Once Upon a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  He dripped and shook his head as he headed in haste for the steps to the manor. When he walked by the breakfast room and saw Sir Henry, Geoffrey popped his head in, “The groom said you inquired of me?”

  Sir Henry looked at his attire. “Did you fall in the lake?” His glare held a different question.

  “No. In actuality, I have taken to late evening and early morning swims, Henry. It invigorates the body. You should try it.”

  “I do not think I would like such cold water, but you may enjoy the grounds to your heart’s content. You are content, aren’t you, Geoffrey?”

  “Yes, Henry, but I am not one to suffer contentment for long.” Water splattered on the rug. “Perhaps I should go upstairs and change. I will be down soon.” Geoffrey climbed the steps two at a time and entered his bedroom.

  He changed with the help of the valet who laid out his clothes. “Please get me a towel. My head is wet from my swim.”

  Geoffrey removed his jacket and waistcoat and dried his hair. Shaved and dressed for the hunt, he left the room and sought out his host, who still occupied the study. He paused at the door.

  “Come in, Geoffrey and close the door.” He motioned to a seat opposite him. “I am concerned about my sister. She is a beautiful woman but she prefers to spend most of her time alone in her studio. In the time you spent when you posed for her, has she ever mentioned to you why she prefers solitude?”

  The hairs on Geoffrey’s arms bristled. Henry played a cat and mouse game. The one thing he would not do was to betray Serena. If she chose to confide in her brother, she would do so of her own accord. Some primal instinct told Geoffrey to beware of Henry’s motives. He knew the man too well.

  “I know that Serena is an accomplished artist, and meticulous about details. She has indicated to me that she prefers being alone. I can only assume something happened in the past that offset her, but she has not confided in me.” Geoffrey smiled, adjusted a cuff on his sleeve, and listened.

  “Does anyone else visit Serena?”

  “Henry, I do not know. When I am there, I have seen the maid putter about, no one else.”

  “I have specific plans for Serena for a political marriage. Her year of mourning is almost over and she comes into her majority.”

  “Perhaps she’s not ready for marriage again. She lives a simple lifestyle, which appears to suit her. Such arranged unions are not always happy ones.” Geoffrey played with the ring on his finger. “I do remember she informed you she wanted to select her own husband. Have you forgotten?”

  “No matter, she will do as I wish.” Henry slammed his fist on the desk.

  The atmosphere Henry created was dark and sinister. Geoffrey didn’t wish to keep company with him any longer than necessary. “Henry, I have realized as many times as I have been here, I have never gone into the village. Perhaps I will skip the hunt this morning and explore the area. Is it too far to walk?”

  “It is about a five minute walk. The town is quaint and there is a proper tavern attached to a tearoom. The streets are rutted, which presents a problem when it rains. The merchants are a good and friendly sort.”

  Henry stood, walked toward the large window and looked out over the gardens. “Perhaps my other guests would like to go along?”

  “It could be a diversion and the ladies might like the countryside,” Geoffrey commented.

  “You, Lord Winston and I could have a short hunt without the ladies. When we return, we can change and go to the village. Would it suit you?”

  As luck would have it, Geoffrey wouldn’t be successful putting distance between Henry and himself as he’d hoped.

  “Let us get to the stables then.” Geoffrey took his hat, crop, and gloves. They joined Lord Winston, who waited.

  The hunt began and the grouse were plentiful. Beaters flushed them out of their hiding places and the hunters took aim. It was a successful hunt.

  “Lord Winston has indicated a ride to the village would be an amusement. It will be noon soon. Geoffrey, will you ride to Serena’s and ask her to join us?”

  “So you make me your errand boy?”

  “Perhaps I take you for granted. For that, I apologize, my friend.”

  Geoffrey perceived the endearment my friend as a harbinger of danger. “I do believe I have a sitting at one o’clock. It is to be my last. I shall return around three and we can take our journey then, or is that too late for the others?”

  “I shall insist they remain here until lunch can be served. Everyone will want their stomachs to settle before taking a carriage ride. Three this afternoon will be splendid.” Henry sat behind his desk twirling a letter opener, lips pursed.

