by Wendy Vella
“Thank you,” Eva said, walking out of the room. She thought frantically of feigning a headache or having Wernham tell the Duchess she had fallen down the stairs and broken her ankle. But then she would have to stay inside for several weeks, which appealed to Eva but would hardly be fair to Daniel. She pulled on her pelisse and bonnet and prepared to leave the house.
“Hurry up, girl!”
Eva ran down the stairs as the loud voice reached her. Closing her eyes, she prayed silently for a safe return.
Two hours was all he’d been gone and in that time the old besom had swooped in and taken Eva away.
“Why did you let her go?”
Wernham did not flinch in the face of his master’s anger.
“Of course you could not have stopped her. Bloody woman. A brace of beefy prize-fighters would struggle to subdue my grandmother,” Daniel snarled.
“I will bring you some refreshments, your Grace,” Wernham said. “Also, the Duchess’s piano arrived today, and I had it placed exactly where you stated.”
As if he could eat or drink! Just thinking of Eva in the hands of his grandmother and out on the streets of London without his protection made Daniel feel ill.
He had not taken Eva into society yet because he was giving her time to adjust to life in London. Then there had been Reggie and his needs, which had taken up more time. He had decided that this week they would attend their first engagement and now his grandmother had swooped in and taken her shopping. What must she be thinking?
“Lord Kelkirk has called, your Grace,” Wernham said, re-entering the room minutes later.
Daniel nodded. At least Simon would take his mind off his wife. In truth, he knew his grandmother would never harm Eva, but he felt protective of her - too protective, he thought with a wry smile. The problem was, she occupied far too much of his thoughts. Over the past two weeks they seemed to have grown comfortable with each other and at night when he came to her bed, she was heaven in his arms. She was open and honest in what she felt, her responses to him were unguarded and she had him hotter than hell in seconds.
“That smile at best could be called licentious.”
Daniel grunted, then climbed to his feet to shake the hand of his friend.
“How does Eva fair, Daniel?”
“If my grandmother does not force her to flee London then I am sure you will see her soon.”
“You let your grandmother get her hands on her?” Simon had astonishment written all over his face. “Dear God, she’s only been in London two weeks. What the hell were you thinking?”
Normally Daniel would have come to his grandmother’s defense in the face of such an obvious insult, but Simon had firsthand knowledge of her acid tongue. The Dowager Duchess of Stratton usually took him to task whenever the opportunity presented itself.
“I should never have left her alone.” Daniel dropped his head into his hands.
“I was not earnest, Daniel. While your grandmother may strike the fear of God into me, I know she never means any harm. Well, nearly never means any harm.”
Daniel climbed to his feet and began to pace, his grey eyes becoming cloudier with each step. “She is not used to the ways of society, Simon.”
“I came by to tell you there is talk. Eva has been in London for over two weeks, yet no one has actually seen her. It’s time for her to make her appearance, my friend, before the rumors escalate.”
“Who’s talking about her?” Daniel lowered his brows. “And what are they saying?
“That your duchess has an eye on her forehead and ten fingers on one hand.” Simon sat back, watching his friend pace.
“I should have realized society would conjure up several nasty inflictions for her if she didn’t make an appearance straightaway.”
“So you will go to the next ball?”
“I believe so.” Daniel moved to the window and looked down at the street below.
“A carriage has arrived, your Grace,” Wernham said, bringing a tray into the room.
“About bloody time!” Daniel declared, stalking from the room, leaving Simon behind, grinning.
Daniel saw Eva leaning on the now closed door with her eyes shut as he reached the front entranceway. “Did she upset you?”
Opening her eyes, she watched him approach.
“I am fine. Just tired, Daniel.”
“You must have been terrified when she demanded you accompany her. Old Besom. I’ve always said the English were not using their strongest weapon against the French.”
She tried not to laugh but her eyes twinkled. Daniel looked her over, just to check she was in one piece.
“It would be untruthful of me to lie so I will say that your grandmother was initially terrifying, yet I did enjoy myself once we established a few rules.”
“Rules?” Daniel took the three packages she held against her chest and then, slipping a hand around her waist, he guided her toward the stairs.
“I realized straightaway that if you don’t stand up to your grandmother, she will stomp all over you.”
He laughed at that.
“She told me she would not clothe her servant in my dress.”
Looking her over again, Daniel disagreed. The pale blue was perfect with her dark hair and creamy complexion.
“Simon has called.” Daniel directed Eva into the front parlor where Simon was seated, or rather, lounging, in a comfortable chair. In one hand he held a cup of tea and in the other a huge piece of cake.
“Make yourself at home, Kelkirk,” Daniel drawled, lowering his wife into a seat before taking the place beside her.
“Always have excellent cake here,” Simon said. “Hello, Duchess, you are looking fetching today.”
“Thank you, Simon.”
They drank and talked and Eva told Simon about Reggie going away to school and what they had seen since she arrived in London.
“So London is not the horrible city you envisaged it to be, Duchess?”
“I shall reserve judgment until I meet some of its inhabitants.”
