Taming the Duke

by Jackie Manning

  “‘I don’t have to tell you, old chap, what thoughts are going through my mind while waiting for news of my commission. With luck, I’ll be leaving before next week to take part in Wellington’s expeditionary forces in Portugal. As I wait, I can’t help but think of you and that lovely wife you don’t deserve, living in the peace and quiet of Havencrest.’”

  “Poor Justin. What a brave thing to do—help fight against Napoleon.” She was aware of the surprise in her voice. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Please keep reading,” she said.

  “‘I think you know how lucky you are, Dalton, and when the war is over and if I return to England in one piece, I might look for a country estate and settle down with a wife, too. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, old chap. A rake such as myself could never settle for one woman. But I’ve felt a touch of envy while watching you with your bride. You have something very precious, old chap. Give your bride a kiss for me. Tell her that you’re one lucky man to have married her.’” Dalton’s voice broke off.

  “I can’t imagine Justin Sykes as the sedate country gentleman, can you, Dalton?” she laughed.

  “No, but I’d wager that many have said the same about me. That is, those who have never met you, my dear.” His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “Justin is completely smitten with you, Alicia. That I do know.”

  She blushed. “Strange, I never would have thought that I would care to see Justin Sykes again, but the little I saw of him, I realized he can be quite charming.”

  Dalton smiled. “All rakes are charming, my dear.”

  “Yes, I know. I married one.”

  “Touché.” His rich laughter joined hers. “I think Justin might appreciate a cheery note from you. I think you’re a good influence on him, and your letters will help keep up his spirits during the campaign.”

  “I’ll write him.”

  He kissed the top of her head as he slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. She could feel another envelope inside his jacket. He watched her, grinning, as she found the letter and snatched it from his inside pocket.

  “It’s from your mother!” Alicia felt a thrill of excitement. “I hope she’s accepted our invitation.”

  Dalton looked pleased even though he had warned her not to expect a cordial reply.

  “I thought you might enjoy opening it.”

  She shot him an I-told-you-so smile as she withdrew the sheet of expensive, cream-colored stationary. “It’s a very terse note, but a note just the same.”

  Alicia’s smile faded. Dalton read the note over her shoulder. He let out a loud audible breath. When he looked up, his blue eyes blazed. “My mother is getting married.”

  Alicia took a deep breath. “Yes, she’s marrying Lord Templestone!” The tall, strikingly handsome man who had been the dowager’s constant companion came to mind. Although she had no reason, Alicia had disliked the man. Perhaps it had been the strain between Dalton and Templestone that she’d sensed. Whatever it was, she always trusted her feelings. “I see that you’re not pleased, Dalton?”

  “It’s none of my business whom my mother marries,” he said, walking to the fireplace. He paced back and forth, and Alicia could see that he was more than a little concerned.

  “How well do you know Lord Templestone?” she asked.

  “Well enough to know his first two marriages were with rich, older women.”

  She gasped. “Are you implying—”

  “I’m merely stating facts.”

  Despite Dalton’s denial, Alicia knew he was worried. “Perhaps you’d like to speak to your mother?”

  Dalton huffed. “My mother has never listened to logic.” He picked up the letter again. “She’s inviting us to a dinner at Templestone’s London town house in several weeks.” He lifted a brow. “I suggest we decline.”

  Alicia fought back the unpleasantness of declining any family social engagement, although it was quite obvious Dalton had been correct about his mother—she wouldn’t even honor Alicia with a refusal to Dalton’s birthday celebration.

  As though reading her thoughts, Dalton moved to her side. “Don’t be sad. I can think of much better ways to spend an evening.” His eyes flashed wickedly, and she tried desperately to look disapproving, but she couldn’t.

  “What excuse will you offer your mother?”

  Without warning, he cupped her chin, gently drawing her face to his. “I’ll tell her that we’re still on our honeymoon.”

  Her knees felt weak when he looked at her with such tender desire. He brought his lips down against hers. Her heart pounded as his mouth became more demanding. Passion heated within her as her arms wound around his neck and she surrendered to him.

