The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  The door was mostly closed but Storm knew that he was expected and walked in as if he belonged there. Then, anger hit him in such a flash he almost lost his balance.

  “Oh, is it one already? I do apologize. Mister Ashbourne, you know Lord Wakefield, of course.”

  Jack Ashbourne actually tried to shake his hand. Storm thought a moment about breaking it. What in God’s name was she doing alone, behind closed doors, with a gentleman? Curtly Storm acknowledged Jack and raised a brow toward Eleanor. Before she could offer an explanation Jack too her hand to his lips and Storm felt as if someone had thrown a very precise punch at his heart.

  “I believe this is where I depart. Thank you for speaking with me Miss Pinecrest. It was truly a pleasure.”

  Eleanor blushed at the man and Storm tried to reign in his anger. Had he not made his intention clear to her the previous evening? As soon as Jack was out of the room Storm was about to let his anger out when Eleanor burst into tears, and in one swift movement, threw herself into his arms.

  “Oh Storm.”

  Squeezing her softly, Storm felt his anger lessen and concern took over.

  “What is wrong? Did he hurt you?”

  “Not intentionally.”

  The anger was back and as he released her he was already halfway toward the doorway ready to throttle Jack Ashbourne. Quickly sensing danger Eleanor threw herself in front of the door and locked it.

  “No Storm, he was a perfect gentleman. Truly. He had come to tell me that he was the one that purchased our estate. He wanted to assure me that if there was anything left in the manor that had sentimental value to me, I was more than welcome to take it. It is just...” she sighed, collapsing back into his arms, “I really did not want to know who it was. How can I face him now?”

  Storm knew that anything he said would be wrong, so he simple pulled her closer toward him and let her tears flow. As they stood there, her crying in his arms, Storm knew that she did not deserve this. Not his Eleanor. His. The word hit him with so much force he almost collapsed beneath the weight of it. When had he started thinking of her as his? And yet, it was true. He may not love her, but there was little doubt now that she would be his. It was right there in the way she fit so perfectly in his arms. And in the softness of her eyes when she looked at him now. And it was there in the warmth of her smile when he was lucky enough to have it bestowed on him.

  “Oh Storm, I am so sorry. It seems I am crying all the time around you these days.”

  And then suddenly, Storm did know what to say.

  “Yes, it seems that must be true. I have purchased an extraordinary number of handkerchiefs this month.”

  And with that simple quip Eleanor Pinecrest burst into laughter and Storm knew that by the end of the season she would be his wife.

  Eleanor had felt like a fool bursting into tear, yet again, in front of him. If he had truly entertained any thought of pursuing her how could he now. Who would ever consider courting such a watering pot? But then, when he teased her, it seemed like all her worries disappeared. Laughing she took the handkerchief from his jacket pocket and started wiping her tears away.

  “So, shall I assume our ride in the park is probably postponed, again?”

  Eleanor wanted nothing more than to spend a wonderful afternoon with him. She had dreamed about it since the moment he stated he would call on her. And they really did need to talk about so many things. But, now that people suddenly took notice of her, she knew that she could not be seen in public in such a state.

  “Well, your grace, I would say we could just take a stroll in my garden, but well, the garden right now is a potted plant. One that, sadly, no one has remembered to water.”

  Storm laughed at that statement and for the first time since her father had died she could finally find humor in her situation. She knew it would not last, but for now, it was something. Then with a bit of desperation in his voice, Eleanor heard Storm whisper.

  “Tomorrow?”

  Eleanor was not ready to let him leave but there was little she could do. With Alex coming that afternoon to see Marcus she needed to collect herself.

  “I would like that. I will even forbid any visitors until you arrive.”

  He laughed at her and moved closer. Eleanor loved the nearness of him now. A soft scent of sandalwood seemed to always surround him. It was a comforting smell to her now. Storm was even closer now, and to her surprise, she felt his thumb gently glide over her lower lip.

  “Promise me one thing Eleanor.”

  Wide eyed she remained still not wanting to lose his touch.

  “Promise me that if you receive another gentleman caller, you will leave the door open.”

  Eleanor felt the surprise creep into her eyes which only grew when she met his. The storm clouds were back and for the briefest moment Eleanor rather thought his eyes seemed almost possessive of her. Then as if to assure her, he pressed his lips only an inch from her ear and whispered.

  “Ashbourne is lucky he made it out of here alive.”

  Eleanor felt the heat of him against her body and knew she was lost. No matter what her future held she could not image any gentleman could make her feel the way Storm did. And then he moved away from her and headed toward the door. Before she could think, before she could let reason invade her mind, before any ounce of sensibility could reach her, Eleanor found herself call out to him.

  “Wait!”

  Storm stopped right as his hand reach for the doorknob. Eleanor knew that she should have let him go. There was a look in his eyes made her shiver with anticipation and frightened her at the same time. But the time to worry was over. And before she lost her nerve she glided across the room, brought her hands to his shoulders and pressed her lips to his.