“Fair enough,” Simon said, standing. “And now I am full, I shall leave you. Goodbye, Duchess.” He gave Eva a kiss on the cheek, which made her blush.
“Lord Kelkirk is a very nice man, Daniel,” she said when he had left.
“He has his moments.” Daniel got up to shut the door.
“I’m glad he’s your friend.”
Taking her cup, Daniel placed it on the tray and then he opened the buttons of her pelisse and slipped two fingers into the neckline of her dress to caress her soft flesh.
“Daniel!”
He took her lips for a thorough kiss that left Eva breathless and wanting more. He then buttoned her pelisse back up and placed her on the chair opposite his.
“Tell me of your shopping exhibition, Eva,” Daniel said, drawing in a deep, steadying breath. The woman was a walking siren.
“Sh-shopping?”
He laughed as she struggled to compose herself. It was no different for him - just breathing her scent had him hard as a table leg.
“With my grandmother…today,” he prodded.
“Oh, yes, of course,” Eva smoothed her hair and skirts. Daniel had never touched her like that in daylight. She wondered why he had now. “Your grandmother told me I had a responsibility to the dukedom and dressing like a maiden aunt was not taking that responsibility seriously. She then dragged me from shop to shop until she was satisfied I would be dressed as befitted a duchess.”
“Did she? Never has had any tact. Half of London is terrified of her, you know.” Daniel swallowed a small piece of cake and immediately reached for another.
“She talked of balls and dances and what I would need to learn.” Eva sighed. “And corrected me constantly over my bearing and address.”
“Shall I tell her to leave you alone?”
“Of course not!” Eva looked indignant. “It was rather sweet having someone care about those things, even if she is a little brusque.”
Daniel ch
oked on his cake.
“A small, rosy-cheeked child is sweet, Eva, not my grandmother.”
“She is my grandmother now, too,” Eva picked up her parcels, preparing to leave the room. “And as I do not have another yardstick with which to measure her, I will call her sweet if I wish to.”
“That is, of course, your prerogative, however misguided.” Daniel rose as she did. “I will be in my office with my man of affairs for awhile, Eva. Apparently I have been neglecting things since my return to London.”
“Then I shall finish the letters I started before your grandmother descended and will see you later, Daniel.”
He watched her leave the room. The changes in her over the past two weeks were vast. She now felt comfortable around him, she laughed more freely and he believed she no longer feared him. However, it was only because of her upbringing that she could believe his grandmother was sweet.
CHAPTER NINE
Wernham intercepted Eva as she took her parcels to her room. “A note has arrived for you, your Grace.”
Taking the missive, she thanked him. Hopefully, it was from Claire. Eva would love to speak with her new friend because she knew so much about society. She was aware that Daniel was not pushing her to attend any functions, yet she also understood that speculation was mounting about her. His grandmother had told her that in no uncertain terms today.
You need to get out there, gal. Your husband will become a laughingstock if you don’t!
And because her husband had been so generous to both her and Reggie, she did not want that to happen. Therefore she would go to a function soon. She just wanted to have a bit more coaching from Claire first.
Opening the note, she quickly scanned the contents.
Come alone to the park across the road now or I shall be forced to journey to Edinburgh to collect my son.
Pushing aside the instant wash of icy fear as she read the words, Eva quickly pulled on her gloves and bonnet and hurried from the room. The note was from her father and she knew he would do as he stated and she could not allow that, would not allow Reggie to be hurt anymore. Heart thumping, she reached the front entrance.
“You are going out, your Grace?”
“Just to the park, Wernham, a friend is awaiting me there,” she lied. “I shall return soon.”
“His Grace would be displeased if you did not take someone with you, your Grace.”
“Molly is coming, Wernham, she will be along shortly so do not fret and please do not bother my husband as he is very busy.”
Reaching for the door, Eva forced a bright smile onto her face as she opened it herself and ran down the steps before he could stop her.
The day was warm and under different circumstances she would enjoy the walk. Hurrying along the path she reached the park. Pushing open a small gate, she held it for a lady holding the hand of little girl.
“Lovely day for a walk, don’t you think?”
Eva nodded and mumbled a reply and then found the path that ringed the park. Plenty of people were here. Some had dogs; others, children, and all were enjoying the sun and the simple act of being outside.
“Hello, daughter.”
All the old uncertainties resurfaced as a hand touched Eva’s back and she struggled to remain a duchess and not the scared girl she had been.
“What do you want, Father?” Eva stopped walking and turned to face the man who had sired her.
He was big - not as big as Daniel, but still, he could and had hurt her without too much effort. Large and broad-shouldered, he and his two elder sons shared the same unfortunate pale skin which tended to turn pink in the sun. His hair was now grey, freckles dotted his face, and as usual, his brown eyes held a belligerent expression.
“Adjust your tone, Daughter.” Eva didn’t flinch as his fingers pinched her arm.
“What do you want, Father?” she repeated, fighting to stay calm.
“Lord Huxley and I have had a bad run on the tables lately and need a bit of blunt to turn things around.”
