“Where do you think you’re going?”
“I’m going back to work.” Virginia pushed at his arms, which seemed to tighten around her. “Let me go.”
“Come on, little miss. Why can’t you sit with me for a while?”
Virginia stiffened. There was no way she was going to stay any longer in this man’s presence than she had to. “I’m not paid for that.”
“I can pay you.” He completely misunderstood her. “The landlord won’t mind. Not when I pay him for the pleasure of your company.”
Virginia began to panic. She had heard stories of women doing other things for extra money but had never thought it would touch her. She slapped him. “I will not do that and I never will! Get off me!”
Then she slapped him again, jabbing him in the throat. The lord coughed and abruptly let go. Virginia leapt up off his lap and dashed towards the kitchen. If she could get out into the alley, she would be safe. There were plenty of places to hide.
But she was grabbed before she even got to the kitchen door. Fingers dug into her arm as Virginia was spun around, the lord looming angrily over her as he snarled into her face.
“You’re going to regret doing that,” he hissed.
He raised his hand to hit her and Virginia flinched. Then she felt like she was in a dream. Devonshire was there, looming up behind the lord. His face was as dark as thunder as he reached out and grabbed the man’s wrist.
“And you’re going to regret hitting her,” he growled.
The other man looked around with a furious glare. Then his face drained of all colour and he dropped Virginia, making her sway, as he bowed towards Devonshire, his arm still in the duke’s grip. “Your Grace! What are you doing here?”
“I was going to ask you the same question.” Devonshire let go of the man’s arm and wiped his hand on his coat. “Didn’t your father say he would cut you off if he heard of your debauchery again? Get out of here before I speak to him.”
The other man was nodding furiously, backing away and bumping into several tables before he disappeared. Virginia grabbed onto a nearby chair as Devonshire turned to her. This had to be a dream, it had to be.
But he was real. Virginia didn’t need to touch him to know that he was real. Three weeks had gone by and it was only like yesterday that she had left his home.
Devonshire looked a state. He hadn’t had a shave in a while, stubble thickening over his jaw. And he looked as though he hadn’t slept properly in several weeks.
Why did this make Virginia’s heart ache for him? She swallowed back her pain and glared at him.
“I didn’t need your help,” she snapped.
“It looked like you did.” Devonshire’s expression softened. He looked almost relieved to see her. He reached towards her. “Virginia…”
“You’re not supposed to be here!” Virginia knew she had spoken louder than she anticipated. Several of the patrons were staring at them. Even Carlson, who had come out to tend the bar, was watching them curiously. Devonshire frowned, lowering his arms.
“What’s wrong with looking for you? You’re very good at hiding yourself, just to let you know.”
“And that’s how it’s going to stay.”
Virginia saw her chance and took it. The path to the kitchen door was clear. Carlson was behind the bar and wouldn’t block her way. Virginia ran.
She could hear Devonshire shout after her and someone grabbed her, but Virginia kicked back. Her foot connected with something hard and that someone let her go. Then Virginia was running out the kitchen into the alley.
***
Virginia knew she couldn’t stay there any longer. Carlson would ask too many questions and that wouldn’t be good for her, especially if he knew the right people.
She would have to move again. But where could she go? There was no one who could help her and Virginia’s money had depleted rapidly after renting a room from a questionable middle-aged man who charged far too much.
There might be a chance that she could get to France. Virginia’s French was very good, and she could find work there. Fade into the scenery there. But she couldn’t stay in England. Not if Devonshire was following her around.
Virginia reached the boarding house where she was staying and started towards the side door. Then she was grabbed again and pinned against the wall. Virginia gasped when she heard Devonshire’s voice behind her.
“Next time you kick me, you might want to make it a little higher.”
“Let me go!” Virginia snarled.
“Not a chance.” Devonshire spun her around, pressing her gently against the wall. He looked pained. “We need to talk, Virginia.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. I have nothing to say to you.”
“You may not, but I have much to say to you.”
Chapter 10
Listening
to the Duke
V irginia didn’t want to hear it. Seeing this man, who had become so much more than her employer in her heart, was like a nightmare. He was seeing her at her very worst. She wanted to hide her face, but that wasn’t who she was.
“If you’re going to say you don’t condone my behaviour running away after my father lost everything, you can forget it,” she hissed. “He would’ve brought more shame than he already had onto himself and onto me. I lost a man because of him. I had no chance of marrying what I was due. All I had was this.” She tapped her head. “My intelligence. That’s all I had. I used that to get away and start afresh. But then you had to ruin it, didn’t you?”
Devonshire blinked. “How did I ruin it?” He was completely surprised.
“You told me that you knew who I was, that’s how! You would’ve told everyone who I was and the fact I was a governess would have made me a laughingstock. I changed my name and chose you as an employer because you didn’t know me for a reason.”
Devonshire’s expression had changed during that. His hands lowered to his sides, and he stepped back, staring at her. “I would never have revealed your identity.”
