Nicola Cornick

by The Dukes Mistress

  She forced her thoughts back to the present. It did not matter now whether he had ever cared for her, for after tonight she had no doubt he detested her. She could not imagine that he could possibly want her, but she had not mistaken the blatant desire in his eyes.

  What if he decided to use Chloe as a weapon against her? She had never thought him capable of such an act. But then, the dark, cold man she saw tonight was a stranger to her, and she had no idea what he was capable of. Marriage to Lucien had taught her the capacity for anger and revenge was bottomless.

  And she very much feared that, this time, Justin truly intended to use any weapon at hand to get what he wanted.

  Chapter Two

  When Belle called in at Grosvenor Square the next morning, she was stunned to find Maria in hysterics. Chloe knelt by her side, the relief on her face apparent when Belle was shown in. ‘Thank goodness you are here!’ Chloe exclaimed, rising. ‘I did not want her to see the card, but she insisted.’

  ‘What card?’ Belle asked. She sat down next to Maria and took her soft, plump hand.

  Maria sat up, sniffed loudly and gripped Belle’s hand. ‘The card on the flowers. He…he sent my innocent child flowers!’

  Belle’s stomach churned. ‘Westmore?’

  ‘Yes!’ A militant light appeared in Maria’s eye. ‘I have already disposed of them. I wish I might tell him exactly what I feel to his face! If he thinks to work his wicked wiles on Chloe, he will be very sorry.’

  Belle glanced up at Chloe. ‘Was there something in the note to give offence?’ she asked.

  Chloe shook her head. ‘He merely thanked me for the dance and signed his name.’

  ‘That does not sound so dreadful.’

  Maria glared at her. ‘It is dreadful enough that he even noticed her. I have no doubt that he means to cause mischief. I have no idea why when he was at fault for the whole affair. If only I could tell the entire world what really happened! Then we would see how welcome he would be!’

  Oh, dear! The last thing they needed was for Maria to decide to stir up the old rumours. ‘You must not say anything. Westmore was not completely at fault. Lucien wished to provoke him,’ Belle said quietly.

  ‘How can you possibly defend him?’ Maria’s mouth tightened. ‘He cheated and then, when Lucien challenged him, instead of behaving like a gentleman and allowing himself to be shot, he killed my son. Sometimes I think you did not care for Lucien at all!’

  Belle looked at her helplessly and knew she should have said nothing. She had no doubt Lucien had induced Banbury and Farley to sign the statements. Her instincts told her that Justin would not cheat. He did not need to, for one thing. She had watched him play enough during that fortnight to know his skills far exceeded those of any of the others at the house party. But trying to tell Maria that was hopeless. She would not hear anything against her beloved first-born. Any of Belle’s efforts to suggest that Justin was not completely at fault was met with recriminations and palpitations.

  ‘Of course I cared for Lucien,’ she told Maria. The lie fell easily from her tongue, adding one more sin to her long list. She had cared for Lucien at first, had wanted to love the handsome man with his fair hair and charming smiles, but his charm faded almost as soon as the vows had been said. Under his continuous mockery and derision, her fragile love had withered away. She had not let on to Maria, however, not wanting to hurt the woman who had been so kind to her, almost a second mother. After her parents had died and Belle had gone to live with her grandmother, Maria had often invited Belle to her home on the rambling estate that bordered her grandmother’s more modest property. Maria had welcomed Belle as a second daughter and mothered her in her rather fussy, warm way. Lord Ralston, although more reserved, had been kind as well. And after Lady Townsend had died, and Belle had nowhere else to go, Maria had insisted she must live with them.

  Maria was finally calmed. By the time they had set out for Bond Street, she had been distracted by thoughts of ribbons, gloves and stockings and a visit to Gunther’s for ices. She chatted happily about the soirée they were to attend the following night and the small dinner at the Sherwoods’ that night. The Duke of Westmore was not mentioned at all.

  Belle only wished it were possible for her to be so easily distracted. She could think of nothing but Westmore and it took all of her willpower to concentrate on the matching of ribbons to a new gown and later, to force a few bites of lemon ice down her throat.

