The Dark Duke

by Landon, Laura

  Sterling was shocked. “You noticed that in the short time you looked at his ledgers?”

  “You forget, I’ve spent the last eight years since Papa died taking care of the Mattenden books. The way my bother spent money, I knew what to look for.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  “Bulford Shipping, on the other hand, is doing remarkably well. For as enthusiastically as Lord Stanwich rejected the idea of his family having any business connections, he seems to be an excellent businessman. He also seems to enjoy involvement with the company. It’s obvious he spends a great deal of time here, and makes most of the major business decisions.

  Sterling sat back against the squabs and smiled. She was truly remarkable. “And what have you discovered about the Earl of Flanders?”

  She pointed ahead. “His company is just ahead.”

  “Reynolds,” Sterling said to his driver. “Take us forward.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  And the carriage moved slowly. It stopped when they reached Flanders Shipping.

  “Here is Flanders Shipping. There was nothing in their ledgers to indicate a connection to the Calliope Anne.”

  “And in what condition did you find their books?”

  “Are you asking if Flanders Shipping is financially stable, Your Grace?”

  “Sterling,” he corrected. “And yes, that’s what I’m asking.”

  “Remarkably so, considering the little interest Lord Flanders has in the shipping business. Flanders doesn’t ever seem to interfere with the man he’s put in charge. Fortunately for the earl, the man seems honest beyond reproach.”

  “And Kroften Import?”

  She turned on him with a disapproving glare. “I didn’t have a chance to look at the ledgers, if you’ll recall. I was rudely interrupted before I had the opportunity.”

  “All I remember from that night, Amanda, is that you were shot and nearly died.”

  She was silent for several moments. Finally, she spoke. “Yes, there was that,” she said softly. “I want to thank you for everything you did for me that night, and later. I owe you my life.”

  “You owe me nothing,” he said firmly. “I would have done the same for anyone. But if I took special care of you, it was because I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life without you in it.”

  Moisture filled her eyes and she quickly lowered her gaze.

  “I thought perhaps you might blame me because you were shot,” he continued.

  She shook her head. “Goodness, no. You weren’t to blame. Someone intended to shoot me. I was fortunate that you were there. If you hadn’t been, I don’t doubt I would have died before help arrived.”

  “And I would have regretted that deeply.”

  “As would have I,” she whispered.

  Their gazes locked. The understanding that passed between them was a startling revelation. There was a connection there. He felt it. He knew she did, too, even though she didn’t want to admit it yet. But she would in time. He just needed to give her the opportunity to come to grips with how well they fit. And show her how much she meant to him.

  He placed his arm around her shoulders and brought her closer to him. When she looked up, he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers.

  He only intended to kiss her briefly. There were, after all, scores of onlookers swarming the docks. But once his lips found hers, he couldn’t help but deepen the kiss. He couldn’t help but take this opportunity to show her what she’d come to mean to him.

  He kissed her again on the lips, then kissed her forehead before he forced himself to stop.

  “Was there anyplace else you wanted to go?”

  She took a last look at Kroften Import and the surrounding area, then shook her head.

  “I was certain I’d remember something if I came here again,” she said as the carriage rumbled back to Hadleigh House. “I thought for sure something would stand out if I returned. But nothing has.”

  He kept his arm around her shoulders and let her lean against him. “Give it time, Amanda. Sleep on it. Perhaps something will come to you yet.”

  She breathed a sigh that gave evidence to her disappointment.

  CHAPTER 18

  Amanda slept on the information she’d gathered while at the docks yesterday as Sterling had suggested she do. Then, she stayed in her room all the next day, mulling over what she’d learned.

  She made notes, wrote down every scrap of information she thought might be useful, and relived the layout of every office she’d broken into. Nothing helped. She was no closer to discovering who their elusive earl might be than she was before. And, closeting herself in her room hour after hour didn’t help her disposition.

  Except for the few minutes she’d gone to see Harry, she hadn’t left her room almost all day. She knew it was cowardly, but she didn’t want to spend any time in close proximity with Sterling. Not because of anything he’d done—no, she couldn’t blame him. It was her fault she was desperate to avoid him. She couldn’t trust her body when she was near him.

  No matter how hard she tried to concentrate on Harry’s problem, she could still feel the warmth of Hadleigh’s lips on hers. Could still feel his hands travel over her flesh. Still remember the magnificent heights to which he’d taken her when they’d made love. And tonight he expected her to accompany him to Lady Bladen’s ball. In fact, he hadn’t given her a choice in the matter.

  That meant she’d be alone with him for hours. That meant he’d expect her to dance the supper dance with him—a waltz—accompany him in to supper, and ride home with him in a closed carriage after hours of being in his arms. She reminded herself not to have more than two glasses of wine at the ball. Any more and she might become reckless. And who knew what might happen if she were reckless.

  She walked to the mirror over a vanity table and stared at her reflection. She hardly recognized the female staring back at her.

