Taming the Duke

by Jackie Manning

  “Where’s Father?” Alicia asked, hoping to divert her mother’s attention. She looked out the door as the grooms carried trunk after trunk into the hall. Ives stood and directed several servants to carry the luggage to the proper quarters.

  Alicia’s mother brushed a kiss to Alicia’s cheek. “Your father wanted to oversee the grooms as they took Jupiter into the stable, dear.”

  Alicia took a quick breath. “What a lovely surprise to see that you brought Jupiter. I can hardly wait to see him.”

  Little Lyssa tugged on her arm. “Let’s go now,” she pleaded, her eyes wide.

  “We’ll go later, I promise,” Alicia said, wiping a strand of blond hair from the child’s face. “First, I want to go with you when the maid shows you to your rooms. Then you can freshen up before dinner is served.”

  Alicia went ahead with her sisters while a maid took their mother to her quarters. In just the few weeks since she had last seen the girls, Alicia thought her sisters had grown several inches taller. A strange sadness wound around her heart. So much was happening, and all too quickly.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to be in the wedding,” Lyssa said, holding the skirt of her new pink dress out and twirling in circles in the hallway. “Can I be a bride, too?”

  “Lyssa, act your age,” Kimbra ordered, more for the attention of the two young grooms who were lugging an overly large trunk up the staircase.

  Lyssa stuck out her tongue, but thankfully, remained quiet.

  Alicia wondered how Dalton would take to her sisters’ high jinks, then she reminded herself that her family would be staying only for two days. At least her family had agreed to come. There would be very few wedding guests. The only members of Dalton’s family would be Olivia and her husband, Robert.

  “Where is the duke?” Kimbra asked when they arrived at the suite of rooms Alicia had picked out for her sisters. Kimbra’s eyes widened with amazement as she glanced inside the opulent suite.

  “Dalton hopes to join us at dinner,” she said, wondering where he was. She hadn’t seen him since dinner last night, but she didn’t want to say so.

  “Several maids will be up shortly to unpack and help you dress for dinner. Be sure to ask the groom at the end of the hall to escort you around.” Alicia wagged a finger at her sisters. “Promise me you won’t go wandering off by yourselves.”

  Lyssa’s smile flashed mischievously, as though she thought the idea might be great fun. Kimbra gave a more knowing look. “Fear not, Sister. We won’t embarrass you. We’ll leave that task to Father.”

  Alicia hoped Kimbra was trying to be amusing. “Dinner will be in two hours.” She closed the door and went down the corridor to the last suite.

  The door to her parents’ suite was ajar. She peeked in to see her mother lying on the bed, eyes closed.

  “Mum, are you overly fatigued from the journey?” Alicia said, coming beside her.

  “No, dear. I thought I’d lie here and collect myself.” She lifted one hand from her forehead and studied her. “La, I can see straight through your gown, Alicia.” She sat up, her eyes wide. “You’re not wearing a petticoat!”

  “Olivia says that this is the latest Paris fashion, Mother.”

  “What does Olivia know? I’ll not have my daughters—” Her voice faded, then she smiled. “Oh, Alicia. You’re not my little girl any more. I have no right to tell you what to wear.”

  Alicia drew her into an embrace. “No matter how old I become, Mum, you’ll always be my mother, and I’ll always love you.”

  “I know that, dear.” Her mother patted her hand as she studied her. “Alicia, so much has happened so quickly. Are you certain that you’ll be happy here?”

  Alicia looked away. “Who wouldn’t be happy at Havencrest? If not, there are the other properties. The town house in London, the castle in Scotland—”

  “You know what I mean, Alicia.” She paused, as though waiting for Alicia to say exactly the right thing to ease the older woman’s mind, as she so often did in the past.

  After a lengthy silence, Alicia nodded. “Yes, Mum, I’ll be happy. Very happy.” No need to trouble her mother with her fears.

  “I’m so glad, my dear. Because of your marriage, Kimbra and Lyssa will have the many things I’ve always wanted for you.”

  “I’ll have everything money can buy,” Alicia said as she plumped the pillows behind her mother’s head. Everything but love.

