Christmas in the Duke's Embrace

by Amanda Mariel

  “See what’s keeping Mrs. Greer.” The housekeeper should have been here by now. She would know what else they could do for the woman. Mrs. Greer was a kindly older woman who’d served his father before him. She’d been at his side through all of his life’s tragedies, and while she could not prevent them, she always proved both knowledgeable and compassionate. Evan would feel a great deal better once Mrs. Greer appeared.

  “Straight away.” Constance bobbed a curtsey then pivoted and strode toward the door.

  His gaze went to the woman’s disheveled gown. “Wait,” he called after the maid.

  She turned back to him.

  Evan nodded at the gown. “Take that. Have it laundered and repaired.”

  Constance scooped the gown up then backed from the room.

  Evan sank onto the edge of the bed. His fingers twitched with the desire to touch her again. Unable to fight the urge, he reached out and captured one blond curl between his fingers. Like spun gold, it slipped through his hand. He bent over, bringing his face closer to her, his thumb stroking over her bruised flesh. “What happened to you?”

  His query was met with silence. But then what had he expected? Sighing, he brushed her mass of curls back from her face. God willing, she would recover, and soon enough he’d have his answers.

  “Put the warming brick by her feet and cover her with the heated blanket.” The housekeeper, Mrs. Greer, strolled into the chamber holding a bundle of blankets.

  Evan sprung to his feet at the sound of her commanding voice. She wasted no time in going to the bedside. He watched as Mary and Constance did as she’d ordered.

  “Now go await the doctor,” Mrs. Greer instructed, and the maids bobbed their heads in understanding. “Show him up the moment he arrives.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” They left the room, closing the door in their wake.

  Mrs. Greer turned back to the bed, taking a moment to inspect the woman before meeting his gaze. “Your Grace, what happened?”

  “I found her unconscious and half froze. She was on the side of the road half buried in a snow drift.”

  Mrs. Greer’s lips turned down and she shook her head. “The poor dear. She’s lucky that you found her.”

  He pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat. “On that score, we shall have to wait and see. After all, I am said to be cursed.”

  Mrs. Greer spread another blanket over the woman. "Nonsense. If you hadn't discovered her she'd surely have perished from exposure. You've given her a chance. You must stop blaming yourself for the tragedies in your life.” Mrs. Greer studied the woman for long moments. When she turned back to Evan, a smile brightened her features. “She looks to be a hardy young lady. I do believe she will recover. Do you know who she is?”

  “No, and what if you are wrong?” He arched an inquisitive eyebrow for the first time considering the damage that could ensue. The least of it would be adding to his reputation of death and tragedy. Hell, he didn't even know who she was or where she belonged. Her husband could well blame Evan for whatever happened to her.

  “I’m not.” Mrs. Greer gave a confident stare.

  A rapping sounded at the door and Evan called out, “Enter.”

  Mary and Constance swept back into the room with Doctor Elwell.

  “Your Grace.” Doctor Elwell gave a slight bow. He looked at the woman’s still form laid out on the bed then back to Evan. “Tell me what happened to her?”

  “I found her along the road. She was unconscious and has remained as such.” Evan dragged his fingers through his hair. “I wish I knew more.”

  Elwell blinked from behind his wire-rimmed spectacles. “Very odd indeed. Please step out of the room so I can examine her.” He offered an encouraging grin. “It won’t take long.”

  The moment Evan rose, Elwell moved to the bed and sat his medical bag on the table beside it. Evan released a breath as he stepped into the hall, the door clicking closed behind him. He paced the hall while he waited for Elwell to finish his exam, his mind churning the entire time. For reasons beyond his understanding, he had an undeniable urge to protect the woman. To champion her.

  After what seemed hours but could not have been more than fifteen minutes, Elwell stepped from the room. Evan rushed to his side eager to have answers. Before he reached the doctor, he asked, “Will she recover?”