  For she very much feared that for once Maria was right, he meant mischief. He meant to force her to do his bidding.

  And if he intended to use Chloe to achieve his ends, Belle would have no choice but to do what he wanted.

  Justin rose from behind his desk as his aunt was shown into his study. From the bright colour in her plump cheeks he surmised she was in high dudgeon over something. She sailed towards his desk and stopped in front of it. ‘What do you mean by standing up with Lady Chloe Daventry last night?’ she demanded. ‘Have you gone mad?’

  His brow rose. ‘Not at all. Why would you think that?’

  ‘Why?’ She fixed him with her sharp blue eyes. ‘Because she is Isabelle Milborne’s sister-in-law, not to mention the sister of the man who nearly ruined you.’

  ‘Perhaps so, but Lady Chloe is also very lovely. And very eligible.’

  She gasped. ‘You do not mean…really, Westmore, you could not possibly consider her!’

  ‘Why not? She is the daughter of an earl and has a significant portion. Her family is old and respectable. I see no reason why she should not be considered in the running.’

  ‘You would have Lady Milborne as your sister-in-law! I could never countenance that!’

  ‘Indeed.’ He smiled a little. ‘However, your worries are premature, for I’ve not made up my mind at all.’

  She did not look particularly mollified but, after spending a few more minutes attempting to dissuade him from the notion, finally gave up. She left shortly after that and said she hoped he would come to his senses.

  He watched her go and then sat back down. He did not intend to marry Lady Chloe, but he was not above using her for his own purposes. That Belle was fond of her sister-in-law, he had no doubt. He wondered how far she would be willing to go to stop him if she thought he did intend to wed her.

  He had very little else to use. None of his discreet inquiries had revealed the slightest hint of scandal attached to her. After her husband’s death, she had gone to live with her in-laws. This Season was her first venture into society since then. Milborne’s stepfather had died a year after Milborne and she, Lady Ralston and Lady Chloe had remained in mourning until a few months ago. She had inherited a sizeable sum from her grandmother as well as a townhouse, but continued to live in a modest fashion. Since coming to London she never stood up with anyone and had made it clear she was not interested in either an affair or marriage. She had been nicknamed ‘the unassailable’.

  He could understand why. She had a remoteness about her that had not been there three years ago. The plain clothing she now wore gave her the appearance of a nun and only added to her air of aloofness.

  He intended to change all of that.

  Belle forced her attention to remain on the voluptuous soprano who stood in front of the assembled guests in Mrs Beaufort’s drawing room. Her voice was lovely, pure and sweet, and quite in tune, but Belle had scarcely heard the performance. Her thoughts were preoccupied—this time by Justin’s latest move.

  Thank goodness he was not here tonight or Maria would probably have hysterics on the spot. Belle had no idea whether she wanted to kill Justin for his despicable behaviour or Arthur for gleefully telling Maria every detail, sending her into hysterics and distressing Chloe. Chloe had been driving with Serena and her brother, Roland, in the park. And as Arthur told them, Justin rode by their carriage for a full five minutes.

  Belle was about to depart for her house so she might have a light dinner and then prepare for tonight’s musical, when Arthur had arrived.


  ‘He has made it quite clear he has an interest in Chloe.’ He clasped his hands behind his back and smiled in a superior fashion at the women seated in the drawing room. ‘What would you say to having your daughter a duchess?’ he asked Maria.

  ‘I would rather see her in a convent than marry him! Have you no conscience, no sensibility! He murdered my son!’

  ‘Hardly, madam. If you recall, Lucien did not die for months after the duel. A healthy man would have recovered instead of developing such a putrid infection, which was no doubt due to his excessive fondness for drink.’

  ‘His infection was due to the fatal wound he sustained from the duel! The only reason that…that creature is not hanging from the gallows is because he is a duke!’

  ‘You are ridiculous,’ Arthur snapped.

  ‘And you are unfeeling and callous and disrespectful! My daughter will never marry him!’

  All this time Chloe had sat on the sofa, her expression increasingly stricken with each word. Belle had finally got up. ‘This entire conversation is ridiculous. Arthur, I pray you will restrain yourself from speculating on Westmore’s intentions. I doubt very much he wishes to marry Chloe.’

