Wicked Temptations for the Seduced Duchess: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Olivia Bennet

  “Will you remain with the horses again?” James ignored his previous remark, though Adrian had grown used to his cousin’s terse behavior. He did not know what he had personally done to aggrieve the gentleman so, but he vowed to continue to win him over, whether James liked it or not.

  “I am certain they will be quite well in this part of London, without the need for an equine sentinel,” he teased, before getting down from the saddle. After tying the beast to one of the Doric-style pillars that made up the front façade, Adrian headed up the steps and rang the bell. James hurried after him, a look of annoyance on his face.

  “You might have let me do that, Adrian,” he muttered.

  Adrian chuckled. “I am quite capable of ringing a bell by myself.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  A rather youthful man answered the door, with a cheerful demeanor about him. “Good day to you, Sirs. How may I help you?”

  This merchant must be doing very well, if he can afford a butler.

  “Is the master of the house at home?” James asked.

  “He is. Might I ask what this is pertaining to?” the butler replied.

  “We are looking for the master’s daughter, Miss Veronica, as we need to speak with her about a rather urgent matter.”

  The butler snorted. “I am afraid you are joining a rather lengthy line, good Sirs. The master is currently in the drawing room, speaking with two constables about the whereabouts of Miss Veronica. They are responsible for searching for her, as she has been missing for some days now.”

  Adrian and James exchanged a look.

  “Is the master’s son at home?” Adrian chimed in, feeling out for potential avenues.

  “He has been up and down the country in recent days, to try and discover the whereabouts of Miss Veronica. However, I overheard not three hours ago that he was riding North, after receiving some news from an acquaintance about his sister’s location.”

  Adrian smiled. “Do you know where he went, exactly?”

  “He said something about Woolford Grange, but I don’t know the place myself. The constables will be heading in that direction once they’re finished talking with the master, if you want to wait?”

  Adrian shook his head. “No need, thank you.”

  James shot him an icy look, before returning his gaze to the butler. “Might we take a look at Miss Veronica’s belongings?”

  The butler’s eyes narrowed. “What are you, some sort of deviant? Miss Veronica’s belongings are not for public view. If you won’t wait for the constables, I suggest you get out of here before I call them on you myself.”

  James staggered back and untied his horse, jumping into the saddle as if he’d been bitten on the behind by a wasp. Adrian had to stifle a laugh as he followed suit, the two of them thundering away from the merchant’s house at breakneck speed.

  “What did you think he was going to say?” Adrian teased, as they slowed to a trot, some distance from Belgravia.

  James scowled. “I thought he would at least allow me to explain my reasoning. I did not expect him to threaten me with the constables.”

  “You asked to go through Miss Veronica’s belongings. Of course, he threatened you with the constables.”

  “What if there was something amongst her things that might have led us to Edward?”

  “Listen, young ladies are far cleverer than many give them credit for. My guess is, Miss Veronica would have hidden away any evidence, or burned it, or taken it with her. She would not have left it in plain sight for anyone to find.” Adrian smiled. “It was a valuable excursion, going to her father’s house, but I very much doubt we would have discovered anything amongst her things.”

  “Valuable? How?”

  “We know where we need to look next for Edward, and I suggest we get there before this brother of Miss Veronica’s decides to take matters of authority into his own hands.” Adrian looked at his cousin. “We must ride to Woolford Grange. I confess, it is fortunate that he should have mentioned it, for I passed it on my way to Summerhill Hall. It is but a day’s ride from there.”

  James shook his head. “We must return home first. We can set out once more at daybreak. I must ease my mother’s troubled mind, before she loses her grasp on sanity all together.”

  “We cannot wait until daybreak, Cousin. It may be too late for Edward by then. If he is hiding at Woolford Grange until the dust settles, and he has Miss Veronica with him, then his life may be forfeit if her brother reaches the place before we do.” Adrian’s heart was pounding in his chest. They were so close now, he could feel it.

  “Might we pause for a moment at Summerhill Hall, if only to report to my mother?”

  Adrian sighed. “Very well, but we must be quick about it. Your brother is in need, and the sooner we bring him home, the sooner your mother’s health can be restored to her.”

  “Agreed.” James dug in his heels and spurred his steed on toward Summerhill Hall, whilst Adrian gave chase, keeping speed with his cousin. Soon, they would have Edward back in the warmth of his family seat. He would not be happy about it, but it was his duty to abide by his family’s needs and honor. He could not wed a common lady such as Miss Veronica, as much as it pained Adrian to realize it.

  I am fortunate indeed, to have discovered love and good standing in the same lady.

  He thought fondly of Rhiannon, who had remained in Scotland. He longed to keep riding North and find his way back to her tender embrace. All in good time, my love. All in good time.

  By the week’s end, he planned to have Edward back in the fold. Then, and only then, could he go back to the lady he loved and settle once more into her cherished arms.

