Taming the Duke

by Jackie Manning

  Olivia stared at her. “Is this some sort of cruel joke?”

  “It’s true, Sister.” He leaned in his chair and stared at the three of them. “Mother and George were lovers.”

  “No! You’re wrong.” Olivia shook off Robert’s hand and stepped back. “Who would dare tell you such a lie?”

  Dalton met her challenge. “Mother told me.”

  “I don’t believe you!”

  “Dalton doesn’t want to hurt you, dear. You must know for your own protection.” Alicia’s warning caused Olivia to falter.

  “What do you mean?” Olivia snapped at Dalton.

  “Templestone found out the truth and was blackmailing Mother.” Dalton’s voice held none of the heartbroken emotion he felt. “Not satisfied, he insisted Mother marry him. She accepted to keep her secret safe.”

  Tears welled in Olivia’s eyes. “How long have you known?”

  Dalton felt a new stab of anguish. “I’ve known since I found them together when I was a lad.”

  “And that’s why…?” The truth hung heavily in the air. Olivia’s expression hardened. “Did Drake know?”

  Dalton shook his head. “I never told a soul except…Alicia.” He was awash in pain as he remembered their newfound closeness he’d felt when he confided the secret. Alicia had appeared so sympathetic. He glanced at her now, her lovely face concerned for his sister. Damn, she was the perfect actress!

  “Olivia,” Alicia said softly. “Your mother must be grief-stricken by this. We can’t judge that which we do not know.”

  Dalton bit back a bitter huff of laughter.

  “I still can’t believe it!” Olivia shook her head, then put her head on Robert’s shoulder and sobbed.

  Anger and betrayal crushed down upon him again, like an icy ocean wave.

  “No wonder you treated her with such disdain,” Olivia said bitterly. “I never want to see Mother again.”

  “Your mother loves you, Olivia.” Alicia pulled a folded lace square from her pocket and gave the handkerchief to Olivia. “Imagine how hard it must have been to live with this horrible secret.”

  “I hope she was miserable!” Olivia muttered.

  “Try not to judge her, my dear,” Alicia said, putting her arm around her. “It will only make you bitter.”

  Dalton couldn’t stand another minute of this. Did Alicia expect that he should look the other way, too? Forgive her trespass with his best friend?

  “I think you need time alone, Sister.” Dalton strode to the door. Before he opened it, he turned to his wife. “I’d like to speak to you, privately Alicia. Immediately.”

  Alicia glanced at Robert. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  Robert nodded, enfolding his sobbing wife in his arms.

  “I have something I wish to discuss with you, too,” Alicia said when she came beside Dalton in the hallway. Her fingers brushed his hand, but he pretended not to notice.

  “We’ll have privacy in the bedroom.” He hurried up the stairs and strode to their suite without waiting for her.

  “Dalton, what is it?” she said when she entered their room. “Is there something else you’re not telling me about Olivia?”

  “No,” he said, rounding on her. “Not about my sister, anyway.” He inwardly tensed. “I know about you and Justin. You kissed him, right in my own town house.”

  Her face froze. “What are you talking about?”

  Dalton felt a cold rage squeeze his heart. He expected denial, or a hysterical protestation. But he hadn’t been prepared for the anguished look of her sweet innocence.

  “I was there. I came in just before he left, but I saw enough—”

  “Dalton, you don’t understand. Please sit down while I—”

  “I think it’s you who doesn’t understand.” He felt the hammer of betrayal pound on him, again and again, just as he had those many years ago, after having found his mother with her lover. “I’ll not play my father’s role. I want you gone. Our marriage contract is finished, as far as I’m concerned.”

  Alicia grabbed his sleeve. “I hurried from London because I missed you, Dalton.”

  “You left London because Justin was leaving the city.”

  Ignoring him, she spoke over his words. “I couldn’t wait to see you because—” she took a shaky breath “—I’m pregnant.” She shivered under his glare. “We’re going to have a child.”

  Dalton clenched his jaw. “Do you know who the father is?”

  Alicia gasped and reached for the wall to steady herself.

  He felt sick to his stomach. Dear God, he felt like he’d struck her! He turned and left the room while he still could.

