UNCOMMON DUKE, AN

by BENSON, LAURIE

  ‘But I...that is to say...’

  ‘Hodges!’

  ‘You have callers,’ his valet blurted out.

  Gabriel looked over at Olivia, who was firmly wrapped in the blanket and appeared just as confused as he was. Focusing his attention back on Hodges, he noticed the man appeared to want to run out of the room but wasn’t certain if he should stay or go.

  ‘Who is here?’

  With his gaze fixed on the floor, Hodges shifted in his stance. ‘His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, along with Lord Hartwick. Bennett has shown them into the Gold Drawing Room and asked me to see if you were well enough to see them.’

  Gabriel scrubbed his hand over his face. Tonight he was locking the door to his bedchamber and no one was interrupting them until he was good and ready to unlock it—and that might not be for days.

  ‘Very well,’ he muttered. ‘Inform Colette that Her Grace is in need of her assistance and let Bennett know he is to see our guests receive whatever they wish. You can have a maid clean that up later. I will see you in my dressing room shortly. And, Hodges...’

  ‘Yes, sir?’

  ‘You did not burn yourself, did you?’

  His valet finally met him in the eye with an appreciative glance. ‘No, sir.’

  Moments later the door was closed and the stillness of the room enveloped them.

  ‘We need to get out of this bed,’ his practical wife reminded him.

  ‘I am aware of that,’ he said, breathing in the faint scent of honeysuckle.

  ‘And yet, you continue to lay there.’

  He thought of how much he wanted to be inside of her. ‘I don’t want to leave,’ he said, sounding petulant.

  ‘Well, I don’t either. However, we have no choice.’ Her back bowed when he ran his thumb over her nipple. ‘Do play fair, Gabriel.’

  He sucked on that nipple, rubbing his tongue over it as he did so. When it hardened into a tight bud, he pulled his head away. At least he wouldn’t be the only one physically frustrated while he sat enduring the presence of their guests.

  * * *

  Olivia had donned her nightrail and dressing gown, and was just helping Gabriel into his banyan when a muffled voice could be heard through the door to her room. They both stilled, listening to the sound.

  ‘Mama, Mama, where are you?’

  They both hurried to the door and as they stepped into her bedchamber, Nicholas walked out of Olivia’s dressing room.

  When he saw them, a broad grin lit his face, and he ran over to them. ‘I’ve been searching for you, Mama. Did last night’s thunderstorm frighten Papa again? Is that why you went to his room?’

  The indignation on Gabriel’s face made her laugh.

  ‘Nicolas, for the last time, I am not afraid of thunderstorms.’

  ‘But Mama was in your bedchamber. Don’t fret, I won’t tell anyone storms scare you. Did Mama make you feel better?’ Before Gabriel could answer him, Nicholas tilted his head and tugged at his father’s empty sleeve in a panic. ‘Where is your arm?’

  Gabriel opened the top of his banyan, revealing that his right arm was bent and tied to his chest. ‘Last night—’

  ‘It’s true!’ Nicholas’s hazel eyes opened wide. ‘You saved Prince George. I heard the servants whispering about it. Were you injured? They said it is in the papers. They said someone tried to shoot the Prince Regent, and you saved his life.’

  ‘Where were you that you overheard all this at such an early hour of the morning?’ Olivia asked.

  ‘Near the kitchen. Sometimes when I go there cook will give me...porridge.’ His expression brightened and he nodded. ‘Yes, that’s what I get...porridge, not biscuits or sweets. Just porridge.’ He stepped closer to Gabriel and his voice turned faint. ‘You are very brave, Papa.’

  ‘I did what needed to be done, Nicholas, to save our Regent. Protecting the Crown is very important.’

  Nicholas’s face wrinkled with concern. ‘Can I hug you? Will it hurt?’

  ‘You will not hurt me.’

  The sight of Nicholas clinging to Gabriel’s waist with his eyes squeezed shut brought a lump to Olivia’s throat.

  ‘Please do not die, Papa. I need you,’ he whispered.

  ‘I have no intention of dying any time soon, Nicholas. You can be assured of that.’

  Their son released Gabriel and stepped back, visibly relieved. ‘That’s why he is here, isn’t it? That’s why the Prince Regent came to call. He wants to thank you. I saw him ride up with his fine carriage with his splendid bits of blood from my window. I was coming here to tell Mama when I heard the servants talking in the hall.’

  Olivia stepped closer to Nicholas and put her hand on his shoulder. ‘Thank you. Your father and I have already been told. Once we are dressed, we will be able to find out what business he has in our home.’

  Nicholas ran the tip of his shoe along the carpet. ‘I suppose I will have to remain up here. Will you tell me what he wanted?’

  Olivia ruffled his soft short hair. ‘We will tell you every word.’

