What A Wicked Duke Demands (Historical Regency Romance)

by Emily Honeyfield

  “Rosamund, would you slow down?” he shouted. “I’m too tired to keep chasing you.”

  “Come catch me, Father!”

  His daughter had a very good ability not to hear anyone when she was enjoying herself. And she had been laughing and screaming in their time walking through the park, the first laughs Gerard had heard from her in the last couple of days. It was refreshing, but the noise was making Gerard’s head hurt.

  “Don’t worry, Father,” Isabel piped up from his side. “I’ll go and get her.”

  “Isabel …” But then Isabel’s hand was slipping from his, and she was hurrying up the slope to her little sister. “For crying out loud!”

  Why did he agree to this? His children had been desperate for his attention, and Gerard knew he had been doing the wrong thing in hiding in his study. His mother had finally sought him out and told him, under no uncertain terms, that he needed to spend some time with his daughters.

  They were desperate for his approval and wanted him around. It was her idea to take them for a walk around the park and have some fun. Get some fresh air himself, or as fresh as London could do for them. The thick smog coming from the factories certainly wasn’t something he wanted to breathe in every day.

  But the moment his daughters caught wind that they were going to the park with their father, they were jumping around squealing. Even Hermia, which had surprised Gerard. He didn’t think Hermia wanted to spend any further time with her sisters. Clearly, he was wrong about their relationship.

  Like he had been wrong about Lacey. If only he had taken a closer look at her, but he was eager to find a governess who could teach his children and look after them. Lacey could teach, but she couldn’t look after children. Her needs came first.

  Gerard knew all about needs, but not when they compromised his children.

  Isabel was now attempting to round up her sister, chasing her back down the slope but further up the path towards the exit. Gerard growled. Daughters were more trouble than they were worth.

  “You do realize you’re going to be fighting a losing battle with those two.”

  Gerard turned to see Hermia falling into step beside him. She had been wandering a little further behind them, seeming to take everything in and get sucked into her own little world. This was the most relaxed Gerard had seen her in a long time.

  “That’s a strong comment, coming from you, Hermia.”

  “I’m too old to be running around like that.”

  “You say that, but your attitude isn’t exactly becoming for a young woman.”

  Probably not the best time to be having this conversation, but Gerard hadn’t had the chance, what with him hiding away, and Hermia choosing to sulk in her room. Apart from dinner, this was the only time Gerard had seen his eldest daughter. But the first time alone.

  Might as well address those things that had been becoming more than a slight problem.

  “Am I not allowed to have opinions, then, Father?” Hermia asked, turning her frown onto him.

  “What you do is not expressing an opinion.”

  Hermia huffed.

  “What do you expect when you make me take lessons with my little sisters?”

  Gerard sighed. Hermia knew perfectly why she was still taking lessons.

  “You will be sitting with Isabel and Rosamund until you’re seventeen. You still have a lot to learn, and I want to make sure you’re educated enough to hold your own without your behaviour getting in the way.” He fixed her with a pointed look. “Or would you prefer that I arranged a marriage for you? Your mother was your age when talks started about marrying her to me. I’m sure you would like that.” Hermia’s face flushed. “Or maybe I could send you to your Aunt Florence. She’s dying to see you again.”

  Hermia bared her teeth. Her eyes flashed.

  “You wouldn’t dare, Father.”

  “Keep behaving the way you are, Hermia, and I will. You know I will.” Gerard rubbed the back of his neck. This was not how he envisioned the conversation to go. Maybe he should have stayed at home. “I’m trying to do what’s best for you and your sisters now your mother’s gone. I don’t need you pushing back.”

  “Do what is best for us?” Hermia cried. “If you were doing that, you would be actually acknowledging us instead of hiding in your study and palming us off onto servants. Also, using me to stop women who want to be the next duchess being successful is not how I want to spend my time with you.”

  “You thought it was amusing.”

  “It is amusing, but that’s not meant to be my role in life, Father!”

  Gerard winced. Hermia was right. He had been selfish in that regard.

  “I’m just concerned about your future, and some of the tutors around here can give you the lessons that I can’t.”

  “But does that replace your time?” Hermia snapped. “No, it doesn’t.”

  Then she was storming ahead, her skirts swishing around her legs. Gerard debated going after her, but then decided against it. Hermia was angry right now, and pushing this was not going to get them anywhere. They would only upset each other further.

