The Duke's Love

by Stephanie Maddux

  It had been after Jake approached her parents for her hand, when they decided it was time to tell her about her parentage. Since, he had a right to know before they married. Especially, since Jake’s mother, the Duchess, was a stickler for the rules and strictures of society. Of course, The Duchess had disliked Ana from the start, and she had never attempted to disguise that fact. However, Ana took the coward's way out and never let Jake or anyone else know the truth. The ton would not be accepting of her as they were now. If they knew the secret, her friends would abandon her, and her life would be in shambles, even more so, than it was now. Scandal would follow her no matter where she went and everyone in society would shun her. Her place in society would end and she would not be welcomed in any of the finer homes.

  When Jake had proposed, she accepted, because she loved him and she foolishly thought she could go through with the marriage. However, Ana knew deep down that she was only putting off the inevitable. Deeply ashamed, she just couldn’t tell him about her past, but when he began talking about the children he wanted, she knew she had to end it before it was too late. Therefore, she had walked out and Jake had not stopped her; he was too proud. It took all the fortitude she could muster, not to look back. Never would she forgive herself for letting her pride and fears get in the way of her love for Jake. If only she had told him, then Jake could have made the decision of whether he wanted her, regardless of her secret.

  Now, Jake hated her, he was to marry someone else, and it hurt. She discovered he still had power over her and her feelings. Her love for him was still strong and that hurt most of all. She had fought her feelings for two years, and she had convinced herself that they were under control. After seeing him again, she knew what was missing in her life. If she was ever to have happiness, she knew she had to tell him what she could not two years ago. Although it would not make any difference now, he deserved at least an explanation. Maybe then, she could close that chapter in her life and maybe, just maybe she would be able to move on. Ana tossed and turned for what seemed like hours, before she finally succumbed to a fitful sleep.

  Chapter Two

  Waking up late the next morning, Jake cursed at himself, because there was much for him to do, so he had no time for lying in bed all day. He had meetings in Parliament, had to go to his tailor for new clothes, and then he had to pay calls on old friends. He had neglected his duties and obligations for far too long. Even though he knew he had to start his life over, he could not get Ana out of his thoughts. He threw the bedcovers off and jumped out of bed. Most of his luggage had yet to be unpacked, so Jake quickly dressed with whatever clothes he could find.

  As Jake made his way down the stairs, he could hear his brother Jordan and the butler arguing back and forth.

  “Where the hell is he?” He could hear Jordan scolding at Adams. The butler saw Jake, raised his nose up in the air, and left the room with a scowl on his face.

  “What do you want? I was just with you last night. Do you realize you are frightening my servants?” Jake watched as his aged butler, Adams, limped out of the hall and he realized that he would soon have to replace the old chap.

  “There are rumors going around about you and Lady Carmichael. Since you returned, they are dragging you two through the gossip mills. What are you planning to do about it, Jake?” Jordan asked.

  “I would think the ton would have more compelling things to talk about than us.” However, Jake knew the gossipmongers were relentless.

  Without saying a word, he had left abruptly two years ago and knew that when he returned, there would be talk. He just hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly. How on earth did anyone know that he was home? After all, he had kept a low profile last night, and the only person he had seen was Ana.

  “What time is it? I have things to do today,” Jake said.

  “It’s two in the afternoon, you slept late.” Jordan replied.

  "Damn. It is too late for Parliament, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I just cannot be bothered with the afternoon session." Jake replied.

  Jake went back upstairs to his room and was aware that Jordan had followed him. He needed to get properly dressed. There was no reason bothering to ring for his valet. He had managed for years without one; so why start being proper now? To keep up with fashion, he needed new clothes, with all the trimmings. Honestly, he could care less, but he needed a wife, so he would have to suffer. All this for an old mother’s wishes, he mused.

  His mother had gone to Scotland to have a talk with him. He couldn’t figure out why, but for some reason she wanted grandchildren and she wanted her son home. After all, they had never gotten along before. All she cared about was her place in society and her friends. She was the Duchess of Ashbury and god forbid that anyone judge her, he thought with cynicism. After his father had died, he stopped talking to his mother, unless a situation arose to force it, but lately, she seemed desperate and lonely. Therefore, he promised her that she would have both a wedding and a grandchild by the end of the year, which did not give him a whole lot of time.

  “Are you going to accompany me to town, Jordan?” Jake could see his brother mulling it over.

  “I know you hate going alone, but what will I get out of this outing?” He asked.

  “You get answers that I see you want. Is that good enough?” Jake did not intend to answer, but Jordan did not need to know that right now.

  “Then, yes I’ll go with you. Since I need to buy a few things anyway, it would serve me to go ahead and get it done.” Jordan stated dispassionately.

  Jake and Jordan left the house and went to the tailors first. Thanks to his brother, Jake got enough evening clothes to last a lifetime. They went to get Jordan a riding habit that he needed and some other necessities. So far, no one really paid them any notice, except the store clerks that wanted their business.

  “Did you put your mistress in a tizzy? “ Jake asked amusingly, several hours later when Jordan insisted on going to the jewelers.

