The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

He sighed and looked toward the window.

  “We have to get you home. The sun is not far off.”

  Eleanor sat up with such force, she almost knocked him from the bed. Scurrying from under the covers, she tried to collect herself. She had forgotten that she was not in her own home. Storm shook his head.

  “I did not intend to imply that you had to move so quickly.”

  “Of course, I just forgot where I was. I… I am sorry I made myself so comfortable.”

  She was quickly lacing up her boots when his hand came to her arm.

  “Eleanor, this is your home now. I am glad you were able to rest.”

  Smiling weakly at him, Eleanor rose and tried to flatten her skirts.

  “How much time do we have left?”

  With a sigh, Storm looked back toward the window.

  “Thirty minutes.”

  Eyes wide, she started rushing toward the door.

  “We will have to hurry.”

  Rushing to her side, Storm blocked her path to the door and held her gaze. A moment later he gently wrapped his hand around her neck and drew her into a kiss. Eleanor sunk into the warmth of him with a sigh. Lord help her when they were finally married and she would be able to kiss him whenever she wanted.

  “Are you that anxious to be rid of my company?”

  Smiling, she shook her head.

  “Of course not. I just do not want to cause any scandal. People will start waking up soon.”

  He gentle brushed his lips against hers once more and sigh.

  “Very well.”

  Storm lifted a cloak off the bed and wrapped it around her.

  “Here keep the hood up. In case anyone spots us at least they will not know for sure who you are.”

  Eleanor quickly slipped into the cloak and was instantly surrounded by Storms scent. She wished she could stay in it forever. How quickly her life had changed. For now, though, she really did need to get home before her brother noticed that she was gone.

  Storm opened the door to the bedroom and looked down the hallway. He motioned for her to follow him and before long Eleanor found herself outside and being led toward her home. The thought startled her. Somehow it no longer felt like her home. Storm had been right. Good Lord, she should never have slept in his room. All she could think about was how dear he had become to her.

  Storm guided them through what remained of the night as quickly as possible. She was right about causing a scandal. If that were caught together at this hour he was not sure that even he could convince anyone that their marriage was not due to his ruining her. When she had told him that she would not marry him Storm realized just how much he wanted her as his wife. She had already become so dear to him. Pushing the thoughts aside, Storm managed to focus on the task at hand. It was fortunate that the Pinecrest residence was not very far.

  They reached their destination without incident and Storm walked her to the back of the house where the servants entrance awaited her. He knew she would be safe now, but something in him was not ready to let her go. She paused at the door and looked up at him with a smile.

  “I will see you later at the ball?”

  Storm nodded and lowered the hood of the cloak. Her hair was still down and he barely resisted the urge to delve his hands into it and get lost in her for the next few hours. With a sigh, he controlled his urges and merely lowered his lips to hers softly. She sighed into the caress and he was pleased to know that Eleanor enjoyed his kiss as much as he enjoyed hers. A moment later, he found himself pressing her against the wall, his arms sliding around her waist. Releasing her lips, he whispered against them.

  “This, Eleanor, is how we should be spending every morning.”

  Her hands came to his cheek and she shook her head.

  “Thank you for not letting me talk you out of marrying me.”

  Chuckling, he pressed his lips against hers once more.

  “There is no escaping me now, Miss Pinecrest. Besides, I am fairly sure you did not really want to break our engagement.”

  She smiled up at him and pressed her lips to his.

  “I have, perhaps, grown used to having you in my life.”

  With a laugh, he brought his lips to her ear.

  “I will make sure that everyone knows a life with you is something I want and not something that was forced upon us.”

  Their eyes met then and Storm found himself wondering how she had come to mean so much to him in such a short period of time. She would be the perfect wife for him. Every day he spent with her it grew more apparent. Bonnet had been right. She was always right, he though a bit annoyed. His sister had known Eleanor was the right choice for him the moment she had met her, and yet it had taken him so long to see it himself. He had wasted so much time. The thought of his sister had him frowning. The sun was starting to rise.

  “You should try to get some rest. Bonnet is sure to be here first thing to continuing her wedding planning.”

  Eleanor looked toward the sky but made no motion to leave his embrace. With a soft voice she whispered.

  “She is rather good at planning things. Are you sure there is nothing special you want for the wedding?”

  Storm kissed her softly and trailed his lips along her jaw and to her ear.

  “All I want is for you to show up to it Eleanor.”

  She laughed at that and with reluctance, he slowly released her and motioned toward the door.

  “Do not forget to save me my waltzes, Miss Pincrest.”

  With a bit of cheekiness in her voice, she paused and turned back to him.

  “Well, Lord Wakefield, I will do my best to squeeze you into my very busy dance schedule.”

  Then, her eyes met his for one more meaning for glance and she disappeared into the manor. Reluctantly, Storm stared at the spot where she had just stood for a moment longer before he hurried back toward his home.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Storm knew he wanted to do something amazing to show everyone that he was serious about this marriage. And he was serious about this marriage. He knew that it surprised most people, but he also knew that Eleanor was a perfect match for him. It was so apparent now to him he felt foolish for not have realizing it the moment he had met her. However, to his utmost annoyance, after what she had told him last night, the rest of the world would need some convincing.

