The Wild Duchess/The Willful Duchess (The Duchess Club Book 1)

by Renee Bernard

  “Damn it. That’s not—I would protect you. No one would dare publicly cross you, Scarlett. There is no insult in—”

  “No insult? You believe that? If we were honest, if I had said yes then the gain was all yours and the damage and consequences all mine. What loving question bears such poisonous fruit? If you loved me…”

  “Scarlett, look at me. I have never had a mistress! I have never asked another woman to—I am not a collector of women to make them whores! I didn’t ask you to follow a train of women into my bed! I want only you, Scarlett. All that I am and all that I have would be yours.”

  “Except your name. How flattering. I should kiss your hand then?”

  “Scarlett, even you must see the logic in this. I am not free to make any other offer of—”

  “Yes, I understand. Without a title, I am beneath you. You like me enough to make me your mistress. You wish to generously compensate me for the forfeit of my reputation, my social standing and my self-worth. Do instruct me, Stafford, what is the courteous reply to all of that?” She took a firm step back, her voice infused with revulsion. “Oh, Your Grace! I’m so grateful that you would deign to bend down and extend an offer for me to perchance bear your bastards and live or die at your whim but I respectfully decline.”

  “Scarlett, duty compels me to marry one day but it does not compel me to love. I would give you what a wife cannot demand. You have my heart—please don’t…make this so ugly and….I never meant for you to….”

  She began to cry as the last vestige of her self-control gave way. “Don’t! Don’t ever tell your future wife—she will not thank you for being such a heartless ass. Do your wife a courtesy by not pretending that you are doing her a favor when you save your true affections for harlots and courtesans. It will destroy her—it would have destroyed me if I was…in her place. Thank God, Talon. Thank God you revealed your true nature before I…before I was…”

  Completely in love with you?

  Too late. Oh, God, too late!

  She ran. She ran from him without any attempt to be graceful, without a single thought to how it all would look—one of the Blackwell Beauties bolting clumsily through Hyde Park crying ugly tears and leaving the handsome Duke of Stafford clutching his shins. She looked like a jilted woman in a bad melodrama…

  Except she no longer cared.

  Scarlett’s heart was thoroughly broken as only a Blackwell’s heart could be.

  I will take this hatred and hurt to my grave...

  But oh, God, I will love him to the end of my days, too, won’t I?

  “How did it…go?” Starr asked as she finally achieved the sanctuary of their bedroom again.

  “Did anyone notice my absence?” Scarlett asked quietly and took off her bonnet to drop it on the bed.

  “No. You’re back far swifter than we’d hoped and there’s still nearly an hour before they ring the gong to change for dinner.” Starr drew closer. “Lettie? Was he not there?”

  Scarlett shook her head. “No. He wasn’t. He must have been detained. I suppose it was foolish to…hope for some silly romantic…” Her voice broke over the lies she’d rehearsed all the way home and the tears came again.

  Starr pulled her into her arms. “There, there, dearest! It’s not silly to hope. It is never silly to expect good things to happen. I’m sure he’s terribly distressed to have missed you and will make such a pretty apology that you’ll be glad that today went a bit wrong. What do you say to that?”

  Scarlett gently pushed away, grateful for her sister. “There is nothing else to say.”

  She left the bedroom to head into the adjoining washroom to splash cold water on her face and recover before facing her family across a dinner table. She waited for the next wave of agony or despair to strike but a new horrible calm came instead.

  There really is nothing left to say.

  I fell in love with the wrong man. If there is comfort in learning the lesson before I was ruined…I’m sure I’ll feel it soon. But I cannot spoil Tara’s Season, or upset Father and Mother—not when Mother is ill and we are all on edge.

  We are not children, he said. That, at least, is true.

  I am not a child. I have responsibilities and I cannot indulge in selfish scenes of self-pity. I will think only of Tara now, and my parents, and the Duchess Club.

  I have a lifetime ahead of me to pout and regret him.