  * * *

  A short while later Olivia entered the breakfast room on Gabriel’s arm and various smells from the food on the table assaulted her. Knowing Prinny and his vast appetite, she was certain he had been keeping her kitchen busy with his numerous requests.

  ‘Ah, there you are,’ Prinny said, looking up from cutting into what appeared to be a lobster cake from his seat at the table. His attention was on Gabriel’s bandaged shoulder and arm, visible under the sleeve that was dangling empty at his side. He appeared to want to charge Gabriel, but then his gaze settled on Olivia. ‘Good morning, my dear. Bennett did inform me you would both be down shortly. It’s a pleasure, as always, to see you.’

  She smiled at her friend and greeted him in return. Those were definitely lobster cakes and lobster was not on any of the menus for the week. She imagined there was a bit of an uproar going on downstairs this morning and bartering was being done with neighbouring kitchens. After extending a greeting to Lord Hartwick, she allowed Gabriel to hold her chair out for her. It was an intimate gesture Prinny did not miss.

  ‘I say, we did not disturb your morning, did we?’ he asked, picking up a glass of wine and arching his brow.

  Gabriel caught her eye before focusing on Prinny. ‘Not in the least. I expected to find you in the drawing room.’

  ‘That was where your butler attempted to place us. I, however, had a sudden desire to be in a more personal setting.’ His attention was back on his plate.

  The various items laid out in platters were unbearably unappetising to Olivia and she looked away to accept her cup of chocolate from Bennett.

  From across the table, Lord Hartwick reclined back in his chair in a casually elegant pose, taking his coffee cup with him. There was no plate of food in front of him, as if he, too, found all this food repulsive so early in the morning.

  ‘Prinny wanted to call hours ago,’ he said, ‘but I persuaded him to wait until at least sunrise before we ventured here.’

  Gabriel studied Prinny over his coffee cup. ‘Dare I ask what has brought you to my door?’

  ‘Can’t a man pay a call to a friend?’ Prinny asked, surveying his plate and planning his next attack with his fork.

  ‘You know you are always welcome.’

  ‘I couldn’t remain within Carlton House for one minute more. And all week I have had a craving for lobster cakes and your cook’s beef with burgundy sauce. Though there is no time like the present. Don’t you know? And low and behold, that talented cook of yours has managed to make me some for breakfast. Not up to her usual standard, mind you, however she hadn’t much time to prepare. I expect the beef was what had remained from last night, but that sauce... I could bathe in it.’

  That was the smell that was invading h
er nose, making her wish they were sitting out in the garden instead of this confining room. One of the footmen entered and placed a large wedge of cheese inches away from Olivia. She rubbed her stomach to settle it. Lord Hartwick’s piercing blue-eyed gaze caught her eye. He tilted his head and his lips rose in a sympathetic smile.

  Please let this be all the food Prinny had requested.

  ‘I do not know if I should be insulted that you are here for my food and not for me,’ Gabriel said, oblivious to her plight.

  ‘I’d count myself lucky,’ Lord Hartwick replied, taking a sip from his cup.

  ‘Insolent pup. One day that unabashed bravado of yours will be placed in check. I just hope I am there to see it.’ The prince turned his attention to Gabriel. ‘I also wanted to express my gratitude to you for all you have done.’ As if remembering that Olivia was in the room, he glanced at her and cleared his throat.

  She caught Gabriel’s eye across the table. It would have been wonderful if Prinny knew how she had helped catch Janvier and his accomplice. Suppressing a disappointed sigh, she managed to smile.

  ‘Olivia is aware of the services I provide,’ Gabriel said unexpectedly. ‘She was also instrumental in foiling the plot against you. Her quick mind is what saved you last night on two separate occasions.’

  Prinny’s eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. ‘Well done, my dear. I always knew there was something special about you.’ His lips dropped from a smile to a serious line when he addressed Gabriel. ‘You are not to place her in any danger in the future.’

  ‘I have no intention of doing so. Last night was an unusual circumstance that I do not anticipate repeating.’

  ‘Do I not have a say in what it is I am involved in?’ she asked.

  ‘No,’ both insufferable men said in unison.

  Lord Hartwick appeared to study her intently. ‘I imagine it would be difficult to stop her should she decide to involve herself in the future.’

  ‘Ply your charms elsewhere, Hart,’ Gabriel said. ‘And why are you here at this early hour? I would have assumed you would still be abed.’

  ‘I found myself with nothing to occupy my time. An unusual occurrence. So, I decided to see if I could convince Prinny to have a go at a game of cards.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Prinny said, cutting into the wedge of cheese.

  The gesture stirred up the smell and Olivia held her stomach as it began to roll.

  ‘Hart does not want to admit he was concerned for my wellbeing, but I saw it in his eyes.’

  ‘Of course I am concerned for you. You are our Regent.’

