A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Henrietta Harding

  He began to speak, but she cut him off with her hand in the air.

  “My sincere gratitude, Alan, for the dreams you made me believe to be true. It is just as well. All these years, hopelessly waiting for you. They have all come to naught. I hope this makes you happy. I hope that you sleep soundly in your bed tonight.” With these words, she rose to her feet, eager to get away from him. She had fallen apart, but she would not let go in front of him. Not anymore. Not after he had thrown her love back in her face.

  He rose too, drawing her back when she would have walked away. “Agnes, do not do this! You know ’tis not true.”

  Livid, she turned to him, her eyes blazing. “Is it not? Then tell me, tell me why you constantly refuse me? Every time I fling myself at you, only to be flung back into thorns. I cannot continue to nurse these wounds any longer. It is too much for me to bear.” Overwhelmed, her resolve weakened, and she broke into tears again. Again, he pulled her closer and cradled her face.

  “Look at me; look at me, Agnes. I am hopelessly gone for you. I am in love with you. I have never lied about that truth; you mustn’t doubt this. This, it’s above us. We could never hope to win.”

  “We can at the very least, try!”

  She didn’t finish her words before he captured her lips with his, plunging in before she could recover from the assault. Everything else stopped to matter. She could only concentrate on this man. His lips, his tongue. Oh goodness! Her hands found their way to his neck and twined themselves around it. She drew him closer, needing more of him.

  Their kiss deepened, eroding her senses. Her pulse quickened as she began to lose her breath, but it did not matter. She would survive on the air Alan shared with her in this very moment; she would survive. His hand soon left her face and began to wander. First, to the lower part of her back, then to her side. In her breeches, her form was more outlined, so he brushed his hands over her hips. When he moved them to her inner thighs and lightly stroked, she shivered, a gasp escaping her lips, granting him further entrance. She was yet to recover from the sensation his touch had just given her when he began to move his hand again. He travelled to her ribcage, just beneath her breast. Anticipation built in her so much that the moment he stroked her bosom with his thumb, her nibbles pebbled. Unwittingly, she snuggled closer to him, wanting nothing between them. He had other plans.

  His other hand joined the wanderer and together, they worked on ridding her coat of its buttons. As soon as that came undone, he cupped her breasts with both hands, and a pleasure cry sounded. It wasn’t until he growled that she realised the moan had come from her. Her body suddenly felt languid, as though only liquid remained. He tore his mouth away from hers and kissed his way to her ear. He tucked her earlobe and nibbled. It felt ticklish, making her sizzle with pleasure. Then he did the damnedest thing – he snuck his tongue into her ear and began to lave.

  Another moan escaped her, louder this time as her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She could think of nothing else; she had no sense about what time it was, or where they were. As her pleasure began to pool, finding its way to her belly and down below, she arched into him.

  He halted his administration in her ears and trailed kisses down her face, to her exposed neck, then to her chest which was also now exposed. When did the buttons of her shirt come off?

  That thought too was stolen as she felt the cool night air against her naked breasts. The right was soon covered by his hand, while his mouth swallowed the left.

  “Bloody hell! Alan!”

  His response was to tug at her nipple and drag it between his teeth. Her eyes rolled again, and she found herself arching further into his touch, into his mouth. The hand that was now free, resumed its wandering. As it skimmed past her belly, she drew in a sharp intake of breath. She had never felt such sensitivity in that area but then, everywhere Alan touched, burned. She had been set afire. A flame burning from inside her skin, in her bloodstream, and she didn’t want it to stop.

  His hands hovered over the band of her breeches, and she heard herself say,“Alan, please.” She knew not what she pleaded for – all that she knew was that there was more to this, and she wanted it all. The furthest they had ever gone was her bosom, and he only ever fondled it, never this. Never this. How come he was only giving her this wonder now?

  His mouth moved to the neglected twin, and she became so focused on that sensation that she didn’t feel the rope of breeches, loosen. Only when he slipped his hands in, and she felt their coolness against that place where no one had ever touched.

  Her knees weakened, and she almost crumbled, but he held her up and led her back to the chair, not moving his mouth, or his hand. Just the one which guided her back. Her buttocks settled on the bench, and she felt grateful for the support.

  Slowly, he reached for her delicate folds. A form of shyness overtook her, and she moved to stop him, but he held her hands in place. She was wet down there. She felt it. Felt the throbbing in her core. She was not naive. She knew this meant she was aroused but reading and hearing about something was quite different from experiencing it. So this was what the ruined ladies felt? Oh, but she would gladly be ruined!

  His fingers went further until it found the nub which crowned her jewels. Then pushing in, he cupped her folds. She gasped out very loudly, and he left her breast and crushed her mouth in a deep kiss. She shut her eyes tight, her feelings scattered all over. His tongue on hers, his hand now on her breast squeezing, kneading, his fingers against her slick folds, parting, stretching, rubbing.

  She felt something begin to build in her. Something she could never hope to explain. Just when she felt she could not take anymore, she felt his finger push at her moist, warm entrance.

