Misleading a Duke

by A. S. Fenichel

  Silence filled the room for a heavy beat before she asked, “Have you?”

  “Of course.” The way her hips swayed when she walked had fascinated him from the instant he saw her walking with her friend Poppy across the ballroom that first night they met. He didn’t want to frighten her, so he kept that thought to himself.

  Busy cleaning his back, she said, “I think I would like to hear about those fantasies when you are feeling better. I have always been told my figure is not appealing to men. I’m not tall enough, nor slim enough. My mother said we were lucky you had not seen me prior to her letters or you would have taken one look at my round hips and run in the other direction.”

  Rolling to his side so he could meet her gaze forced her to stop her work. She was as red as a summer rose and wouldn’t look at him. “Faith.”

  She kept her chin turned down and her eyes on the washcloth in her hands.

  “Sweetheart, look at me.” His erection was certainly evident, but there was no help for that and he was in no condition to relieve his desires.

  Faith obeyed.

  “Your mother is wrong. I’m sure your stunning figure is talked about amongst men quite often when ladies are out of earshot. However, should I ever hear such talk, I will call out those men and dispatch them immediately. That being said, you should know, I find you distractingly attractive and have since we first met. I love every curve, and should you ever honor me with your body, I shall worship you from head to toe.”

  Those stunning golden eyes stared back at him in wide awe. “Really?”

  Taking one of her hands away from the honey-covered cloth, he placed it firmly over his painful erection. “Very much so.” It came out as a groan when her hand closed slightly.

  Pulling her away before he hurt himself, he laughed and rolled back to his stomach. His movements were dilatory until he reached a less painful position. “You must give me a short time before I am ready for such actions, I’m afraid.”

  Returning to her work, she had the gentlest touch and caused him minimal pain. “Then my mother was wrong and all these years I have wished to look more like Aurora for no good reason.”

  “Your friend is lovely and I mean her no slight when I tell you, it is not her figure that is talked about in gentlemen’s clubs.” Nick closed his eyes and settled his desires.

  She was silent for a long time, and he hoped she was pleased. “Some of these wounds should have been stitched, but they have stopped bleeding and are healing. I see no signs of blood poisoning.”

  “Due, I’m sure, to your excellent care.” Nick reached out and wrapped his hand around her leg.

  “I think it’s more likely your strength, but either way, it is a good bit of luck. A blood infection with all those open wounds would be a disaster. I’m going to put more honey on and cover them back up.”

  He wanted to know how she would feel about him when this was all over. If he lived, she would likely run back to London and never see him again. His heart ached with the knowledge, though he couldn’t blame her.

  When she’d gotten him all bandaged up again, she said, “Mr. Schulmeister has asked me to dine with him, just as you said he would.”

  The tightness returned to Nick’s gut whenever he thought of Faith being out of his sight. “And has Jane secured a knife?”

  She nodded. “I don’t know if I would have the courage to use it though.”

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. “Only if he acts improperly. If I know you, that alone would put you in enough of a temper to stab old Charles good and deep.”

  “And then what?” she asked.

  “Then you take his keys and we flee as far from here as we can before the others return.” Nick kept her hand, rubbing a circle on her soft palm.

  “And if he does nothing inappropriate?” There was fear in her voice and he hated hearing it.

  “I do not expect you to strike without provocation. Charles is a big man who would likely overpower you. Have dinner with him, answer his questions if you can and you want to, and then come back here and we shall talk about it. Don’t provoke him, Faith. He’s smart enough to work successfully for two separate governments without detection.” Nick wished he could take her place at the table, but he was in no condition to demand anything. He couldn’t overpower Charles while his back was agonizing and he was so weak.

  She squeezed his hand. “I’m afraid, Nick.”

  Pulling her into his arms, he hated himself for causing her this pain. He kissed the top of her head. Roses and Faith’s lovely warm scent filled his senses. “You are the bravest woman I have ever known. No one could have borne these last five days better.”

  With her head tucked under his chin, she sighed. “When this is all over, I shall need to sleep for a week.”

  “I shall see that you are not disturbed, sweetheart.” His heart broke with the knowledge that she’d not want him anywhere near once she was safely back in her West Lane home with friends she could trust.

  “You should rest, Nick. Your back is healing but you have eaten little and you need to recover more fully.”

  The key turned and the door opened, revealing Thea with another platter of food. “I’ve come with His Grace’s supper.”

  Kicking the door closed behind her, she carried the tray to the table and lowered her voice. “It’s not as grand as what will be in the dining room, but it will help you gain your strength back.”

  “Thank you, Cook,” Nick said and sat up, away from Faith. “I will do my best to eat it all.”

  Thea beamed. “Jane is coming to help you dress, my lady.”

  A long sigh pushed from Faith’s lips. “I suppose it is time.”

  The scabs on Nick’s back pulled and the deeper wounds ached with every move. He could not imagine a time when he didn’t hurt. It seemed years rather than days. Yet even in his discomfort, he would not trade a moment spent with Faith while she still needed him.

