What Desire Demands, My Duke: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Olivia T. Bennet

  Eagerness was what had driven him back to Elizabeth’s side. He hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that their happiness would be squelched, knowing that she would have to return home, but not expecting it to come this quickly.

  “Very well,” he said, knowing there was no use trying to get anything out of Harold. He set a course for the drawing room, trying not to let his trepidation take control of him.

  He found Elizabeth sitting in the center of the drawing room doing needlework. In fact, she was so focused on her task that she hadn’t noticed that he was standing by the doors. William said nothing, taken by surprise at how normal a sight this was. He hadn’t seen normal in a long time.

  Without warning, his throat grew tight. This normalcy was what he wanted, this easy comfort, this beautiful love that could smolder with passion with ease.

  No matter what this news will be, we’ll get through it together.

  Confirming that to himself, he approached her, watching as her eyes filled with surprise when she spotted him. “Oh, William, I didn’t see you come in.”

  He sat across from her, not wanting to get into the meat of the matter just yet, despite his resolve. “I see that you’re doing a bit of needlework,” he pointed out.

  “Yes.” She raised her handicraft to show him. It seemed she’d just begun because he could not yet make out what it was meant to be. “Our trip to visit your mother has inspired me a bit, and so I thought to see if my skills have dulled since last I’ve done this. I am trying to make a flower.”

  “You’ve always been very good with your hands. I’m certain you will find that you are just as good at it as you were before.”

  Elizabeth smiled brightly. “I hope so.”

  Her pleasant mood was throwing him. He’d been certain he would enter to see her wearing the same grim look Harold had been.

  “Harold tells me that there is something that needs to be brought to my attention?” he probed gently, watching her reaction carefully.

  Elizabeth nodded slowly. She said nothing for a moment, then she rested her needlework beside her and reached for a small slip of paper on a nearby side table, one William hadn’t noticed. Without a word, or a change in her expression, she handed it to him.

  “This arrived last night.”

  William frowned. It was not a letter, he could already tell, and so his chest began to cave at what it might be. Without asking, he opened the note and read the single line written across it.

  I’m coming for you.

  “What is this?” he blurted out without thinking, emotions rising within him. He looked up at Elizabeth’s oddly calm face with a deeper frown. “What does this even mean?”

  “I fear it is exactly what you think it is,” Elizabeth said. Only then did her façade crack and her anxiety shone through. Her lips thinned as she continued, “I do not recognize the handwriting, nor was it signed or sealed, but I am certain the Earl of Horenwall is the one who sent this note.”

  William didn’t know what he might have preferred to hear but it certainly was not that. He looked at the note again, reading the words as if it didn’t make any sense.

  “How do you know?” he asked finally.

  “He is the only one who would have the motive,” Elizabeth explained. “I did not know him well, but if he were to find out that I am here, I do not think he would take kindly to it. I don’t suppose any gentleman would,” she ended with a nervous laugh.

  There was a roaring in William’s ears. Fear, anger, worry—they all seized him at once, rendering him speechless for a few moments as he struggled to find the right thing to say. The first thing he wanted to do was go straight to the Earl’s residence and beat his fist into his jaw for sending such an ominous note, but he knew he couldn’t. He knew that would only make things worse, and they were already in a delicate situation that required them to act with the utmost care. William didn’t like it one bit.

  He stood, crushing the note in his fist. Elizabeth looked up at him with wide eyes. “What do you plan on doing? Certainly, you aren’t thinking of going to the Earl himself, are you?”

  He might have smiled at how easily she’d been able to read him, had he had it in him.

  “No,” he said with a shake of his head, trying to level his anger even though it shook through his limbs. “I believe the best course of action is to write back to him. As a gentleman, let us hope he will be open to talking about this before things get out of hand. I think it would be better to meet with him at night, perhaps at Battersea Fields.”

  Elizabeth rose, blanching at the mention of the popular dueling spot near London. William didn’t want to, but he knew he had to prepare for the worst. He’d expected Elizabeth to protest but instead she asked, “Do you think that will work?”

  “We don’t have many other options, I’m afraid.” At least, not many options that will end things well. “I don’t think I should tarry on that either. The longer I wait, the worse things will become for us.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Elizabeth said quickly before he could turn away. “I’m not sure if he’s told father about my whereabouts yet. I would much prefer I be the one to tell him, than have him hear about it from someone else. Much less the man I am betrothed to.”

  William nodded. “Very well, then.”

  The grim look he’d expected her to be wearing upon entrance was present now as she followed him to the door. They said nothing as they made their way to his study, each of them deep in thought. William knew Elizabeth was worrying, that she’d likely picked up the needlework to distract herself from that worry, and it pained him that he couldn’t make it easier for her. It bothered him to know that their love constantly met upon obstacles that were growing more and more difficult to face

  But I won’t give up on her, he thought to himself as he sat behind his desk. Even if I have to duel Lord Horenwall.

