Once Upon a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  “It is near Southsea Castle. The Forteresse de LeBran is centuries old. It can be formidable, but once accustomed to its vastness, it is comfortable.”

  “Do you live alone, Lord LeBran?”

  “My sons are married and live with their families to the east. My mother and sister reside with me.” His voice held no emotion.

  “There is nothing like family to depend upon.” Serena held her brother’s eyes. “Isn’t that so, dear brother?”

  “Haven’t I always looked after your best interests, Serena?”

  “So you have claimed.” She smoothed the fabric of her dress with her hands. Ignoring his gaze, she continued on with her attempt to embarrass. “Henry, how are you and Lord LeBran acquainted?”

  “We met in Parliament ten or twelve years ago. Our bond became stronger when we realized our goals were mutual. We usually stand together on issues.”

  Supper was served and tolerated with a minimum of conversation from Serena.

  When over, Serena spoke, “Perhaps you would prefer to converse over brandy and cigars now that we are finished dining? The hour grows late and I should like to retire.” She rose to leave.

  “No, Serena,” Henry stated. “I know you like cognac. Join us for a few more moments.”

  Her heart raced. Damn Henry, he was manipulating her. They walked to the library and he poured drinks for them.

  “Tell me, Lady Serena, what do you do for enjoyment? Your brother tells me you are a talented artist.” LeBran swirled his brandy.

  “My brother tends to flatter. I do love to paint and play the pianoforte.” She took a long healthy sip from her crystal glass.

  “I enjoy music. Perhaps tomorrow you will play?” Lord LeBran’s tone remained detached.

  She took measure of the tall portly man. He was much older than she; there was nothing attractive about the gentleman. His voice was firm and his demeanor withdrawn, Lord LeBran appeared bored with the goings on, yet there must be a specific reason he’d been invited.

  Serena looked to Henry for rescue. It did not occur.

  “Sister, we will retire to the drawing room. You can play a signature piece. Wagner’s Toccato in Fugue in D Minor is my favorite.”

  “If you insist.” She walked with them down the mahogany paneled corridor and saw a sinister smile cross Henry’s face. What game was he playing with her as the pawn?

  Serena sat on the bench, straightened her skirt and began to play. Her fingers ran through the musical piece and after the last stanza, she slammed down the piano cover.

  Henry stood over her, a disapproving eyebrow raised.

  “Do you like the opera?” Lord LeBran asked, as if he noticed nothing. He motioned Serena to sit on the settee next to him.

  She walked like a wary feline to the opposite side of the sofa. “In the country as we are, it is difficult to see many of the operas I prefer, but when in London, I take advantage of the varied opportunities.”

  “Such as?” LeBran inquired.

  “Pagliacci is a favorite. I do enjoy Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and its sad story, and La Traviata. There is a long list.”

  He took out his quizzing glass and placed it to his eye.

  “Is there something amiss with your eyesight, Lord LeBran, that requires the use of your monocle?”

  “No, it is a habit of mine.” He removed it and returned the item to his pocket, a stern expression on his face. “I prefer the French operas over the Italian ones. Debussy, Ravel and Bizet come to mind. The music is more to my taste.” Lord LeBran spoke in candor.

  “I am told the Italian language is lyrical, flowery and melts off the lips.” Serena remembered Geoffrey’s comment to her after they’d made love. She wanted to be home with Emma and Adonis. Please let this night end soon.

  She could care less what he liked to eat and drink. “Had my brother known you favored ale, I am sure he would have offered it to you during supper.”

  “If you heard me correctly, I said I preferred ale. However, wine is not disagreeable.” LeBran’s eyes rolled upward.

  Lord LeBran paused, and then rose, walked toward the fireplace. He stood posed, his arm rested on the mantel, reminding Serena of a statue, old, rusted and chipped.

  “I find that I have a requirement to seek a new life partner. As a Member of Parliament, there are many times when a wife could be of political assistance. My family is centuries old with years of service to Britain. My mourning period is over. I am ready to re-enter the social scene.”

  Lord, help her. It occurred to her that he was in search of a wife.