  Elwell’s eyes warmed. “I believe so. She seems to be in excellent health. So long as fever doesn’t take hold, she should recover completely. The baby is also hearty. It gave several strong kicks while I was examining the mother.” Elwell pushed his spectacles further up the bridge of his nose. “I’ve left instructions with your housekeeper and will stop back in three days to check on the patient. If a fever develops, send for me straight away.”

  “Yes, of course. Thank you, doctor.” Evan reached for the door handle intent on returning to the woman’s side.

  “Your Grace?”

  He stilled, his hand gripping the door handle. “Yes?”

  Elwell stared at him through warm grey eyes. “She’s damned lucky you found her when you did.”

  Evan gave a nod, though he had a hard time equating the word luck with himself. Perhaps in time, he'd believe the doctor’s observation. Somehow he doubted that. Even if the woman survived—even if she thrived—her recovery would do nothing to change his past.

  She would return to her family and he would remain the reclusive Duke of Death tucked away in the country with the ghosts of his past. Not that he bemoaned such a future. In fact, he longed for it. He’d had far too much heartache to invite more.

  Evan pushed the door open then retook the chair beside the bed. The woman remained still, but Evan noted some color returning to her face. Where her skin had been a ghastly shade of bluish-grey, pink now crept back in. He hoped it was a positive sign rather than the start of a fever.

  Mrs. Greer turned her concerned gaze his way. “Your Grace, you needn’t remain at her side. I am happy to care for her.”

  Evan ignored the housekeeper’s invitation for him to leave, and instead asked, “What did the doctor order?”

  “He said to keep watch for a fever and ensure she remains in bed. Also to give her warm broth when she wakes.” Mrs. Greer’s gaze moved from him to the woman. “Perhaps I should have a room readied for her?”

  “She will stay here and I will remain at her side. You may go.”

  Mrs. Greer’s eyes rounded but she did not argue. She stared at him for a heartbeat then dipped a curtsey and took her leave. Surely she thought him half mad. Perhaps he was, but he could not stand the thought of not being here when the woman awoke.

  He needed answers to his multitude of questions.

  Liar…

  The word whispered through his mind. He supposed he was lying to himself, but he refused to admit the truth. He refused to care for her. How could he when he didn’t even know her name?

  Chapter 3

  Consciousness crept back to Marina in small measures. Her fingers twitched, then her toes wiggled. Heat surrounded her. She tried to move but found herself pinned in place. Images flashed through her mind…the highwaymen, they'd hurt her, possibly killed her driver. Panic swelled within her causing her heart to race. The baby! Her hands flew to her belly.

  She cracked her eyelids open enough to peer through her eyelashes. A veil of darkness shrouded the room except for the glow of a fire. She could make out a painting hanging above the fireplace but she could not tell what it depicted. Glancing from side to side she took in the tall posts of the bed she laid on.

  Where was she? Had the men locked her away somewhere? Would they return? What should she do? Her mind raced as she attempted to orient herself. Just then her stomach fluttered as her unborn child moved within her. A slight smile curved her lips as relief flooded her. At the least, her baby seemed no worse for the ordeal they’d suffered.

  Panic swarmed her erasing the momentary relief she’d felt. She had to get out of here. Wherever here happened to be.

  Exerci
sing some caution, she opened her eyes fully. Her breath caught when she turned her head to discover a man sleeping in a chair beside her bed. Had he done her harm? Was he one of the highwaymen? In this light, she could scarcely tell. One thing was certain—she did not wish to wake him.

  Marina wriggled free of the cocoon of blankets being careful not to make any more noise than necessary. Her pulse pounded through her veins as she slid toward the opposite side of the grand bed, all the while praying it would not squeak. Elated to have reached the far side of the sprawling mattress, she chanced another glance in the man's direction before swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

  Victory swelled within her at the sight of his sleeping form. She’d managed to get across the vast bed, now she need only creep from the room. Marina slid off of the mattress, her feet landing on padded carpeting and began making her way toward the door. In her haste, she failed to see the chest at the foot of the bed. Her knee slammed into it and she yelped. "Ouch!"