  “Oh, Alicia, how I want you,” he said, his arms encircling her waist.

  Her eyes fluttered shut. You desire me, but you can’t find it in your heart to say you love me. She pushed the thought from her mind. It didn’t matter, she told herself. He wanted her, and for now, that was enough.

  It was nearly 3:00 p.m. when Inspector Leary arrived from London. Seated beside Dalton on the gold brocade sofa in the drawing room, Alicia studied the dignified, bespectacled man. Probably in his early fifties, he was solidly built. She wondered if his full gray beard might hide a double chin. He pulled an official-looking paper from his portfolio.

  “On my last visit,” Leary said, “you instructed me to quietly arrange for you to underwrite the loan your brother-in-law was seeking.” He glanced up, his gray eyes the same shade as his beard. “You’ll be relieved to learn that my men have discovered why he required such a large sum of money.”

  Surprised, Alicia turned to Dalton. “Why would you probe into Robert’s personal finances?” she whispered.

  “The inspector is looking into anything unusual, my dear. Robert was seeking large loans. He even mortgaged the family estate in Surrey, which was part of Olivia’s dowry.”

  “Dalton,” she said, bristling with indignation, “the idea that Robert was suspected of wrongdoing is simply shocking.”

  “Your ladyship, a serious investigator can leave no stone unturned,” Leary added in defense. “I’m happy to report that our suspicions were groundless.” His mouth twitched. “As you can see by my report, your brother-in-law used the money to buy shares in the White Dove, a trading vessel loaded with sugarcane. Last week, the ship sailed into port, safe and sound. Today, he’s a wealthy man.”

  Dalton’s gaze swept over the document. “I’d never take Robert for a gambling man, but this long shot certainly paid off.” His vibrant blue eyes danced. “I’m happy for him and Olivia.”

  “You must admit, your grace, that his attempt to borrow large sums looked suspicious. In fact, the reputable money lenders had already turned him down. If it hadn’t been for your guaranteed note to back your brother-in-law’s loan, he might never have found a banker.”

  “And my backing will be kept confidential, Inspector,” Dalton demanded.

  Alicia felt a rush of admiration for her husband. Although he had no idea why Robert needed the money, Dalton had put his faith in Robert to back his loan.

  “What’s important is that you no longer suspect Robert,” Dalton said with finality. His eyes fixed with hers, and he gently squeezed her hand. “The inspector is right, Alicia. It may seem ruthless, but being meticulously thorough is why this gentleman runs the best agency on Bow Street.”

  The inspector’s face flushed with the compliment. “Why, thank you, your grace.”

  Alicia leaned forward. “Who else is on your list of suspects, Inspector?”

  He drew another paper from the portfolio. “We cannot dismiss Ulger, the stable master.”

  Alicia bolted upright. “Certainly not Ulger!”

  Dalton clasped her fingers in his warm hand as though to reassure her. “What makes you think so, Inspector?”

  “It’s been rumored that Ulger hasn’t taken too kindly to your wife being put in charge of Bashshar’s care. The locals at the tavern have teased him rather harshly, in f
act.”

  Dalton grimaced. “Ulger comes from a long line of stable handlers. He’s one of the best horsemen I know. Before my wife arrived, I discussed the matter with him. Ulger showed no resentment that Lady Alicia would remain to help the horse.”

  “Perhaps Ulger wouldn’t have confided his true feelings, your grace,” Leary pointed out.

  Dalton shook his head. “I know the man, Inspector. He’s a good soul.”

  Alicia listened, relieved that Dalton confirmed her feelings about Ulger. Although she didn’t know the man as well as Dalton, she felt Ulger was trustworthy. Besides, she had watched him with his son, Penn. She trusted her intuition completely.

  She also realized that beneath her husband’s aloofness was a man who cared deeply for others. And with all of Dalton’s ducal responsibilities, no matter seemed too trivial if he could help.

  Inspector Leary grunted. “Nevertheless, it’s in your best interest that my men watch him.” He sent a piercing glance at Alicia then Dalton. “Rumor at the pub is that your ladyship has cured Bashshar. Although you’ve said he’s loyal, Ulger, who considers himself a horse expert, might not take kindly to be usurped by a woman.”

