eleanor?”

  Eleanor sighed.

  “I am afraid not. Lord Derrington had invited us to dine with him and his mother.”

  Hiding his disappointment, Storm nodded.

  “That is a hopeful sign for your sister.”

  Beaming Eleanor nodded.

  “Yes, I believe it is.”

  Storm began to head them toward the awaiting carriages.

  “So, we will see you at the ball tonight?”

  “Of course.”

  Raising Eleanor’s hand to his lips he met her gaze.

  “Do not forget our dance.”

  Leaning in she whispered slyly.

  “You never said which you wanted.”

  “Oh, I will settle for nothing other than a waltz, my dear.”

  They had reached the carriages and in only a moment Felicity would reach them. Quickly Eleanor spoke.

  “Which one?”

  Then, perhaps because he was feeling a bit devilish he winked at her and turned on his most charming smile.

  “All of them, Eleanor. Save them all for me.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Storm could literally not take his eyes off her. It had taken him only a moment to spot her. If he had not known better, he would swear his sister had ordered the dress specifically for Eleanor. It was his favorite shade of blue, the blue of the sky right after the rain cleared, and she looked utterly breathtaking in it. It shifted as she moved in a completely innocent way and, yet it was the most seductive thing he had ever seen. Lord, he should never have decided to forgo a mistress this season. Clearly his wits were a bit frazzled. Yet now that he knew her, now that he really knew her, it amazed him that no one else seemed too. Tonight, he was going to make sure it changed.

  Eleanor was watching Felicity. Storm could almost see the love in her eyes as she beamed at her sister. He knew she was still exhausted, but it did seem clear that Felicity would make a match this season. Young Alex Larford was obviously smitten, and, despite trying to conceal it, Felicity was falling in love with him right back. Storm knew it would be a good pairing. Alex had just gained his title, so the couple would be able to settle into their roles as earl and countess very well together. It would be tough at times, but their love would see them through. And with any luck, after he dance with Eleanor, she may attract a husband of her own. He owed Eleanor that much.

  Eleanor. Storm’s thoughts went back to her instantly. He had always known her eyes were beautiful, but when they were filled with love, Storm was quite sure they were the most sensational pair of eyes in London. Her brown locks while piled atop her head, spiraling curls bouncing as she moved and there were moments candlelight hit them and the slighted hit of gold was reflected. He had never noticed brunettes much, but he knew now, he would notice nothing else from this moment. She laughed then, or pretended to he noted, and Storm felt himself lowering his gaze to her lips. So many times, during the day today he had thought about kissing her. Looking at her now, he was no longer sure he would be able to resist.

  “Good evening, Wakefield.”

  Storm was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of his old friend. With more effort than he thought is should have taken, he forced his eyes away from Eleanor. There would be time later, to debate over what it all meant. Right now, he had a few things to take care of.

  “Oakshire,” Storm acknowledged the duke.

  “I was informed that you needed a word.”

  Jacob Remington, the current Duke of Oakshire, was a very intense man. Storm noticed a change in him, and he rather thought it has something to do with the charming blonde he had seen the man waltzing with for the past few balls. The woman who seemed to have gained the duke’s undivided attention.

  “I do not wish to keep you long. I need a favor. Well considering your current state, I rather think I need to ask one of your brothers for a favor.”

  The Duke looked back to him, clearly surprised.

  “Storm, you know that I will assist you in any way I can.”

  “I need one of the Remington men to dance with my sister.”

  “Your sister? Pardon my inquiry, but which sister exactly. I believe you have a few at this ball tonight.”

  Storm laughed. It was true. Far too many of his sisters had reached a marriageable age.

  “The eldest.”


  Jacobs surprise could not be hidden. But somehow, after a moment of silence, Storm actually thought the man had gained more respect for him in this one moment than throughout their entire friendship. With a slight nod, he smiled.

  “As enjoyable as it would be, I do fear you will have to settle for one of my brothers. But her dance card will be filled by the second dance I am thinking. Devon is friends with Ashbourne, so I believe that will be enough to ensure her dance card gets filled.”

  Storm laughed. It would be. If Bonnet drew the attention or a Remington and an Ashbourne, the other men would follow. The duke turned to walk away, but Storm saw him hesitate and finally turn back.

  “Storm, since we both suddenly seem to understand where the true beauty of a woman can be found, I feel I have to pass on some advice from a very wise woman. A woman, I believe, who you have not taken your eyes off since you entered the ballroom.”

  Storm looked at him bewildered, “oh?”

  “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.”

  Storm followed the Duke’s eyes to Eleanor.

  “She… she told you to do that?”

  The duke laughed.

  “Yes. And I took her advice.”

  Storm dragged his eyes away from Eleanor and looked to the man surprised.

  “You kissed her?”

  The alarm in his tone had the duke bellow with laughter.

  “Clam down, Wakefield. She suggested it in regards to Faith.”

  Storm looked back toward Eleanor.

  “She is a surprising woman.”

  Jacob followed his gaze.

  “And if you will not take her advice, take some from one of your oldest friends.”

  Again, Storm dragged his eyes back to his friend with a curious glance. Although they had been friends since they were very young, they had drifted apart over the years. But, when their paths did cross, it always seemed that their friendship was still as solid as it used to be.

  “We have both suffered tremendous losses these past few years, but there is something I have learned recently. Our fathers were great men. Men that perhaps we may never live up too, but it is time to stop being wounded and start living again. Neither of them would want us sulking. They would want us to make the most of the life we have. Now, I may not know the lovely Miss Pinecrest very well, but I do know that a woman of her caliber is hard to find. So, the next time you are looking into those lovely eyes with the remarkably long lashes, really think about what you need for your future. I think it may be surprised what you will find.”