  “When you meet my mother and sister, I am sure you will find them most agreeable. I do confess my routine hardly changes. I do not ride unless it is a necessity. I am a stickler for dining on time. My preference is for beef over lamb and I do enjoy fine ale.”

  “Is your family to visit us?”

  Lord LeBran glanced at Henry.

  “It is a distinct possibility,” her brother replied. “Lord LeBran thinks to invite us to his estate for a wedding. We shall discuss the details later, sister. I know you are tired. I will have the driver take you home.”

  “Thank you.” She did not kiss her brother. “Good night to you both.” She curtsied.

  “Breakfast tomorrow at eight, Serena?”

  Another command.

  “Shall I send the phaeton?”

  “No. Henry, I will ride over on Sheba. I have neglected her.”

  Both men looked at each other, disapproval clear in their expressions.

  She curtsied, left the room and went to the foyer where the butler preceded her to the door.

  Every nerve in her body wanted to scream. Her brother was up to no good, and she was the prize in what he conspired.

  Do not panic, Serena. Tomorrow at breakfast, she would make it clear, her life was her own and she was not chattel to be bartered.

  It was imperative she seek her barrister—the sooner the better.

  Chapter Twenty

  At midnight, Serena went to the lake but not to bathe. The change in seasons chilled the night air. Praying Geoffrey might come, she waited for hours bundled in her warm coat. He did not appear. Disappointment and fatigue overtook her.

  “Come, Adonis. Let’s go home before the air cools even further.” They headed back to the house. The most magnificent man in her life had gone, and all she had to remember him by were a shirt, cravat, a dog, his portrait and, of course, grand memories. But tonight, they were not enough to sustain her.

  Serena thought to write Geoffrey, but decided against it. Until her brother divulged his plans, everything was speculation on her part. What good would it do? Would Geoffrey deduce it was a trap for her? Sleep didn’t come easily. Her brother’s intentions distorted her dreams.

  In the morning, Emma helped her dress into her teal blue riding habit, a ladies bow at the neck and a skirt slit into a fold. Her hat held pheasant feathers touched with a teal froth.

  Serena saddled and mounted Sheba, waved to Emma and Adonis, and headed to her brother’s. She left Sheba with the groom and walked to the manor house. Her brother resided in the dining room, reading his ironed newspaper. Henry folded it and placed it on the table when she entered.

  “Where is your guest?” she asked.

  “Is there no greeting for me, Serena?”

  “You received all the greeting you deserved. Where is Lord LeBran?” Her temper flared.

  “He rides with one of my grooms to see the estate.”

  Serena pulled off her riding gloves and tossed them on the table. “Why? Is it for sale? You are up to something and I demand to know what it is. What wedding are we to go to at his fortress, as he calls it?”

  “Sit down, Serena. I will give you the answers.” He stood then strode to close the dining room doors. He turned to her. “The estate is not for sale. The wedding we are going to will be yours…to him.”

  Her eyes glared with hostility, her fury could have scorched the furniture. How dare he arrange another
political marriage? “I am my own woman, Henry. I will not marry that man or any man not of my choosing.” Her knuckles whitened; her grip on the chair arms tightened.

  Henry loomed over her and shouted. “Hear me out. LeBran is a powerful man who finds himself in a financial predicament. He needs an articulate wife to host his political parties and affairs.” Henry straightened and lent space between them.

  “He will require a wife with a sizable amount of blunt, is that it?” She unclenched her hands and snarled at her brother. “There is nothing in this world that could force me to marry Leland LeBran. The cigar smoke sours his mouth, his breath offends and he is nearly thirty years older than I. The answer is No. I will not do it.”

  “I have signed the betrothal papers. You are to be married in three weeks.”

  “How could you betray me this way, Henry?”

  “Prepare yourself to leave with him today to return to his estate. Emma will go to chaperone you.”

  Her mind whirled in shock, and her anger unchecked. “I will not marry a man I do not love.”

  Henry showed no interest in Serena’s protest. An insidious fear spiraled her spine. Could he force her to do this? Surely not.

