Duke of Darkness

by Anabelle Bryant

  “You can’t mean to, you aren’t possibly going to—” Julia sputtered faster than a windmill during a rainstorm. She grasped Lexi’s arm. “It’s not proper.” Her voice was a hushed whisper, yet everyone in the room heard. Then she speared him with a glare meant to cease the activity.

  Proper? Nothing about the entire situation, his lifestyle, his past, was proper. When had that ever stopped him?

  “Oh, do be quiet, Julia.” Phineas appeared captivated as well.

  Alexandra showed no hesitation. She moved to the carpet, set a ball in place, and positioned herself to the right. Being left-handed and having to overcome the handicap, Devlin watched her alignment and the placement of her hands with interest.

  He moved behind her as she prepared to raise the club. “I don’t know if your instructor mentioned this,” his body became a shadow atop hers, “but if you position your hands further towards the top of the club, like this,” his arms encompassed her slim shoulders and he placed his palms atop hers in the formation he indicated, “you’ll find the stroke much easier to master.”

  The words were innocent enough, but he grew hard as he spoke them. He backed away from her skirts for fear somehow she would discover his discomfort.

  The entire room fell silent except for the ticking of the ormolu clock upon the mantel. Together Devlin and Lexi raised the club in a smooth arc.

  “That’s it, Lexi, now follow through.” His murmur brushed against her cheek, and as she completed the motion, her hair caressed his jaw. He inhaled sharply and stepped away.

  She mastered a fairly good shot, as everyone held their breath until the ball sailed through the doorway. Then she placed the club in the case and turned with a shy smile.

  Phineas applauded and Devlin joined in, but Julia’s voice rose above the accolades in a bid to gain notice. “Will you all think it terrible if I try too?”

  Devlin suspected her desire to be the centre of attention warred with her female principles. He nodded his head in Phin’s direction. “Your brother will teach you.” Then he walked to the sideboard to pour the lemonade Reeston had served earlier.

  “I had no idea you were so …” There was a notable pause while Julia grappled for the word she desired. “Worldly.”

  Julia appeared affronted that somehow in the last four days of constant companionship she’d not managed to learn every iota of information considering her new friend, but at whom her disappointment was focused remained questionable. She regained her tone of concern and continued to demand the attention of the room.

  “I don’t think an odd interest in golf should be shared with your callers. I have an idea. Let’s make a list of things gentlemen should know about Alexandra.” Julia sprung from the settee and walked to the desk for paper and pencil.

  With irritation Devlin interrupted her path. “I don’t believe we need to write anything down. It will make Alexandra uncomfortable.” He glanced in Lexi’s direction. She sat in a demure pose, sipping her lemonade. He was not a betting man, but he perceived she was not thrilled with the idea of listing her attributes aloud.

  “Well, we will do it in secret then. Everyone must take a slip of paper and write the qualities we admire most in Alexandra. It’s a grand idea and it will only serve to boost her confidence.” Julia could not be deterred and thrust a small piece of paper at him. She brushed passed and foisted one in her brother’s direction as well as Alexandra’s, before settling with the last for herself. Pencils were distributed and Devlin shot a murderous glare in Phin’s direction, as he dropped into a chair and concentrated on the blank scrap.

  Julia adopted an authoritarian tone and instructed everyone of the rules, all of which she invented along the way. There were to be no more than five items on each list, all positive. As if there would be anything negative. Julia instructed Alexandra to list things she would prefer gentlemen discover of her own personality. The whole exercise bespoke of Julia’s competitiveness. Even though the ladies had become fast friends, Devlin sensed a rivalry for attention that bespoke of Julia’s temperament. He considered her a younger sister, albeit aware of the infatuation she entertained. Perhaps now with Alexandra at her side, she would at last let go of the notion. It only followed that Lexi’s show at playing golf grabbed everyone’s attention. Now Julia vied for a moment to shine. A quick scan of the room revealed everyone’s discomfort with the idea, except Julia. She peered at him as she finished her extensive explanation, a broad smile on her lips.