  Perhaps I should think of grief like cake.

  Better to eat it one thin slice at a time.

  Until it’s gone...

  Talon limped home grimly. His butler and valet were too discreet to ask what had happened, to question the knotted bruise on his leg or even the stark change in his mood as he changed clothes. “I’ll eat in my upstairs study tonight. I am not going out again this evening.”

  “Very well, Your Grace.” The butler held out a sealed envelope. “Lady Lavinia and the Countess of Gastonbury came by while you were out. The Countess said they were in London for the month only and were eager to see you.”

  “Joy.”

  He opened the note without any enthusiasm. The countess had taken the liberty of inviting themselves over to dinner the following evening after checking with his butler to inquire after his plans.

  Damn it.

  “Dawson. If you ever give details about my calendar again to someone outside of this household without my express permission, I will fire you without references.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I apologize sincerely for my error.”

  He held the note out to his butler. “We are having dinner guests tomorrow night. Let the cook know. That will be all.”

  Dawson took the note back in hand and left quickly, a little shaken at how nearly he had come to suddenly losing his position after twenty years in the duke’s service. Talon barely noticed his departure.

  He took a leather box out of his coat pocket and dropped it carelessly on the table and missed. It fell to the floor, the impact opening it and spilling out the necklace it had held in a glittering cascade of diamonds and sapphires.

  The gift he’d meant to give to her.

  A token of his affection to demonstrate…

  What? What I thought she was worth?

  God…what a mess!

  Of my own damn making.

  I had a thousand daydreams of how it would be. Of how she would shyly accept and—Talon shook his head and touched the jewelry case with the toe of his shoe. “And what? Cheerfully fulfill every lecherous fantasy I have ever had? Bloody hell…”

  She said I hadn’t changed.

  And now I don’t know what to do.

  He was numb, numb everywhere except where she’d kicked him. And he was so stupidly comforted by the throbbing pain of it.

  Still alive.

  Still a chance.

  There had to be a chance for us both.

  Chapter 21

  The following night, there was a smaller social gathering at Pellham’s, this time dedicated to cards and conversation. The twins were accompanied by Lord and Lady Winters, and Chesterton greeted them as they arrived in the marble lined foyer, making no effort to hide that he had been awaiting their arrival.

  “Good evening. Lord Winters, are you a man who enjoys cards?”

  “Barely but I didn’t wish to disappoint the ladies.” He smiled at his wife. “Hayley is wickedly talented at games and has taught me to lose good-naturedly over the years.”

  Lady Winters blushed. “He let me win too often and I discovered I like the sensation that comes with victory.”

  “I won’t betray you to the hostess. She’ll no doubt have assigned you to a table of unsuspecting matrons and I wouldn’t wish to spoil your fun.” He turned to the girls. “And since I have it on good authority that the Beauties don’t play cards at all, I took the liberty of asking Lady Pellham to set out tables of chess.”

  Starr’s wary expression changed instantly, her demeanor relaxing. “I adore chess!”

  Scarlett nodded in accord. “It is the ha
ppier choice. Thank you, Your Grace.”

  “May I challenge you to a game then, Miss Blackwell?” he asked.

  “Yes. Thank you again, Your Grace.”

  “No gambling, Scarlett,” Galen cautioned her. “It is not kind to fleece a man who has innocently invited it.”

  Chesterton laughed. “I am grateful for the warning! I would have lost a house or more I suspect.”

  Ryder joined the group with a polite half-bow. “Did I hear someone mention chess?”

  “Yes. Perhaps you would be willing to guide Miss Starr in a game? She is a novice but eager to try and I’m sure it will be entertaining.” The duke looked directly at Starr. “What do you say? Would you like to attempt to take my nephew down a peg or two?”

  The challenge was irresistible and only Ryder wasn’t in on the set-up that was sure to guarantee him an unforgettable round of chess. Starr’s chin came up a single defiant inch and Scarlett had to study the toes of her slippers to avoid giving things away.