  Eleanor did not know what possessed her to be so daring. All she knew was that she had to kiss him at least one more time before he was lost to her forever. She had not told him about Lord Derrington. Her sister would be engaged by tomorrow and Eleanor would start her quest to find a position as a governess. All she could think about was how this afternoon was supposed to be her once chance to know what it would feel like if her father had been better with their funds. The minute he walked out the door her chance would be gone.

  Tomorrow would be too late. Tomorrow their world would go back to how it had been before he had kissed her. All tomorrow held was a place where she should be beneath his notice and he far above her station. She deserved something for all the sacrifices she made, and all she wanted was his kiss. One more kiss to cling too. One more kiss that would give her a lifetime of dreams.

  The moment her lips touched his, Eleanor knew she was welcomed. Storm’s arms instantly slid around her, drawing her closer. Longing for this moment to last Eleanor drank in his desire and hungered for more. Kissing Storm was the most perfect feeling she would ever know. It thrilled her. No man would ever compare to him. Unashamed, Eleanor deepened the kiss. Storms fingers glided up her back, delving into her locks and drawing her even closer.

  This would be their last kiss, she knew, and she was determined to be greedy and take as much from him as she dared. Boldly, Eleanor floated her hands along his chest and slipped them slowly beneath his coat. His shirt was burning beneath her fingertips and his muscles quivered at her touch. When she finally settled them against his back a soft moan escaped him. Eleanor was thrilled by the thought, that at least in this moment, Storm desired her. Encouraged, Eleanor gripped him closer and wantonly pressed her full body against his. And then his lips were gone.

  “Good God Eleanor.”

  She moved her head ever so slightly to meet his gaze, which was a mistake. If she did not know better she could swear she saw lightning in them. Trapped, all she could do was pray that he was not going to leave her. Not yet. She was not ready to let him go.

  “I am sorry. I just… I just… I just know that tomorrows may never come and I could not bear it if I never had a chance to kiss you again.”

  He was staring at her. Ele
anor wished she could read his thoughts. Clearly, he was trying to determine his next course of action. At least, she though with amusement, he had not released her. It was a slight glimmer of hope.

  He should leave. The truth of that fact could not be denied. She was unmarried, they were in relative privacy and her brother could walk into the room at any moment. Storm knew now where his future would lay. He knew, really, the moment he thought of her as his. But when he offered his hand to her the last thing he wanted was for her to think it was out of duty or honor. If they were caught he feared that he would never convince her otherwise.

  Then, one look into her eyes and he was completely undone. There was almost a desperate need in them. He knew that she was hiding something, but he could not argue against her plea. He knew, more than most, that tomorrows were never a guarantee. And with her body pressed against him Storm was certain he could deny her nothing. Brushing his mouth ever so briefly again hers he whispered against her lips.

  “When are your brother and sister due back?”

  He gave Eleanor a moment to respond but she seemed unable to think clearly. Trailing his lips along her jaw, Storm was pleased to hear her soft intake of breath. With a soft nibble on her earlobe Storm huskily demanded, “When Eleanor?”

  He felt her body tremble at his touch and his possessiveness of her grew. No other man should ever know the delight of having Eleanor in his arms. No man deserved it.

  “I… I am not sure. Felicity is with your sister. I believe she is planning to go with your family to the ball tonight. But Marcus… I do not know.”

  Storm growled. He actually growled. All he wanted to do was carry her to the sofa and kiss her senseless for the next few hours. Then with a reluctant sigh, she whispered the truth.

  “Soon.”

  And with that one word, his decision was made. He knew instantly that he needed to leave her. Reigning in his passion, which was a damn near impossible task, he closed his eyes and focused on breathing. Slowly he loosened his grip on her. The look in her eyes when he opened his almost killed him. They glistened with tears of disappointment.

  “Eleanor, believe me when I say this please. Leaving you right now is the last thing I want to do, but if your brother finds us like this…”

  A small tear slid down her cheek, but Eleanor nodded.

  “Thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me. You… you could not possible know how much it meant to me.”

  Then, before he could question her, she fled the room. He was not sure why he felt like she had just said a farewell to him, but he would be damned if Eleanor thought this was the last time he would have her in his arms. She would be his, one way or another. Of that he was now sure.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  As Eleanor sat across from her brother a remarkable sense of relief washed over her. Alex Larford had finally made his offer and Felicity would be married. Marcus would join the military, she would become a governess and at last she would not have to worry about trying to deal with their finances. She had been waiting for the relief of this day since Marcus had first told her about her father’s debt, and yet, now that the day had arrived, somehow it made her feel worse. Now that she knew, really knew, what she had really sacrificed for this day. If only she had never met Storm. If only she had tied her blasted bonnet ribbons. If only her heart would never have known what her future should have been.

  Marcus rose and headed toward the brandy. She noticed he poured two glasses. Handing her one, he raised it to toast.

  “To Felicity.”

  Eleanor gladly raised her glass in return, allowing the brandy warm her body. It had been a long few weeks. She thought she was entitled.

  “I will decline the Duke of Tomlin tomorrow.”

  Eleanor smiled.

  “Will you be okay? Her marrying for love will seal both of our fates.”

  Marcuse smiled.