  Dalton left Havencrest that night and did not return. Alicia had planned to pack and leave for Marston Heath, but she was afraid to leave Olivia. In her heart, Alicia had hoped Dalton might return, but on the third day, she knew that wasn’t going to happen. The morning of the fourth day, Olivia finally agreed to leave her room and accept Alicia’s offer to stroll in the garden.

  Rufus dashed ahead, barking after a squirrel. Alicia drew her shawl about her shoulders and stared at the heavy grey clouds overhead. “I hope it doesn’t rain again.”

  “I know. Everything is so gloomy.” Olivia snipped at the spent dahlia heads along the flower border. “I thought I might take your advice and try writing a letter to Mother.” She gave Alicia a sidelong look. “Will you help me compose it?”

  Alicia smiled. “Of course. Your mother would like that.” She shivered with the morning chill. “She probably has no one to confide in. She must be lonely.” Although she spoke of the dowager, it was Dalton who was in her thoughts. Where was he?

  Olivia shook her head and gazed at Alicia in wonder. “How can you be so forgiving? You, of all people. When I think how miserably Mother treated you.”

  Alicia felt a sting of hurt. “I’m not noble. But I believe that we should try to understand before we judge. With understanding comes forgiveness. And forgiveness can be the beginning of healing.” She turned to look at her sister-in-law. “Not every woman is as lucky as you, Olivia. You’ve married the man you love, and Robert is devoted to you.” The words caught in her throat as she thought of her own marriage.

  “Alicia, I know my brother loves you.” Her blue eyes darkened. “He’s behaving like such a fool.”

  A fool in love. “We can’t have a birthday celebration with Dalton away. Besides, he’s never told me he loved me.” She glanced at Olivia. “I’ll help you draft your letter. Then it’s time I left for Marston Heath.”

  Olivia frowned. “Maybe Dalton thought of your marriage as an arrangement at first, but I know he loves you now.”

  Alicia paused in front of the hidden bench in the rose garden and took a seat. “Our marriage wouldn’t have lasted. In time, he’ll tire of me. I imagine he’s in London, this very minute. He’s probably renewed the acquaintances of…” Her throat constricted with regret.

  “Why don’t you go to him and explain what happened between you and Justin?”

  “I don’t know where he is. Besides, he may not see me.”

  Olivia’s gaze was sympathetic. “What if I went to my brother and explain what happened? I’m sure Robert can find out at which club Dalton is staying.”

  A swell of gratitude rolled through her. “Thank you, dear Olivia. That’s very kind of you, but…” She hesitated searching for the right words to explain how she felt. “But if Dalton can’t find it in his heart to understand that I’d never be unfaithful to him, then—”

  “Dalton is so proud. You’ll have to go to him, Alicia.”

  Alicia took a deep breath. “I have my pride, too.” She patted Olivia’s hand. How she would miss this good friend. “It’s time I leave Havencrest. I’ve given instructions to Penn for Bashshar’s further training. If I pack now, I can leave tomorrow.”

  “What can I do to convince you to stay?” Olivia pleaded.

  Alicia shook her head. “Nothing. But come and visit me, and bring Rufus.�
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  The wolfhound barked when he heard his name. Alicia patted the dog’s wet coat, tears welling in her eyes. She turned and hurried along the stone path just before the rain began to fall.

  Chapter Twenty

  Robert glanced up from the copy of the Times and scowled at his brother-in-law, who had just entered the breakfast room. Rufus whined, then sprang from under the table to greet his master.

  “Egad, Dalton! You look as though you haven’t shaved for a week.” His scowl deepened. “I don’t know what Olivia will say when she sees you.”

  “I don’t need a lecture, Robert.” Dalton strode toward the breakfast table, averting his glance from the steaming platters of poached eggs, sweetmeats and sausages. He took the seat at the head of the table. He gave Rufus an affectionate pat, then his hand dropped when he saw the floral arrangement on the table. “Remove these vases at once,” he barked to the maid. “And I don’t want to see any more flowers in this house!” The young girl hurried to remove the arrangement, then scurried from the room.

  “You’re in a foul mood. Your bark is louder than Rufus’s. Did you just arrive from London?” Robert asked disapprovingly.