  “I relish the opportunity,” Starr said at last.

  Ryder smiled. “I’m glad.”

  “Well, let’s head upstairs then to the gaming room. I’m strangely eager to get started,” Galen said with a wicked grin. “Come, my dear. Let’s see what the night brings.”

  They all proceeded up the grand staircase and as promised found that in each corner of the room, small tables had been set up with chess sets. Chesterton led Scarlett to the furthest table near the windows and settled in, pleased to have the chance to talk to her alone without raising a single eyebrow.

  * * *

  Scarlett looked over to watch her sister take her seat in the other corner, the stiffness of Starr’s posture betraying that she was not yet comfortable in Ryder’s company. “She is going to defeat him so soundly he may cry,” Scarlett whispered to the duke. “Are you prepared for it?”

  “The better question is, is he prepared for it?” he replied with a merry grin.

  “We’ll see. I’m not sure it will endear us to him. I think he secretly still thinks I’ve cast a spell or put something into your wine to gain your attentions.” She moved her pawn in her opening gambit and the game played out as they talked.

  “He’s learning to accept that I am a human being with free will. It’s good for him. Do you think you’ll win Ryder over?” Chesterton asked.

  “No, nor do I expect to really try,” Scarlett countered. “But poor Starr is much more bothered by him than I am. I have never seen her dislike anyone more.”

  “Should I fear for his safety?”

  Scarlett laughed. “No. She’s already drawn first blood and I doubt he’ll risk crossing her again. Then again…”

  “Then again?”

  “He was very civil when we ran into him at the museum. Not a sign of trouble. Oh, well. If Bellewood comes up in conversation, he may need to be rescued. After that, she’ll think him a coward if he avoids her and she will decimate him if he tries to best her verbally. Trust me. A war of words with Starr Blackwell is tantamount to suicide and if he refuses to fight, it will be the white feather for him. Your poor nephew cannot win.”

  “Hmm. I am inspired to ensure that they meet again—and often...”

  “You are wicked, but then so am I if I admit I find the idea intriguing.” She clapped her hands together. “Can we wager on his survival?”

  “Of course! A good wager is what makes life worth living.”

  “My coin is on my sister.”

  “Naturally. And family loyalty requires that I support my nephew’s cause. I should warn you that I do expect him to triumph and win the lady’s heart.”

  Scarlett gasped. “She loathes him!”

  “So you said but I have seen him charm his way out of murder, Miss Blackwell. We’ll see what happens. But all that aside, I’m still not happy with the way our plan has led to so many twists and turns. What have I done to you?”

  “You allowed me to dance with a duke. How could I ever complain?” She moved her rook with authority to block his next attack.

  “You could fuss a great deal now that I’ve seen all the people hoping to throw obstacles in your path.” He shook his head. “Lady Durham is the worst of them but she is not alone.”

  “All the opposition—it’s no more than noise. But for you, I think it’s much more. I begin to wonder how anyone could ever carve their happiness against these odds.” Scarlett sighed. “For what if you truly had wished to marry for love and not for gain or title? I feel terribly angry on your behalf, Your Grace and worry that the only reason you have never married was that you never felt free to follow your heart. It is tragic and I am sorry of it.”

  He gave her a strange look. “Wait. Let me get the right of this for I think I’ve missed it all along. That very first night at Aldridge’s, you spoke of shielding me from the rotten fruit and I thought it very funny and clever and have never thought of it since then but…” His expression grew somber. “But you meant it.”

  “Of course. Not that I felt we were ever truly in danger of tomatoes and soft apples.”

  “The gossips hiss and growl and you always defend me without any thought to your own reputation as if I’m the lamb in this scene.”

  “Aren’t you? I remind you that I am nineteen and apparently have a reputation for liking ribbon.” Scarlett sighed, her mood also sobering. “There is little to defend in their eyes I suspect and why would I bother? So long as I maintain my virtue, they will think nothing of me no matter what I achieve, Your Grace. I am only a woman after all.”