  ‘You think more of me than that and you know it.’ He turned his attention to Olivia. ‘Since you know of the activities surrounding me recently, you should be made aware that the artist will be spared. My understanding is that he was blackmailed. He did what he did to protect his child. I know something of the feeling one has for their offspring, therefore we shall show leniency. He will be sent to live across the ocean in America. We will not have him residing here. This will also spare a trial that might bring attention to you, my dear.’ He patted her hand. ‘I will have none of that.’

  ‘That is very generous of you.’

  ‘Wot, wot, haven’t you heard? I have a rather generous disposition.’

  Olivia raised her cup of chocolate to her lips, hoping the smell from the contents would drown out the horrible smell of the cheese. However, when she inhaled the scent, her throat tightened up and for the first time in many years she thought she might cast up her accounts. Looking up, she caught the narrow gaze of her husband. His attention did not waver from her, even as Prinny and Lord Hartwick continued their conversation. She knew that look. He was trying to puzzle her out. Had he witnessed her queasy moment with her cup? He arched an inquisitive brow and she shook her head to reassure him that all was well.

  But just as she was beginning to feel better Prinny began to slather butter onto a lobster cake and a clammy coolness swept over Olivia’s skin. If she stayed at this table much longer she was certain to make a spectacle of herself all over the floor.

  She stood abruptly, startling the three men at the table. They rose to their feet and their reactions ranged from amusement, to perplexity, to concern.

  ‘Would you excuse me for a moment?’ she managed to say over the lump that had reappeared in her throat.

  Prinny sat back down, eyeing his dish. ‘Of course, my dear, I will be here when you return. This delicious meal will occupy me for at least another half hour.’

  If one could turn green, Olivia was certain she just did. As she reached the grand staircase the rolling of her stomach had stopped and she sucked in the pure air of the entrance hall. She was so focused on inhaling deep breaths that she barely heard Gabriel’s approach.

  Concern was etched across his chiselled features and filled his hazel eyes. ‘Tell me what is troubling you.’

  The caress of his fingers along her cheek gave her comfort and she leaned into his hand. ‘I find my stomach is not pleased with me this morning. All those smells mixed together were too overpowering.’ She closed her eyes and took a few more deep breaths.

  ‘I will make an excuse to our guests. You should not be forced to entertain anyone if you are not well.’

  ‘Even if one of our guests is His Royal Highness?’

  ‘Even then.’ A gentle smile lifted his lips, and he cupped her neck with his large warm palm, seeping relief into her. ‘Go to your room, call for Colette and lie down. I’m certain she can find something to ease your discomfort. I do not recall you suffering so in the past. Is this something I simply have blocked from my memory?’

  She never had the urge to cast up her accounts and always enjoyed the aroma of good food—at least until this morning. Thinking back, she remembered the last time nausea overtook her.

  It was when she was carrying Nicholas.

  Her eyes flew to Gabriel and were met with his concerned expression.

  ‘Tell me, Livy.’

  Her legs wobbled under her and she dropped down to sit on a step of the staircase. Gabriel carefully lowered himself next to her and grabbed her hand.

  ‘You are frightening me. Tell me.’

  Excitement and fear mixed together inside of her. Only time would tell if she was correct. Taking a deep breath, she looked into the eyes of the man she loved. ‘I think I know what it is that has affected me so.’

  ‘Do I need to call for a physician?’

  She shook her head and traced his wrinkled brow with her finger, smoothing out his worry lines. ‘There is no need as of yet.’ From the silence of the entrance hall it felt as if they were completely alone in the house. This wasn’t the ideal place and time to tell him, but it was also not something she would be able to hide from him for very long, especially if the smell of food would make her ill. ‘I think I am with child.’

  His eyes widened, and that heart-melting smile lit up his face. ‘But we haven’t been trying for that long.’

  ‘Long enough, apparently.’

  He leaned over and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss—a kiss that conveyed how much he cherished her. ‘You’re certain?’

  ‘As certain as I can be this early on. I only know the last time I felt this way, I was carrying Nicholas.’

  He took her hand. ‘It might be a girl.’

  ‘It might. Would you be terribly disappointed if it is?’

  His smile widened. ‘I confess I would be rather pleased if it is. She might resemble you.’

  ‘And we would have to continue trying to conceive a second son.’

  ‘And there is that.’

  His lips rose into that smile she remembered so well. She would love to tell him what that smile did to her, how it made her heart swell with happiness. But they had an entire lifetime ahead of them—a lifetime of sm
iles, and children, and love.

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed this story,

  you won’t want to miss

  the first book in Laurie Benson’s

  SECRET LIVES OF THE TON miniseries

  AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS

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  AN UNEXPECTED COUNTESS

  coming soon!

  Keep reading for an excerpt from CHRISTMAS DANCE WITH THE RANCHER by Carla Kelly, Book One of WESTERN CHRISTMAS PROPOSALS.

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