  “Dalton’s sister and her husband will be here for the wedding,” Alicia said brightly, hoping she sounded more cheerful than she felt. She thought of the invitation she so hastily had given to Dalton’s mother, but the dowager had left, as expected. There was no doubt she would shun her son’s wedding as she said she would.

  “Dalton has one other guest—the groomsman. It will be a small wedding.” She thought it best not to mention to her mother that Dalton insisted that his best friend, Justin Sykes be his groomsman. The idea had surprised Alicia, but most of what Dalton did surprised her. Besides, Dalton had done so much for her, she could at least hold her tongue about Sykes.

  “Mother, are you certain nothing is bothering you?”

  “Well, I don’t wish to be indelicate, my dear, but…I’ve overexpensed a few bills with your sisters’ new gowns, and wedding gifts, and…I was wondering if you might…take care of the draper’s bills and the livery bill.”

  “B—but I thought Dalton had…” Alicia knew her mother knew nothing of money. “I mean, I thought Dalton had offered to pay for your expenses in coming here.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’ve not seen a penny, my dear.”

  Alicia covered her frustration. No doubt her father hadn’t told his wife the generous pension Dalton had provided them.

  “Very well, Mum. When you have time, bring me the bills and I’ll arrange to have them paid.”

  Her mother’s relieved smile brought an immediate sense of satisfaction. For the first time in Alicia’s life, she could easily manage what, in the past, had been a grievous problem—her family’s finances. Now, their future would be secure.

  “Rest now, Mum. You’ll have time for a nap before dinner. Don’t worry about the girls. I’ll see that Lyssa and Kimbra are properly dressed for dinner.”

  “Thank you, darling Daughter.”

  Alicia closed the door gently, then crossed the hall to the large suite at the end of the wing. Before she reached the door, a groom bustled toward her.

  “My lady, your father is waiting for you in the library. He asks to see you directly.”

  “Thank you. Do you know if his lordship has arrived?”

  “Yes, my lady. He’s downstairs with your father.”

  “Oh.” A shiver of unease slid through her as she headed for the stairs.

  She could hear raised voices from the room at the end of the hall before she approached the closed doors. She rapped on the solid wood, then boldly opened the door.

  Conversation stopped as she entered the room. Dalton stood by the window, arms crossed, his dark features emotionless. Her father leaned against the white marble mantel, his ruddy cheeks flustered. His angry face stilled when his gaze met hers, and a wide smile broke across his face.

  “Hounds of Jericho! Look at my girl! Pretty as the first buds of springtime.”

  She ran to his open arms. “Father, I’m so glad to see you.”

  He released her and stepped back. “That’s more than your future has to say.” His voice was a low, angry growl.

  Alicia recognized her father’s disrespect by referring to Dalton as her future. She gave Dalton a helpless look. “Is there a disagreement, Dalton?”

  Dalton’s mouth twisted in what she thought might be amusement beneath his icy demeanor. “It seems your father has brought your stallion from Marston Heath.”

  “Yes, I saw Jupiter from the window.” She whirled to face her father. “It’s so thoughtful of you. I was worried about his training. Besides, I’ve missed him so.” She gave her father a qui
ck hug.

  Dalton’s mouth twitched. “Seems your father thought I might like to purchase Jupiter as a wedding present for you.”

  Alicia stared at her father. “Why, that’s ridiculous. You know I own Jupiter. I’ve raised him from a foal.”

  “Leave us, Daughter,” her father demanded. He scowled at Dalton. “This is between you and me, Wexton. Women have no place in business.”

  “I’m sorry, Father, but it is I who wish to speak to you privately.” She turned to Dalton, whose expression had now turned to utter boredom. “If you would be so kind, Dalton, as to permit me this one request.”

  Dalton glanced at the father, then the daughter. “There’s no need for privacy between family members, which is exactly what we shall be in less than a day.” He smiled lazily. “I have no need of another horse, especially a stallion, Lord Spencer. However, since Jupiter is not one of your carriage horses, and because he is a stallion, he must be boarded away from my other horses. I must charge you stabling fees for your time here. Of course, the charge will graciously include feed, water, quartering and all the various animal handlers’ payments, plus tips included.” Dalton’s smile was dazzling. “Four hundred pounds should cover your stay, I’d say.”