  Hermia was so headstrong when she wanted to be.

  At least she had managed to catch up to Isabel and Rosamund. The younger girls were now sitting in the grass near the park gates, picking daisies. Hermia stood nearby and watched as both little girls gathered lots of daisies in their hands. Then they jumped up as Gerard approached, both running over to show him what they had. Gerard did his best to be enthused.

  His daughters hadn’t done anything wrong – they meant well trying to get him involved – but he didn’t know how to be involved. Allegra had been more focused on his children, wanting to be in their lives. Gerard had been focused on his estate’s work. Parliament took him away from home as well, and Gerard was often worn out from the arguing in the House of Commons.

  That wasn’t an excuse for neglecting his children, but it did explain a lot.

  Gerard felt even more useless as a father the more he attempted to interact with his children. He just didn’t know what to do.

  Gathering his daughters around him, Gerard got them across the street through the busy carriages jostling back and forth and down the street where they lived. Rosamund and Isabel ran on ahead, still carrying their daisies. Gerard thought about shouting after them, but then he gave up. No point in shouting at them when they were this close to home. They were just eager to get inside and show their grandmother all of the flowers they had collected.

  Then Gerard noticed something. Someone was sitting on the steps outside his house. A woman, staring at the ground. Both Rosamund and Isabel slowed a little, but then Rosamund started jumping up and down, squealing as she ran up to the woman. They greeted each other, the woman giving Rosamund a warm smile, and Rosamund sat on the step beside her to show her the daisies.

  Gerard found himself staring. What was she doing out here? Why didn’t she go inside? He found himself quickening his pace to reach his house.

  “Miss Campbell?”

  Beth looked up, her smile fading when she laid eyes on him. Clearing her throat, she rose to her feet, dropping into a quick curtsy.

  “Forgive me for bothering you, Your Grace. I came by to speak with you, but your staff said you weren’t home.”

  “And they didn’t let you in?”

  “That was my decision, not theirs.” Beth shrugged. “If you weren’t in, there was no reason for me to wait inside.”

  Gerard didn’t agree with that. He would be having words with his servants about that. No one was left outside under any circumstances. He would make sure of that. Gerard turned to Hermia, who was looking at Beth strangely.

  “Hermia, take your sisters inside.”

  “Who is that?”

  Gerard sighed. Not now.

  “Hermia.”

  Hermia scowled at him, but she beckoned Isabel to her and urged Rosamund to stand, practically yanking her away from Beth. With one last glare at Beth, she took her sisters
into the house. Gerard shook his head. He was going to have words with Hermia about her behaviour.

  “Forgive my daughter. She’s …”

  “Don’t apologize for her,” Beth cut in. “It’s fine. I can handle it.”

  “No one should have to handle my daughter in that way.” Gerard looked down at her. She looked just as nervous as she had been that morning, shuffling from foot to foot with her hands twisting in front of her. He didn’t like making her nervous. “What did you want to see me about?”

  “I …” Beth took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer. That is, if the offer is still open.”

  “It’s most certainly open.” Gerard smiled. Why did Beth’s agreement to his offer make him feel like warmth was blossoming through his chest? “I’m glad you want to take me up on it, Miss Campbell.”

  “It wasn’t exactly an easy decision to make.” Beth sighed. “But we do need the money. I don’t mind doing that, but at social standing I shouldn’t be finding work.”

  Gerard could understand that. He spread his hands.

  “Sometimes, circumstances don’t allow us to do what we want in life. We have to adapt if we want anything in this world.”

  “That’s a rather philosophical take on things, Your Grace.”

  “You see things in a different light when something gets taken from you.”

  Something. Or someone. Gerard had done a lot of thinking in past months about Allegra. Usually with a big bottle of whisky in front of the fire.

  Now that he thought about it, since crossing paths with Beth, he had been thinking less and less about Allegra. Gerard didn’t know what to think about that.

  “When do you want me to start?” Beth asked.

  Gerard pushed aside the sobering thought that he was beginning to forget his wife because of the beautiful woman standing in front of him. He cleared his throat.

  “Can you come back tomorrow morning? I’ll make sure my staff knows that you’re coming. Then you can talk to the girls and see where they are with their studies.”