  Leary peered over his eyeglasses as he continued. “As you know, your grace, the past two shootings have occurred in broad daylight with only servants about. It’s unfortunate to think one of your staff might be capable of such a contemptible act, but to be blind to that fact might put you both in extreme peril.”

  Alicia could feel Dalton tense. He leaned forward, his jaw muscle clenched. “I want my wife to be aware of the facts, Inspector. But I won’t have her frightened needlessly.” His tone brooked no argument.

  Leary pushed his spectacles up to the bridge of his nose. “Forgive me, your ladyship.”

  “I understand,” Alicia said. “You’re only doing your job.”

  Dalton leaned back and stretched his long legs. “What about Elizabeth? Her family’s estate borders Havencrest. Surely she is on your list of suspects?”

  “At the time, Lady Elizabeth was on her honeymoon in Vienna.” At Dalton’s surprise, the inspector’s eyes widened. “Surely you knew she recently married Lord Rothbury?”

  Dalton glanced at Alicia. “No, I’ve not bothered to read the society pages of late.”

  The memory of Elizabeth taking a whip to Bashshar flashed in Alicia’s mind. Thank goodness Elizabeth was out of the country. Alicia knew it would be a long time before Elizabeth’s fury against them would die down, if it ever could.

  “I’ve ruled out members of their family, too,” the older man said. “Lady Elizabeth’s parents have been on the continent for most of the year, and her brother has not left the university in Cambridge.”

  Dalton shook his head. “Frankly, Inspector, I don’t think we have any strong leads. Maybe we should hire more men.”

  “We have every available man on the case, your grace. Although it’s unpleasant to think the shooter might be one of your servants, all clues point that way.”

  “You mean because it would be difficult for a stranger to do the act and not be seen?” Alicia asked.

  He nodded. “Consider the most recent shooting. That morning, all the servants knew you were having a picnic. Whoever shot at you had little time to prepare, yet he was in position, ready to strike with little more than a few hours of notice.”

  “Put some of your men within my staff,” Dalton suggested.

  The inspector smiled. “That’s what I was about to suggest.”

  Dalton shrugged. “See my steward. He takes care of all that.

  Leary nodded. “I’d also like to stake several of my men in the gamekeepers’ cottages throughout the estate.”

  “Do whatever is necessary,” Dalton said, obviously perturbed. “Have you found out any more about Templestone? My mother is planning to marry him.”

  Leary raised a brow. “Really? I wonder if that might account for the large transfers of funds from your mother’s bank account to Templestone’s.”

  Dalton uncrossed his legs and leaned closer. “How large?”

  The inspector shuffled in his leather folder and pulled out another draft. “Here are the figures, your grace.”

  Dalton glanced at the sheet and whistled. “Good God, she’s given the man a fortune!”

  “Then you have no idea if it was a loan?”

  “No, and I’m damned curious. My mother has never been of a generous nature. If Templestone needed a loan, she would probably tell him to seek out a money lender.”

  The inspector leveled his gaze at Dalton. “Please forgive me, your grace, but is it possible your mother was paying him back on a previously held note?”

  He huffed. “Hardly. My mother receives a generous allowance from me. She’d have no reason to borrow funds.”

  Leary nodded silently. “Then that leaves one of two options. Do you think Templestone sold her something—a painting, a work of art—or acted as a broker for such a purchase?”

  “My mother isn’t the extravagant type—her art purchases are as an investment, not as a connoisseur.”

  Alicia watched as the inspector paused, as though choosing his words very carefully. “That leaves one other possibility.”

  Dalton looked skeptical. “And that is…?”

  Leary straightened in his chair. “Blackmail.”

  “Blackmail?” Dalton almost shouted the word. “Don’t be ridiculous, Leary!”

  “I’ve offered the four obvious reasons for the large drafts that your mother deposited to Templestone’s account, your grace.”

  He rose from the chair, gathering his papers and returning the documents to his portfolio. “I shall return within a fortnight with my next report. Perhaps by then you and your ladyship will have thought of something.”

