Once Upon a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  “A mere woman was able to resist your charms? I do not believe it.” Carleton puffed his cigar, smoke rings rose into the air. “I would like to meet such a creature.”

  “You will never see her if I can help it. I do not jest, Carleton. A more seductive lady I have not known. Yet, she is innocent to her charms. I have known many women, but she has something that whets my appetite in a new way. She excites with a gesture, a phrase, a glance, and the sway of her hips—all the while a complete lady. Yet when we are alone, she is like no other. My lady challenges me at every juncture. She can make the word puppy ignite my passion. I gifted her one before I left. She named him Adonis…after me.”

  Carleton eyed his friend. “In over the thirty years we’ve known each other, never have I heard you sound like a man besotted.”

  “She had been grossly abused by her husband, now deceased, and was fearful of all men After I overcame her fright, my adorable lady surprised me with her ardor. She has a sweet but sassy disposition. She dared me to fall in love with her. “

  “I take it you accepted the dare,” Carleton laughed.

  “I did.” Geoffrey recalled the time and wished she were here with him.

  “So love-them-and-leave-them Geoffrey has met his match? Is this what you say? You don’t look disappointed,” his friend said. “Tell me more about her. What color is her hair? Is she beautiful?”

  “Her hair is black, but when the light glistens off it, it takes a midnight blue sheen. She has natural curls and likes to tie her hair back in a ribbon to keep it off her face when she paints. My lady is also an accomplished artist and the most exotic creature I have ever known.”

  Geoffrey ordered another drink. “I should like to eat. Can we order something light?”

  Lord Carleton nodded. “The menu is on the table.”

  They made their selections and the servant came to take the instructions.

  “So you say she is a widow, Geoffrey? How can a widow be innocent?”

  “It makes for another story, but yes, my lady has been a widow for about a year. She has ivory skin so soft it is like satin to the touch.” His fingers moved on his palm. “I am drunk when I glance at her, and filled with desire. Most important, I want to inhale her essence.” He tapped his fingers on the table and looked around. “I feel I talk too much about her. What about you, Carleton—have you been up to mischief?”

  “My life isn’t as exciting as yours. I am still with my current mistress, though I do admit I get restless. Enough of my dull story, tell me more about your mysterious lady.” He coaxed with an agreeable smile.

  Geoffrey grinned. “My lady rides like the wind on a spectacular horse, named Sheba. My horse, as you know, is Solomon. Do you think there is something biblically pre-ordained here?” Geoffrey swirled his bandy in the glass. “She is woman personified.” He paused; his thoughts took him back to her studio. “She has paid me the compliment of her honesty.”

  “That is a trait most unusual in a female, Geoffrey. She sounds special, my friend. I do believe you are smitten but will not admit it to yourself.”

  “I could be. I admit that, but I cannot wear handcuffs no matter how golden the temptation.”

  They were interrupted by the servant who returned with platters of steaming beef and roasted potatoes. They continued to talk while they ate.

  “Well, look who walked through the door.” Carleton pointed with his chin.

  Geoffrey turned and saw Sir Henry Worthington with another gentleman. Their hats and canes were taken by the porter. Sir Henry led the way to their table. They arose in greeting. Introductions were made and the other gentleman, introduced as Sir Leland LeBran, appeared cool and aloof.

  “Geoffrey speaks to me about a woman he met on a recent trip that interested him,” Lord Carleton joked.

  Sir Henry’s eyes winged upward and his facial expression scolded.

  “What color hair had she? Black or blonde?” His words were arctic.

  “Her hair—”

  Geoffrey interrupted Carleton. “Flamed, not that it matters. I met her in the village pub.” He hit his boot against Carleton’s foot in warning.

  Sir Henry’s facial expression relaxed. “So that is the reason you wanted to visit the countryside. You are a scoundrel, to say the least.”

  “I would attest to that.” Geoffrey sat down. “Do you care to join us?”

  “Thank you, but LeBran and I have important matters to discuss that are personal in nature. Have a good evening, gentlemen.” The two men walked to a private corner.