  “No. I’m going to let her go. I hate clingy women and she defines them,” he said. Jordan never kept a mistress for long. Jake used to find it amusing, but not anymore. Deciding not to comment on it, Jake went along. He needed to get a new pocket watch anyway. The only watch he had was a gift from Ana, and he was tired of thinking about her every time he looked at it.

  “Are you going to tell me how all of London found out I was back so soon?” Jake asked pointedly. It was either Jordan or Ana who had let the information slip. His bet was on his brother. Jordan was like a woman, thriving on gossip to keep life interesting. He even had the nerve to look sheepish.

  “A few of our friends came by after you left the house and I had to tell them. They are always asking when you’ll return and I couldn’t help myself,” he said.

  “They just couldn’t wait to speculate could they?” Jake asked with biting scorn.

  “Several of my so called friends had asked Ana for her hand in marriage after I left, and I’m not in a hurry to renew friendships over it,” Jake continued as he pointed out the fact.

  “Are you angered? They’re also your friends,” Jordan said bluntly.

  “Call it jealousy or whatever else you want. They should know better.” He said in a bitter tone. He was appalled they would be so self-centered as to go behind his back and do such a thing.

  He was even more shocked about how he was acting like a child over it. He now knew where his friend’s loyalties were. He could not imagine calling on a friend and having Ana as someone else’s wife acting as hostess. Just thinking about the consequences if Ana had ever accepted any of the offers received made his stomach drop.

  “They were going to find out regardless, what harm did I do?” Jordan asked innocently. Jake threw him a disgusted look. He knew what harm the ton could do to people. Jordan just has not learned that particular lesson yet.

  It was late by the time they were walking back to the carriage when he spotted Miss Sarah Fairchild. He had courted Sarah before he met
Ana. He had actually escorted Sarah to the ball where he first met Ana. The ballroom had been stuffy and crowded. He had been trying to make his way to the balcony, when Ana literally ran into him. She had looked trapped and she was not paying attention when he introduced himself.

  He remembered how he couldn‘t help himself as he took Ana’s hand and had led her to the floor for a waltz. She had confessed to him that she was eluding an unwanted suitor. Jake was more than happy to help fend men off her. Ever since that night, Sarah had ceased to exist. After he begged off their courtship, she had never spoken to him again. Not that he could blame her. Being a Duke and casting her aside had damaged her reputation a bit. She probably hated him, which was a shame. She would be the perfect wife. She would provide him with an heir and maybe a spare then leave him be. It would be a marriage of convenience, which is what he wanted.

  “I hope you are not going to do what I think you are,” Jordan said behind him. Jake ignored the warning tone in his brother’s voice and strolled over to where Sarah was standing with her mother. He was hoping this was going to go well.

  “Miss Fairchild it is so very nice to see you again after such a long absence.” Sarah raked her eyes over him and he could feel her disdain. She curtsied, but only enough to show respect for his title. Jake could feel Jordan's disapproval rolling off in waves behind him.

  “Your Grace, I wish I could say the same of you.” At that, she turned up her pert nose and started to walk away, heedless of where she was going.

  “Sarah Fairchild, where are your manners? I am sorry, Your Grace, it seems my daughter has forgotten herself.” Lady Felicia gave her daughter a look that brooked no arguments. There was no doubt, as Jake looked the pair over, that Sarah looked like her mother. If he recalled correctly, she was twenty years of age. Light brown hair framed her face and she had brown eyes that stood out from her pale skin. Short and slender, she would become a beautiful woman as she grew into maturity. If only he could stir up some sort of emotion when he looked at her. Instead, he felt nothing but regrets about having stopped to have this conversation.

  Jordan coughed behind him, which brought him out of his thoughts.

  “Ladies, do forgive me. I would like to introduce my brother, Lord Jordan Trent. Lord Trent, I think you already know Sarah Fairchild and this is her mother, Lady Felicia Fairchild.” After Jake made the introductions, Jordan gave them a gentlemanly bow.

  “What do you want, your Grace?” Sarah asked disrespectfully.

  “It would be my pleasure to have you and your mother, accompany me to the theater tonight.” Asking to escort the ladies to the theater was a spur of the moment idea. Now, Jake felt at least obligated to stay for an answer, hoping they would turn him down.

  He was almost relieved when he saw Sarah was about to put him in his place, Duke or no Duke. Suddenly Lady Felicia spoke up; afraid that if Sarah were given the opportunity to speak her mind that he would withdraw the offer.

  “That would be lovely. Yes, your Grace, we would love to have you escort my daughter and myself to the theater. Will you meet us there, or shall we ride together?” She asked.

  “If it is acceptable to you, I will meet you there, and we can sit in my box.” Jake felt like such a fraud. He could think of nothing he wanted less, than to escort them anywhere, and provide even more people with fodder for gossip. Now, he just wished he could thrust the invitation back in his mouth and pretend it never happened. What was he thinking? He needed to plan and look around, not jump for the first female he saw, especially a female that clearly harbored no feelings for him.