  Last night, he had not lied to her. Storm did not care what the world thought, but he also knew that she cared. Not that she cared for her own feelings, he knew that much. Eleanor cared because it would affect the future of their children, their families, his position in London. Being accepted as a true partnership, it would be important to make their life more pleasant. So, after much pondering on the matter, it seemed there was only one logical conclusion. Storm would have to show the ton just how amazing he thought Eleanor Pinecrest was.

  Eleanor found herself in the drawing room of Dowager Garrison surrounded by woman whom she would never have had an association had she not found herself engaged to Lord Wakefield. Storm. Her mind wandered to thoughts of him far more then she should have allowed, but after her visit with him last night, it could not be avoided. She was falling in love with him. Truth be told she probably was already in love with him. One day, though, she would make him fall in love with her, and then, well then, her life would be perfect.

  “Three weeks seems such little time to prepare for a wedding, and I believe your sister is also on her way to the alter?”

  Eleanor realized this sentence was aimed at her and tried to turn her focus back to the conversation at hand.

  “Indeed. Felicity is too be married on Saturday.”

  “Saturday!” the dowager exclaimed, “why that is not enough time at all. Why ever would she marry so hastily?”

  Eleanor smiled weakly. With her luck, she just got her sister enwrapped in a scandal. But Bonnet, the dear friend that she is just smiled and laughed.

  “Young love is hard to control. Dear Alex Larford has it in his head that someone w
ill steal precious Felicity away and wants to be married as soon as possible. I suggested that they not wait the full three weeks when I overheard plans to elope. It is romantic, I confess, to see such love can still drive people to such measures, as irrational as they are.”

  Eleanor caught Bonnet’s gaze and knew at once, that no matter what, there would never come a time when Bonnet would get the recognition she deserved. She was completely underestimated by everyone, and Eleanor rather suspected that Bonnet liked that fact.

  “I will be eternally grateful for that wisdom. I would have hated to miss my sister’s wedding.”

  Bonnet gently touched her hand.

  “She will regret her rushed plans when she sees how beautiful yours is.”

  Eleanor blushed but was saved from commenting by the entrance of the butler. It was actually a ridiculous sight, the poor man. He carried with him an enormous flower arrangement, and Eleanor tried not to laugh as he walked blindly toward where the dowager sat. It was amazing he could manage it without tripping.

  “Merciful Heavens! Whoever could have sent such a beautiful arrangement?”

  The butler set it down on the table next to her chair and plucked a card from the bouquet, handling it to the woman before heading toward the door where he was promptly handed a silver try with a rose on it. As the dowager read her card, Eleanor was shocked to see the silver tray appear before her.

  “He left this for you too Miss Pinecrest.”

  Gently taking the rose from the tray, Eleanor saw that she too had a card. Before she could read hers however, the Dowager spoke.

  “Why Miss Pinecrest, you have yourself a special gentleman. Listen up ladies; you simply have to hear what Lord Wakefield wrote.”

  -My lovely godmother

  These are for your kindness in entertaining my lovely wife to be, even if it does deprive me her company this afternoon. You are, as always, a most generous woman. I know that they pale in comparison to the beautiful ladies sitting in your drawing room at this very moment, but I do hope it makes your smile even brighter.

  Wakefield –

  Eleanor looked around the room and noticed everyone was watching her. She had never been the center of attention and certainly not for something as sweet as that. Storm really was he most amazing man she had ever met. And then, her smile did grow brighter.

  “Lady Garrington, I completely agree with you. Lord Wakefield is the most remarkable gentleman I have ever met. If I was not terrified that our sweet Miss Westbrook would murder me, I would fancy an elopement myself!”

  The room burst into laughter then, and Eleanor took that moment to raise the delicate rose she had received to her nose. It smelled like heaven. Then, unable to resist any longer, she opened the envelope that had been attached to it.

  My Dear Eleanor

  I will have you know that I actually plucked this out of my very lovely rose garden just for you. It has occurred to me that I would like, very much, to marry you there, if you are not opposed. Although I am sure it pales in comparison to your fathers, I do think you will feel his presence when we take our vows in such a place. Then, after you are finally my wife, I suggest we go about working on the creation of little Rosepetal.

  Yours always William

  Eleanor felt everyone’s eyes on here again, and she held back tear. She wanted to laugh and cry and blush all at the same time. It was foolish, and ridiculous, and it was wonderful.

  “Well do not keep us in suspense dearie!”

  Eleanor smiled, and looked toward the room again. One of the other Dowager, the Duchess of Oakshire, actually looked as if she too were about to cry. It was so amazing to see that Storm had the ability to make everyone in the room feel such emotions.

  “He asked if we could marry in the rose garden.”

  “That seems like an awful short sentence for you to have taken so long to read.”

  That was the Dowager Garrington again. Eleanor looked at her and laughed.

  “Very well, if you must know, when I was little, my father had this magical rose garden. It was my favorite place growing up. He also stated that he thought if we had our ceremony amongst the roses, I might feel my father’s presence.”