  He shot another glare in Phin’s direction, but his friend threw up his hands and shrugged. Exactly what did Julia mean to accomplish? The whole activity rankled. He’d noticed something unreadable in Julia’s eyes as he’d stepped away from shadowing Lexi during the golf lesson. Perhaps he should allow Julia to conduct her little game, if it made her feel better.

  He shifted his attention to Alexandra seated on the settee, her pencil poised against her lower lip and his expression softened. Did she enjoy kissing? Her lips were made for hot, heated kisses, shaped like a perfect little heart, although her bottom lip was just a tiny bit too round. How intriguing. He’d like to run his tongue along her mouth, taste her, devour her in a long, languid kiss. He swallowed audibly.

  She must have sensed the heat of his stare because she glanced up with an expression of bemusement, and that dimple peeked out to remind him how enchanting she was.

  There. Enchanting. He scrawled the word as the first item on his list. Now if he could just write beautiful, sensual, passionate and desirable he would be finished. He stifled a chuckle.

  Phin folded his paper and flipped it on the tea table. Anything his friend wrote would be considered innocuous. Perhaps Devlin laboured over his list unnecessarily. If nothing else, he didn’t want to be the last one to finish the task and give the impression he had deliberated over every word.

  He completed the page, folded it twice, and tossed it among the other two on the table. Only Julia remained thoughtful, but eventually she finished and gathered the papers to move to the mantel. By damn, she enjoyed being the centre of attention. He’d never noticed it as much as in the last few days. But then again, she usually was the only female present. Lexi’s arrival brought about a change in everyone. He shifted on his chair.

  “All right, let us begin.” Julia stood in front of the fireplace as if to call her classroom of students to order. Devlin watched as she opened the first piece of foolscap. “Remember, these are the things we want suitors to notice in Alexandra.”

  He had no idea why she made such a big show of things. She should read the damned papers and get it over with. He knew what he’d written, but a part of him remained concerned for what might be written on everyone else’s page. He didn’t wish to see Lexi embarrassed. And what had he been thinking to be so bold in his comments? There were only four people in the room. It wouldn’t take much thought for Lexi to realize which list was his.

  “This paper says kind, lovely, cheerful, friendly and polite. I bet that’s yours, Phineas.” Julia tossed her head towards her brother where he leaned against a bookcase. He returned a curt nod, discomfited by his sister’s acknowledgement.

  Devlin interjected. “I don’t believe it’s necessary to point out whose list you are reading. You stated it was an anonymous game and you’re making this more uncomfortable than needed.”

  “I know my brother, that’s all.” Julia appeared annoyed rather than contrite and she pitched the paper into the fire and turned to open the next one.

  Leave it to Phineas to write such a neutral list of qualities. Never one to rock the boat. Meanwhile, Alexandra offered him an appreciative smile and thank-you.

  “This list says intelligent, friendly, intuitive, caring and trustworthy.” Julia spared everyone her speculation, but she stared in his direction as if she was certain he’d written the words. Pity she was wrong. Surely she would know soon enough. Across the room, Julia tossed the paper towards the coals and reached for the third list.

  He watched as she opened
the scrap. This should be the worst of it as Julia unfolded her own note and of course he knew what was on his own.

  “This list says lovely, friendly, smart, witty and kind.” Julia flipped the page into the fire before anyone could react, but Phineas pushed away from the bookcase with an objecting comment.

  “Tell me again why we are doing this. Anyone who meets Lady Alexandra will be instantly charmed. I detest parlour games, especially one so ridiculous.”

  Julia ignored her brother’s objection, not to be stopped. She held the stage and would never relinquish it. She unfolded the last note with a determined swish of her arm.

  Devlin watched and his smile begged for release. Julia’s eyes flared. Her smiled dropped, perplexed at how to proceed, but only for the span of a heartbeat.

  “My brother’s right. Game over. Let’s all have lemonade.” Julia refolded the note and dropped it into her skirt pocket, before she picked up her glass and settled beside Alexandra. An awkward pause followed until Julia reassembled and produced yet another paper from her skirt.