  “If I may, I think I will join you, Brother. I have no prior engagements, so I am at loose ends, and you know how I do love plays,” Jordan said with a gleam in his eyes.

  Jake raised an eyebrow of questioning at Jordan and wondered what he was up to, since his brother hated going out in polite society.

  “Of course, Brother, do what pleases you. There will be plenty of room,” he said.

  “Splendid, then we will see you later,” Jordan said as Sarah walked away, without a backward glance, leaving her mother with the goodbye formalities. With a few more pleasant exchanges, they went their separate ways.

  “What game are you playing?” Jake demanded.

  “Whatever do you mean; can’t I spend time with my long lost brother?” Jordan joked. Jake felt a little guilty for questioning his brother’s motives. After all, it had been a long time since they had really spent time together. Of course, Jordan would want to get some of that time back. Now, all of his thoughts turned to getting through the evening ahead.

  Chapter Three

  Sarah Fairchild walked away from the Duke of Ashbury wondering why he had invited her to the theater. Had he forgotten what happened? She certainly remembered, as if she could ever forget.

  She was in her first season when the Duke sought her out, and she instantly became a success because of his attentions. Sarah loved the attention lavished on her afterwards. Men who had never noticed her before were calling. She received flowers and had dozens of callers. Life was perfect. She had her pick of men, whom would have offered for her had she shown them any attention, but all her attention was on him, the Duke.

  His Grace had courted her for a while, and she had hopes of an offer, but those were lost when his Grace decided they would not suit after all. He let her down easy, but she knew the real reason. Everyone knew the reason, which made the blow much worse. Lady Ana Carmichael caught his attention, along with every other person of the ton.

  She had no way of knowing her status would change overnight once he lost his interest. No one wanted to escort her anywhere and most of the calls and visits stopped. Sarah had always blamed Ana.

  The Duke of Ashbury and Lady Ana Carmichael was everyone’s favorite couple. The two defied tradition and hardly left one another’s company. They were everywhere she went and Sarah was disgusted and angry about it. She had always wanted to get back at the injustice that was done to her and to her family, albeit indirectly. She became a little nobody and it happened in her first season. The two seasons that followed were no better, with no offers or any hope of any. Her pride and reputation were damaged. She was damaged goods in the eyes of the ton. She had no hope for the future.

  It did not help when the Duke disappeared for two long years. The papers had speculated on the broken engagement, and she had hoped he would come to see the error of his ways and come back to her, but it never happened. This was her fourth season, and she saw no luck of capturing a husband this year, either. Therefore, when the Duke issued the invitation, she was extremely surprised. In fact, she could honestly say she was thrilled. Rumors were flying around that the only reason the Duke returned was to marry and secure an heir.

  “How dare you treat his Grace so disrespectfully!” Her mother screeched as she walked into the room. Sarah rolled her eyes at the overly dramatic scene her mother displayed.

  “How am I supposed to treat him, Mother? He is the reason I am in this predicament,” She replied evenly. She watched as her mother opened and then closed her mouth, finding nothing to say in return.

  “It would be to your benefit to show a little politeness to him. He needs a wife and you would be a Duchess, then everything you ever wanted would be yours,” her mother finally said.

  Sarah thought about that for a moment. It was true. Having the title would gain her instant access to her dreams. It would certainly be worth the sacrifice. She would reign over the ton as his wife and the Duchess. Nobody would ever again give her sly looks and whispers behind their fans at her. She could buy and live anywhere she wanted. She could get back at all the other men who never came and rescued her. Yes, it was worth it. Sarah decided she would play nice for now, at least until they were married. Afterwards, he would be stuck with her, no matter what. Smiling as she went to get ready for the evening, she suddenly thought about Lady Ana Carmichael, who was still unmarried, and who would probably be at the theater as she often was.

&nb
sp; She wondered how the Duke would act when he saw Lady Ana Carmichael for the first time since his absence. She had no idea what happened to end the engagement, but she did not want to chance anything happening a second time. She needed to form a plan, just in case. She could not afford to go through another season without an offer of marriage. She went into her dressing room and came out dancing in anticipation of the night ahead.

  Viscount Gregory Langley studied the woman sitting across from him. They were in her father's study, sitting beside the window, playing chess. Lady Eliza Bainbridge was a beautiful young lady. Like him, she liked her independence. Maybe this was why she and Ana had become such good friends over the years. However, they were different in several ways. Ana liked the theater, outdoors, going for walks in the park, gardening, reading, and being in the country. Ana was what he considered a mouse. She was someone quiet and reserved, but strong and willful when needed.

  Whereas, Eliza wanted adventure and thrill. A quiet life was not for her. He usually provided some of that entertainment for her. Gregory could not count the number of horse races she had won, the number of poker games she beat him at or the number of chess matches they played, as they were doing now. Although he did let her win, he also gave her a good game. She, however, would never know his secrets of letting her win.

  “Did you know that the Duke of Ashbury has returned?” Gregory asked her, keeping his focus on the game.

  “Yes, I heard from Ana, she sent me a note this morning,” she replied as she moved a chess piece, effectively killing a pawn.