  “Have you lost all your senses, Geoffrey? I see now you referred to Sir Henry’s sister. She is off limits to you.” Carleton smacked his hand against his forehead. “Sorry, I almost let the cat out of the bag. You are a quick thinker, though. I will give you that.”

  “Yes, I saw the enraged expression on his face when he thought I might have referred to his sister.”

  “There’s no red haired village lady?” Lord Carleton questioned, as he speared a morsel with his fork.

  “No, once I met Serena, there could be no other. She has an attitude about her that is sassy and engages the mind. She ran me a merry chase.”

  Lord Carleton raised his brows. “Why did he ask about a blonde?”

  “You talk about besotted, he dares not admit to himself his attraction to a lady guest, Miss Arabella. She teaches at a school for young orphaned ladies. The Earl of Medford’s sister is the patroness of the foundation that sponsors it.”

  “Hmm, I have heard.”

  “Sir Henry told me he is in a conundrum about Arabella. He is an unmitigated snob and to him her roots are common, yet, he could not keep his eyes off her. He engaged her in conversation, and when the music started, danced with her. She is the probable reason he visits London so often. She resides with the Earl of Medford and his wife.”

  “Quite frankly, Geoffrey, I have never liked Henry in any capacity. I saw him once go into a tirade when a flower girl outside the theatre dared to pull at his elbow to ask him to make a purchase. He puts on airs he does not own.”

  “He isn’t one of us, Carleton. His home is pretentious and stuffed with chandeliers, servants and marble statues. He had the gall to inform me that those in the know only referred to the artwork as marbles. It must cost him a fortune to keep the mansion in candles. That said, he has one of the finest stables in the county, which is why I like to hunt there. In truth, if it were not for my attraction to his sister, I would not have lasted the week. He is a pompous ass.” He paused then added, “Yet I would like to know where all this money comes from. His sister has a generous inheritance and he oversees her affairs.” His last statement caused Geoffrey to question Henry’s motives for his sister.

  Geoffrey finished his meal and called for another libation.

  “Will you see Lady Serena again?” asked Lord Carleton.

  “Sad to say, I do not know. We made no arrangements to meet, although I did tell her where she could find me. Dammit to hell, she invades my every thought. I am not ready to marry yet she has made it clear she wants a commitment. The woman has shaken my world.”

  “I do not envy you, Geoffrey. We always want what we cannot have. Do you think God plans it that way?”

  “I cannot answer for God. Yet I do believe He tests our resolve. He looked to the corner of the room where Henry and LeBran spoke in animated gestures.

  “That Leland LeBran—I believe he lost his wife and looks for an heiress with a large inheritance.”

  Geoffrey pondered a thought that nagged. He remembered Sir Henry spoke of his sister when he mentioned he had other plans for her. Could Lord LeBran be involved?

  Damnation.

  “By the way,” Carleton explained, “I am to take Angelique to a French modiste tomorrow. The dressmaker has a large clientele amongst mistresses and courtesans. Since you are a woman’s fashion arbiter, it might get your mind off your lady when you see the proprietress. She has dark hair, too. Besides, I know it will please Angeliqu
e to see you.”

  “What time?” Geoffrey asked.

  “Eleven. Shall I pick you up?” Lord Carleton said.

  “Yes, I could use an amusement. By the way, my lady’s figure is voluptuous. Perhaps I will see something I like there to purchase for her.”

  “So, Geoffrey, you do plan to see her again?” he chuckled.

  “The thought has come to mind.” He slapped his friend on the shoulder.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next morning Lord Geoffrey breakfasted first, then awaited Carleton and Angelique. He had taken the last bite of toast when his butler announced Lord Carleton’s carriage had arrived. Neville handed him his things and he departed. Geoffrey entered the conveyance and gave her a genuine smile.

  “My lady, you are resplendent. It is hard to believe you need a French modiste.”

  “You are still a flatterer, your Grace. However, I do like compliments. I know your fashion sense will be an inspiration to the dressmaker.”