  A soft rap sounded at the door, then the butler entered. “Your sister, Lady Olivia, has arrived, your grace.”

  Alicia rose. “I’ll see her in the drawing room, James.” She glanced at Dalton, who was still seated, a serious look on his face. “That is, if my presence here is no longer needed.”

  “Of course, my dear,” Dalton said, his mind obviously distracted. “I’ll be along shortly.”

  After Alicia had left the room, Dalton turned to Inspector Leary. “I’ll look forward to your next report, but in the meantime, I want you to find someone close to Templestone—a servant, a mistress, anyone—who might know him intimately, and who can be persuaded to spill a few secrets.”

  “Persuaded, your grace?”

  “Persuaded. Bribed. Whatever you want to call it. But I want to know exactly what he’s about. Money is no object.”

  Leary nodded. “Of course, your grace.”

  After the inspector left, Dalton strode to the sideboard and poured himself a shot of whiskey, then drained the glass.

  Something Alicia had said earlier echoed in his brain.

  I know this sounds strange, Dalton, but I sense that beneath your mother’s pride, she’s burdened by something so painful, so hurtful, that it has almost destroyed her.

  He laid the empty glass down on the sideboard. Could that remarkably intuitive woman whom he married be right? Could his mother carry a secret from her past, and was Templestone blackmailing her?

  By the time Alicia arrived at the front hall, Olivia was waiting for her with outstretched arms. Beside her stood the nanny holding the sleeping baby, Drake. Marie and several other maids were chattering as they removed their wraps.

  Olivia, dressed in a royal-purple traveling gown and matching mantle trimmed with silver-grey fox, looked lovely. “Alicia, my dear. I see marriage agrees with you. You’re looking especially well.”

  Alicia smiled, overjoyed to see her. “I’m so glad you could come. My, how little Drake has grown.”

  “Robert will be joining us in a while. He wanted to speak to the head gardener in the greenhouse.” She laughed. “My husband is wildly interested in growing pineapples.” She rolled her eyes. “Besides, we have exciting news to share
with you.”

  Alicia guessed that Olivia’s news was Robert’s good fortune in the commodities market. “Dalton will be along. Let’s wait for him in the drawing room.”

  Olivia instructed the nanny to put the baby to bed in the nursery while Alicia ordered tea. A few minutes later, Alicia was settled with Olivia when Dalton entered the room.

  He greeted his sister. “Where’s Robert? I was hoping he would join us.”

  Olivia glanced up at him. “He’ll be here soon, Brother. We’ve just come from London where he’s concluded an exciting venture, which he’ll tell you all about.” She leaned back and studied her brother. “My, Dalton. I’ve never seen you look more dashing. Apparently married life agrees with you.”

  He bowed elegantly to his wife. “I owe all my dash to my lovely bride,” he said with a chuckle.

  Alicia blushed. “Have you heard from your mother? We’ve just received her news.”

  “What news?” She looked up at her brother.

  Dalton sobered by the mention of his mother. “We received word that she and Templestone are getting married.”

  Olivia gasped. “Married?” She glanced from Dalton to Alicia. “There must be some mistake. Mother would never marry that scoundrel.”

  Dalton sat on the arm of Alicia’s chair. “I’m afraid there’s no mistake, Sister.”

  “But last week in London, I saw something that would tell otherwise. I had just entered a small shop on Bond Street when I overheard an argument. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Mother and Templestone quarreling. In public, mind you!” Olivia touched the brooch at her throat. “At first they didn’t see me. I heard Templestone call out, ‘We’ll see about that!’, and storm out of the shop. Poor Mother’s face turned crimson. She just stood there, staring at the door. I was afraid to move from behind the potted palm, hoping she might leave without seeing me.” Olivia’s eyes brightened. “But before she left, she glanced around, and our eyes met….” Olivia’s gaze fell to her lap. “She looked at me with horror. Our mother, so regal, so proud.” She shook her head. “I tried to think of something, but before I could get a word out, she fled, almost running from the shop.”