  Elizabeth sat on the other side of the desk, a paper and a quill pen already before her. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and then, without a word, they began to write.

  Silence stretched throughout the study for a long while. William found himself struggling to keep his anger out of his words, to sound willing and eager to seek a compromise. When he’d finally finished writing all he thought he should, he looked up to see that Elizabeth was watching him.

  “Are you finished?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said with a nod. “There was a lot I wished to tell Father, but even I am surprised at how easily the words came to me. I didn’t take me very long so I was watching you struggle for a while.”

  The slight tease at the end of her statement lifted his spirits just a tad. “You did not think to help me?” he asked, as he folded the letter. She began to do the same.

  “I was certain you could do it yourself,” Elizabeth responded with a shrug. “And do you see? I was right.”

  “Such faith,” William murmured with a shake of his head. A smile itched at his lips as he sealed his letter, then took Elizabeth’s unsealed one and stood. “I shall hand this to Harold for him to take charge of its delivery.”

  “Very well.” Elizabeth rose as well. Now the worry had cleared from her eyes. William knew, without a doubt, that she was forcing herself to be positive. “I shall wait for you in the gardens. It’s a lovely day for a walk, I believe.”

  “You shan’t have to wait long,” William told her, doing the same as she did—forcing himself to remain positive.

  In his letter, he asked the Earl to come by tonight. So, until then, William didn’t plan on letting that impending meeting fill him with unease. He didn’t plan on letting the rest of the day pass with them in tense waiting, wondering if Lord Horenwall would truly show. Instead, they would forget about their worries and enjoy themselves.

  Because later, if things went badly, William feared he would lose everything.

  William tried his best to keep their spirits upbeat and Elizabeth was right there with him. But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t get rid of t
hose anxious thoughts. And as the day went on into night, she began to wonder if it would be far better if Lord Horenwall didn’t show at all.

  She stood at the base of the staircase, her chest tightening as William gave her one last farewell look before walking out the door. All throughout dinner, he hadn’t mentioned what would happen next. He’d only gone on about his business in Bedfordshire, telling her that as stressful as it all was, he believed he could get his affairs in order soon. He’d been excited almost but it hadn’t been able to rid Elizabeth of the apprehension coursing through her. That same apprehension shot towards the ceiling at the sight of him leaving.

  “Harold,” Elizabeth called, rushing to the windows by the doors. She peered through, watching as William climbed into the carriage, which soon took off.

  “Yes, My Lady?” Harold had been standing by the entire time, a quiet shadow. Now, he was beside her.

  “Prepare a carriage for me.”

  “I believe His Grace will not appreciate having you follow him, My Lady,” Harold stated, his voice utterly monotonous.

  She faced him, tucking her worry aside. “Don’t worry, Harold. I am not that rash. I only intend on returning to my father’s home, because I believe it might make things easier for William. The longer I am here, the more difficult this situation becomes.”

  Harold said nothing for a few moments, and then he nodded slowly. “Very well, My Lady. One shall be prepared for you as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you, Harold.” Elizabeth turned, not wanting him to look at her any longer. “Could you also send Minnie to my bedchamber? I need her help in preparing.”

  “Yes, My Lady.”

  Elizabeth calmly made her way up the staircase, feeling as if Harold was watching her every move. She didn’t turn to see if that was the case. She kept her hands fisted at her side, her heart hammering against her chest as she made her way to her bedchamber. Once she was there, she wasted no time going to the armoire and pulling out the items she would need for her late night trip.

  “My Lady?” came Minnie’s voice as she entered the room. Her confusion was written across her features. “Has something happened?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid something has happened.” Elizabeth had already laid out a cloak and shawl on the bed. She didn’t care to change out of her gown. “I shall be leaving the manor for a short while. Please, help me get ready as quickly as possible.”

  The lack of a proper explanation only deepened Minnie’s confusion but she said nothing, only did as she was told. Elizabeth promised herself that she would tell Minnie everything once she’d returned. But for now, she had to do what she must.

  It didn’t take long for her to don her cloak and change into more suitable shoes. Elizabeth was unsurprised to find Harold standing by the entrance once more, waiting for her. Upon her approach, he bowed and said, “The carriage is ready.”

  “Thank you, Harold.” And because she felt she needed to, she faced him and smiled. “I truly appreciate all that you have done for me, Harold. Please, continue to take care of William the way you always have.”

  “I shall, My Lady.” He bowed again. “Please, travel safely.”