  “And now when it would be easy to pout and growl at how unkind they’ve been, you express only sympathy and righteous indignation on my behalf? You’re only angry that I’ve been cheated out of my life’s happiness?”

  Scarlett became very still. “If you are not angry, then I must be.”

  “Why?”

  “Because as your true friend, how I could I do less? A true friend always leaps into the fray and if I can’t win the battle then…perhaps you’d be comforted to see me try.”

  “It brings me more comfort than you will ever know.”

  “Did you ever wish to marry, Your Grace?”

  “No. I never did. I was too selfish, Miss Blackwell. I dallied, played and enjoyed the chase only so far as it landed women briefly in my arms. I was ridiculously proud of my prowess and when my sister provided the family an heir, I thought I was the cleverest man alive to have lived a life of privilege without ever thinking of the cost.” He shook his head as if the gesture could shake off regret. “I was silly and stupid but I spared a would-be wife a life of nothing but heartache. There’s my consolation.”

  Scarlett’s eyes filled with tears, spilling down her cheeks. “Stop it! You’re making me maudlin on purpose and it’s unforgivable.” She weakly struck him on the arm, then tried to smile. “May I remind you that I am a Blackwell and I do not cry?”

  He held out his handkerchief to her. “I will keep your secrets as you keep mine.”

  “I have no secrets,” she said, her voice catching as she accepted his offering of lace-edged linen.

  “You mean, except for being in love with Stafford?”

  Scarlett’s color abruptly changed before she could compose her argument. “I…that would be very foolish if it were…possible, Your Grace.”

  “I would have said it was ironic,” he said gently.

  “Every argument that is made against your interest in me rings true when he gives it voice.” Scarlett smoothed out her skirts nervously. “Enough. I’d rather we dedicated ourselves to any other topic but I can’t face it if you—I know you cannot approve and there’s no need. There is nothing else to say.”

  “He gives those arguments a voice?” Chesterton’s consternation was palpable. “I thought things were going well between you. He told me he liked you and—”

  “Your Grace,” she cut him off then shifted her queen on the board. “I will not speak of it further.”

  Chesterton straightened in hi
s chair. “What happened to the plan? Miss Blackwell, you are in love with Talon Rush. I think that is something worth saying, don’t you?”

  “No.” Scarlett’s face became very pale. “It is not worth saying. Nor are they words he will ever hear, Your Grace. It is finished.”

  “You had a falling out?” His expression was pained. “Truly?”

  “Irrevocably.” Scarlett smiled weakly, a woman struggling to keep from crying in public any more than she already had. “My secret is safe with you and one that I intend to take to my grave.”

  “Does he know?” Elgin asked. “He should know how you feel.”

  “That is not your decision to make. And frankly, they are not words he deserves to hear. Nothing furthers my cause and if you think I’m going to kneel prettily at his feet and beg him to love me enough to…” Scarlett took a deep breath. “Then you do not know me, Your Grace.”

  Elgin smiled. “There’s that lioness. Can you not tell me how he earned such a dismissal?”

  “I won’t. It’s too shameful.”

  “Shameful?” Elgin’s back stiffened, a fire in his eyes betraying his fury. “I apologize. I was being very light-handed, wasn’t I?”

  “Please. It was nothing. I shouldn’t have said anything except you have been so—encouraging and I didn’t want to prolong your hopes of myself and...I promise you that there is no need to alter your friendship with him on my behalf. Like you, he is a human being with free will. As am I and I choose to use my free will to put the matter from my mind and to put your king into check and mate.”

  Chesterton looked back down at the board and realized that he’d been handily defeated.

  He allowed her to think he’d been diverted and they reset the pieces for another round.

  She cries for me, but not a tear for Stafford or her own broken heart.

  I’m going to wring his neck.

  * * *

  Ryder held up the knight. “Now, this piece moves in two directions. Allow me to demonstrate so that you can see the pattern of—”