The Duke's Love

by Stephanie Maddux

  “Someone should go and fetch the Duke and explain to him that she has to leave,” Sarah said. Someone must have already informed him, because Ana noticed that Jake was standing in the doorway watching the drama unfold. His tall frame leaning to one side with his arms crossed. He had a fierce expression on his face and it did not bode well, when he finally straightened and entered the room. Briefly, she wondered how long he had been standing there.

  "I guess we shouldn’t have left," Jordan said when all the men gathered in the billiards room. Jake ran both of his hands through his hair. Dinner had proven a disaster. The tension filling the room was overwhelming. He had to make his escape, at least long enough to determine how to unravel the situation.

  "Why did you invite Lady Carmichael here?" Viscount Langley spoke over the other men that were whispering among themselves. It was a bold comment coming from the man, Jake thought.

  "I didn't, my mother did the honors. I didn't invite you either, sir." Jake saw the man was suppressing his anger.

  "That’s too damn bad. Ana wanted me here. I know you did not invite me, nor do I care. I am not here to socialize with the likes of you. I am here for her." Gregory tossed back, insulting the Duke in the process. The situation was deteriorating rapidly and the men appeared as if they were waiting for a fight to break out.

  "Stop acting like a bunch of idiots. Get back in there before Sarah and Ana kill each other," Jordan demanded.

  "I would be more worried about Eliza getting to Sarah before Ana," the Viscount said under his breath, but not quietly enough.

  "Why don't you come with me, Viscount Langley, if you think you know everything?" Jake said, hating the man even more.

  "No, Ana would not like my intervening. So let her hate you for it," he answered back.

  Jake made his way back to his dining room. He could hear the argument. He went in quietly. It did not matter, because all the women were focused on Sarah ranting and waving her hands all around. He saw Ana, white faced and pale. He saw Eliza and realized the Viscount was right. She would be the first one to jump if he did not intervene.

  “Ana will stay here, where she is my guest and you will accept this fact or you and your mother may leave,” Jake leveled at Sarah, making his presence known to everyone.

  “Your Grace, I do not understand. You told me she was not invited, yet here she is.” Sarah bit out, barely holding in her fury. Her face was getting a botchy red and her cheeks were becoming swollen. She was heaving in deep breaths. Sarah clearly was not aware of how she looked to the other people in the room. Jake still could not feel bad for her. She brought this on herself with her public tantrum.

  Jake stared down at the women who were making a scene in his own home and in front of his guests. He was disgusted at the fact that she could throw such a fit over something so trivial. “You have succeeded in giving the gossipers something to talk about for the next year or so. I do hope you are happy with yourself. Plans change. Deal with it and I do not want to hear another word about it,” Jake stated blandly.

  “Your Grace, you have to understand how I feel about this. Can you really blame me?” Sarah said in a low voice.

  “I do understand, but it wasn’t my choice, it was my mother’s. I would hope you would respect that,” Jake said in a condescending voice. Sarah opened and closed her mouth several times, but remained silent. “I think it is time for everyone to retire and get a good night sleep. We have a lot planned for tomorrow and everyone needs a good rest after the long travel today,” Jake said. He spared a glance at his mother, then at Ana.

  Chapter Nine

  Ana wished she could leave and return to London immediately to get away from all the chaos. However, she was determined not to take the cowardly way out. Ana and Eliza went to the library to get a book. She wanted to read in an effort to take her mind off all her troubles. Eliza opted to pick out a book and read in her room alone. Ana stayed in the library by the fire where it was cozy and peaceful. Ana nearly knocked the books off the shelf when Jordan startled her.

  “Nasty temper Sarah has,” Jordan said as she was reaching for a book. Jordan came over and helped her pull it down from the shelf.

  “She has always been that way, Jordan,” she said as if he did not know. He smiled showing his humor in the situation.