  He rose from the bed and made his way to the table. He still couldn’t get a shirt on and with only the bandages to cover him, young Thea wouldn’t look at him.

  The door opened again and Jamie ran in, followed by Rumple.

  The dog jumped on Faith and yipped enthusiastically.

  “You have grown.” Faith laughed and scratched the puppy behind his ears.

  Nick sat.

  Rumple sniffed the air and approached more cautiously.

  “It’s okay, boy. I’ll live.” Nick hoped he was telling the truth.

  Bounding over, Rumple’s tongue hung to one side and his tail wagged. He jumped into Nick’s lap.

  His soft fur and enthusiastic tongue were a welcome relief to the serious pall that had fallen over him and Faith. “You are a good boy.”

  Thea gave him a horrified look due to the proximity the puppy had to her food tray. She stormed over and bundled up Rumple. “I will bring him back when you’ve finished eating. The Austrian said the beast may stay with you tonight.”

  “Thank you.” Nick watched Thea, Jamie, and Rumple leave and his heaviness returned. He had too many lives depending on him to get them to safety, but he had no means to save them. His stomach churned.

  Faith ran her fingers through his hair and pressed her lips to his cheek. “Don’t think so much, Nick. Eat and get well.”

  He marveled at how easily she read him. He was a master of hiding his feelings, yet Faith knew his every emotion before he did.

  Chapter 12

  Faith let Jane primp and tug until she was in her finest gold gown. The color matched her eyes, and the ribbons in her hair were usually for special occasions.

  She sighed as Jane threaded another ribbon through her tamed hair. “It’s enough, Jane. I’m not going to a ball. I’m having dinner with my captor.”

  “Yes, my lady.” Jane finished fussing wi
th the last ruby-colored ribbon.

  Nick slept through the dressing process, most of which was done behind a screen.

  Faith was glad to have had her hair washed, but she wished the occasion was happier. Her nerves were on edge and the knife tucked inside her soft leather boot did nothing to calm her.

  Trying to take Nick’s advice and not worry about Charles taking liberties was not easy. And thinking of stabbing someone, regardless of the reason, made her stomach heave. However, when she thought about it, she would have stabbed Aurora’s horrible husband if she’d ever been given the opportunity. Perhaps she wasn’t incapable of such a thing.

  Standing, she observed herself in the glass. Her mother would say, You are too round and too short, but you will have to do.

  Nick appeared in the reflection behind her.

  Jane curtsied and stepped out of the room.

  His arms came around her waist. “You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, Faith. Far too lovely for Charles to gaze upon, or me for that matter.”

  Putting her hands over his, she tried to see what he saw in the glass. However, she still wished for slimmer hips, less bosom, and straight hair. “I’m afraid you are biased in some way, Nick. Society tells me I must say thank you and nothing else when a man pays me such compliments.”

  His lips pressing to the sensitive skin at the back of her ear sent a chill to her toes and warmed all the places in between. He took a deep breath. “I would prefer if you believed me, but I suppose it will have to do.”

  Smiling at his refection, their eyes met and those tingles she’d begun to associate with Nick flooded her body. “I will be late for dinner and you shouldn’t be standing for so long.”

  Sorrow passed across his gaze and he dropped his hands. “I plan to rest while you eat so I can be awake to talk when you return.”

  Faith closed her eyes and stayed her emotions. She took a deep breath and headed toward the door. When she looked back, Nick sat on the edge of the bed. He was still pale and his shoulders rounded, but the fire had returned to his blue eyes as he scrutinized her.

  With a last smile, she knocked and was released from the bedroom.

  Charles waited in the hallway and offered his arm. “Good evening, my lady.”

  Ignoring his offered arm, she walked around him and down the hall to the stairs. “Mr. Schulmeister, I see no reason to pretend we are friends since you are clearly my captor.”

  He followed behind. “As you wish, my lady.”

  The dining room was set for the two of them to eat at one end of the long table. The dark blue curtains were drawn and candles had been lit around the room. The china was not fancy, but it was all that was available at Parvus, as was the serviceable crystal and silver. It was strange how it had all appeared brighter when Faith had planned the picnic in the hothouse.

  Faith waited near the chair set for her and allowed Charles to pull it out for her before she sat.

  “I’m afraid the castle is not equipped for high society. However, the wine is excellent and as you know, the food quite magnificent.” Charles sat at the head of the table.

  He poured them each a glass of the dark red wine and drank his halfway down immediately.

  Faith sipped hers. “Why have you requested my presence, sir?”

  A soup course was brought up by Jamie and Thea. They were children, but knew to keep quiet and do their part.

  Spices and herbs wafted through the air in the steam of the white soup. Faith’s stomach rumbled and she took a sip. The divine flavors of veal, fowl, ham, and all those marvelous seasonings. It was too good for the likes of a spy who would let those men hurt Nick so badly. It took all her strength not to tell him so.

  Charles closed his eyes while he savored the soup. “I wonder if you know that Nicholas was to me Count d’Armon for many years. This was the title he went by. It wasn’t until his leaving France that we knew he was a duke.”