  “It is beyond countenance for you to disobey me, Serena.” Henry’s hand fisted and pounded the table. “I am your guardian as well as your brother. Think, sister. We can be a powerful family. Your generous dowry will belong to both of you. Combined with my holdings, we can sway influential men in London.”

  “My so-called inheritance would better suit me if I didn’t have to have you as its overseer. What I believe you mean to say is that you can bribe them to your will, but both of you require my contribution to an unwanted marriage. It is too late for your arrangements, Henry. I love someone else.”

  “It matters not. I do not care who you think you love.” Henry fussed with his brocade vest. “Your deceased husband spoiled you, Serena. He gave in to your every whim, but you are no longer under his protection. You have nowhere to go if I cast you out for your insolent disobedience,” he hissed.

  “His protection? I will show you how my husband spoiled and protected me, dear brother.” She removed the cloth bow from her neck and unbuttoned her jacket, allowed it to slip down her back.

  “Good God, what are you doing? Have you gone mad? You cannot undress in front of me.”

  “You think not, Henry. Just watch me.” Serena turned her back to show her scars. “Look how my husband loved me.”

  Henry fell into a chair. “He swore to me he would never hurt you, because he loved you too much.” His hand went to his mouth, his eyes wide. “I am sorry he marked you. You must have provoked his anger.”

  “Why are you so quick to find me at fault? To my regret, I did everything he asked.” Serena replaced her jacket. “You knew he was sadistic and did not tell me? You sent me into hell. You are a worse fiend than he.” Her eyes brimmed. She turned away and would not let him see her cry.

  “I’ve known you had little brotherly affection for me, Henry, but I thought at least you cared enough to fulfill your family responsibilities and protect me.”

  Silence suffocated the room.

  “Serena, I know not of this affection you speak. I’ve never loved anyone.” He leaned forward but could not hold her gaze. “I cannot go back on my word now. I signed a contract.”

  Henry had betrayed her once, sent her into a marriage that caused her pain in all its forms and he prepared to do it again. “I depended on you to have my best interest up front, but you are using me to advance your political purposes.” Why did she bother to plead her case to deaf ears?

  “You are damaged goods, Serena.” The compassionless words stabbed, a knife to her heart and soul.

  “You are a cocky bastard, Henry.”

  “Watch how you speak to me or I will forget you are my sister.” His voice spat venom.

  “You have already forgotten.” Serena paced. “Greed is an evil mistress, and absolute power is no better than a dissatisfied wife. You disgust me.”

  Serena raised her hand, worked the buttons on her jacket and affixed the bow around her neck.

  “Shall I tell you about my wedding night? A virgin bride might expect some gentleness. Trystan found it an inconvenience to exercise caution when he deflowered me. He gave me no time to be ready. His entry ripped me and when I cried out in pain, he beat me. I refused to wear my wedding ring after he raped me. I wished him dead a thousand times. I wish you dead, too. You can join him.”

  “Serena, do not speak to me in such a manner.” Even though the doors were closed, Henry looked around to be sure no one overheard her outburst.

  “Did you know I miscarried the child that grew within me? I prayed it would not be born, fearful that Trystan would beat the child as he did me. I worried Trystan’s meanness would be inherited by the babe. When God answered my prayers, I held much guilt. I took measures to prevent another pregnancy. Aunt Meredith, may her soul rest in peace, imparted the information I needed to avoid another such event.” Serena eyes flashed and she stood tall. “What did I do to cause you to send me into such a marriage?”

  “Serena, you have familial notions and I do not. I tried to make sure your marriage would make you happy. Yes, it had political ramifications. Trystan came from a powerful family. I did not know it would turn out the way it did.”

  “If you knew, would you have done anything different? I think not, Henry. You are filled with avarice.” She sat across from him stunned that he still didn’t see the error of his ways. “I will not allow you to do this to me again.”

  “You do not have a choice. I will admit your marriage might not have been all you planned, but this one will be better. LeBran is not a bad man.”