  “I agree with you. You have to admit it was rather humorous watching someone throw a fit in front of everyone,” he said. She laughed and agreed with him. "Don't let her run you off. She embarrassed herself rather badly tonight," Jordan continued.

  "At least Jake knows I wasn't the one who ruined dinner. You should have seen her face when she realized Jake had come into the room during her tantrum," he laughed. Ana's eyes laughed until tears were pouring from her eyes. They talked for a while and she was surprised to see how alike the two brothers were.

  “It is getting late, so I am off to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day. Hang in there, dear,” he said. Jordan got up and stretched, stirred up the fire and then he bid her goodnight. She was too excited for going to sleep, so she decided to stay up and read. Everyone would be in bed by now, so it would not hurt for her to stay here. She got comfortable on the couch and started reading a Shakespearian play.

  Jake sincerely hoped his mother was happy with the havoc she had brought into his life. Having seen Sarah all fired up in front of everyone, opened his eyes a little. He could not have a wife who threw a fit when things did not go her way or could not control her temper. He was humiliated for his mother and Ana as well. What did Sarah know of their past relationship? She had no hold on him. He was disgusted with the whole ordeal and it was only the beginning of the weekend.

  Jake recalled the horrified look on Ana’s lovely face when she realized who had walked in at the beginning of dinner. She had taken it all in stride and kept a smile on her face. For some reason, he had wanted to shield and protect her. He could not stop watching Ana like a hawk throughout dinner. He has always felt drawn to her and having her in close proximity was frustrating. Seeing the two women in the same room helped him make his decision about Sarah. They were as different as night and day.

  Sarah was a complete snob and spoiled brat, while Ana could charm a rattlesnake if she wanted too. Jake knew he could never tie himself down with Sarah. He now knew why she was not married. No one would have her. One would think her parents would have done something a long time ago.

  “This was not how you wanted your weekend to start, is it?” Jordan came upon him in the hall as he was going to his room.

  “What am I going to do?” He asked.

  “I suggest you politely ask Lady Felicia and Sarah to leave and call upon them some other time,” he suggested.

  Jake wished it was that easy, but he already knew what doing that would cause. “I can’t ask them leave. The gossip mongers would eat it up and too many people would be harmed,” Jake drawled. “Join me. I need a stiff drink, while I decide the wisest course,” Jake said as he backtracked his way to the study.

  “No, I think I am rather tired, but you should go into the library, there is a nice fire blazing and the scotch is in there,” Jordan urged with a sly smile.

  Jake needed more than a drink. He needed a woman to warm his bed. A man could only stay sane without a woman’s comfort for so long. Ever since he laid eyes on Ana, all other women had left his mind. Now, whenever he was even tempted to sleep with someone, the thought of Ana would creep up and ruin it. Jake stopped trying and instead put his mind on his estates and investments, which was working out better than he could have ever hoped.

  Jake had more than doubled his income in the last year or so. It was the only proven method to distract him from her, now she was here. It was impossible. The night of the theater where he had her up against the hall came to mind. He remembered those delicious curves and her satisfying sighs. How she withered against him and then when he dragged her to her room and almost ravished her. He could feel himself becoming aroused. She was more responsive than he remembered.r />
  Jake strode into the library and came to abrupt halt. Ana was curled up on the couch, silently reading by the fire. She had not noticed his entrance yet, which was not a surprise. How could he have been so wrong about her? Was she really the type of woman who would play games and walk out without a second thought? He slowly closed the door behind him and stepped further into the room, closer to her.

  “You’re up late, Ana,” Jake said softly. He saw Ana jump and drop her book. Jake did not even think about his actions, but went over and slowly hauled her up into his arms and pressed his lips onto hers. He was silently giving her a choice. Jake felt her momentary hesitation, then her acceptance. He wrapped his arms around her, opened her mouth with his tongue, and took everything he could from her. This was what he was missing. Only she could provide it for him.