  Her breath held, and the moment he slipped in, she threw her head backward in a cry. It hurt, then it didn’t. Especially when he began to move. Tremors shot through her spine, making her shiver. Oh, goodness.

  “Alan, what is this you’re doing to me? Tell me. I cannot bear it anymore.” Something in her was pushing to break free. That which had begun building was almost reaching its peak. She could feel it, and she knew this unbearable, intensified pleasure would feel better, so much better on its release.

  “It’s pleasure, let me love you, Agnes. Come on, let go for me. Let me give you this as my parting gift.”

  One more thrust, and she tipped over the edge of her climax. She came falling down as her wave of release washed over her! As she descended from her peak, his voice rang in her head, bringing her to her senses.

  A parting gift! She was to be a married woman, and here she was frolicking with a man who would never be her husband, who would never fight for her. Suddenly able to think clearly, she wrenched herself away from his arms and shot up to her feet. Ashamed and heartbroken, she turned around and began to right her clothing.

  How could she have made such a silly mistake? She was ruined! Utterly ruined! A treasure she had kept all these years, gone in one night. Given, she always wanted Alan to be her first, but not this way, not after his rejection. Now she was promised, and her body belonged to someone else.

  As she finished putting herself in order, she raised her hand to her hair and a sparkle caught her eyes. Her ring!

  Furious at herself, she turned to look at him.

  “I find it amusing how you find it beneath you to elope with me, but you did not find it beneath you to touch another man’s wife.”

  Before he would say anything else, she broke into a run. She did not turn back when he called her; she did not stop. She knew she would not be able to remain strong if she looked at him for too long, if she remained with him for too long. The deed had been done. Now, she could only hope that Nicholas would be forgiving and accepting of a woman who had been touched by another.

  Chapter 20

  Victoria Birmingham had just returned from her visit to Madam Rosette’s shop with the girls when Louis came to her with news. The chief maid had stayed behind to supervise the weekly cleaning of their town
house, and for that, missed the visit to the seamstress’s place. It was just as well because the news she had managed to get in her madam’s absence was as good as gold.

  “There is news? Well then, out with it. What is it you want to tell me?” Victoria asked as soon as Louis informed her. The chief maid shuffled on her feet and glanced at the girls. It was all the indication Victoria needed to know that whatever had to be said, could not be said to the hearing of her daughters. She gave a small nod and turned to address them.

  “Girls, you must excuse us. I am afraid whatever Louis has to say is a private matter. Moreover, I am certain you all are exhausted from today’s spree. If you would please, have the servants send up your bath and freshen up. Dinner will be ready very soon, I presume?’’ She returned her attention to Louis who nodded in affirmation, and with that, she dismissed the girls with a flicker of her hand.

  “Well then, you are excused.”

  Eleanor had not joined them for she had complained about feeling out of sorts. It made Williams worry, but Victoria was certain it wasn’t anything dreadful, and she would be over it in no time. No one said a word until the girls got to the top of the staircase and took a turn to their right. Then she pivoted to address Louis. When the chief maid would have begun to speak, she raised her hand in the air, halting her.

  “Not here. Come with me; we must discuss in a secured place if we are not to be heard.” She was already on her way as she finished speaking, leading Louis out to the gardens where there were no walls with ears. Still, silence reigned until they had gone about fifteen feet away from the house. Then she spoke.

  “You may speak. Tell me, what have you learned.”

  Louis bowed her head slightly, not daring to hold her head high in the presence of her superiors. “My Lady, you must take these words with calmness. I am afraid, they are terrible news and would only seek to upset Your Grace. I had battled with telling you but came to the conclusion that I had to since it is only right that you know of this thing.

  Victoria rolled her eyes impatiently. “Halt your parables, Louis and speak in terms that I can understand. I do not have time for such foolishness. You mustn’t forget that I am saddled with planning the greatest wedding of the year. Now, out with it.”

  Louis took her time, not saying anything for about two minutes. Despite her impatience, Victoria waited. Her curiosity had been piqued. She knew that whatever was too heavy for Louis to say was something of grave implication. She willed herself not to consider probable scenarios at that moment but still, she could not help wondering if this had to do with Williams. Had he been caught with a concubine? Finally, Louis found her voice.

  “My Lady. I regret to be the ball bearer of such distasteful news.”

  That was it; Victoria lost her last patient nerve. “Ohh, quit the theatrics Louis and stall no longer! Out with it! What have you learned? Do not force me to pull it out of your mouth,” she warned sternly, and that seemed to do the work.

  “It’s your daughter!” Louis blurted out. “The Lady Agnes.” Victoria narrowed her eyes. What did Agnes have to do with anything?

  “Last night, Claire could not sleep, so she slipped out of the house to take a night walk in the garden. As she was returning, she saw a man slip out of the house. Of course, she assumed it would be one of the workers, so she decided to make small talk. Howbeit, as she moved closer, she saw the man jump into the arms of another man and engage in a lover’s embrace. She was shocked by this, you see as that is terribly inappropriate, even formidable.”