  The carriage arrived on fashionable Bond Street. The driver parked near the store, went round to the passenger side, and then pulled out the steps so they could descend. Geoffrey alighted first and held his hand to Lady Angelique to assist her. Lord Carleton followed.

  When they entered the stylish shop, the proprietress Mademoiselle Melisande greeted them. “Good morning.” She curtsied.

  Geoffrey noted her dark hair did not resemble Lady Serena’s—the curls weren’t natural.

  Angelique introduced Geoffrey. “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to have you honor my salon.”

  Mademoiselle Melisande escorted them to a private room.

  “I am anxious to see your fashions,” Geoffrey declared, quite comfortable in the room, which had armoires along one wall overflowing with glittering gowns.

  “My model will show you a gown Lady Angelique favored.” The owner clapped her hands and a beautiful blonde appeared wearing a deep teal raw silk gown. Soon after, she was dismissed. “Shall I continue?” asked Mademoiselle Melisande.

  “Merci, c’est magnifique,” Lord Geoffrey stated. “Avez-vous des robes correspondre a la coloration de Mademoiselle Angelique, en rouge ou en rose?” He turned to Lord Carleton. “I inquired if she had any gowns in rouge or red because of Angelique’s coloring.”

  The seamstress went to one of the armoires and took out a dark red organza gown with seed pearls sewn into the bodice. Again, the décolletage enhanced a low-cut bodice. “The style is French empire made famous by Napoleon’s Josephine.” She held it up for them to inspect.

  “May we see the model in it?” Lord Geoffrey requested.

  Within minutes, the model returned. The sheer fabric revealed an undergarment that hugged the body and displayed every curve.

  “I rather like the style. The organza shows enough to entice, yet it’s not lewd. What do you think, Carleton? Would you like to see your lady in it?”

  “Yes.” He wet his lips.

  “Before it is fitted to her, should you purchase Angelique some lingerie? A week or so ago, I saw a memorable creation that fell apart with a snap of the finger.” Again Lord Geoffrey thought of Serena and how she looked their last night together in her flimsy goddess-style nightgown. How he missed the sight of her.

  “Mademoiselle Melisande, avec-vous des suggestions pour decadentes lingerie?”

  “Lord Carleton, your friend has asked if I have any suggestions for decadent lingerie? He must have read my mind.” She raised her eyebrows, “I have a new selection just in from Paris, the city of lights and love.”

  “Thank you.” Carleton laughed. “My mouth waters at the thought.”

  “So did mine when I saw it on my lady.” Geoffrey gave a sly grin.

  A seamstress led Lady Angelique to another room where she could be fitted, and Lord Carleton joked, “Remind me not to invite you to shop with me again. I am sure this will cost me a small fortune.”

  “Indeed it should, Carleton. It will teach you not to invent ploys to match me with all the dark-haired ladies in London.” Geoffrey laughed and shook a finger at his friend. “I almost envy you when Angelique wears her new lingerie to entice you. The money is a small amount if it pleases her, and makes you amorous and devilish as well. Enjoy the moment. They fleet away like snow on a sunny morning.”

  Lord Carleton happily purchased a day gown, evening wear and bed lingerie.

  When they left with their packages ensconced in the coach, they proceeded to a small hotel that catered to the elite. There they indulged in tea and a seafood lunch with fresh baked scones and marzipan.

  “Geoffrey, what did you think of Mademoiselle Melisande?” Carleton winked at his friend. “Is she not beautiful?”

  “It appears to me she is a talented woman with a keen business sense, and she is smart enough to employ the best seamstresses. I cannot remember our whole conversation, but she mentioned the designs were created by her.”

  “Carleton, dear. I am going to excuse myself and visit the confectioneries, while you and Geoffrey dissect Mademoiselle Melisande’s virtues.”

  “We shall not chat on the subject for long. I promise, my sweet. I only attempt to show Geoffrey what is available to him right here in London.” Carleton gave Angelique a kiss on the cheek. “Run along, but don’t tarry too long.”