  “I did not know until your friend mentioned it when you first arrived, and I fail to see the importance.” Faith took another sip of the lovely broth and put her spoon aside.

  He finished his wine and poured another glass. “I suppose it’s not important. Perhaps I just wish for you to see my side of things.”

  “And what is your side?” It couldn’t hurt to know more of how his mind worked.

  He drank his wine and rubbed his belly while the second course of pheasant was placed before them. The bird was perfectly browned and served with potatoes arranged in a bed around it. “I first met Nicholas in Switzerland. He was charming and knowledgeable and spoke of nothing but the great emperor. We were all taken with him, and his good looks attracted many women when we were about town. Those were good times.”

  It didn’t matter to her what women Nick attracted. She didn’t feel jealous as she had when Nick had first told her about his lover, only worried she might learn something that would change her opinion of him, now that she liked him.

  Charles devoured the bird with gusto while Faith picked at the succulent dish. She only ate half of it, while he left not a scrap save the bones on his plate.

  He wiped his hands on the linen napkin and finished his second glass of wine. “Joseph liked him as well. He being a confidant to Napoleon, he gained Nicholas an audience when we went to Paris. It was quite a bold move, but happily, the emperor was equally taken with Nicholas. We spent years working together and apart. There was an attempt on Napoleon’s life, and now I suspect it may have been Nicholas who nearly succeeded in killing him. Of course, I have no proof.”

  “What does any of this have to do with today, sir?” Faith didn’t like listening to stories of Nick unless they came from him. It was ironic after all her attempts to gain information in underhanded ways, but now she only wanted the truth from his own lips.

  “You see, we were great friends and he had been lying the entire time.” Charles finished another glass of wine and bellowed for more to be brought.

  Thea brought fish and an aspic, which she served without a word.

  A few minutes later Jane delivered another decanter of wine.

  Faith waited until the servants had finished their work. “And have you been completely honest with your friends?” She said the last word with the irony it deserved.

  He sighed. “But my flaws are not under scrutiny.”

  “No. I suppose not, and I’m certain you are grateful for that.”

  Like a pigeon whose meal was disturbed, he blustered. “I kept him alive for four days. I saw that you were available to care for him. I encouraged the others to go away so he would have time to heal and might live long enough for you to be saved.”

  “But not him.” It pained Faith to know that Charles fully expected Nick to die in the next day to two.

  “I’m afraid not even I have that kind of power, my lady Faith.”

  “Why do you care if I live or die?” There was more here that she didn’t know.

  Charles drank down the entire glass of wine and filled it. “In Lucerne I was discovered working for the French by an Austrian. I was to be dragged back to my homeland and would have faced the firing squad. Nicholas spoke for me and bought my freedom. I owe him a life.”

  “But not his?” Faith sipped her wine, but watching him drink to excess made the fine vintage unappealing.

  “As I told you, I don’t have the power to save Nicholas. I will save you to pay the debt I owe him. He would consider that a fair trade.” Charles’s words slurred but he drank more. The second decanter was half empty.

  “I still don’t understand why you wanted to have dinner with me, sir.” Faith dabbed the napkin at the corners of her mouth and put it on the table. She’d still not regained her appetite and the company made eating even more difficult.

  Charles listed to one side, his arm holding him against the chair. “I wanted you to understand. It’s not
my fault. This is Nicholas’s fault for abusing our friendships. He used us, and Napoleon is not happy. It will probably be another year before Joseph receives the title he is promised. Joseph is not forgiving.”

  Signaling to Jane, Faith called for more wine.

  His speech was less intelligible the longer he drank but, amazingly, he would not fall over. “I will return you to Nicholas now. I hope you understand and do not think too harshly of me.”

  There was no good response, so Faith kept quiet and followed the wobbling Charles back to her room.

  Inside, Nick sat in the chair by the table. His scowl was directed at Charles, who attempted a bow, stumbled and left. The key turned in the lock and German singing followed him away from their door.

  Faith sank into the other chair. “I thought for certain he would drink himself into unconsciousness, and I could have taken the keys. We would then all walk out the front door.”

  “He never falls down. I’ve seen him drunk for a week, and he wobbles but does not fall,” Nick said, his earlier scowl replaced by a smile.

  “He said you saved his life.”

  Nick cocked his head. “I did. I’m surprised he would tell you that.”

  Relief that Nick hadn’t tried to make up some elaborate lie flooded Faith. “He plans to repay the debt by saving me.”

  “Yes. I suspected that was his plan. I appreciate the gesture more than he will ever know.” Nick leaned on the table, his efforts to remain upright clearly taking their toll.

  Faith rose and stood with her back to him. “Would you mind undoing this gown? I don’t think Jane will be coming back tonight.”

  The air was sucked out of the room while he made no move to do as she asked. Finally, he untied the bow at the back and unlaced the gown.

  The gold silk puddled on the floor and Faith stepped out of it before picking it up and placing over the back of her chair.

  Nick observed as she moved in only her chemise, corset, and boots. Returning to the same position, she said, “The corset, if you wouldn’t mind?”