  As she had hoped, her words managed to turn Arthur’s attention away from Maria. ‘And how would you know Westmore’s intentions? Are you in his confidence?’

  ‘Of course not. But one dance and a brief meeting in the park hardly constitutes a proposal of marriage. I’ve no doubt he has paid such attentions to dozens of young ladies. Besides, you are distressing both Chloe and Maria. Until there is an actual proposal, I would suggest you not say a word on this topic again.’

  His lips tightened. ‘May I remind you that none of this is your concern? I could forbid you to see Chloe, if I wish.’

  Maria promptly burst into noisy tears and Arthur, who could not tolerate one of her outbursts, finally took his leave. It took nearly three-quarters of an hour for Belle and Chloe, with the assistance of Maria’s maid, to calm her. After that she had to be coaxed to eat a few bites of a light repast. Belle barely had time to return home and change her muslin for a silk lavender gown that was more suitable for a musical soirée before she turned around again and headed back to Grosvenor Square.

  By the time they had arrived at Mrs Beaufort’s elegant townhouse, vexation was her overriding emotion and she thought if she saw Justin, she could cheerfully strangle him.

  But there was no sign of his dark-haired figure when they first arrived. His paternal aunt, Lady Georgina, was there. As they took their places in the second row of chairs, she turned and fixed Chloe with a pair of sharp blue eyes. She was an intimidating figure: thin and upright, her features patrician and she held herself with regal bearing.

  There was nothing in the look she bestowed upon Chloe to indicate approval. Chloe, thank goodness, was not aware of her perusal, but Belle was. She stared at Lady Georgina until the lady allowed her gaze to fall on her. Her stare was so icy Belle nearly quailed, but she would not let her gaze drop. Lady Georgina finally looked away, but not before Belle knew she had made an enemy.

  Oh, dear. She turned and sighed. Why could she not let things alone? Now she would worry Lady Georgina would take her wrath out on Chloe. Arthur might welcome a match between Justin and Chloe, but it was more than apparent Lady Georgina would not. From what little she knew of Lady Georgina, she was not a woman to cross.

  Belle had met her once, over a decade ago, when she had come to London with her grandmother for her first and only Season. Belle and Lady Townsend had been about to leave a rout when they came face to face with Lady Georgina. Grandmama had greeted Lady Georgina politely, but Belle had never forgotten the hostile stare Lady Georgina had bestowed upon the other woman before saying, ‘Good evening, Sarah.’ She had turned equally cold eyes upon Belle. ‘I suppose this is your granddaughter. She resembles you.’ Belle had known her words were not a compliment. She had been glad to escape the cold, aristocratic Countess who so intently disliked her grandmother. Grandmama had said nothing about Lady Georgina and had instead gone on to talk about the people they had met at the rout.

  Belle’s hand tightened around her fan. She could not allow him or his family to hurt Chloe, which made it even more imperative for her to deal with Justin.

  The soprano had just begun her last aria when someone entered the room. There was a slight stir among the guests. Belle glanced towards the door almost without thinking. Her heart pounded and her hand trembled around her fan when he strode through the double door. He glanced around. She dropped her gaze and hoped he would not see her. If only she could crawl under the chair, but it would not do.

  She forced herself to look towards the door again. He stood near the wall, arms folded. He looked every bit as male and elegant as he had two nights ago. And every bit as dangerous.

  She yanked her gaze away. How could she ever confront him? But she must before he caused any more trouble. She would do it for Chloe’s sake. And for Maria’s.

  She belatedly realised the soprano had finished and she had forgotten to applaud altogether. Chloe was already standing, as were many of the other guests. The first half of the performance had ended and the guests were milling towards a smaller room next to the drawing room where refreshments had been laid out. Belle forced herself to not look in Justin’s direction. She smiled at Maria. ‘I think we should find some refreshment. Shall I escort you there?’ If only she could move Maria from the room before she spotted Justin.

  ‘I do not know.’ Maria looked around. Belle moved in front of her, hoping she could block Maria’s view. ‘Perhaps a small cake and some punch. I believe I would prefer to stay here, however. I am feeling rather fatigued as I always do after such a disagreeable scene. Thank goodness, Arthur cannot abide music. But you and Chloe must go and if you wish you may bring me back a little refreshment.’