  “I do take it, while you admire Melisande, she isn’t your type?” Carleton asked.

  “You are correct. I do believe I am smitten with someone else.”

  “You are headed into dangerous territory, Geoffrey. Give it some time to see if you feel the same way in a week or so.”

  “I intend to. Two things occur to me. I cater not to ultimatums, though she asked for a commitment and did not demand anything else. Marriage frightens me. I saw what happened to my father.”

  Geoffrey pulled at the right cuff on his coat to ease out the fabric. Then he pulled on his other cuff. “I have always wanted to be a man like my father—well-respected for his acumen and good deeds to family and friends. I believe I can do that without love and marriage.”

  He fingered his kid gloves. “There exists in my heart a loss of her, but perhaps it will pass. We didn’t have much time together. Is it possible I was only caught up in the moment, and the after-glow will diminish?” He wrinkled his forehead. “Serena did make a request of me just before I left.”

  “I’m curious. How much did it cost you?” asked Lord Carleton, a simple smile on his face.

  “She asked if I could leave a piece of my clothing so my essence might remain with her. I could not bear to say goodbye to her, so after she fell asleep, I sneaked out of her studio like a thief.”

  “If all you say is true, you should be glad you did.”

  “Let’s change the subject,” Geoffrey whispered and leaned toward his friend. “Have you any current news of the Secret Order of Mortal Saints?” He turned to make sure no one overheard the reference to the covert group they both worked for in the name of England’s Defence Ministry.

  “No, Lord Cedric visited the other day at White’s, but made no mention of a need for our skills.”

  Angelique returned with a box of confections, and they spoke no more of the Saints.

  “Something for me to nibble on later, my dear?”

  “Mince pasties…and more, Carleton.” Angelique batted her lashes.

  They departed the restaurant and gave instructions to the driver. Lord Geoffrey donned his top hat, disembarked, and waved good-bye. Neville waited for him in the foyer.

  “Your Grace, your mother awaits you in the sitting room.”

  “God’s blood. What now? She will not leave me alone.” He walked in haste to where she waited.

  “Madam, you look well.” He nodded, his voice cool. He stood tall in the hope it would intimidate her.

  “Is that how you greet me when you have not seen me in months?”

  “Come, Mother, do not be melodramatic. My distance from you is because you refuse to mind your own business and stop your efforts to find me a Duch
ess. I will find my own future lady. You know nothing of my preferences.” He placed his arms behind his back.

  “What you say is true, but your father would want you to wed a fine lady who will make a grand Duchess.”

  “My father would want me to marry a lady I could not live without regardless of who she was—or was not.”

  “Geoffrey, you would not consider a commoner, would you? It would be the disgrace of the ton and scandalize the family name.” She removed a handkerchief from her silk reticule.

  “By all means, I should exercise care not to scandalize the family name since it would affect your patronage by them.”

  “Your voice is as cold as steel,” she whispered, sniffling into the hankie. “I know what the ton says about you. It is difficult enough to find suitable debutantes when your reputation as a rogue follows you everywhere. Can you not be more discreet?”

  “Madam, you should not believe everything you hear. I am told I am the soul of discretion.”

  She shook her head. “I need to know if you can make yourself available one evening next week for a soiree at my home where there will be a select number of young ladies present for you to inspect.” She arose and put on her gloves. “Send me word which evening you prefer and I will arrange all.”

  He heard no sign of emotion in her voice. Her tone was always the same, in perfect cadence like the hoof beats of synchronized horses on a well-trodden road. He noted her face looked like porcelain stone—and just as cold.

  “Madam, what part of the word, No, do you not understand?” His ire rose. “I may have to leave in a few days. Therefore, if I were you, I would not plan your event too soon.”

  “Duke or no, you are rude, Geoffrey.” She brushed by him in a huff and departed the room.

  Geoffrey went to his study, stood in front of his father’s portrait. “How did you stand it all those years? Is love blind? If so, I want no part of it. No part at all. No part at all.” He slammed his fist on the desk and the papers jumped.