  Marina clapped her hand over her mouth to silence herself, but it was too late. She’d made a great racket between her loud mouth and the clank of her knee off the solid wooden mass of furniture. Hellfire, surely anyone within ears shot heard her.

  “You’re awake.” A deep voice drawled.

  Racing toward the hearth, she grabbed the fire poker and aimed it at him. “Stay back.” Though her heart pounded, her tone came out strong.

  “I mean you no harm.” He stood, then took a tentative step in her direction.

  “I will stab you.” She jabbed the poker out at him. “Do not come any closer.”

  The man stilled. “I found you in a snow bank and brought you to my home. I mean you no harm.”

  Marina stared at him wishing she could make out his features. She had no way of knowing whether or not he was sincere, though something in his voice rang true. He took another tentative step and she again thrust the poker at him.

  “My maid removed your wet clothing and covered you up.” He held his hands up in defeat and stopped coming toward her. “Then I called the doctor to examine you.”

  Her clothes? A shiver trickled through her as she chanced a glance down at her body. Gone were her gown and cloak. She wore a nightrail in their place—thankfully a thick one that concealed her favors. Her mind raced as she worked to sort out what was happening. “Doctor?”

  “Yes. Doctor Elwell. He said you should make a full recovery, and that your baby is healthy.” The man turned, moving quickly back to the bedside.

  “Wh…what are you doing?” She immediately chastised herself for the weakness she’d displayed by stuttering over her first word. Notching her chin, she tightened her grip on the poker.

  Light flooded the room a moment before he turned back to her. “I thought you may want to see me.” He held up a lamp, illuminating the room as well as himself.

  Marina stood there captivated by the sight of the stranger. His black as midnight hair framed a strong face with an aristocratic nose and square jaw. Eyes as light as the summer sky stood out in striking contrast to his hair and dark clothing as he stared at her.

  This was no highwayman. Whoever the man was, he belonged to the aristocracy. Chancing a glance around the room only confirmed his status for it was a grand space with ornate furniture and rich tapestries. She curled her toes against the plush carpeting. Perhaps she was safe here.

  “The doctor ordered that you remain abed for at least three days. If you will please return to the bed, I will ring for a maid.”

  She stared at him not sure whether she should be grateful or fearful. In the end, she had little choice but to trust him. She had no idea where she was and little knowledge of how she'd come to be here—wherever here was. Besides, it wasn't as though she could just march out of the room. She had nowhere to go.

  Marina drew in a fortifying breath before she returned the fire poker to its rightful place and crawled back into the bed. She tugged the blankets over herself then glared at the man. “I should like to know who you are.”

  He sank into the chair beside the bed and smoothed his bright white cravat. “Yes, of course, forgive my rudeness. I am the Duke of Rowley, Evan Lockhart.”

  “The Duke of Death!” She pressed her lips tightly together. Why the devil had she said that?

  He drew his eyebrows together, his forehead furrowing. “I see you are familiar with me.”

  “Not really.” She'd heard tattle about the duke but had not paid much attention. All she truly knew was that he’d experienced more losses than any one person should have to bear. She really ought to have kept her mouth shut. But alas she had not and now embarrassment tied her tongue.

  He continued to stare at her, though his features relaxed, the crease lines disappearing from his forehead.

  Marina forced words past her tight throat. “I am sorry, I should not have said that. I know nothing about you, and though you may not believe me, I am not one to gossip.”

  “It’s quite alright.” He shook his head. “May I have the honor of knowing who I’ve rescued?”

  “Lady Marina Ellis. And thank you for the kindness you’ve shown me, Your Grace.”

  A smile tilted his lips. “I’ve done no more than any decent human being would. You must be famished. I’ll ring for something to be sent up.”

  She watched his long strides as he traversed to the call-bell. He was tall, and from what she could see, muscular. Marina darted her tongue out to wet her dry lips. “Mostly, I’m parched.”

  “I imagine you are.” He rang for the maid then returned to the chair. “Is there someone I can send for? A husband?”