  Dalton’s only answer was another dark scowl. He frowned at the groom who hurried to fill a plate for him. “Only black coffee,” he muttered. The lad’s hand shook as he poured a cup and placed the steaming brew in front of the duke.

  “Olivia and I worry about what’s happening to you, Dalton.” Robert folded the newspaper and laid it aside. “It’s been almost a week since Alicia left, and—”

  “I don’t wish to hear her name.”

  “Drat it, Dalton. Your sister and I care about you. I can’t believe you would hang about London and—”

  “For your information, Robert, I wasn’t in London.” How he wished he could return to his old life, and be free of Alicia’s memory. God, how he tried. He went as far as to approach the lane outside Lady Celia Fresham’s town house. He’d sat in the coach for the longest time. What was he doing? he’d finally asked himself. It was then that he knew he’d never find what he was looking for outside Alicia’s embrace.

  Dalton glanced at Robert. “I’ve been holed up right here at Havencrest. I’ve been staying at the old hunting lodge, working with Jupiter. I’m determined to see that horse win the Newmarket Classic in three weeks.”

  “Upon my soul!” Robert glared at him as though he had three heads. “Why not leave that up to the grooms?”

  Dalton gave him a dark look. “No reason, except that I believe in following through with what I start.”

  “So, you’ve been under our noses while your sister has worried herself sick about you.” Robert picked up the silver honey tray and spooned a thick golden daub on his toast.

  “I prefer to keep away from people.” He shot Robert a sharp glance. “And since I can see the question on your face, yes, I’ve been faithful to my marriage vows, even though my wife hasn’t.”

  “Damn it, Dalton!” Robert threw down his napkin. “You know there was nothing between Alicia and Justin.”

  Dalton stood, almost knocking back his chair. “I warned you, Robert. I don’t want her name mentioned.”

  “I think someone should speak up for her.” Olivia strode into the room, her heels clicking on the tiles. She held a letter in her hand as she stood beside Dalton, her face reflecting her obvious displeasure with him.

  “Sister, I’m in no mood…” He paused, taking a deep breath as she glared at him. “You and Robert are my guests. Although you’ll always be welcome at Havencrest, I will remind you that you’re here at my generosity.”

  Olivia huffed. “Don’t you dare bully me, Brother.”

  Dalton’s mouth quirked. “As if I could.”

  She placed the letter on the table. “I came to tell you that I’ve received this note from Mother.” She took a seat, then glanced at her brother. “She’s accepted Alicia’s invitation and she’s arriving this weekend for your birthday.” She unfolded her napkin and placed the linen on her lap. “Although you’re another year older, you’re certainly none the wiser.”

  Dalton gritted his teeth. “I’ll be returning to the hunting lodge.”

  “Hunting lodge?” She looked from Dalton to Robert.

  Robert shrugged. “I’ll explain later, my dear.”

  Dalton was halfway across the room. “I don’t wish to see Mother, or anyone.” He was at the door when Olivia stopped him.

  “Dalton, you may leave when I finish.” Olivia glanced at her brother leaning impatiently against the doorjamb.

  “It’s taken me a while to sort out how I feel about Mother, and I’m still not certain if I ever will understand. But with Alicia’s help, I wrote and told Mother that I love her.” Olivia turned to Robert, her hand on her husband’s arm. “And once I did, I felt that some day I might be able to forgive her.” Her lip trembled slightly. “Alicia said that we must have faith in those we love. Blind faith, Dalton.” She glanced back at her brother, and the sadness in his eyes touched her heart.

  “In the short time that I’ve known your wife, she’s taught me so much about love and forgiveness. She’s shown you, too, if you weren’t too proud to see it.”

  Dalton tore from the breakfast room, Rufus running playfully at his master’s side until they were out of sight.

  Olivia clasped her husband’s hand. “Oh, Robert.”

  “Dalton may never be ready to take that blind leap of faith, my dear.” He squeezed her hand. “I know it pains you, but there’s little any of us can do to help him.”

  Tears welled in her eyes as Olivia looked at the empty chair at the head of the table. “I’m afraid Alicia is the only one who can heal Dalton. And she’s as stubborn as my brother.”