  Jake dragged her down in front of the roaring fire. Jake swelled with satisfaction. He could feel her body giving in to him and he groaned in pleasure. She tasted sweet and smelled like heaven. He wound his hands in her hair pulling it loose and letting it glide between his fingers. He heard Ana gasping with little pleasurable sighs and grew even harder on top of her. She wiggled her body and clung to his shoulders bringing him closer to her.

  "Jake….." She whispered.

  Jake was more than happy to oblige. He snaked his fingers down to her chest and caressed her breasts through the fabric. His lips traveled from her mouth down her chin to her throat. Jake lost all reason. He wanted her. He wanted her moaning and grinding beneath him and he wanted to be inside her. He felt Ana’s fingers over his shirt tugging at the buttons and he lifted and jerked it off of him in one swift move and then he dove back down and captured her mouth savagely.

  “I want you, Ana,” Jake murmured in her ear and he felt her stiffen. He paused, not wanting to go further if she was not willing.

  “Jake I can’t do this,” she whispered back. Only her body and hands were telling another story.

  She looked so innocent, lying there beneath him. Jake inhaled slowly. He gazed down at her and knew the moment was lost. He knew he could easily convince her to give in, but they would both regret it in the morning. He conceded and was about to lift himself off her when he thought he heard the door closing. Closing? He had not even heard it open. He knew Ana heard it too, by her sudden stillness. Seconds ticked by and Jake lifted and looked around the fire lit room. He did not see anything out of place and no one was around.

  “Maybe we were hearing things,” Ana said quietly.

  “I’m sorry love, I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Jake ignored her comment about the noise.

  He knew what he heard. He just wanted to know who it was. “It probably was a servant and they know better to gossip. They couldn’t know who was in here, so it will be fine,” he said to her. However, his servants always knocked before entering and they would be abed this time of night. His mother and brother were also in bed, so whoever it was, was a guest, and he intended to find out.

  Jake regrettably lifted himself off her and moved to peek out the door. He did not see anyone, but it still did not relax him any. Jake looked over at Ana as she was tending to herself. She was blushing from head to toe. Her eyes were looking everywhere except at him.

  He found it endearing and he was finding himself feeling lighter and happier with her. Jake realized the attraction and feelings were still there and stronger than before. He just needed to figure out what he was going to do about it. After minutes ticked by, they were both silent with unspoken words. Jake offered her his hand and together they walked to their rooms. Jake was still trying to cool down. Fully aware she was too easy to get to, being so close to him at night. He knew with the slightest indication from her, would have him joining her, and he did not want that to happen. Well, at least not yet.

  Sarah ducked into the nearest available room to hide from Jake and Ana. They were coming out the library. She had to take deep breaths to calm her nerves and to collect her thoughts. After she was sure the coast was clear, Sarah snuck back into her room. Her mother was still fast asleep. Sarah was furious. Her plan had obviously backfired. She wanted to personally apologize for her behavior to Jake and maybe show him how sorry she was. She watched Jake go into the library and she waited a good ten minutes before she quietly slipped in.

  The sight that greeted her was not a welcoming one. Jake was on the floor, locked in a passionate embrace with someone! She was livid. It was her idea to seduce him. It should have been her in there. She knew who it was. Most of the household was in bed. How could Jake betray her like this? Again, Ana had interfered, and again it was all her fault! She had to get her away from Jake, but how. Sarah sat down on the edge of the bed. Her mind was in a turmoil trying to think of what she could she get away with?

  Sarah needed Jake’s offer of marriage, because she was almost at the age of being considered a spinster. Already, the ton believed there was something wrong with her. There was no way she could endure another season. Her parents could obviously not afford another season, even if she wanted one. She wanted the wealth and the title of being a Duchess. There is no way that Ana could be allowed to take it away from her again. The title was hers and hers alone, she deserved it. Sarah thought long and hard about what she could do to ensure her marriage and how she could keep Ana from ruining her life again. She crawled in the bed beside her snoring mother and closed her eyes, trying to think through the noise. Hours later, after tossing and turning, she finally thought of a decent plan. It was an absolutely horrid idea, but she was desperate.