“Really? I don’t believe you. You would’ve loved the chance for drama. Everyone in Society does. That’s what I hate about it. It’s all about scandal and gossip. People thrive on it.” That hurt to say. Virginia had to fight back the tears.
Devonshire also looked distraught. “So you left Jacqueline and Joan,” he said quietly. “You left me.”
“I love your nieces, Your Grace. Don’t misunderstand me on that. They are lovely and a delight.” Virginia felt a tear escape. “But how could I stay?”
“We all wanted you to stay.”
“No, you didn’t. You wouldn’t want the drama that came with what I did. Someone would have found out sooner or later, or it would have been used as blackmail.” Virginia backed towards the door. “I couldn’t take that chance.”
“Virginia…”
Devonshire started after her but Virginia staggered through the door. She hurried up the stairs and found her suitcase. She started packing the few things she hadn’t sold for extra money. Virginia could feel the tears falling and swiped at them, but they kept falling.
She wished this wasn’t so painful.
“Virginia.”
Virginia gasped and turned. Devonshire was in the doorway to her room. Virginia began to panic. He was not going to let her leave. And her landlord would be lurking around to see this.
“You’re not supposed to be in here!” she hissed. “Get out!” She started pushing at him, but Devonshire grabbed her wrists, pressing her hands to his chest.
“No.” His voice brooked no argument. “I won’t go until we’ve spoken. If you don’t like what I have to say and refuse me, then I’ll leave and you won’t see me ever again. Fair enough?”
What did he mean, refuse him? Virginia couldn’t see how she could refuse him more. But if it would make him go away, she would hear him out. She let out a heavy sigh. “Fine. Talk.”
Devonshire’s grip on her wrists loosened and he stepped closer.
Virginia didn’t step back. If this was the only time, she would be close to this man, then she would take it.
“Did you not believe me when I said I wanted you to stay as well?”
“No. I’m just a governess. Why would you care if I stayed or not?”
Devonshire stared at her. Then he threw back his head and laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“For someone so mature, you really are quite naïve.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Virginia tried to tug her hands away but Devonshire simply pulled her forward so she fell into him. He smiled and cupped her jaw. “If you haven’t figured it out yet, then maybe I’ll have to show you.”
Then he was kissing her. Virginia was so surprised she didn’t get a chance to react. It was such a soft, affectionate embrace that she didn’t know what to do. Not even her former suitors had been like this with her. This was something else. She pulled back and frowned at him. “That still doesn’t tell me anything.”
“I think it does for me.” Devonshire was still smiling. “And just so you’re not worried about money, I paid off your father’s debts.”
Virginia’s mouth fell open. Had she just heard him correctly? “What did you say?”
“I went to speak to Baron Marsden, and I said I would pay off his debts in return for his blessing. He accepted.”
“Blessing? What blessing?”
Devonshire rolled his eyes and tapped the side of her head. “Open your eyes, Virginia. I’m in love with you. I fell in love with Virginia the person, not Virginia the title or status. It took me a while to realize why I felt the way that I did around you, but when I did realize, I knew I had to keep my distance.”
“Because you thought I was a member of your staff,” Virginia murmured.
Devonshire’s revelation was shocking. Virginia had wondered if there was anything but had brushed it off, declaring it to herself to be ridiculous. That could never happen.
Could it?
“Exactly. And it frightened me.” Devonshire brushed a stray strand of hair from Virginia’s face, his finger brushing against her cheek. “I’ve never been in love and I knew this would raise more than a few eyebrows. When I found out who you really were, I was annoyed, yes, but then I was relieved. It meant I wasn’t wrong in my feelings and I could openly declare how I felt.” He gave her a wry smile. “But you ruined that by running away. And clocking me one.” He rubbed his jaw.
Virginia bit back a laugh as she laid a hand on his jaw. “Does it still hurt?”
“Only when I talk.” Devonshire turned his head and kissed her palm. “And don’t apologize. I understand.”
Any other man would have walked away by now. Virginia knew anyone would be lucky to have an arrogant, sweet idiot like the Duke of Devonshire in their life. “Where are we going with this, Your Grace?”
Devonshire sighed and kissed her hand again. “I love you, Virginia. That’s where we’re going with this. And I was going to ask you to marry me. Be my duchess and become a mother to my nieces. They adore you, so it’s perfect.” His smile faded a little. “If you don’t love me, however, tell me now and I’ll leave.”
“You’ll really leave?”
“Yes.” Devonshire swallowed. “I don’t want to, but if you say you can’t or won’t marry me, I’ll walk away.”
And he really would. Virginia could see it. This man would walk away from the woman he loved if she didn’t want him. She couldn’t turn him away. Not when it would break her heart in two. She stepped closer and hugged him around the waist, resting her head on his chest. “I don’t think I could do that to you.”
“Was that a yes?”
“It was.” Virginia smiled as she looked up at him. “Because, it so happens, I fell in love with you, too.”
The tension in Devonshire’s body disappeared, and he hugged her even tighter. “Thank God for that. I was thinking I would have to carry you home.”