  Geoffrey stood. “I will change into something presentable if we are to go to town. Then I will take the phaeton to Serena’s and bring her back when I return for the trip.”

  Geoffrey left Henry in the study and took to the steps and his room. His valet attended him in short order.

  “Your Grace, shall I lay out your evening clothes for your return?” asked the servant, handing him his top hat and gloves.

  “Yes,” he nodded, and went to summon the phaeton.

  Geoffrey parked it in front of the veranda, stepped down and tied the reins to a post. He climbed the steps and used the doorknocker. The maid came to the door and smiled. “Your Grace, my lady is upstairs. Do you wish me to announce you?”

  “No. I believe she expects me.” He handed her his accessories, climbed the steps and soon joined Serena.

  The first greeting came from Adonis who ran to him and began chewing on his boot.

  “No, Adonis. You must not.” The puppy’s ears perked at the sound of his firm voice.

  Geoffrey looked up to see Serena’s smile as she came toward him. “Good afternoon, Serena. I am here at the behest of your brother. He wishes you to join him and his guests for a jaunt into the village. It might be an amusement. They plan to leave in a few hours.”

  “I grow weary of his short notice and complete disregard of my own personal plans.” She took a charcoal and broke it in two. “It is a command I cannot refuse.” Serena dropped the pieces in a drawer. She scanned the room, her hand clutched at her throat.

  “Adonis, come here.” The pup went to her and she picked it up. Serena eyed Geoffrey. “You look handsome in your coat. Everything clings to you in all the right places.” She laughed, kissed the pup, and put him in the basket.

  Serena circled Geoffrey; her hands feathered his shoulders, across the back of his swallow-tail jacket. The navy wool with a velvet collar was soft to her touch. She stood in front of him, perused the ivory colored breeches, which complemented his muscular legs. She fingered his vest. “Hmm,” she sighed. “This matches well with your ensemble,” and took note of his raised brow. “I can appreciate your polished Hessian boots, Geoffrey. They complete the sartorial splendor. I should like to get a pair one day.”

  “They aren’t sold to women,” he said. “Yet I might like to see you in them and breeches.” His voice was so suggestive, she could envision it.

  “I am told anything is possible for a Duke.” Her hand rested on his shoulder.

  “A thought occurs to me. Why not visit me in London? We can go to my tailor and get you breeches with a hunting jacket and Hessian boots. Afterwards, we can ride the horses in Hyde Park and strut the Serpentine and scandalize everyone.”

  “How long do you think it would take for the news to reach Henry’s ear? He would come to reclaim me.” The idea tempted her. “I should like to wear men’s breeches though. I might accept your offer one day. It would be more comfortable when riding.” Serena placed both her hands to cup Geoffrey’s face. “You are a bad influence on me, my Lord Duke. I find the idea of a scandal an appeal.”

  She changed the subject, fearful he would whisk her away at that precise moment. “Has anyone told you of late you are handsome?” Serena asked.

  “As long as you believe me to be so, your perception is all that counts.”

  She placed her a
rms around his neck and her fingers played with his shiny dark locks. With reluctance, she pulled away from him a moment later. “My dear Geoffrey, there are times I am in awe of your charm and grace, when you enter a room, when you ride your horse, or when you look at me with hungry eyes. As an artist, I look for small details and expressions because it tells me about the person you truly are—not the rogue you suggest to be.”

  She moved away from him and went to the easel. “You have a certain flair for how you present yourself, and when you are naked there is naturalness about you. In that sense, you appear beautiful like the statue of David in Italy.”

  “So you make me a work of art? That amuses me.”

  His laugh warmed her. “I do not speak to entertain you, Geoffrey. Last night you helped chase away my demons with your gentleness. Underneath all that ducal pomp and circumstance lies the heart of a gentle, wonderful man.”

  “My, my, Serena, if you are not careful my head will grow too large for my hat. You speak like a woman who has enjoyed her tumbling.” The curl of his mouth lifted his cheeks.