  She sprung off the bed, careful not to disturb her mother and went to her mother’s armoire. Inside was a little case filled with herbs and medicine. She found the medication that she was looking for. Her mother had to take medicine for her heart, although she was not sure what was wrong, but it did not matter, it would fit her needs. Surely, if she mixed it with something, Ana would get sick and be forced to go home, right? She stopped herself. Was she sure that she wanted to do this? She would get a little sick, nothing major, just enough to send her home. Yes. This was what she had to do. No one would ever know.

  Chapter Ten

  Katherine was an early riser, so she was up before her sons. They always did like to sleep late, she mused to herself. Some of the guests were already out of bed. Today the men would go on a foxhunt and the women would gather around to gossip, have tea and maybe go shopping in the local village. Of course, it sounded like a bad plan to her, because it would mean that Lady Ana would be nowhere near Jake. She sighed. The cost of getting what you wanted sometimes meant making concessions.

  She could not afford to let her plans become too obvious. She had an appointment with an investigator later on in the day. Her runner should be getting back with her soon on her inquiry. She needed to know why Ana turned down her son two years ago, before she could really proceed. With her luck, she would find that Ana had madness in her family or maybe she was crazy, but she doubted it. She could see for herself the intelligence that Ana exhibited.

  Miss Fairchild on the other hand was a thorn in her side. Did she not know the stir she had caused at dinner last night? The nerve of the chit! Dinner was a strained and uncomfortable affair. She hoped breakfast turned out better. She sat down and waited for her sons to join her. Some guests were already seated and talking amongst themselves. She was curious to see how the night went when Jake went to his room, knowing that Ana was right across the hall. That was ingenious on her part. Jordan entered the room and greeted her with a sunny smile. Jake followed on his heels. Jake looked stony and cross. Katherine noted he had not bothered to shave this morning. His impeccable image was slowly becoming unraveled. She gave herself a congratulatory pat on the back, knowing the reason for his disheveled look.

  Jake threw himself down beside her. “I know what you’re thinking and I want her room moved!” He said with quiet force.

  “Now, Jake, how am I to move the room?” She asked sweetly.

  “You know exactly what I
mean. She is driving me crazy,” he said gruffly.

  “Jake, it has only been two nights and the first one doesn’t really count,” she countered his remark.

  Jake mumbled incoherently. “Speak up,” Katherine reprimanded.

  “I don’t care,” Jake replied sullenly.

  “Look on the bright side, brother. You will be out of the house all day and you won’t even see her,” Jordan butted in.

  “Get everyone ready, I want to leave early,” Jake said as he stood.

  "What is the rush? It would be rude not to have breakfast with the others,” she said. Katherine put on a bright smile. She saw Ana breeze into the room. She watched in fascination, as Ana looked about the room, catching her son's eyes and suddenly going red in the face and averting her direction. Yes, that was definitely interesting. Jake made no move to join her. Katherine was somewhat disappointed.

  Lady Felicia and Sarah made their appearance right after. To Katherine’s surprise Sarah sat down right next to Ana and by the looks of it, Ana was not pleased. Katherine wondered what the girl was up to. She saw Eliza go over and join them. Katherine nudged Jake and they both watched to see what chaos would break out next.

  Ana was horrified when Sarah sat down next to her. Not wanting to make a scene, she smiled and graciously said good morning.

  “Good morning to you as well, Lady Ana. I have been meaning to speak with you and I think this is the perfect opportunity,” she said, offering her tea.

  “I really don’t think we have anything to discuss,” Ana said stating the obvious.

  “For this weekend, it would appear we have no choice but to be in each other’s company. Therefore, I believe we should make an attempt at civility. I don’t think either of us would like to have the strain between us reaching the gossips for their entertainment,” she said. Ana thought that Sarah actually seemed sincere. She at least took the tea offering.