  “That is easy for you to say. He is boorish.” Serena straightened her shoulders. “I will show him my scars. He will consider me damaged goods, as you do, and decide not to marry.” Her words punctured the air. Serena felt like a wounded stag waiting for the final thrust.

  “I will up the ante. To some men, you are considered an heiress. Perhaps he will not mind the ugliness.” Henry’s words cut like a heavy bladed sword.

  “You are cruel to speak to me in such a manner.”

  “Nonetheless, Serena, you leave here with him in three hours time. You will be married at his estate with the families present. The banns will be posted and in three weeks you will have a new and better life. My decision is irrevocable.”

  “I will run away the first chance I get.” She stood defiant.

  He ignored her. “Take Emma with you, but your horse remains here in my stables. The damn dog will be drowned in the lake. You will have nothing and no one to turn to.” He slid the knife into her further. “Even Lord Geoffrey did not want you. You threw yourself at him and he toyed with you because you were available. He has a wench in the village he tumbles. The Duke told me himself when Lord LeBran and I met him in London. Ask your intended if you think I lie. I hope you did not give in to his rakish ways and allow him to impregnate you. That would present a problem.” Henry looked her straight in the eyes. “Pretense diminishes you. Did you lay with him like a whore?”

  “Perhaps you should ask Geoffrey that question, if you dare. Careful, brother, you might wind up like Trystan.” She stood tall and stoic. “I hate you. You are a monster.”

  “Go back to your studio and pack a few necessities. I will send the rest to you when you are settled.” Henry shook his finger. “Check your disposition, sister, and be grateful for the opportunity presented you. Now go. Do as I direct. I will send the phaeton for you when it is time for you to depart. Leave before I lose my patience further.” He’d dismissed her like lint swept under the carpet.

  She arose from the chair. Did Geoffrey really have a woman in the village? He’d told her he made the story up in order to throw Henry off their trail and to protect her. Serena turned in a huff and hastily made her way to the stables.

  The groomsman held the reins of Serena’s horse. “John,
I do not have time to explain, but my brother will instruct you to drown Adonis in the lake. You will agree to do so, but instead you will hide the dog on my behalf. If you do not hear from me in ten days, you will find a way to deliver him to Lord Geoffrey. Emma will come with the pup. I will reward you. Promise me you will not harm him. He is more than precious to me.”

  “My lady, I helped birth the little guy. I could not drown him. It’s a crime against God’s law. I don’t want a reward. Rest easy, I will take Adonis home with me. He’ll be safe there until I hear from you. If I do not, I shall get him to the Duke as you ask.”

  “Thank you. I will have Emma bring Adonis to you straight away. There is not much time. I am being sent away against my will, but I shall not stay for long.”

  Serena hugged John. “You have a kind heart. I will return in one way or another.”

  She mounted Sheba and galloped off, riding recklessly. Perhaps she might fall off the horse and break her neck. It was one way to escape the awful marriage planned for her.

  Serena put Sheba safely in the stable and ran inside. “Emma, Emma. Come quickly.”

  “Mistress? What has happened?” Emma hugged her lady. “Are you all right? You look dreadful.”

  Silence hung in the air like a funeral crepe. Serena’s fists clenched. She closed her eyes, vertigo threatened her.

  “Give me a minute to comport myself.” She took deep breaths and paced. She spoke finally. “My brother has acted in a horrendous way. He has signed papers of betrothal for me to Lord LeBran.” Serena pulled a chair away from the table and sat. “Sit beside me, Emma. You will not believe the story I’m about to share.”

  In the midst of Serena’s words, Emma hands rushed to her lips, “Oh, mistress. How cruel of him. There is nothing you can say to change his mind?”

  “I fear not, and there’s more.”

  Serena finished telling the details. “I must buy time. I could pretend to go along with this engagement, find a way to get to London to my banker, perhaps seek Geoffrey? Oh, what am I to do? Or I could ride away now where Henry won’t find me. You must hurry, Emma. Put Adonis in his basket. I spoke with the groom. You are to give him the puppy and he will hide it until he can take it to his home.”