  In two short strides, he held her in his arms. “I want you in a way I have wanted no other woman. At first you were a curiosity to me,” he whispered in her ear. “Now you are my curiosity.” He nibbled her earlobe, then moved his lips to the spot just below. His kisses heightened her desire.

  “My lord Geoffrey, your breath fans my flames.”

  If they continued, they would end up in bed together. For her, it became a pleasant thought, the passion—without fear.

  “You excite me so.” He splayed his hand along the small of her back and pulled her tight to his arousal. “Do you have regrets about last night, Serena?”

  His raspy voice heightened the intimacy. Her mouth burned for his lips, the floodgates of desire opened. She would never be the same now that he had touched her.

  She pressed her cheek against his neck. “I have no regrets, Geoffrey. I succumbed to your charm with full knowledge. You are skilled at seduction. Is it because you are so well practiced?”

  Serena meant her words to break the spell, to push him away in order to sort her emotions.

  Soon, he’ll leave, remember? Guard your heart, lest he break it beyond repair.

  Geoffrey picked her up and she clung to his neck as he walked toward her bedroom. He kicked the door shut, and sat her on the bed. He pulled his shirt free of his waistband.

  “No, please. I am confused.”

  “Just answer me.” He sat beside her and placed his hand over her sacred place. “Do you feel a fire here? Does it wake you at night calling my name? Do you grow wet in desire? We were meant to be together. Our bodies fit like pieces of a puzzle. Do not fight it, Serena. Give me all you have and I will do the same.”

  “Spoken like a true rake,” she challenged.

  His mouth fell open in surprise. He moved his hand from her. “My lady, do not cheapen what I feel for you. Last night was special because you and I shared a secret. Together we create magic. It is a journey of ecstasy I want to take only with you. Do not force me to leave you here when I depart.” He held her face in his hands and kissed the tip of her nose. “Run away with me.”

  “Can you promise to wrap me in your arms forever? Can you forsake all others to be with me? Perhaps when you are in my company, you feel so, but when you go away, and I am here, will you give me a thought?”

  “Are you so blind that you cannot see I am changed?” He pulled her to him. “If you do not want me as I want you, make it known…later. Now we waste precious time.”

  He threw his jacket on a chair—vest, shirt and cravat followed. “Stand,” he said. When she did, he stripped her naked with deft hands. His breath quickened as each garment fell away, and his eyes feasted on her bounty.

  “Let me worship your body. You talk about statues. You are a Venus in ivory marble.”

  He laid her down among the covers; his lips found one breast, he teased the nipple taut with his tongue. Geoffrey cupped the weight of the fullness of her breasts in his hands. “None can compare to these.” Her soft moans encouraged him.

  A trail of kisses found their way to her navel and he laved at her soft skin. He continued downward until he tasted her dark curls and his tongue glided across her bud. She arched upward, her legs parting to accept his raiding lips.

  God, he loved the scent of her. The taste enticed him. He slid a finger into her soft folds, and she moaned, pushing against the intrusion, a silent plea for release.

  “Oh, my.”

  Geoffrey glided his finger inside her warmth, pushing and tugging as she thrust against him. “You do enjoy this, Sweeting?”

  “Oh, yes. I do. I do.” She grabbed his hand, forcing him to stay deep inside her.

  He chuckled. “My wanton lover, give me a moment. He slid his finger free, stood and hastily removed his boots, breeches, and drawers. Stark naked, he raised himself over her, muscles rippled in his arms. His hardened shaft throbbed against her inner thigh, teasing, tantalizing, and seeking entry. He smiled wickedly. “Tell me you want me.”

  “I want you more than you’ll ever know.” She pulled him down to her. “No more words, Geoffrey. I have an inferno in my belly and only your manhood deep inside me can quench the flames.”

  “Such naughty language for a lady,” he taunted. “I do so love it.”

  “I am not a lady when I am with you like this. I am a wanton lover, just as you labeled me.”

  She licked her lower lip, her hand centered his shaft at the entrance of her sex. “Please perform your duty. A maiden awaits the assault of her temple.”

  “You are a hungry wench.” He grinned.

