‘Yes indeed, my dear. Perhaps I’ll have him set up some spring guns if that would put your mind at rest.’
‘Oh, no! They might discharge and accidentally harm one of the animals.’
‘They’re designed to hit a man’s head, coz,’ Frederick said in a patronising tone. ‘Your beasts’ll be quite safe.’
‘I’ve precious little time for the poachers, Frederick, but I understand they have to feed their families somehow. I wouldn’t wish them dead, in spite of their cruelty. No,’ she added firmly, ‘no spring guns, Uncle. There must be another way.’
‘I don’t know how you deal with poachers on your estate, your grace, but we’re plagued with the devils here. I turn a blind eye to their snaring the odd rabbit but take great exception to their making free with my deer.’
‘It’s an ongoing problem on any large estate.’ Nick resisted the urge to tell Woodley to employ a more efficient gamekeeper.
Dinner was announced. Maria looked expressively at Nick but he had no intention of exciting her expectations by escorting her in. Much as he’d have liked to proffer his arm to Alicia, he did what was expected of him and offered it to Mrs Woodley instead. He tried not to scowl when Frederick took up a position beside Alicia.
The meal was remarkably good. One course followed another, each more sumptuous than its predecessor. Nick suspected that a special effort had been made for his benefit but that hardly came as a surprise. It was ever thus wherever he went. Gibson often wondered aloud why he wasn’t the size of a house, what with the amount of food ambitious hostesses forced upon him.
Woodley and Maria between them dominated the dinner table conversation. Maria was clearly her father’s favourite. She was greatly indulged and seldom checked when she spoke inappropriately. It couldn’t have mattered to him less. Only the sound of Alicia’s voice held his attention. She spoke sparingly, somehow managing to temper the more embarrassing comments made by her cousins, demonstrating a delicacy and maturity that belied her years.
Nick wondered how she could bear her position here with such apparent stoicism. To have been replaced as mistress by her aunt and two very silly female cousins must be difficult to take. He would dedicate himself whilst here to making her feel better about herself. It was the very least he could do. And given the passion he detected in her eyes whenever she spoke about her animals, the task was likely to prove as rewarding as it would be challenging.
‘We must arrange for his grace to see the full extent of the estate tomorrow.’ Woodley glanced significantly at his favoured daughter.
‘Oh, yes indeed!’ Maria clapped her hands.
‘That’s hardly necessary.’ Nick struggled to keep his tone convivial.
‘Oh, but it is,’ Maria cried. ‘The park is quite splendid at this time of year and ought to be seen in its entirety. And nothing could be more easily arranged. Elsbeth and I will give you a tour, if you will be so good as to drive us in the curricle, your grace.’
Nick felt a trap closing about him every bit as firmly as Alicia’s blasted rabbit must have that afternoon. Father and daughter had planned this, obviously. But why? Did Woodley really think that one drive in a curricle with his silly daughters would make him fall head over ears in love with one of them? It hardly seemed plausible but then there was no accounting for the ambitions of a doting father.
‘And you, Miss Woodley.’ Nick leaned across the table, resigned to the fact that the outing couldn’t be avoided. ‘Will you be a member of the party also?’
‘Well, I—’
‘Oh, no, Alicia won’t be able to spare the time.’ Maria cut impolitely across whatever Alicia had been about to say. ‘She helps the village beadle in the school every morning.’
‘An admirable occupation, Miss Woodley. Tell me, what part do you play in the education of the local children?’
‘I teach those who show an inclination to learn their letters. And I try to find positions for those with promise. Several are employed here and have given exemplary service. I have one such in the stable yard,’ she added with a ghost of an impudent smile. ‘A young man named Will, who has great aptitude with animals.’
Nick returned her smile. The hussy was deliberately provoking him, trying to get him to admit that he’d already met Will, and therefore her. Her reason for doing so was less easily discerned but, whatever it was, he had no intention of playing into her hands. ‘It sounds as though the lad is fortunate to have found such a generous patroness.’