  “Four hundred—!” Alicia’s father’s jaw fell as he realized what Dalton had done. His mouth snapped shut as his ruddy face darkened against the shock of black hair. “Very well, Wexton. I’ll give you the horse, but you can be sure it’s only because of my concern for my darling daughter. Oh, how she loves that horse.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Alicia said. Her eyes fixed with Dalton’s and she recognized that mischievous twinkle in his. She smiled her thanks to him, and was rewarded by a wink.

  “Father, you must be tired. I’ll have a servant show you to your rooms.”

  “Thank you, girl. I am rather.” Without a glance back at Dalton, her father trudged to the door where a groom waited. When the door closed, she came to stand beside Dalton.

  “I don’t know how to thank you.” She smiled, a torrent of conflicting emotions welling inside her. “You have no idea how I despise my father’s attempts to take money from you. I find it so ungracious of him, especially with your heartfelt generosity.”

  “I’m only concerned with what makes you happy.” He brushed a hand along her hair, capturing a curl in his fingers.

  She noticed a change in his mood as he studied the way her hair coiled between his thumb and forefinger. “I know that,” she said, fascinated as his heated gaze took in her mouth, her neck, and lingered on the sight of her breasts straining against the willow-green silk.

  Under his intense scrutiny, she felt her breasts tingle as the nipples puckered against the taut fabric. After tonight, she would be his, and there would be no stopping what she saw in that intense blue gaze.

  She didn’t have to look at him to know he was thinking the same thing. Try as she might, she couldn’t turn away. He wanted to kiss her, and she realized how much she wanted that, too.

  She tipped her chin up, parted her lips, and fluttered her lids shut, waiting. He was mere inches from her. She could feel his heat, smell his masculine scent. She would know him anywhere—the subtle sandalwood, brandy and trace of tobacco.

  For what seemed like an eternity, she waited, the fleeting moments spanning between them. She reached out and slid her fingers across his square, beard-shadowed jaw. Then his lips took hers, as though waiting for her beckoning gesture. With a sigh, she gave in to the feelings that had consumed her for so long. Her fingers slid through his inky black hair as he deepened the kiss.

  She pulled back as her eyelids drifted open. He was smiling, as though thrilled that she wanted him. His devilishly smug smile would drive a courtesan to blush.

  Her cheeks flamed, but she forced her lips to lift into a confident grin that was an exact mockery of his expression.

  “You’re really quite adorable, my darling.” His eyes fixed with hers. “And I find that I’m eagerly looking forward to our wedding day, tomorrow.”

  “So am I,” she said, managing to give him a confident smile. She hoped he didn’t notice that behind her back, she had crossed all her fingers.

  Chapter Twelve

  That evening after dinner, Dalton and the other men retired to the game room for billiards and cards. Olivia and Alicia’s mother were chatting in the nursery with Lyssa and baby Drake. Alicia had changed into a day gown to check on Bashshar for the night. When she passed the library, Kimbra caught up with her.

  “Mind if I go with you?” Kimbra’s large brown eyes, so much like her own, pleaded up at her.

  “I’d love your company,” Alicia said, sensing there was something on her sister’s mind. How many times in the past had Alicia listened to Kimbra’s problems, then helped guide her younger sister to work out the solution for herself? If only grown-up problems were as simple.

  “Maybe we could just talk and go to the stable later?” Kimbra suggested.

  Alicia had guessed correctly. “Of course, my dear.” She glanced at the open library door. “Let’s go inside. No one will bother us here.”

  Inside the library, the pleasant smells of wood smoke from the fireplace, old leather from the bound volumes lining the walls and beeswax from the servants’ polishing rushed at them. Kimbra curled up on the red velvet love seat in front of the marble hearth while Alicia lit the lamp on the side table. The small fire in the grate crackled cheerfully, chasing away the night dampness.

  Kimbra smiled self-consciously when Alicia sat beside her. She ran her fingers through the younger girl’s chestnut curls, waiting for her sister to begin. After a few silent minutes, Alicia asked, “How does it feel to have a duchess for a sister?”