  “It will be fine. You know we planned for this. It is a bit of a relief. It has not been easy scraping the funds together for her season.”

  Eleanor refrained from rolling her eyes. Her brother really had no idea.

  “I am going to ask Miss Westbrook to write a recommendation so I can find a position as a governess. I am sure a kind word from her will get me into a better home than I would have found without her friendship.”

  Marcus nodded.

  “We will have a few weeks until the wedding. I will not leave before then.”

  “Of course.”

  Eleanor took a sip from her brandy but before she could put it down, she heard Felicity’s voice.

  “Why would you become a governess?”

  Felicity looked furious.

  “Felicity, dear, I thought you were still at the Westbrooks.”

  “Clearly.”

  That was all. Not even her usual “oh” at the beginning of her sentence. Marcus cleared his throat.

  “You should be happy to know that Alex asked me for your hand this afternoon.”

  “Yes, and when did Lord Tomlin ask for it?”

  Eleanor got very concerned. Clearly her sister had heard most of their conversation.

  “Felicity, it does not matter. You and Alex will be very happy together.”

  Her sister moved further into the room, still with a lot of anger in her eyes.

  “You still have not answered my question about why you would become a governess.”

  Eleanor rose and crossed to the window. It was pouring out. At least she had the rain to comfort her even during the argument that was sure to arise right now.

  “It is what I want dear. With you married, and Marcus going to defend our country, I cannot live here alone.”

  “You have never spoken of becoming a governess before Eleanor.”

  Dear Lord, no oh’s and her proper name. She had never seen Felicity in such a state before. Before she could respond though, Marcus spoke, and, as always, said the perfectly wrong thing.

  “Felicity, when father passed, well… there was not much left of his fortune. We have scrapped by for the past few years, but I am afraid there is nothing further we can do. Eleanor and I agreed that you would have your season so that you would not have to sacrifice your own future.”

  Tears rolled down her sister’s cheek.

  “Were you ever going to tell me? All this time… you just let me believe that everything was fine. How could you do that?”

  “There would not have been much you could have done Felicity. Why would we want you to suffer through it?”

  Fury hit her sister’s eyes.

  “So that you did not have to carry this burden alone. Do you really think I could not have survived or found a match without the finest of everything? Eleanor, I could have given up frivolous things. I cannot believe you both kept this from me!”

  Eleanor looked to Marcus but he seemed as unsure how to handle this issue as he was about everything else. Eleanor was just so tired of being alone.

  “I will marry Lord Tomlin. He has fortune enough to spare and I will pay off any debt that is still able to be paid off so that you will not have to go to war and Eleanor will not have to find a position as a governess.

  Now Eleanor was angry.

  “No. We sacrificed everything so that you can find a husband you love. You will marry Alex. That is final.”

  For one moment, the room grew so silent that Eleanor wondered if any of them were even breathing.

  “I will marry who I choose. Marcus, you shall escort me to Lord Tomlins estate first thing in the morning and decline Lord Derrington’s offer. And that is Final!”

  With that Felicity scurried out of the room slamming the door behind her. For a moment the room was completely silent. Feeling an ache in her heart, Eleanor turned to her brother.

  “Oh Marcus, you cannot let her marry Lord Tomlin.”

  Then, for the first time in her life, Eleanor realized that her brother was a weak man.

  “It is her choice. I will not force her to marry either of th
em.”

  And with that he finished the drink and stormed out of the room and right out the front door. Eleanor sat there silently for at least five minutes when she heard the front door open again as her sister left the house. Tired, angry and disappointed Eleanor decided that neither of them deserved to be chased after.

  His family was getting ready to leave for the evening’s festivities when he heard a commotion in the hallway. Both of these facts dragged Storm from his third glass brandy and into what he was sure would be a very long night. All he wanted was to spend the evening waltzing with the charming Eleanor Pinecrest and whatever the issue was he had a feeling that it would delay him from such pleasures.

  “Oh Peaches, how could they have been so cruel!”

  The sobbing voice of Miss Felicity Pinecrest floated through the air and a slight bit of alarm seemed to settle into his chest. Before he could enter the room however Bonnet was rushing forward to him.

  “Oh Storm, it is all such a mess! Felicity found out about her family’s situation and now she is refusing to marry Alex so that she can accept the offer from the stuffy old Duke of Tomlin who will make sure the Pinecrests’ debts are taken care of. Apparently, he made an offer as well.”

  “How did she find out?”

  “She overheard Eleanor and Marcus talking about it. There was a huge argument. Felicity stated they all stopped speaking to each other. She came here because she did not want to stay at her home with everything that has happened.”

  “Her brother is allowing this?”

  “It would seem.”

  Storm, for the first time in his life, worried that he may actually kill a man. Marcus deserved a good beating for this. It was cruel to force two people who were clearly in love to be separated over such foolishness.

  “Bonnet, I am going to the Pinecrest residence. Please make sure the family is gathered first thing in the morning and do not allow Felicity to leave this house until I return.”

  Quickly scribbling a note, he flagged down a footman advising the young man to deliver it with as much haste as possible or there would be hell to pay.