Virginia stared and him. Then she burst out laughing. “You weren’t going to take no for an answer, were you?”
Devonshire’s eyes glinted. “Never.”
*** The End ***
Fleeing From
the Duke
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Chapter 1
The Duchess Disappears
“Do you have to go out?”
Robert Mayes, Duke of Manchester, sighed as he shrugged into his overcoat.
“I’m afraid so. It’s not something I can avoid. My presence is needed.” He turned to his wife, his pained expression softening, “Will you be all right on your own?”
“I won’t be alone.”
“You know what I mean.” Manchester kissed her softly and stroked her back. “You haven’t been very well lately, and I don’t like being away from you.”
Evangeline Mayes, Duchess of Manchester, grinned and tapped her husband’s nose with her finger.
“I swear you were a chicken in a former life.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re fussing around me like a mother hen.” Evangeline kissed her husband, Manchester’s arms tightening around her. Then she stepped back before Manchester forgot his duties and refused to leave. “Go, darling, before you’re late.”
Manchester sighed and pulled his wife back, kissing her forehead.
“I’ll tuck you in later.” He whispered.
Evangeline smiled. She was happiest the most when she fell asleep being held by her husband of three months.
“I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
With one final kiss, Manchester left. Evangeline watched him exit the house and wandered into the drawing room. The fire had been made up and was burning brightly, warming the room. They had been settled in front of it, relaxing with each other after dinner, when Manchester received a message that he had to attend an important meeting and his presence would be greatly appreciated. Manchester wasn’t one to turn down these things, especially at short notice, so he had reluctantly gone.
Evangeline didn’t like it when he left her alone. They had courted for two months before they married, and she always felt as though Manchester walked away with part of her heart each time. Despite the fact she knew he would be coming back, and it was for good, Evangeline still didn’t like it.
She sat on the couch and settled back, rubbing her hand over her belly as she looked into the flames. Three months a duchess. It felt like a strange dream. Evangeline had entered her first season a year late and hadn’t expected anyone to find her suitable for a wife. But the duke, her senior by eight years, had seen her across the room on the first dance of the season and had sought her out. Evangeline knew she was the envy of other young ladies in Society to have caught the eye of the most eligible bachelor in the country. And she enjoyed it.
Because now Manchester was hers. And Evangeline hadn’t done anything more than give him a smile.
Soon, it wouldn’t be the two of them. There would be three. Evangeline wasn’t completely sure, but she had a feeling that she was with child. It would explain why she was feeling unwell lately. Evangeline had never felt like this before. It had to be that.
Later in the week, when the doctor came by, she would have it checked. Only then would she tell Manchester about the news. There was no need to get his hopes up just yet, not if she really was ill and there was no baby coming. Manchester had always wanted children; he would be delighted.
Evangeline couldn’t wait to be a mother.
She was startled out of her thoughts when the door opened and Harold, the duke’s middle-aged butler, entered the room. Evangeline sat up when she saw the frown on the usually stoic man’s face.
“What is it, Harold?”
“There’s a Mr. Lawrence McNally at the front door. He says he’s here to see you.” Harold shook his head, “He doesn’t have an appointment.”
Lawrence McNally. Evangeline had no idea who that was.
“Did
he say what it was about?”
“He said something about it being in regard to your brother Edward, but that was all he said.”
Edward. Evangeline felt a shiver go up her spine. Was Edward all right? Even after everything he had done, Evangeline still loved him. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being dead. Was that why McNally was here? She stood, smoothing her hands down her skirts.
“Send him in, Harold.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Harold bowed and left. Moments later, a tall, handsome man in his early thirties with red hair came sweeping in. From the cut of his cloth and the way he carried himself, he seemed to have more airs and graces than he should. Evangeline wondered how big he had gotten above his station to have this swagger about him, walking as if he owned the place.
“Mr. McNally,” she said coolly.
“Your Grace,” McNally bowed. Then he straightened up as Harold left, closing the door behind him, and smirked. “I must say, you’ve really gone up in the world. A duchess and at the young age of twenty. That is a big feat.”
His eyes dragged over her and Evangeline had to resist the urge to shiver. Appearances were everything, and she had been raised to never show emotion when in company outside of the family. She squared her shoulders.
“What do you want, Mr. McNally?”
“As I’m sure your…butler…” McNally sneered, “told you, I know Edward.”
“I heard that part. How do you know my brother?”
“We travelled together. And we got to know each other pretty well,” McNally smirked. “He told me everything. And I mean everything.”
Everything. Evangeline felt herself go cold. From the look in his eyes, McNally knew exactly what that meant. Evangeline certainly did; she had thought the whole nightmare had been put away where no one would find it.
“Edward would never do that,” she said stiffly. “He knew how much was at stake if he said a word.”
“But he did. Especially after I plied a few drinks down his throat,” McNally chuckled. He sat on the couch and crossed his legs, sprawling his arms out. “And it was then that I realized I was in possession of very important information. Something I could take advantage of.”
Regency Romances for the Ages Page 24