  This time she did let a tear slip from her eye. She tucked the card in her pocket then, lest someone inquire about the rose petal comment. But no one notice, they were far too busy exclaiming over just how very sweet her future husband was. She could not blame them. He was, a very very sweet man.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Eleanor was reliving her nearly perfect day when a noise at her window startled her. It had been pouring since the ball and Eleanor suspected it must have just been a loose branch tapping against it. Stoking the fire slightly, Eleanor was about to retrieve to her changing room when she heard the noise again. It was much louder. Crossing the room, she opened the curtain and stumbled backward. She was about to scream when she saw the figure staring at her, but once she caught her breathe she realized it was Storm. Shaking her head, she quickly rushed to open the window and allow him entry.

  As he fumbled inside, his cloak drenched with rain, Eleanor tried to imagine what terrible thing could possibly have happened now to cause him to venture over in the rain to her.

  “What on earth are you doing?”

  Storm, having managed to come to his feet disregarded his soaked cloak on a chair and faced her with a lopsided smile.

  “Well, I promised you that I would come over every night. You did not think the rain would stop me, did you?”

  Eleanor shook her head.

  “You will catch a chill.”

  He chuckled at that but moved closer to her.

  “I will not catch a chill. I never do. Besides, the cloak caught most of the rain.”

  Eleanor looked to the cloak with a doubtful expression, but at that moment Storm moved so close and her eyes were drawn immediately back to him. With a slight stutter, she whispered.

  “You were supposed to use the servants entrance.”

  With a grin, he motioned to the window.

  “This was much more romantic.”

  Raising a brow, she shook her head.

  “Romance is not you dying before we are wed.”

  He pouted and tilted his head.

  “You did not find that at least a little bit romantic?”

  Eleanor laughed.

  “Maybe, slightly.”

  Then, moving closer, he whispered.

  “Was it romantic enough to be rewarded with a kiss?”

  Then, before she could respond, his lips were on hers and Eleanor found herself being drawn against him. Her one regret of the day was that he had not kissed her so Eleanor could not find any reason not to sink into his embrace. Eleanor returned the kiss with all the happiness of the day. A day when he tried to show the whole ton how much he wanted to marry her. Storm kissed her as if she was the most precious person in the world and Eleanor hoped he knew how dear he had become to her. If he kept kissing her in such a manner Eleanor suspected she would be in love with him by the end of the week. Lifting his lips ever so slightly, he pressed his forehead to hers and whispered with a husky tone.

  “Dear Lord, Eleanor. You should not know how to kiss a man as well as you do.”

  Before she could respond his lips were on hers again and Eleanor felt her whole body start to tingle. Kissing Storm was incredible. As she wrapped her arms tighter around him and pressed her body more firmly against him, Eleanor realized for the first time, that she wanted more. There was some unexplainable need in her to know more of him. But such things would need to wait, especially tonight. He had lied about his cloak. Reluctantly breaking the kiss, she met his gaze.

  “You have to get out of those clothes.”

  His brow rose and Eleanor felt an immediate blush come to her cheeks. Stumbling on her words she slowly tried to escape his arms.

  “You know what I mean. You are soaked. I will not have you sick for the wedding.”

  With a chuckle, he on
ly slightly allowed distance between them.

  “You should change as well. I am afraid I ruined your dress.”

  Eleanor did not need to look to her dress to know that the rain from his clothing had seeped into her own. With a smile, she touched his cheek.u

  “My dress is a small sacrifice to pay for the end of a perfect day.”

  Storm trapped a lock of her hair and brushed it behind her ear.

  “Perfect you say? “

  With a blush Eleanor smiled.

  “You have made facing the ton much easier today. You know you have.”

  Brushing his lips every so lightly over hers again, he whispered.

  “Well it is not quite over yet. I am afraid you will have to suffer my company while my clothing dries.”

  Eleanor took his hand and led him to the fire. He needed to get warm.

  “I can go grab something from my brother’s wardrobe.”

  She turned to leave but Storm reached out and grabbed her hand. Pulling her back against him, he kissed her softly once again.

  “Nothing of your brothers will fit me.”

  Eleanor realized the truth of that. Her brother was tall, but Storm had a few inches in height over Marcus and, well, Storm was a bit broader in the shoulders. For almost a minute, Eleanor stood there lost in thoughts about her future husband physique, before he cleared his throat to gain back her attention. Blushing again, Eleanor looked toward the bed. Again, his brow rose.

  “I believe I am strictly forbidden from wearing a sheet in front of you.”

  With a smile, Eleanor shrugged and started pulling a sheet off her bed.

  “Well, this is for the sake of your health. I suppose I can make an exception.”

  She held the sheet out to him, but when he tried to take it she pulled it back.

  “First help me with my laces. I can go change in the other room while you organize your sheet.”

  She turned around him and a moment later she felt the heat of his hand undoing her laces. He lowered his head to press a kiss into her neck as he did so, and Eleanor felt her whole body shiver. Storm’s arms wrapped around her and Eleanor turned just slightly enough toward him to encourage him to trail his lips to hers for one last meaningful kiss. Dragging his lips away, he whispered breathlessly.