  Kimbra grinned. “I don’t know. Ask me tomorrow after the wedding.”

  Alicia made a face. “Very well. You ask me a question.”

  Kimbra’s smile faded and she absently traced the stitching along her gown. “Do you want to marry Dalton?”

  Alicia’s soft laugh covered her nervousness. “Why, what would make you ask such a thing?”

  Kimbra’s solemn gaze brought a tug of guilt to Alicia. The child only wanted to be reassured that her older sister wasn’t sacrificing herself for her family. An honest question deserved an honest reply.

  Alicia gazed into the fire, and she realized the truth. “Yes, I really do, Kimbra. I’m not entering into a marriage I find distasteful.”

  Kimbra folded her arm behind her head and studied her. “Father said that you were selling yourself.”

  Alicia gasped. She felt her cheeks flame. “Well, that’s not true!” She paused a moment to settle herself. “Dalton and I have agreed to a marriage of convenience. It’s quite practical, and I consider myself lucky to have been asked to be his bride.”

  Kimbra’s eyes widened. “What do you have to do as Dalton’s wife?”

  Rubbing her palms nervously over the folds of her gown, Alicia glanced at her sister. “I’ll play my role as Dalton’s wife. I’ll have his children, see that they’re properly raised, look after the households. After I bear a son, I’ll be free to lead my own life, to come and go as I please. I’ll be allowed to return to live at Marston Heath if I choose.” She watched Kimbra’s eyes widen in surprise.

  “Don’t you want to live at Havencrest?”

  Alicia floundered for an acceptable answer. “Yes, but I want to live at Marston Heath, too.” She forced a smile. “Meanwhile, I’ll visit you often.” She patted Kimbra’s knee. “And you can come and visit me, too.

  “Besides,” Alicia continued, hoping to change the subject. “It’s not too early to begin your piano and singing lessons. I’ll hire a dancing master, then when you’re ten and six, you’ll have your coming out in London.” Her spirits lifted with her plans. “You’ll be so lovely every man will fall hopelessly in love with you.”

  Kimbra’s proper demeanor collapsed into giggles. “How will I know which man to marry?”

  Alicia laughed, then she
hesitated, suddenly serious. She thought of the first time she saw Dalton. “You’ll know.”

  Kimbra’s brow creased. “But how? That’s what I want to know, Alicia. How did you know the duke was the man you should marry?”

  Alicia’s throat tightened. Of course Dalton was the man she should marry, but how could she explain her feelings when she didn’t know why herself? But she knew she loved the man who lived beneath that mask of indifference.

  “When I’m with Dalton and we’re working together with his stallion, it’s as if we’re of one mind. I can almost sense what he’s thinking.” She smiled, feeling the wonderment again. “Sometimes, I find him looking at me in that certain way, and I know he feels the same way, too.

  “He’s so incredibly gentle at times. He cares for others—whether it’s the servants, or his sister, or…me, he can be kind and protective.

  “Other times, I feel I can see inside his soul, and what I see almost breaks my heart—the loneliness, the pain that he keeps bottled inside himself.”

  Alicia blushed, suddenly self-conscious. She gave a sidelong look at Kimbra. “I know it’s hard for you to understand—”

  “But I think I do.” Kimbra curled her arm around her knee. “You’ve always healed our pets, the horses, the other animals with your love. Maybe you can heal the duke, too.”

  Now it was Alicia’s turn to be surprised at Kimbra’s grown-up insight. “I’d like to try,” she replied.

  Kimbra pursed her mouth. “That’s who I will marry—a man who can look into my soul and promise to love me forever.” She looked at Alicia and blushed. “Or who will threaten to fall upon his sword unless I become his bride.”

  Alicia rolled her eyes. “And Dalton and I will dance at your wedding, Sister.” Her chuckle was joined by her sister’s giggles.

  Alicia stretched, feeling a sense of relief. “Are you ready to go with me to the stables?”

  Kimbra stood up and yawned. “No, I think I’ll join Mother and Lady Olivia in the nursery. Dalton’s sister promised to show me the latest drawings of what is fashionable in London.”