  “All right.” Beth glanced towards the door. “What about your eldest daughter? Is she going to be joining us?”

  “Yes, she will be.” Gerard saw the worry flicker in Beth’s eyes. “Don’t worry about her. She takes time to warm up to people.”

  “I hope that’s the case, Your Grace.”

  Gerard made a mental note that he was going to speak to Hermia about her behaviour. He wanted Beth on side, in his home teaching his girls. His gut said she had come into his life for a reason, and he needed to find out what that reason was. Having her close by while he figured it out would help him. And Hermia was not going to ruin it for him.

  “If she gives you any problems at all, you let me or my mother know. We’ll deal with her.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem you have to deal with, Your Grace.” Beth fixed him with a cool gaze. She was managing to put aside those nerves she had been holding onto at the beginning. A mask was coming down. “She’s grieving. It’s going to take some time to come to terms with the change in her life.”

  Gerard hoped so. He could understand Hermia’s behaviour – everyone grieved in different ways – but it was beginning to become detrimental to both her and the family. Hermia needed to realize this soon, or she was going to end up with consequences she didn’t want to have.

  Aunt Florence was going to enjoy schooling Hermia, at this rate.

  “You’re far more understanding than most of the other governesses.”

  “I’m not more people.”

  They stared at each other. Gerard could see the cool facade staying in place. A part of him suddenly wanted to see if he could push it a little, make her lose that mask and see the real Beth Campbell again. He had certainly enjoyed it the last time.

  This was not a position for a place in his bed. He needed to stop thinking like that right now. Beth was here for a job, and Gerard wasn’t about to scare her away. He took a deep breath and sidled towards the front door.

  “I’d better get inside. I’ll see you tomorrow at nine, Miss Campbell.”

  “I’ll be here, Your Grace.” Beth curtsied quickly. “Good day.”

  Then she turned and walked away, heading across the street. Gerard stood and watched her as she turned the corner and disappeared. He was going to need to be on his toes around her. She was just the type of woman who could bring a man to his knees and she wouldn’t even know it.

  #

  Beth adjusted the sleeve of her dress while Tatiana fastened it from behind. From the look she was seeing in the mirror, it was a sensible yet fashionable dress for her first day. Beth didn’t want to wear something too frilly and fancy; she would have to dress down a little bit. This wasn’t a fashion parade.

  Beth would be lying if she said she wasn’t excited about this. She was. This was a chance to do something worthwhile and help her family out. They were her priority, and Beth wanted to make her parents proud. Edward and Cynthia had been shocked at the offer Lord Rossdale had given her, but both were encouraging. They could see the benefits in becoming a tutor to his three children. Cynthia had even been coaching Beth on all of her airs and graces the night before, just to make sure she didn’t step out of line inadvertently.

  “That should do it, Miss Elizabeth.” Tatiana stepped away. “You’re ready.”

  “Thank you, Tatiana.” Beth turned to Flora, who was sitting on her bed watching the sight. “How do I look?”

  “You look like a governess. You don’t stand out.”

  Beth rolled her eyes.

  “Please be serious, Flora. Nothing looks out of place, does it? I don’t have a stray piece of fabric sticking out where it shouldn’t be?”

  Flora scowled.

  “Like I said, you don’t stand out?”

  Her sister had been grumbling and sulking since she had found out about the offer. Beth couldn’t understand why; Flora refused to discuss it with her. She did try to talk Beth out of taking the job, telling her it was not a good idea, but Beth’s mind was made up. They were being given an opportunity, and she would be a fool to ignore it out of hand.

  “You’re great for someone’s confidence; do you know that, Flora?”

  “I know.” Flora sighed heavily and stood. “Look, Beth, you’re going to be fine. You don’t need to worry.”

  “I’m not worried. I feel useful for once.” Beth frowned. “But you don’t sound so sure about what you’ve just said.”

  Flora’s jaw tightened. She folded her arms and hunched her shoulders. What on earth was she hiding?

  “While I think this is an opportunity we shouldn’t pass up, it does feel a little too good to be true. A little too convenient.”

  “Are you questioning a duke’s integrity?”

  “I suppose I am.” Flora paused. “I saw the way he looked at you as well, Beth. Someone special to me looked at me the same way some time ago.”

  Beth stared at her.

  “You think…?”