  ‘Would you like me to stay with you?’ Chloe asked.

  ‘Oh, no.’ She smiled wanly.

  Belle glanced around. To her horror, she saw Justin stood a few feet away with a tall, dark-haired man she recognised as his cousin, Lord Salcombe. Justin suddenly glanced up and met her eyes. The mocking look that crossed his expression did not bode well. She turned away and touched Chloe’s arm. ‘Shall we get refreshment, then? I see Serena near the door.’ She moved down the short row of chairs away from Justin. Chloe, who appeared rather bewildered, followed.

  They were just about to leave the refreshment room when she saw that Westmore and Salcombe now stood directly near the doors between the rooms. Unless she and Chloe were to turn around, making it quite obvious they wanted to avoid the men, they had no choice but to pass them.

  ‘Good evening, Lady Milborne, Lady Chloe,’ Justin said. His gaze lingered on Chloe in a way that made Belle want to hit him.

  ‘Good evening, your Grace,’ she said coolly. ‘Lord Salcombe.’

  Salcombe inclined his head but his expression was icy. Chloe looked confused. Belle would have just walked past them, but Justin spoke. ‘I hope you enjoyed your drive in the park, Lady Chloe.’

  ‘Very much,’ Chloe said politely. Slight colour stained her cheek.

  A slight smile touched his mouth. A smile Belle considered predatory. ‘I am glad,’ he said. ‘Perhaps you will do me the honour of driving with me some time.’

  Chloe raised startled eyes to his face. ‘I—’

  ‘No, she most certainly will not,’ Belle snapped. She had the satisfaction of seeing Justin start.

  Then his brow rose. ‘No? But you are not her guardian, are you?’ His smile was lazy. And dangerous.

  ‘No. But I am her friend.’ She turned to Chloe. ‘Can you manage the refreshments? I will join you in a moment, but I have something I wish to say to the Duke.’

  Chloe’s eyes widened. ‘Belle, I do not think—’

  ‘I will be fine. Just tell your mama that I was feeling rather warm and I wished to sit in the hall for a moment where it is cooler.’

  Chloe nodded. After casting a worried loo
k at Justin, she left. Belle looked at him. ‘I would like a word with you, your Grace. In private.’

  By now many of the guests had taken their places. He glanced around. ‘I am your servant, of course. However, this does not seem the place for a tâte-à-tâte.’

  ‘We can step into the hall, then.’

  Salcombe spoke. ‘Anything you wish to say to my cousin, you may say in front of me.’ He looked down at her, his dislike for her evident.

  ‘This does not concern you, my lord.’ She turned back to Justin. His expression was unreadable but she sensed he was enjoying her discomfort. Well, she could not stand here and argue with him in full view of the rest of the guests. She could see Lady Georgina staring at her and feared any moment she would come forward to forbid her to talk to him. And if Maria should happen to notice…she did not want to think of that. ‘I am going to the hall. I would like to talk to you.’ She turned and walked away.

  By the time she reached the hallway, her knees were shaking. What had she done? It was just that Justin had made her so angry that she felt if she did not say something she would explode. She doubted that he would follow her. He probably enjoyed tormenting her too much.

  An even worse thought occurred. What if he really did intend to pursue Chloe? That he wasn’t merely trying to bend her to his will but actually had an interest in Chloe? The idea was too awful to contemplate.

  ‘I believe you wished to talk to me.’

  She whirled around and gasped and his brow rose at her expression. ‘Or was I mistaken?’

  ‘I…I did not think you would come.’

  ‘After such a forceful demand, I had no choice. Come into Beaufort’s study. We can be more private there.’

  She nodded. She did not want anyone to know what she said. She stepped past him into the small room and he shut the door. He leaned against it and fixed his gaze on her. ‘What is it you wish to say to me?’

  For some reason the cool indifference in his voice steadied her. ‘I have no doubt you know very well. But rather than play games with you, I will tell you. I want you to cease your pursuit of Lady Chloe.’