The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  And with that, she was gone and Storm had managed to escape an inevitable confession to his sister, that yes, in fact, he did like Eleanor Pinecrest, and yes… it now bothered him to think about all the other gentleman who got to spend the evening with her in their arms while he was tending to his brother.

  Eleanor was more exhausted than ever. She thought that spending her night worrying over her family’s finances was tiring, but nothing compared to the weariness of dancing nearly every dance at a ball. Her feet were killing her, even in her new spectacular boots, and Eleanor could swear she danced with every eligible bachelor there. But none of them compared to Storm. He was all she could think about. She had not expected him to kiss her, although she would be lying if she said she had not dreamed of him doing so since the moment they had met. It was the most amazing moment of her life. A moment that would last her forever. But, she thought with a bit of sadness, it seemed that would be all it was.

  When they had returned to the ballroom, he had promised her another dance, but within five minutes, Storm had left the ballroom. She could only imagine that he regretted the kiss they shared and she could not bear it. But, after everything they had been through, she at least needed to speak to him about it. Storm had been so dear to her the last few days, she was not going to let such a sweet moment ruin everything. She was sure if she could assure him that she would not expect more from him, perhaps they could get back to where they were.

  So, although she was aching in body and heart, Eleanor found herself settled into a cushion of pink pillows at the Pinecrest residence wondering if Storm would seek her out. She had every intention of tracking him down, if he did not appear, but that plan was instantly ruined when the drawing room was filled with nearly a half dozen men seeking out her attention. Never in her life, would she have imagined she would be in this position. Clearly, wanting to see Storm, and having the opportunity to was two completely different things.

  Storm left his brother, collected himself as much as he could, and found himself heading for the drawing room. His heart raced a bit with the thought of seeing her again. Would she look different to him now? Now that he knew the pleasure of her lips, would he be able to ever remember what it was like just to listen to her speak. He was desperate to learn the answer to the questions, but as he entered the room, any thought Storm had of Eleanor was overwhelmed with the overpowering scent of flowers. And the eight callers that seemed to be focused on her. He managed to meet Eleanor’s gaze and see a soft blush come to her cheeks before he realized that he could not stay. Storm could not sit amongst such foolish gentlemen and have a serious discussion with Eleanor about the events of the previous evening. It would not be natural and he would only be bitter about it. So, putting on a nonchalant face, Storm just asked Bonnet for a moment of her time before leaving the room.

  Chance was feeling slightly better the next morning, but Storm had only grown more weary and frustrated. He was glad to see his brother had more color in his cheeks and his appetite was returning, but he still had not managed to speak with Eleanor. He had attempted to see her again before she left for the day, but he was informed, quite pointedly by his sister, that she had already left.

  His brother fell asleep shortly after breakfast and Storm headed toward his room for a fresh change of clothes. Throwing some water on his face, he hurried into a shirt, rolling up the sleeves, and discarded his jacket and headed back to his brother. As he turned the corner, Storm found himself, once again, colliding with Eleanor. With a smile, he caught her in his arms and waited for her to regain her balance before he released her.

  He had been waiting to see her but now that she was in front of him, he could not find the right words to say. Luckily, she spoke first.

  “You look terrible.”

  Raising a brow, he laughed.

  “Thank you.”

  Blushing, embarrassed, she looked toward the ground.

  “I mean, you still look handsome, just exhausted.”

  Leaning in he whispered.

  “Well, as long as I am an exhausted handsome…”

  Eleanor sighed and met his gaze.

  “Are you feeling well?”

  Before he could continue she started to pace in front of him and continued to speak.

  “I mean, you are not obligated to tell me such a thing. If you are trying to avoid me, I assure you that it is not necessary.”

  “Why ever would you think that?”

  She stopped then and met his gaze.

  “Well… you left the ball right after we… well right after our dance. And then you left the drawing room as soon as you saw me in it yesterday. And you were not at last night’s ball. I thought maybe… well…”

  Her sentence trailed away as her eyes drifted to his lips. Shyly she whispered.

  “Do you regret it?”

  Storm realized that Eleanor had not been told about Chance and she truly believed he was trying to avoid her. Stepping closer to her, Storm cupped her chin and forced her eyes to his.

  “Eleanor, I have regretted a great many of my actions toward you, but kissing you is something I will never regret.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise and he trailed his hand to cup her cheek and moved another step closer to her. It was impossible not to touch her right now. Even though he was exhausted, he still wanted her.

  “Right after we returned to the ballroom I received a note from Willow that Chance was very ill and needed a doctor. I left immediately. I… am so sorry. I thought the others would have told you.”

  Eleanor shook her head.

  “I… I have not had much time alone with anyone of your family. I suppose they did not think to tell me. Is Chance still ill?”

  The concern in her eyes for his brother was so endearing. She truly cared about his family.

  “He is mending. It has been a hard two days. The doctor ordered rest, but you know my brother…”

  Eleanor laughed.

  “No wonder your exhausted.”

  He smiled.