“You would dare to ask me for money after the life you subjected me to!” She couldn’t breathe. Her chest felt tight and she struggled to force air into her lungs.
“Think you’re better than me now, Duchess?” He spat the words at her. “You’re still the worthless girl you always were and no clothes or title can change that! You should be thanking me for giving you the life you now live.”
“I know I’m better than both you and Lord Huxley.” Eva kept her voice low.
“If you don’t give me money, I’ll go to Scotland and make your brother’s life hell.”
“No! Leave Reggie alone.” The sense of despair that she could not fight him returned. How had he found Reggie so soon?
“Then you better do as I ask, girl, because if you thought Scotland was far enough to hide him, you were wrong. You’re the only one now who can keep Reggie safe.”
“Do you care nothing for your son?” Eva rasped.
“You’re both as weak as your mother was. Should never have married that woman. My first wife was much stronger. Shame she died of that rotted tooth.”
Eva didn’t speak, just stared into his hated face. Why had she believed she would ever be free of him?
“And don’t think about asking your husband, either. I can have him hurt just as easy as your brother.”
“You can’t touch the Duke of Stratton, Father. He is both stronger and smarter than you.” Eva felt better just saying the words. Daniel would help her if she went to him, help rid her of her family once and for all.
“If you don’t pay up, girl, then Lord Huxley will challenge the duke to a duel and we both know the outcome now, don’t we.”
Eva felt a physical pain at the thought of anyone hurting Daniel.
“Lord Huxley has never been defeated, Eva, and he loves to fight. He told me to tell you he hates the duke enough to want to see him dead if you don’t do as I say.”
Eva knew she was trapped. She could not allow Daniel to fight Lord Huxley, but knew if the man challenged him, he would not back down. She would have to pay her father or see her husband dead or maimed.
“I want the first payment tomorrow. One of your brothers will be in this park at two. Be here or I will be on my way to Scotland before your brother has settled into his new life.”
He was gone before she could say anything further and numb Eva began to walk home. She had no money of her own – well, not enough to appease her father, anyway. She would have to give him the ring her husband had given her when first they married. It was big and ugly and surely Daniel would not miss it or ask for it back. So much had changed between them lately and she had even begun to believe that they could share a life together. Have children and a family. Eva struggled to hold back the tears as she approached the townhouse. Damn her father for forcing her into the one thing she had always vowed she would never do to her husband, no matter the provocation. She was about to betray him and now everything between them was about to change.
“Will you play for me, Eva?” Daniel looked across the table to his wife. She had been quiet this evening, her face pale and drawn. He’d asked her what was wrong and she had used missing Reggie as an excuse. She was lying. He knew it by the way her eyes dropped when she answered and he wondered what had taken place between him spending a few hours in his office and now.
“I have not had a lot of practice on the new piano, Daniel. Indeed, I will sound almost rusty when compared with some.”
“Then I shall listen and point out your mistakes.”
His taunt did not even produce a smile.
“Eva, has something upset you?”
“No, I am well, your Grace, just missing my brother.”
He was suddenly ‘your Grace’ again.
“I would like to thank you again for my beautiful piano, Daniel. Will you play it also?”
“I’m not sure I remember how,” Daniel said. Memories of his mother always surfaced when he played so he had just stopped. “Eva, we are
to attend the Stratton Ball tomorrow.”
Any color she had in her face had just leeched away.
“Must we?”
“Yes, we must. I am a duke and you, my duchess. Therefore, there are expectations upon us.”
She looked ready to faint. Where the hell had the woman he had kissed this morning gone? He would speak with Wernham and see if she had had any visitors. Something had unsettled her and he wanted to know what.
“I have no gown.” She was digging deep for any excuse.
“Eva, it is decided and tomorrow night you will go with me to the Sutton ball. Claire and Simon will both be there, as will my grandmother. For all the good she will be.”
“Excuse me. I…I will go and choose some music.”
He watched her bolt, then picked up his wine. He had no doubt it would take only a short time for her to win over society and he predicted the ton would have a new darling by the end of the season.
Daniel slipped into the music room and seated himself in the big chair he had placed before the fire. It was angled perfectly so he could see Eva’s face as she played. Her hands flew over the keys and her eyes were fierce as she followed the sheets of music. He could almost feel her passion as she poured everything into her playing. She made love with the same intensity and she was his - every delectable inch.
He let her play for some time, then rose and went to stand beside the piano.
“Will you play with me?”
Eva saw that her words had surprised him. Reaching for his hand, she urged him down onto the seat beside her.
“It has been many years since I have touched a piano.”
He was nervous, his fingers stiff as he ran them down the keys. He looked suddenly unsure, almost vulnerable, and she pushed aside her worries to comfort him. “Did your mother play for you?”
She saw the answer in his eyes as he began to play. “She played like you, from the heart.”
Eva joined him as he began a slow ballad. He was good, very good, and she enjoyed the feel of his strength sitting beside her, his warmth surrounding her. When the ballad finished, she started another and he followed. They sat there side by side through many more songs until finally their fingers tired.