‘I’m the fortunate one.’
‘You intrigue me. I look forward to making the young man’s acquaintance.’
Maria stared at him, open-mouthed. ‘But he’s a mere orphan, your grace. There are hundreds of such scapegraces in every village.’ She shuddered. ‘I don’t see why you’d wish to concern yourself with Alicia’s lost causes. There are much more agreeable ways to pass the time.’
‘Maria.’
Alicia spoke mildly but Nick could see that she was acutely embarrassed by her cousin’s forwardness. Fortunately Mrs Woodley chose that moment to lead the ladies from the room, saving Nick from making any answer to Maria’s ill-bred assertion.
Alicia was the last to leave the dining room. The duke rose fluidly to his feet and she could feel his eyes boring into her back as she walked away from him. The realisation that he’d deliberately singled her out made her nervous, especially since it was the last thing she had expected. She attributed her awareness of him to nothing more than embarrassment. Her cheeks burned scarlet as she recalled the manner in which her family had behaved during the course of the evening. Whatever must he think of them all? She didn’t care for the duke any more than she approved of him. But her family had just given him ample cause to look down on them, and that made her uncomfortable.
That her uncle and cousin could devise such an obvious ploy to get the duke alone defied belief. Anger had flared in his eyes when Maria suggested the scheme. Her cousin had undoubtedly already figured out a way to lose her sister during the course of the outing. What stratagems her ambitiously determined relative then proposed to instigate in order to compromise the duke she preferred not to think about. But she did consider it her duty to warn him to be on his guard, if an appropriate opportunity could be contrived.
She’d made the best of her life at Ravenswing Manor in the aftermath of her father’s death. She enjoyed a congenial relationship with her family and busied herself with occupations that filled her time and gave her considerable satisfaction. And if she ached to be involved with the stud again…well, she didn’t permit her disappointment to show. She kept her concerns at the way the operation was now being managed to herself. She’d been told that it was no longer anything to do with her, and any advice she offered was blithely ignored.
No matter. In six months’ time she would receive her inheritance and remove to a small cottage in the village. She’d already picked out the establishment which would suit her needs perfectly. Janet and Will would go with her, and she’d be her own mistress. Her aunt had made no objection to her plans, and Alicia suspected she’d privately be pleased to see the back of her. The few household restraints she currently exercised out of respect for her parents’ memory would then become unnecessary since Alicia wouldn’t be there to appreciate them.
‘I think that went admirably, Mama.’ Maria smiled in a self-satisfied manner and stood on tiptoe to examine her reflection in the mirror above the fire. She tweaked a few stray curls back into place. ‘His grace is perfectly charming and seems very pleased with us all.’
‘You especially, my dear,’ Mrs Woodley said, a fond smile on her lips. ‘But then you look exceptionally lovely tonight.’
‘Do you think so?’ The question was addressed to them all. Alicia could think of no answer that would give Maria the gratification she craved so remained silent. ‘Well, he did seem to favour me with a good deal of his attention. I was never so flattered. And he’s prodigiously handsome, as well as being charming and considerate. I think the
re’s a real chance for me.’
‘Maria.’ Alicia’s resolve to remain silent didn’t pass the test of time. In spite of her cousin’s silliness, she didn’t want her to build her hopes up only to have them dashed with one cynical lift of the duke’s aristocratic brow. ‘It would be as well not to harbour unrealistic expectations. His grace is far too grand for the likes of us, and you’ll only finish up disappointed.’
‘Unrealistic?’ Maria gazed upon Alicia as though she were a simpleton. ‘Why should they be unrealistic? He is a gentleman and I’m a gentleman’s daughter.’ Alicia sighed, knowing it would be pointless putting Maria straight in that respect. Uncle Albert’s unprepossessing past was never referred to any more. ‘We’re both young and attracted to one another. If that attraction is allowed the freedom to blossom, who knows what may become of it? And after tomorrow—’
‘When you’ll have Elsbeth with you at all times.’