  “And… I came to the drawing room yesterday to speak with you, but you had so many foolish young fops at your skirts I did not think we would be able to have a meaningful conversation. As lovely as time with you is, you and I are beyond being trivial with each other.”

  She blushed again and Storm reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her brow. Eleanor sighed at the caress and he knew that the kiss must have affected her as well.

  “So, you really were not avoiding me?”

  “Eleanor, I would never avoid you. Outside my family, yours is the company I most enjoy.”

  She blushed again.

  “Thank you.”

  They stood there silently for a moment and all he could do was gaze at her. After days of thinking about her, it was so lovely to see her face. To feel the comfort of her voice. It bothered him that no one had explained his absence. The last thing he wanted was to have caused her any pain. Feeling he needed to continue he whispered.

  “You took my breath away at the last ball, Eleanor.”

  Eleanor searched for the truth in his eyes, and as always, it shone through. He could never hide the truth from her. Would never.

  “If it were not for my brother, I would have never left your side.”

  Eleanor stared at Storm and a sense of relief ran through her. These last few days without him had been miserable. She could tolerate him telling her that the kiss was a mistake, but she could not imagine losing his friendship. And now… now he was being so… so… charming.

  Unable to stop herself, Eleanor reached out and touched his cheek.

  “Well, you were missed.”

  A huge grin came to his face and he raised a brow. Eleanor was aware that he moved closer to her again. Her body was so aware of his now. Every movement. Every heartbeat. She knew it all.

  “Are you sure? I heard you never left the dance floor.”

  With a sly smile, she leaned in.

  “I even danced with the handsome Devon Re
mington.”

  “Ah, so you found out his name, even after my warning.”

  “Well, he asked for a dance. It would have been impolite not to find out his name.”

  Storm nodded.

  “I see. And, did you enjoy Mr. Remington’s company.”

  Eleanor tucked a lock of his hair behind his ear and shrugged.

  “He was very nice, but… “

  “But…?”

  “You were right.”

  “Oh?”

  Stepping closer, she leaned in.

  “He was not you.”

  Storm’s smile grew instantly and for one blissful moment Eleanor thought he would kiss her again. But just as he reached out for her, the housekeeper entered the hallway and they both instantly drew apart. Not knowing what she had interrupted, the woman addressed Storm.

  “Your grace, I was about to take a food try to your brother, shall I bring something for you as well.”

  Eleanor could that he was annoyed by the interruption, but he kept his voice kind.

  “That would be very kind. Thank-you.”

  As the housekeeper ran off, Eleanor knew her chance to be kissed had passed. Turning toward more serious issues, she sighed.

  “You know, you really should get some rest. It will do Chance little good if you fell ill as well. I am sure Bonnet or Hunter would stay with him.”

  Storm nodded.

  “I know, I just feel it is my responsibility. After our parents were lost to us, anyone getting sick stirs up old memories. We always worry about losing each other. I do not think my family could manage another loss.”

  She reached out to him again, this time with compassion instead of desire.

  “You said he was doing better. Truly Storm. You need rest.”

  He smiled at her concern and nodded.

  “I promise I will rest tonight. Hunter will be glad to have an excuse to miss a ball and I cannot miss Oakshire’s engagement ball tomorrow now that I know Chance will get better. Jacob has been a good friend to me and I find his bride to be refreshingly charming.”

  Eleanor smiled. Storm took her hand to his lips.

  “You will save a waltz for me?”

  Blushing she nodded.

  “Of course.”

  Then, reluctantly releasing her, he motioned to the hallway.

  “I really should get back to him, but I promise I will get rest and that I will be there tomorrow to dance with you.”

  Nodding, she watched him walk off, but right as he reached the staircase, he turned back to her.

  “What color dress will you be wearing?”

  Eleanor looked to him curiously, but saw no reason to refrain from answering.

  “Lavendar.”

  He nodded and Eleanor felt his eyes scan her whole body before returning to meet hers.

  “I will see you tomorrow Eleanor.”

  And then he was gone.

  Chapter Eighteen

  He was in high spirits as he corralled his family into the ballroom of the Duke of Oakshire, but within moments, his mood turned ridiculously foul. Storm had noticed Eleanor immediately standing with her sister, however, at the rate her admirers seemed to be gathering, he would be lucky to even get close enough to offer her a greeting. There was no way he was going to get through this night without punching someone. Beside him Bonnet leaned in to whisper.

  “You better hurry if you are going to make sure there is a dance left.”

  He glared at her. Of course, he could not tell her that he had already secured her promise of a dance, but he had hoped he would be able to dance with her more than once that evening. So, despite his sister’s smug stare, he did what he needed to do which was put his brother in charge of his sisters and head across the ballroom. Clearly it in this crush that task may take thirty minutes in itself.