  Nellie had done a superb job arranging her hair, and the dress she’d selected for Amanda to wear was an exquisite shade of emerald green that went perfectly with her coloring. The style was very becoming, and the rich shade of the gown accented her golden hair to perfection. She felt quite elegant. What she didn’t feel was…

  …perfect.

  No matter how often she tried, she couldn’t imagine herself as Hadleigh’s perfect duchess. And she couldn’t imagine why he thought she might fit the part. If she were honest with herself, she couldn’t imagine why he’d taken such an interest in her that first night.

  For years he’d taken care to avoid her. All the while she and Celie had been inseparable, he’d treated her like the plague. Then, as if someone cast a spell over him, he suddenly took special note of her. Overnight, he assumed responsibility for her welfare. Assumed the role of her protector. And now he wanted to assume another roll. A more permanent roll. A roll she couldn’t allow herself to consider.

  A knock prevented her from taking that thought to another level. Nellie opened the door and Amanda’s breath caught. The man standing there was more handsome than any man had a right to be.

  “You look ravishing, my lady,” he said as he stepped into the room.

  “Then we will be like two matching bookends,” she answered, knowing that his assessment was more an exaggeration than fact.

  He laughed. “Yes, exactly. Two matching bookends. I like that comparison. Don’t you agree, Nellie?” he asked the blushing maid.

  “Oh, yes, Your Grace. That’s perfect,” she answered, then bobbed a curtsy and left the room.

  When they were alone, he closed the distance between them. “I brought you this,” he said, handing her a narrow box tied in a sheer red ribbon.

  She shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “It’s a gift. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that it’s not polite to refuse a gift from a suitor?”

  She finally held out her hand and he placed it in her palm. She held it for several seconds without moving.

  “Open it,” he said.
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br />   He wore a smile of expectancy, and his voice when he spoke was filled with hopeful anticipation.

  He wanted her to like it. He was waiting to see if she would.

  Amanda stood at her dressing table and slowly untied the ribbon, taking care not to ruin it. When the ribbon was gone, she opened the lid.

  She’d already decided she would like whatever Sterling gave her, but nothing had prepared her for this.

  Her eyes widened and a breath sucked in instead of rushing out.

  “Oh, Sterling,” she whispered, reverently touching the elegant necklace of brilliant emeralds and sparkling diamonds.

  “Do you like it?” he asked.

  It was the most remarkable gift she’d ever received. She nodded, then lifted her gaze to meet his. She didn’t understand why her emotions betrayed her so, but her eyes filled with moisture when she looked at him, and one traitorous tear spilled over her lashes. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  He stepped close and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “As beautiful as the woman wearing it.”

  He lifted the necklace from the box then turned her to place it around her neck. When it was securely in place, he turned her so she could see her reflection in the mirror.

  Their gazes locked in the looking glass. “Thank you,” she said. “It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.”

  The smile on his face spoke volumes. “I’m going to make a habit of showering you with gifts if I get such a reaction every time I give you something.”

  “You mustn’t make this a habit. I’ll refuse the next time.”

  “No you won’t,” he said on a laugh. “Because I’ll make sure you like every gift as much as you like this one.”

  Her cheeks darkened and she turned away from her reflection.

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked. “I can’t wait for everyone at Lady Bladen’s ball to see how beautiful you are.”

  She breathed a heavy sigh, hoping he’d realize his words were far from a reality, then placed her gloved hand on his arm.

  Barkley was waiting with her cloak, and Sterling’s cane, hat and gloves. When they were ready, they made their way to the waiting carriage.

  For the first time in her life, Amanda felt beautiful. But that was only because she was on the arm of the most handsome duke in the realm.

  . . .

  Sterling had been afraid Amanda would refuse his gift, and was pleased beyond words when she didn’t. Especially now. She drew the eyes of every guest at Lady Bladen’s ball.

  Amanda was radiant. She was the picture of grace and elegance, as if the gown she wore and the jewels around her neck transformed her into a different person. And from the looks the female segment of Lady Bladen’s gathering gave her, they noticed her, perhaps for the first time.

  “There are more guests here than usual,” he said as they made their way across the crowded floor.

  “No doubt because of the local crier,” she answered.

  “The local crier?”

  “Yes. Lady Remington and her daughter Frances. I told you when we met them in the park yesterday that before morning calls this morning everyone would know you intended to escort me to Lady Bladen’s ball. Obviously, no one wanted to miss the spectacle.”

  He looked into her face and tried to see what she thought of that. Her countenance was unreadable. “Do you mind?”

  “Oh, I’m elevated because of your attentions, Your Grace. Contrary to the turn in your standing.”

  “Do you really believe that?”

  She didn’t answer him, but shifted her gaze to the dance floor. “Would you care to dance, Your Grace? I need the practice.”

  Sterling took her in his arms and led her to the floor. He didn’t know if she realized the orchestra was playing a waltz, and if she’d suggested they dance because of what they were playing. Or if she’d suggested they dance to avoid having to answer his question. Whatever, he didn’t mind.

  He’d rather hold her in his arms while they danced, than talk.