  Victoria rolled her eyes again. And they thought she was dramatic? “Make your point, Louis. Was it one of the servants? Edward, Leandro?” she paused and took a deep breath. “Was it my husband, uhm?” She rather hoped not. Not only would it hurt her, it would be a total scandal!

  “The Lord? Of course not ma’am! You see, I was getting to that before you cut me off. I pray thee, do allow me to finish.” Victoria narrowed her eyes at Louis but said nothing. The maid heaved a sigh and continued.

  “You see, Claire was very astonished by this, but that was not all. She quickly stepped into a corner to keep herself from being seen and became even more stunned when she heard a woman’s voice. After so many years with this household, it was one she easily recognised too. The voice she heard was none other than the Lady Agnes’s voice! Lady Agnes was the woman in men’s clothing and she was meeting with a secret lover! Claire heard the mistress call the man, Alan, and the name rung a bell. Soon, they went deeper into the gardens, no doubt to the inner one where you keep your lilies, daisies, and roses. She could not follow them of course, so she decided to wait in a better vantage point for their return. It took a while, but she did not move, eager to confirm her suspicions with her own eyes. Finally, the mistress came out of the garden, running. Claire says she appeared distraught and was apparently unaware of her surroundings. A few moments later, the Lady’s lover came out and under the moonlight, Claire could clearly see his features. Indeed, it was none other than the merchant, Alan Sheldon, the Lord’s business associate! Given, they appeared to have had a lover’s quarrel, but it is no longer a secret that the both of them are having an affair. A secret affair! And she is to be married to the future Duke of Yorkshire in no time!”

  Victoria’s senses muddled so that it took time for her to interpret and digest what she had just heard. Although she knew that she was only in plain denial. How could it be? Of all her daughters, Agnes was the most sensible. An affair was something she could expect from Isabelle but certainly not Agnes. Never Agnes. She looked back at Louis. The maid could not be lying, neither could Claire. She knew this but still had to confirm.

  “Louis, you are certain of this?”

  “With my life, My lady. Claire isn’t one to spread falsehood. What would she gain from spreading this?”

  Victoria sighed. “I had thought as much. Very well then, thank you for telling this thing to me, Louis. I believe I do not have to remind you to keep your lips closed on this matter. No one must hear of it, not even my husband. Make sure Claire understands that too.”

  “You can be rest assured, My Lady. That has been taken care of. If this ever reaches another ear, it wouldn’t be from us.”

  “You haven’t disappointed me, so far. I trust you would not want to start now. You may take your leave.” Louis dipped in a little curtsy and with Victoria’s nod, she rose and turned to go back into the house. Victoria resumed her walk, intent on getting her thoughts together. She really could not believe her ears. Agnes! And that merchant? Alan! Oh could you imagine! She decided to engage in a secret affair, and it had to be with a merchant! A merchant of all people! When the entire gentlemen of the ton had been begging at her feet all these years, her daughter had to stoop so low to engage in an affair with a merchant!

  She was livid! How could Agnes betray her trust so? She wondered how long this affair had been going on. She thought about the signs she could have missed. If it had been going on for long, then how come she was only just finding it out now? Could Agnes really have been that careful all these years? Well, she was sensible, and despite this foolish judgement of hers, that could not be faulted. In fact, everything was beginning to fall into place, to make sense. Her refusal to get married all these years, the unexplained absences which she always managed to brush off with flimsy excuses. She, Victoria who was very watchful and alert had suspected nothing at all. She had to give it to her daughter. Of course, of course! There were the lingering glances too. Whenever Sheldon came to visit, she would see them cast glances at each other that almost appeared … longing. It had caught her attention, and she had watched them for a few days. Yet, they never seemed to be anything more than polite whenever they spoke. In fact, that happened so rarely, as Agnes usually took her leave whenever he arrived as though she could not stand him. She had simply ruled it off as nothing, at most, that her daughter knew her place and knew that it was far above the merchant’s. That had been long ago. Almost three seasons past! Oh how foo
lish she had been, worrying about her daughter’s petulance when it came to choosing a husband, not knowing that the answer had been right before her eyes!

  She wondered if Agnes considered herself in love with this man, how she had reached the point of a secret affair. Had he wooed her with lies and deceit? What really were the merchant’s plans? Did he hope that he could somehow ruin her for another man, so that they would be left with no other choice than to marry her off to him? Was this the game the boy played? However, she could not see Sheldon as a fortune hunter. Given, her daughters’ dowries were an impressive lot, and Agnes’s had gone higher as she got older without a husband. Yet, Sheldon was wealthy in his own rights and truly had no need for Agnes’s dowry. He had no title, but his forefathers had been successful merchants before him, and he only now carried on the good work. That did not change the fact that he was no noble. She had come too far, worked too hard, to marry off her daughter to a man who had no title, no firm standing in the society. But for his wealth, he was nothing! Marriage to a Duke’s daughter would not bring that title either, and Agnes was not one to believe lies. It only left her with one option. Agnes thought herself in love with the merchant, just as the merchant thought himself in love with her. However, they were both level-headed enough to know that neither her nor Williams would give their blessings, so they decided to keep their love a secret.