  Dalton tossed another log in the grate. Red sparks flew into the angry draft up the chimney. Despite the cheery fire, he felt chilled to the bone. Walking to the window, he glanced up. The sky was leaden, the day looked as bitter and desolate as he felt. Rufus whined, watching him. It was as if the wolfhound were pining for her, too.

  He glanced at the tapestry again. Potnia, surrounded by her woodland animals. The sight tore at his heart. The goddess reminded him so much of Alicia. The silken chestnut hair, the dew-fresh innocence…

  Rufus lifted his head and growled. He heard the horse’s hooves, too. Who the hell was bothering him now?

  He twitched back the drape, but he couldn’t see anyone.

  “Keep back, Rufus!” He ambled to the door and gruffly pulled it open.

  “Mother!”

  The dowager, dressed in a wool cape covering her riding habit, glowered back at him. “You look like you’ve just seen Saint Peter.” She trudged inside, without waiting for him to invite her. “Don’t look so surprised, Dalton. I’m not so ancient that I can’t ride a horse, you know.”

  He glanced out the door, expecting to see a carriage, a coach or drivers. Instead, Cinnamon Rose stood waiting at the gate. He glanced back at his mother, who was pouring herself a brandy. She grinned at his surprised amazement. “I’ve come to wish you a happy birthday, Son.”

  “My birthday! I’d completely forgotten.”

  His mother raised a brow. “Alicia had invited me, personally.” Her eyes measured him with an astute, questioning gaze.

  He then remembered that Alicia had invited the dowager for the celebration. She’d been so happy. A raw sense of grief almost threatened his control.

  “I’m not celebrating this year.” He could feel her gaze on him as she took a seat in front of the fire. He refilled his brandy snifter. “I imagine you’ve already spoken to Olivia.” Robert or his sister must have told her where he was staying. He straddled the chair opposite where she sat. “Olivia told me that she had written you.” He reached out and squeezed the bony hand. “I’m truly glad.”

  The dowager lifted the brandy crystal in salute, the firelight casting blue prisms of light from the hand-cut snifter. “To you, Dalton. Birthdays are too precious not to celebrate.”r />
  He knew, in a way, that his brother, Drake, was in her thoughts, too. “Thank you,” he said gently. No doubt this day held many memories for her, as well. “Finish your brandy, and I’ll ride back with you to the manor.”

  “Not before I’ve said what you need to hear, Dalton.” The familiar authority was back in her voice. “Of all my children, I never had to worry about you, Dalton. Even as a baby, you always knew what you wanted, where you wanted to go, and how to charm your nurses and nannies into more than what was good for you.” She sat up straight, her blue eyes leveled evenly with his. “This foolishness has gone on long enough.”

  Dalton drained his glass. “Mother, I know you mean well—”

  “Go to her, Dalton.” His mother’s voice was strong but gentle. “You know you want to. Swallow your pride, Son, before it’s too late.” She shook her head, her voice tight. “Life is so short. So very short.”

  “I don’t want to hear this, Mother.” His voice was firm.

  “You’ve never wanted to hear, even as a tad, when you were wrong.”

  He sighed.

  “Alicia has shown you, shown us all, her love through her gentleness and her ability to forgive. Oh, Dalton, don’t be stubborn. You know very well that child she carries is yours. Any fool can see that Alicia loves you. And if you weren’t so damn much like me, you’d see it, too.”

  Dainty lilac flowers of vervain trembled in the breeze as Alicia filled her herb basket with the lacy blossoms. Since medieval times, maidens stuffed the delicate flowers under their pillows as a love potion. She fought back the deep sadness that had become her constant companion since leaving Havencrest. Although she knew someday she’d face her future alone, she wasn’t prepared for its grim reality. But can one ever prepare for the loss of love?

  Her hand trembled as she picked up the basket and moved along the flagged walk. The smell of mint surrounded her as her slippers crushed the tiny leaves of pennyroyal growing along the cracks. Before she married, she’d reconciled herself to her single life. She’d been resigned to healing animals and improving her racing stock. But after falling in love with Dalton, she could never go back to who she was before loving him. Tears stung the backs of her eyes.