  They made a turn around the dance floor, then another, and he was pleased to see how many in attendance focused on them. He wanted everyone to take note of who he was with. He wanted Amanda to get used to being with him.

  He pulled her closer than was probably acceptable for the remainder of the dance, then stepped with her out onto the terrace when the music stopped.

  “We shouldn’t be out here alone,” she said when they reached a secluded corner.

  “This is exactly where we should be. It’s much too crowded inside.”

  “Yes, but every pair of eyes has been focused on the two of us since we arrived. They’ll notice we left the ballroom.”

  “As well they should. Like you said earlier, we’re two very elegant, matching bookends.”

  “I don’t feel like a bookend right now. The way everyone is staring at me I feel as if my dress is torn and I’m the only person who doesn’t realize it.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “You have a remarkable sense of humor.”

  She took a step away from him so they weren’t quite as close. “You do, too, Your—”

  He cleared his throat.

  “You do, too, Sterling. You just forget to use it at times.” She lifted her gaze and smiled at him. “I remember how happy you were when you were younger.”

  “Before my father died, you mean?”

  “Yes. When you didn’t care quite so much what people thought of you. When the weight of your station wasn’t quite so heavy.”

  “That was a long time ago.”

  “It seems like it, doesn’t it?”

  He offered her his hand, then led her to a wrought-iron bench in the corner. She went willingly and he took that as a good sign.

  “Do you miss your sister as much as I do?” she asked when they were settled.

  Her question surprised him. Not that she asked it, but that she asked it now. Because for some reason, Cecelia had been on his mind all day.

  “I miss her more than I can explain. She’s the only family I have. I love her very much.”

  When Amanda didn’t comment, he continued. “I also know full well that I am to blame for her leaving. What I did was unconscionable.”

  She turned her head and looked at him. “Yes, it was. I could never understand how you could have been so fooled by Melisande. Or how you could have used Celie like you did.”

  “I didn’t think of what I was doing as using her. I was so intent on destroying Haywood, that I wasn’t thinking straight. I was so sure he was responsible for Melisande’s death that I’d have done anything to make him pay.”

  “But Celie loved Haywood.”

  “I know that now. But at the time, I couldn’t abide the thought of her marrying him. My hatred was too strong.”

  “That’s because you were always blind to Melisande’s faults.”

  “I live with regrets every day because of that.”

  “Do you ever think of her?”

  “Melisande?” He shook his head. “Only when I am plagued with a nightmare. My inability to see her true personality was a flaw in my character and destroyed everything I held dear. I will always suffer because of my weakness where she was concerned.”

  “It was hard for Celie to watch how enamored you were of Melisande, and not be able to do anything about it.”

  “And you?” he asked. “Was it difficult for you, too?”

  She hesitated a moment as if she needed the time to consider her answer. “Not difficult as much as frustrating. For such an intelligent man, you were unbelievably ignorant where Melisande was concerned.”

  He laughed. He couldn’t help it. Her honesty was amazing. Her truthfulness was like a cleansing wind that blew the fog of deceit and the unyielding stillness away, and left only clean air in its wake.

  “You are quite remarkable, Amanda.”

  Her gaze lowered. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I will explain it someday. In detail.”r />
  She lifted her head as if perhaps studying his face would give her insight to what he meant. But the tilt of her head provided a closer path for his lips to touch hers. And he didn’t waste the opportunity she’d given him.

  He lowered his head and kissed her.

  The emotions that erupted inside him were the same as always. Perhaps even stronger this time. He turned into her, then opened his mouth atop hers.

  Her kiss was hungry beneath his, eager and demanding and needy.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, experiencing a desire he was desperate to assuage.

  She pressed her hands to his chest.

  He was afraid she would push him away, but she didn’t. She moved her palms upward over his shoulders. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought herself as close to him as two people could possibly be. And yet, he wanted her closer. He wanted to make her a part of him like he’d done before.

  He wanted to take her to his bed and love her.

  “My, my,” a male voice said from behind them. “I do believe there’s some truth to the rumors flying through the ballroom.”

  Sterling lifted his lips from Amanda’s and held her a moment before he released her and rose to his feet. He stepped in front of her to shield her from the Earl of Marquit’s snide grin.

  “No need to shield the lovely lady. I’m the last person to cast stones.”

  Sterling knew that was probably true, but he didn’t want to expose Amanda to Marquit’s glare.

  “What rumors would those be?” he asked.

  “Rumors hinting that you and the beautiful Lady Amanda are quite serious in your feelings for each other.”

  “Is there a point to your comment?”

  “No, Your Grace. Other than from the scene I just witnessed, it might be prudent of you to make your intentions public. If the lady’s enthusiasm is any indication, I feel assured she will accept your suit.”

  Sterling took a step toward Marquit.

  Marquit’s hand went up in defense. “No insult intended, Hadleigh. Just an observation.”

  “What do you need, Marquit?”

  “A private word, if I may.”

  Sterling crossed his arms over his chest and waited. Marquit didn’t make him wait long.