  After arriving at Summerhill Hall, Adrian retired to his bedchamber to change whilst James spoke with his mother, to keep her abreast of the situation. He felt an ache of exhaustion in his bones as he entered the welcoming room. It had always been his favorite room, and the Duchess always kept it for him.

  He was in the process of selecting a warm coat from his luggage, when there came a knock at the door.

  “Come in,” he said.

  One of the staff entered; a young, nervous man that he did not recognize. “Good evening.”

  “Good evening, Sir. I was told you might be in need of refreshment? The butler sent me.” The young man held a crystal glass upon a tray, an amber liquid sloshing inside. It looked very tempting, though Adrian rarely imbibed. Then again, he figured he would need some courage and false warmth for the ride to come.

  “Very kind of you, thank you.” He gestured to the side table beside the fireplace and sank down into the armchair. His eyelids were already heavy, but he vowed to keep them open, even if he required the use of matchsticks to insure they stayed so.

  He thought it somewhat odd that a valet had been sent in the butler’s stead, but then he did not know too much about the staff here. People had peculiar quirks, and this appeared to be one belonging to Summerhill Hall. Not that he minded. The amber liquid looked exceedingly enticing.

  “Would you care for anything else, Sir?” The young man hovered on the threshold.

  Adrian shook his head. “No, thank you. That will be all.” He paused. “Although, might you let Lord Godwin know that I will be ready to leave within the hour?”

  “Very good, Sir.” The young man backed out of the room, leaving Adrian alone with his thoughts.

  “What a tiresome day,” he said aloud, as he picked up the crystal tumbler. He smelled the fragrant, rich aroma of fine brandy and smiled to himself. This would do rather nicely to ease his aching muscles. He sipped on it, and kept it in his hands, as he turned to look into the flickering fire.

  What possessed you to run away with such a woman, Edward? He could not fathom it. Since his father’s death, Edward had grown increasing unruly, but this was beyond his rebelliousness. He was lashing out at the institution that held him hostage, but to elope with a common merchant’s daughter? It did not seem like Edward at all. He had always respected
ladies in a gentlemanly fashion. He would not put any lady’s reputation at risk, regardless of her standing.

  And yet, the evidence lies before you. It was unequivocal. The letters, the boarding house, the words that the butler had spoken. Miss Veronica was missing, and so was Edward. The two knew each other intimately, by James’ reckoning. Either this was a ruse, to show his determination to avoid his responsibilities, or he was really going to go through with this.

  The poor sod. Edward did not want to be the Duke of Summerhill. Indeed, Adrian wondered if it might have been best for everyone if James had been born first. He was a capable sort of fellow and loved the estate dearly. And yet, it did not belong to him.

  Adrian took another deep gulp of the brandy and felt the warmth of it trickle down his throat, lighting a fire in his belly. Already, he could feel his muscles relaxing, and his eyelids growing ever heavier.

  You must stay awake.

  He fought against the looming oblivion, but it was growing more difficult to do so.

  Weary to the core of his being, he dragged himself out of the armchair and staggered over to the window. He was in dire need of fresh air if he was going to keep his wits about him. Opening the pane, he let the cool breeze drift in. But it did no good. His limbs felt as if they were weighed down with lead, his head lolling as he battled to stay alert.

  As he glanced out at the darkness beyond, he caught sight of a shadow lurking in the gardens below. A hooded man, with black eyes twinkling in the moonlight. He was staring right at Adrian.

  “You there!” he called, but the man whirled around and sprinted into the shadows.

  There is an intruder…I must alert the staff. I must tell James. He tried to put one foot in front of the other, but his mind was a mass of confusion. It was almost as if he had forgotten how.

  “Help,” he croaked, tasting something acrid in his mouth. The flavor had been shrouded by the strong taste of the brandy, but now it was undeniable. His eyes flitted towards the brandy glass.

  Before he could say another word, his legs gave way. He collapsed to the ground and fought for breath, his hands outstretched towards the door.

  “Someone, help,” he wheezed, as the long shadow of darkness enveloped him in black silence.

  Chapter 20

  Lydia stole out of her bedchamber and scurried down the staircase, keeping her eyes on her surroundings in case anyone suddenly appeared. She had gone an entire day without laying her gaze upon Edward, and she could not endure another moment without him. She paused in the entrance hall, and listened to the clock on the wall, chiming half-past-midnight.

  What if he is not in the stable?

  He had promised to sleep in the staff quarters from now on, but she was not sure she believed him. Surely, he would wait for her, just in case? After all, she had left a candle burning in the window, as a sign that she wished to see him. For she had not had the opportunity to send word of her wish to ride, considering she was supposed to be bedridden with a fever.