  Across the room, Devlin watched as the motion caused the smaller paper, his list from the previous game, to flutter to the floor and fall at Lexi’s feet. If she were to look down, she would see it at rest near her left slipper.

  Damn it all to hell. He attempted to shirk the uneasy feeling that everything would go to Hades unless he reclaimed that slip of paper. How foolish of him to list his true feelings. Even worse, Julia had read the page. He imagined the tiny wheels in her head turning with fervour although she sat there smiling at his Lexi. Something needed to be done.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “This is the list of bachelors I’ve assembled for Alexandra.” Julia waved a piece of paper in the air above her head.

  “Another game? Pray tell you did not put me on that list. While I would be honoured to be considered worthy of the beautiful lady,” Phin paused to offer Alexandra a dramatic bow, “I refuse to get married. And you know that.” He pointed an emphatic finger in Julia’s direction and moved to the sideboard to refill his glass with brandy instead of lemonade. Devlin itched to follow his lead and do the same.

  A clumsy silence ensued. Instead of the anticipated jovial afternoon with friends, Devlin noticed a forced veneer of pretentiousness that worked to wear his patience thin. And still the scrap of paper waited on the rug beside Alexandra’s slipper.

  Placing his glass on the writing desk, he walked to where the ladies reclined and slipped the bachelor list from Julia’s fingers before she knew what he intended. Sure a ready objection would follow, he folded the paper in half and offered it to Lexi before he bowed in a gracious gesture, the opportunity to retrieve the scrap of paper near her slipper never easier.

  “Alexandra will read the list on her own, Julia, thank you.” He eyed Phineas and his friend collected his sister. There was a comfortable affability that came from knowing someone for so long, one communicated with nothing more than a glare or a raised brow. Thankfully, his friend marked the cue.

  As the two drove away in their carriage, a definite ease whipped across the room akin to the summer sunlight that whispered through the terrace windows.

  “I regret to admit it, but I am happy for the reprieve. Julia proves a fine friend, although she takes to a task with vigour. I feel as if I’ve joined the Royal Army.”

  Alexandra leaned on the couch and eased her right slipper off. She made a little show of fixing her shoe and Devlin knew she’d seen the scrap of paper earlier and now attempted to retrieve it. He gave his pocket a protective pat. Ridiculous game. Good thing he’d recovered the list. Considering the ramifications of the attributes he’d assembled, having it read aloud would have proven disastrous. A better rein on his lust would be necessary if he intended to succeed at this guardianship business. Damn, he was caught in a damnable paradox. If he managed to see Lexi married off with expedience, the matter would be solved, but he would never see her again. If she lingered around the house, he held no doubt their odd attraction would intensify and he didn’t know how much longer he could keep it in grasp.

  Reeston entered with tea and biscuits. With a nod, the butler brought the tray around and placed the sweets on the table before he poured Alexandra a cupful. As the servant left the room, Devlin brought his eyes to Lexi where she surveyed the eligible bachelor list with amused interest.

  “I suppose we should have a go at it, then. Read me a name and I’ll tell you what I know, but I warn you I haven’t been out to mix with society in a very long time. Phin keeps me abreast of the best tidbits, but I doubt news of that kind is information you seek. Although I would know a codger, a drunkard or a wastrel.” He offered her one of his rare smiles.

  She tossed him one of her own, complete with dimple.

  Damn, she was delightful.

  “Well, there are ten men on the list.” She paused and skimmed the paper top to bottom with those incredible blue eyes, before she turned her attention where he stood by the mantel. “Number one says Lord Spens and in the next column Julia’s notation states he has very nice eyes.”

  “Her list has columns? The devil you say! Don’t waste time in consideration of Lord Spens. He is a slotted spoon. No sooner does something go in then it comes back out.”

  “Oh, Devlin, that’s terrible.”

  Her melodic laughter filled the study and an unfamiliar ache tightened his chest. Still she continued to laugh and he increased the jest. “He has nice eyes, I suppose, because there is nothing in his head behind them. A bit like looking through a window.”