  Eleanor could not believe how many gentlemen were at her feet. She would have laughed if it were not so pathetic. Until Storm danced with her none these gentlemen would have given her the time of day and now they were fighting over who could secure a dance first. It had been this way for the last few balls now, but it still seemed unbelievable. It felt as if she was in a different world. Of course, it seemed as if she had been living in another world since the moment Storm had kissed her. Eleanor had not stopped thinking about it all day. What made matters worse is that another gift had arrived for her that morning. One that was meant for only her. And Storm had sent it not because he had ruined something of hers and he was replacing it, or because he felt obligated to. It made her feel completely wonderful.

  It seemed unrealistic to think he had thought the kiss had been more than just a moment, but she could hope. He had been so charming to her yesterday when he explained his absence. And then he sent her the lovely present this morning. It was all so confusing. Tonight, she hoped to find out what it all had meant. But the moment she saw him crossing the room, an expression of displeasure on his face, Eleanor wondered if she had done something to anger him again.

  “Miss Pinecrest?”

  Eleanor’s attention was distracted by a young gentleman whose name she could not conjure to her mind.

  “Are you feeling well? You look a bit pale. Perhaps you would like me to escort you for a bit of fresh air?”

  Eleanor did her best to smile at him.

  “I am feeling quite well. Just a bit parched I think. Would you perhaps be so kind as to fetch me a glass of punch?”

  The gentleman bowed at her immediately.

  “It would be my greatest honor.”

  Eleanor refrained from rolling her eyes.

  “That is most kind of you to say.”

  As the young man headed toward the punch, Eleanor knew that Storm was much closer now. She has saved one of her waltzes for him and hoped that whatever it was that had caused his fury, he would still want to take her to the floor for it. Then, suddenly, she felt herself being pulled away from the crowd and Storms eyes locked with hers.

  “I want a dance, Eleanor.”

  Eleanor knew she looked back bewildered. He had never sounded that angry before and his eyes were filled with the most amazing storm clouds. Then, since she had the ridiculous habit of being unable to stop her thoughts from spilling out, she whispered.

  “Your eyes amaze me every time I look into them.”

  Storm had obviously not expected that response, but she could tell that the compliment had pleased him. It was so odd to see him this tense. Even when they had argued, he never seemed so edgy.

  “A waltz.”

  His jaw was actually clenched. Eleanor stuttered.

  “I… I… saved you the second one.”

  His jaw relaxed slightly, but he remained silent, just looking at her. Eleanor just stared back at him, unsure exactly what she should say. Finally, he broke the silence.

  “Who has the first one?”

  Eleanor had no idea. So many men had asked. Looking to the dance card dangling from her wrist, she noted.

  “Mr. Remington.”

  Impatiently, he glared at her.

  “Which Mr. Remington?”

  “Devon.”

  His features were still stiff, but the storm clouds in his eyes were still fierce. Eleanor wished there was something she could do to settle him. Apparently, he was not happy.

  “Are you angry with me?”

  His eyes widened slightly.

  “No Eleanor.”

  “You seem angry.”

  “It is not at you,” he stated through clenched teeth, “I am angry at everyone else.”

  She laughed at that. It felt good to laugh, and it seemed to calm him a bit. Eleanor had always thought that Storm was the handsomest man she had ever seen, but tonight, the way he looked at her, he had never been as beautiful. It made her shiver. Then the music started and the gentleman who has secured her first dance approached. Storm allowed the newcomer, but while she was being led away, he whispered in her ear.

  “I will be back for your first waltz.”

&nb
sp; And he was. Eleanor dared not ask why it was Mr. Remington had given away his waltz, but it did make her heart flutter a bit that Storm was too impatient to wait for the second one to dance with her. When he led her to the floor his body was so stiff. Truly, she had never seen him so annoyed. When they finally whirled into the dance, she managed to speak.

  “Storm, are you quite alright? You really do look upset.”

  His gaze met hers and for a moment she thought she could see lightning flashing through them. Dear Lord, something truly was amiss.

  “I do not like how those gentlemen are looking at you.”

  Eleanor felt the confusion in her own eyes.

  “How are they looking at me?”

  He glared over her shoulder.

  “I believe Lord Oakshire would describe it as gawking.”

  Eleanor laughed. She simply could not help it. Never in her life would she ever have suspected of being ogled over. It was enough to make a girl giddy.

  “Oh honestly, they only noticed me because you danced with me the other night. They are harmless.”

  This had his eyes locked with hers.

  “Not one of them is worthy of you.”

  She really could not respond to that, since she was fairly certain they were a bit too worthy of her, but she did not want to start such an argument. They danced in silence for a bit, but he clearly had something on his mind. Softly, she finally broke the silence.

  “Thank you so much for your lovely gift. It was very thoughtful.”

  She felt him relax slightly as his eyes went to her hair.

  “I thought you should have a rose that would never wilt.”

  The tiny gemmed rose was tucked into her hair and she resisted the urge to touch it again to remind herself that it was real. It must have cost him a fortune.

  “Blade advised me that I could have it made in any color I wanted. I was tempted to buy you one for every color dress you could possibly wear, but I thought perhaps you would be stubborn about it.”

  She laughed at that, knowing he was right. Accepting the one he had already given her had seemed difficult enough.

  “It is lovely. I will think of you every time I wear it.”