  “Only for you,” she sighed in a siren’s whisper.

  Geoffrey invaded her tight entry and was enveloped in her wet silken sheath. Serena clung to him, met each thrust with equal ardor. She yearned for him. Their mouths touched and when he thrust into her, their tongues imitated the union of their bodies.

  A deep need harbored within his soul. He wanted to have her forever.

  All obstacles were banished in that moment. He didn’t want to think any more of the complications. She grazed his ballocks with her fingertips and he nearly lost control. He pushed inside her time and time again until he could bear no more. Like a madman he roared, and Serena screamed her pleasure. She shattered underneath him in an ultimate, glorious vortex of satisfaction.

  He lay atop her, his weight to one side, his soft member still held captive. “Damnation.”

  “Hmm.” She stroked his chest.

  Finally, their breathing slowed to normal.

  The Westminster clock on her mantel chimed two-thirty. Geoffrey rolled to the side of the bed and moved to the water basin, dampened a cloth and brought it to her. “Let me.”

  She opened to allow him to bathe her. Then he performed his own rinsing and retrieved his clothes.

  He sat on the edge of the bed. “We have to be at the manor house by three. Shall I call Emma to help you dress?”

  “If you are fully clothed.” She pulled his unbuttoned shirt closed. “I share most things with my maid, but I do not want to share you.”

  He smacked her bottom. “Get dressed, you hussy.”

  When he had tucked in his shirt and pulled on his boots, he rang the bell pull.

  While Emma assisted Serena in deciding what frock she would wear for the village outing, Geoffrey waited in the studio. His nearly completed portrait rested on the easel.

  Soon the sketch would be finished and he would be on his way back to London.

  It was as it should be. Then why the hell did his heart pain him so at the thought of leaving her?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Serena joined Geoffrey in the studio wearing a dress of ivory embroidered wool. The color enhanced her skin. The lapel framed her bosom in the popular style. Her pelisse of taupe colored wool wrapped around her and begged notice of her curves.

  Lord Geoffrey watched as she tied the strings of her bonnet, entwined
with blossoms and pearls. “Clothed or not, you always look seductive, Serena.” He winked. “This afternoon, you have the glow of a woman who has been well loved.”

  “I might say the same of you, your Grace.”

  Geoffrey guided Serena outside and into the phaeton. He made sure she covered herself with the lap blanket, and picked up the reins. They rode in silence to the manor house. A footman awaited them on the steps. Geoffrey stopped, and the servant assisted Serena as she stepped out of the conveyance.

  The chatter of the ladies in the drawing room oozed out the open front door. There was excitement about the jaunt to the village.

  Her brother appeared relaxed. “There you are, Serena,” Henry called. “You look well. Come in. I’ve decided to take the large coach and we all can ride together. The rest of the afternoon is ours to do as we please in the village. I told Miss Arabella she and the other ladies will enjoy the teahouse. Some of the best Ceylon varieties are offered.”

  “My favorite is British tea made from the buds of elder, hawthorn, and ash,” Serena replied with a smile. “I think the ladies will like the teahouse. Some of the best East India Tea Company varieties are offered.”

  Even with her pelisse, Serena was chilled—yet scant moments ago, naked as a starling, Geoffrey set her on fire. Her cheeks warmed at the memory.

  Geoffrey entered the room. “Henry, the carriage waits. Shall we depart?” He went to Serena and offered his arm. “Allow me to assist you, my lady.”

  “Thank you.” She followed him and the others to her brother’s oversized carriage, but even so, the quarters were cramped. Pleasant conversation ensued during the ride. Henry listened to Miss Arabella’s every word. Serena and Geoffrey exchanged a glance, nodding their approval.

  Upon arrival at the village, the coach left them on the main street.

  “Henry, your idea to show your guests our pastoral scene has pleased everyone.”

  “In truth, Serena, Lord Geoffrey indicated he would like to visit the pub. He mentioned there are always stories by the old men that fascinate.”

  Henry glowed. “I thought a trip including everyone would be a nice retreat. You lovely ladies can indulge in sampling the teas and the men can exchange war stories.”