  She let out a delicate snort and Devlin decided he liked their game. “Tell me name number two. Let’s face the storm head on, so to speak.”

  She did her best to remain serious, but amusement danced in her voice when she next read aloud. “Viscount Alexander. Heavens, now that may be a problem.”

  “You think so, hmm?” He found it difficult not to smirk at the suggestion. “I take it you don’t relish becoming Lady Alexandra Alexander?”

  “Not at all. Do you think she put his name on the list to give me a giggle? It sounds like a tongue twister.”

  Devlin cleared his throat. He’d like to show her some tongue twisting. “I wouldn’t know about Julia’s sense of humour. I don’t believe I’ve ever experienced it. Let’s keep going. I’m enjoying this.” He picked up a golf club and swung it casually back and forth aside his leg.

  “Well, bachelor number three is noted to have very handsome features and a strong build. Lord Ellenborough.”

  “This is progressing from bad to worse. No common sense, that young man, none at all.” He took an idle swing with his club and continued his discourse. “I’ve heard from the very best sources the man is as handsome as Adonis, but unable to empty a boot full of water when the instructions are written on the heel. Pity that. Such a waste.”

  “You can’t be serious, Devlin. Is he truly that bad? Besides, how do you know? Who are these sources?”

  He loved the way she grew animated within their playful repartee. And when she used his Christian name … so lovely on her lips, the hollow ache in his chest intensified. She was so beautiful, how could that single attribute never surface on their earlier lists?

  “Servants, my dear. The very best sources are servants. Except at Kenley Manor. My servants do not gossip and I value them all.” He dropped the serious tone in a heartbeat and encouraged her to read the next name.

  They ran through the list with expedience. Even though Julia noted interesting comments aside the names of the next five gentlemen, he shot them down with effective criticisms. Terms like spendthrift, horse-toothed and lecher brought tears of laughter to Lexi’s eyes and as he enjoyed their banter, a fresh, almost new again mood encompassed him.

  “Well, there are only two names left. I’m afraid even to mention them.”

  She was having such a good time he refused to stop it short. “Go ahead, I’m ready.” He’d long before put away his golf club and sat across from her now. What a
n enchanting treasure, his ward. He needed to force the latter word, as the relationship seemed awkward at best. One look at her explained his hesitation. Her pert little nose, those gorgeous blue eyes that twinkled in delight. He had to continually remind himself to look out the window or he feared he would pounce upon her in search of the flavour of her kiss.

  “Lord Kirkhill? I suppose you will tell me he cures insomnia whenever he talks or perhaps has the pox?”

  “No, actually. I’ve never heard of the man. Ever. Which speaks volumes, doesn’t it? Such a nondescript and boring fellow could never be deserving of you, Lexi.” He leaned forward and his elbows rested on his knees as he stared into the depths of her eyes. “You deserve someone who will treat you as if you are the only woman on this planet. As if the sun will not shine unless you allow it.”

  An unsettling frisson of emotion passed between them and several long breaths followed. He forced himself to break the moment and leaned back, his arm outstretched across the back of the settee, his eyes once again out the window.

  Her voice sounded breathy when she spoke again. “It says Lord Kirkhill is short with a long beard.”

  The comedic notation returned levity to the room and they smiled at the preposterous description.

  “I have never been fond of beards.”

  She wrinkled her adorable nose with the comment.

  He brought his palm up to rub his jaw line in an instinctive gesture. “Shall I have my valet remove mine?” He meant it as a jest, although it cloaked his desire to discover her answer.

  “No.” Her immediate retort objected. “No. Absolutely not. On you …”

  He noticed her hesitation, although it lasted less than a heartbeat.

  “On you, it is most handsome, Devlin.”

  He smiled again. That was twice today he’d let his guard down far enough to produce a genuine smile. What the hell had got into him? Whatever it was, he’d have to find a way to get it out with the same haste as it developed. He forced his attention back to the window. Again.