  Darting for the door, she let herself out into the bitterly-cold night and hurried along to the stables. The moment she entered, she knew he was not there. There was no sign of him at all. Clambering up the rickety ladder to the hayloft, she found bedding and the knife that had opened up his palm, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  He has gone to bed.

  Crestfallen, she slid back down the ladder and paused for a moment in the empty stable. Conker kicked the door of her stall, snorting at Lydia’s presence. She smiled and walked towards the horse, reaching over the gate to stroke the beast’s elegant snout.

  “Do you know where he is, Conker?” She plucked up some hay and fed it to the mare. The horse whinnied in gratitude but gave no answer. Naturally.

  She was about to leave, and return to her bedchamber, when a gunshot pierced the air. She whirled around and stared at the distant woodland. Without thinking, she unbolted Conker’s door and leapt onto the mare’s back, clinging to her mane as she spurred her on through the open door of the stable. Together, they charged out into the darkness, thundering across the moonlit field.

  In the distance, she could see a figure running towards her. A familiar one. Edward…Another figure was running behind him, the glint of a pistol shining in the gloom.

  “Edward!” she cried, as she dug in her heels and urged Conker to move faster.

  Her heart stopped as a second gunshot rang out, and Edward dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes. She did not stop for a second, thinking only of Edward’s wellbeing. Her own did not matter. The second figure ceased his running and stood there in the night like a grim statue.

  To her fleeting relief, she watched Edward get back on his feet and continue his sprint for freedom. Only, now, he ran as though he had no strength left. He was staggering more than running, his head dipped to his chest and his legs barely holding him up. She spurred Conker on, ever faster, determined to reach him before his attacker could. The shadowed man had resumed his chase, coming after Edward like the hounds of hell.

  “Edward! Edward! I’m here!” Lydia shouted, as she neared. Her eyes darted to the second figure, but he had come to an abrupt standstill. He flipped up his hood to stop her seeing his face, but she had caught a hint of dark-and-gray hair.

  It is the same man who attacked Edward in the stable.

  She could not understand why Edward had been so close to the woodland, but she vowed to ask him as soon as he was safely away from harm. He lumbered the last few meters towards her and clung desperately to the side of the horse. Blood streaked his face and she could make out a large tear in the breast of his coat. Beneath, crimson had begun to seep across his white shirt.

  She held out her hand to him. “You must get on, Edward. That man has stopped, but I cannot say if he will remain stationary.”

  Edward took hold of Lydia’s wrist and hauled himself up onto the back of the horse. He leaned heavily against her, his lungs straining for breath. A faint whistle could be heard from his throat, and she knew that was not a good sign.

  “All will be well, my love. I have you now,” she murmured, as she turned the horse around and set off for the stables. She glanced back only once, to find that the hooded man had retreated back into the forest, vanishing between the trees.

  Reaching the stables, she jumped down from Conker and watched as Edward slumped forwards. She did her best to ease him down to the ground, but she lacked the strength to hold him. With a sickening thud, he hit the ground and lay there, unmoving.

  “Edward?” She knelt beside him and cradled him to her. Lifting his lapel to one side, she saw the damage that had been dealt. A gunshot had sailed clean through his chest, right above his heart, and a second had torn through his shoulder, just below his clavicle. Whoever that man was, he had been a good shot.

  Edward groaned, as his eyes fluttered open. “Lydia?”

  “I am here, my love. I must send for a physician immediately.” She could not staunch these wounds, nor did she know how gravely he had been injured. One thing was for certain, blood was pouring out of him at an alarming rate. Half of his shirt was already soaked through.

  He held onto her. “That man…He sent…me a letter. He made…it look like…it was from you.”

  The pieces began to come together in her mind. So, that was why you were out there alone. You thought you were going to meet with me. My poor Edward. “I am sorry, Edward. I am so very sorry.”

  “Danson…gave me…the letter.”

  Her eyes widened. “What?”

  “He…gave me…the letter. And that…man. He said…he had instructions. And they…led him to me. He said…I was to…be punished for…what I’d done.” He coughed, droplets of crimson splattering his chin. “He…was watching…us.”

  Lydia felt rage explode through her veins. “You are sure Danson gave you the letter?”

  Edward nodded.

  “And this man said he had been given instructions?”

  He nodded again.

  St
ark reality hit Lydia like a thunderbolt. Evidently, her father had caught wind of what was going on between them and had hired a man to watch their every move. She realized that Danson must have told her father what was occurring, which had led to this terrible state of affairs. This was more than just frightening Edward away, this was tantamount to murder.

  And, if she did not send for a physician immediately, it might soon become that very crime.

  “Edward, you must stay here. I will only be a moment. I must awaken the household and have the physician sent for.” She did not want to leave him, in case the attacker returned, but what choice did she have?

  Laying him gently on the ground, she jumped up and raced towards the house, screaming blue murder at the top of her lungs as she burst through the front door.