‘Of course!’ Maria said, a little too quickly. ‘What an old fuss bucket you are sometimes, Alicia.’
Alicia didn’t know if she was more relieved or disappointed when the gentlemen joined them far sooner than anticipated. They’d hardly walked through the door before Maria proposed some music. Alicia thought that to be just as well, even though her cousins were not nearly so proficient at their instruments as they supposed. At least if they were thus engaged, Maria wouldn’t be able to make further mischief.
Alicia took her favourite seat at the back of the room and surreptitiously reached for the book she kept on the small side table, opening it in her lap. No one would notice she wasn’t attending to the recital. But the novel she’d borrowed from the circulating library couldn’t hold her attention. She permitted her mind to wander instead, safe in the knowledge that the duke would be obliged to attend to her aunt and uncle’s discourse. No one would bother her.
But it soon became apparent that the duke was accustomed to doing as he pleased without fear of giving offence to his social inferiors. He stood, stifling a yawn behind his hand, and moved toward her. All eyes turned in her direction.
Alicia tamped down panic as he loomed, large and dangerous, in her sphere of vision. She was most discomposed when her heart did a strange little flip. Her heart most emphatically did not flip at the sight of attractive and odiously arrogant gentlemen. Maria’s fingers hit a few wrong notes when his incivility made it plain that he was bored rigid. Alicia didn’t need to look up to know that Maria would be livid. She could only hope she’d have the presence of mind not to throw one of her tantrums and leave the room.
‘May I ask after the welfare of the rabbit, Miss Woodley?’
Alicia raised a brow. ‘Do you really care?’
If he was put off by her rudeness, he gave no sign. ‘I feel responsible for her. After all, I did help to save her life.’
‘True, but I can assure you that—’
‘Did you know that in some cultures when you save a life you become responsible for that life?’ His mocking tone caused colour to flood Alicia’s cheeks. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind for speaking so flippantly but didn’t dare to whilst in her uncle’s presence. The duke obviously observed her discomfort and his responding smile filled with predatory intent. ‘Since it’s impossible for me to be responsible for the rabbit’s life, then I fear you must take its place.’
‘Stop jesting and listen to the music.’
He appeared genuinely confused by the suggestion. ‘Why the devil would I want to do that?’
‘If for no reason other than the rest of us have had to endure this piece over and over again ever since you agreed to come here.’ She shook a finger beneath his nose. ‘They have practised day and night in anticipation of your visit, so the very least you can do is give them your attention. It’s very bad-mannered of you to ignore their performance.’
The duke rolled his eyes. ‘If they wish to make a good impression, perhaps they should have chosen something a little less ambitious.’
Alicia wondered if he was referring to the music or Maria’s very obvious interest in him. ‘Perhaps they should.’ Since she privately agreed, it took every last vestige of her self-control to avoid smiling. ‘However, we should make allowance for the limited time they’ve had to prepare and be courteous enough to listen in silence.’
The duke acted as though she’d not just given him a well-deserved put-down. ‘I will if you do.’
‘Whatever do you mean?’
‘What are you reading?’ He lifted the book she thought she’d concealed and read the title from the spine. ‘Romantic fiction, Miss Woodley?’ He elevated his brows disparagingly. ‘Well, well, perhaps you’re not so very different after all. How disappointing.’
‘I don’t see why my choice of reading material should give rise to your disappointment.’
‘Because your being in possession of a romantic nature greatly reduces the challenge.’
Alicia felt very hot indeed beneath the blistering intensity of the brown eyes levelled on her face. ‘Do you enjoy talking in riddles, your grace, or is it just that we provincials don’t speak the same language as the aristocracy?’
The duke chuckled. ‘I was merely reminding you that you’re my concern, Miss Woodley, whether you like it or not, as a result of the incident with the rabbit.’ His eyes moved from her face to her décolletage. ‘You’re in my debt and I give you due warning I shall look to you to discharge that debt before I leave this place.’