  Marina swallowed hard, the force of it causing pain to shoot through her dry throat. Rather than trying to speak, she simply shook her head.

  Something flashed across his blue gaze before he raised one dark eyebrow. Surprise, she assumed. Perhaps she should enlighten him as to her predicament, but she could not find the will to speak.

  He gave a friendly smile before trying again. “How about your parents? Might I send for them?”

  She shook her head unable to keep a frown from shaping her lips. “I have no-one.”

  Shock—that was shock in his gaze. She watched as a question formed on his lips then fell away as a woman carrying a silver tray bustled into the room. The maid she assumed. An older woman also dressed in servants garb accompanied her.

  “I’m so pleased to see you awake.” The older woman approached the bedside. “His Grace was quite worried. We all were.”

  The Duke cleared his throat bringing Marina's attention back to him. “May I introduce my housekeeper, Mrs. Greer.” He glanced back to the housekeeper. “This is Lady Ellis. She will be staying with us for a while.”

  The woman’s eyes brightened. “It’s a pleasure to have you with us, ma’am. Should you require anything, do let me know.”

  Marina offered a half grin. “Thank you, Mrs. Greer.”

  The duke’s words lightened Marina’s worries. She had no idea how she’d come to be beneath his roof, but it seemed she’d landed somewhere safe. He must be a good man to have rescued her and seen to her care. For now, she would thank her lucky stars and accept his offer of shelter.

  The maid placed the tray on the mahogany side table then turned her welcoming smile to Marina. “We’ve brought warm broth, turtle soup, and wine. Is there anything else you would like?”

  “No, this is perfect,” Marina said.

  The maid gave a curtsey then backed up to the door.

  “Be sure and let us know if you change your mind.” Mrs. Greer dropped into a curtsy. “My lady.”

  Marina gave a grateful smile then watched the women take their leave. When she returned her attention to the duke, he was holding out the cup of broth. “Doctors orders,” he said.

  She accepted the broth and took a copious gulp. It spread warmth over her tongue before trailing down her throat to warm her belly. Lowering the cup, she returned her gaze to the duke. “I don’t know why you are helping me, Y
our Grace, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I owe you a great debt.”

  “I believe we are beyond formality. Call me Evan. As for a debt, you owe me nothing.” He stretched his legs out, relaxing back against the chair. “May I call you Marina?”

  She nodded then took another sip of her broth, emptying the glass. After placing it back on the try, she settled back against the pillows.

  “I am curious what happened to you. How did you come to be unconscious at the roadside?” He asked.

  There would be no way to avoid answering his question, nor the great many others she was certain would follow, but at this moment she was too tired to think, let alone relive the past few days. She brought her hand to her mouth to cover her yawn. Exhaustion made her eyelids heavy and she let them droop. “Please forgive me. I’m quite sleepy.”

  Evan chuckled. “Given all that you have been through, I’m not at all surprised.” He stood, bent over and patted her hand. “I’ll leave you to rest.”

  Marina yawned again then gave a sheepish grin. Her eyes drifted closed before the duke even left the chamber. Tomorrow would be soon enough—to soon perhaps—to explain her predicament.

  Chapter 4

  After a restless night’s sleep, Evan scrubbed the sleep from his eyes and readied for the day. He’d told himself he would not bother Marina until supper and attempted to keep himself occupied with estate matters. Regardless of what he did his mind strolled back to her. She was a mystery he had become determined to solve.

  Evan rose from his desk then strolled out of the study. It was as though an invisible thread pulled him toward Marina as he made his way down the hallways leading to her room—his room. Perhaps he could share lunch with her and while they dined he could question her further.

  Spotting Mrs. Greer bustling down the corridor, he stilled. “Good afternoon.”

  “Your Grace.” She bobbed her head.

  “How is Lady Ellis today?”

  Mrs. Greer’s smile widened. “She’s rather well, Your Grace. No signs of fever and her energy seems to be returning. I was just on my way to get her lunch.”