  Elizabeth nodded and left the manor. The night air was powerless against her cloak, but she had to tug her shawl closer around her body as she made her way to the carriage. The coachman stood on hand to help her in. Without pausing, Elizabeth murmured only a few, yet clear words to him as she stepped into the carriage.

  “Take me to Battersea Fields.”

  Chapter 22

  As if the universe had sensed what was about to happen, it was a moonless night, thick clouds barring what little light William could rely on. The shine of the stars was all that aided him on his trek from the main road, deeper into Battersea Fields. He didn’t know where exactly he should go. He didn’t even know if Lord Horenwall would truly arrive. But he didn’t like the thought of sitting around waiting, so he kept walking.

  The only thing that was putting him at ease was knowing Elizabeth would not be around to witness anything that happened tonight. William knew very well that a gentleman’s slighted ego could drive him to do terrible things. He hoped that wouldn’t be the same for Lord Horenwall, that he would not have to rely on the pistol he’d thought to bring along with him. Even though he’d set the stage for a duel, he hoped it would not amount to that.

  It didn’t help that he couldn’t think of a single thing to say to Lord Horenwall when he saw him. My apologies, My Lord, but I knew Lady Elizabeth first? She loves me and so you should simply step aside and allow us to be? Do not worry about the embarrassment you will face when others catch wind of this, it will pass soon? Nothing he thought of would work.

  I suppose I’ll have no choice but to think of something on the spot. I hope Lord Horenwall is a far more timid man than he lets on.

  At that moment, he spotted a tall figure in the darkness. A fog was beginning to roll in, but as he drew nearer, William saw that it was a man, though his features were still obscured within the shroud.

  “Lord Horenwall?” William called, his voice cutting through the quiet.

  The man moved, a twitch of his hand. “So, you know who I am. I’m honored.”

  William tensed even further. Judging by the snide tone, this would not go as easily as he’d hoped.

  “How could I not?” William asked, drawing closer. He could make out blond hair now, and eyes narrowed to slits. “We do happen to share a point of contact.”

  He was close enough to see when Lord Horenwall sneered. “Surely, you did not come here to boast about our reason for being here, Your Grace?”

  William kept himself perfectly still. As of right now, he couldn’t tell how much of a threat Lord Horenwall was. Other than that his angry tone, he showed no signs of violent intention.

  “No, My Lord,” William responded with a shake of his head. “Allow me to properly introduce myself first. My name is William Hervey, the Duke of Brandon.”

  “I know about you, Your Grace,” Lord Horenwall spat. “Rumors have been milling around about you claiming the space of your father, how the grandson of a Viscount found his way up in the ranks.”

  “You have been keeping your ear to the ground, My Lord,” William said, a little dryly.

  “Even if I hadn’t, I would have learned of you.” Lord Horenwall’s hands fisted at this side. William watched him carefully. “But not for a second did I think that you would be the one responsible for taking my bride.”

  “Shall we get to the reason we are here then, My Lord?” William asked.

  His sneer was back with full force. “Say your piece, Your Grace. Let me hear what nonsense you will spew to me.”

  That was an easy blow William let bounce off his back. He’d heard much worse from less reputable people. “I come in good faith, My Lord. Though you may find it quite unfair, Lady Elizabeth and I are in love with each other and we wish to be married. I ask that you kindly allow us to do just that.”

  Lord Horenwall said nothing for a few moments, then he blurted out a mirthless laugh. “Is that it?”

  “As I said, My Lord,” William stated calmly. “I come in good faith. After our meeting, I intend to approach Lord Gillet himself to ask for his blessing. This entire ordeal has already put a great deal of stress on Lady Elizabeth and the very last thing I want is to make things that more difficult for her.”

  He said the words in the spur of the moment, having no previous intentions to go straight to Gillet House after this. William had been hoping it would have some effect on the Earl—but he got the one he hadn’t wanted.

  Lord Horenwall barked a loud laugh, showing his slipping composure. He began to pace back and forth, shaking his head at William as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just said.

  “I cannot believe this,” he muttered. “I am the one who has been slighted. I am the one who faces the utmost embarrassment by the ton. And yet you dare to approach me offering no solution to my plight?”

  �
��What solution would you wish, My Lord?”

  William hoped he would say money. Even though his father had not left him with much, William would do all that he could if it meant the Earl would leave them be. But Lord Horenwall was already shaking his head.

  “I want Lady Elizabeth.”

  His previous anger sparked William’s heartbeat. “Lady Elizabeth has made her choice, My Lord, and it is not you.”

  But the Earl kept going, clearly not caring to hear what William had to say. “Did she truly think I wouldn’t find her? Had it not been for that man, Mr.—the Shadow, she would have evaded me but she should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.”