‘And I have nothing to offer that could possibly interest you.’
‘You underestimate yourself.’ The duke spoke in a lazy drawl, regarding her with an expression of epicurean complacency. ‘I dare say we’ll eventually be able to think of something that will satisfy me.’
‘Go and bother someone else!’ she cried impatiently. ‘I don’t want to talk to you.’
‘Whereas I have every wish to converse with you. You are the only person in this room who excites my interest.’
‘Then I fear you’re in for a very dull visit, my lord duke.’
‘I disagree.’ He offered her another indolent smile. ‘You interest me in spite of your disappointing choice in literature. If you have a romantic nature, there are better ways of satisfying it than through the pages of a book.’
Alicia had no intention of embarking upon a discussion about romantic love with such a formidable sophisticate. She turned away. ‘If you’re already so bored that you’re obliged to turn to me for entertainment, perhaps you shouldn’t have come here in the first place.’
‘Very possibly not. But I’m here now, and I think it only fair to warn you that I have you in my sights.’
The room suddenly felt very hot and Alicia was obliged to fan herself rather violently. His eyes were again trained upon her face, which she supposed was an improvement upon where they’d been resting just before that. For the first time since making his acquaintance, she couldn’t detect any arrogance in his expression. There was something else there, though. Something she was at a loss to identify. Her whole body trembled as an alien feeling flooded its outermost reaches and pooled rather agreeably in the pit of her stomach. What in God’s name was he doing to her? If he’d been anyone else, she might have suspected that she was mildly attracted to him. But the last thing she felt towards the duke was attraction. In fact, she actively disliked him.
The music came to an end and all eyes turned towards her tormentor, seeking his approval. He stood up and applauded, even though Alicia knew he hadn’t listened to a single note. He made a few complimentary noises about the composer but couldn’t be drawn into complimenting the musicians themselves.
Whilst he was thus engaged, Alicia, not caring how rude it appeared, seized the opportunity to escape.
Alicia’s precipitate departure went unobserved by all, with the exception of Nick. He was surprised by her determination to escape him, but not fooled by her strategy. Her disinterest in him had to be a sham and, by turning away, she’d cleverly succeeded in increasing his interes
t. During the course of their earlier conversation he’d observed the battle she waged with her own emotions. The girl was hopeless at dissembling and her thoughts were easily interpreted. She’d decided to take him in dislike and was already having a difficult time sticking to that resolve.
Nick sighed softly. Without Alicia’s presence, the room felt empty and he’d never been so bored in his life. He forced himself to attend to Maria’s breathless chatter, and it was after midnight before he could escape.
In a filthy temper he threw open the door to his chamber, shrugged out of his coat and tossed it at Gibson.
‘Bad as that, was it?’
‘Worse.’ Nick wrenched off his neckcloth and flung it on the bed with considerable force. ‘The next time I take it into my head to accept an invitation from a total stranger, don’t let me do it. Lock me in my room. Have me committed to Bedlam, if you must, but for heaven’s sake stop me doing anything rash.’
Gibson chuckled. ‘I did try to tell you.’
‘Yes, and I should have paid heed.’ His waistcoat went the same way as his neckcloth. ‘We’d best see what Woodley wants to talk to me about and cut our visit short, before I do anything I might regret.’
‘I thought you might say that.’ Gibson scratched his ear with considerable vigour. ‘But wot about Alicia Woodley? Did she make it bearable?’
Nick responded in a lackadaisical drawl. ‘To some extent.’
Gibson’s features arranged themselves into an expression of elaborate circumspection. ‘Then surely you won’t wanna leave here before you’ve tamed her?’
‘No, of course not. We have a wager, if memory serves.’
‘Aye,’ Gibson said with a world-weary sigh. ‘That we do.’
‘There you are then. I’ll bring Miss Woodley to heel, which won’t take long, and then we’ll get away.’
Of Dukes and Deceptions: Dangerous Dukes Vol 4 Page 4