Bride for a Duke

by Bryn Donovan

  “I see to pry a kiss from your lips.” Colin put a hand on the bookcase next to her head. The smile on his face was playful, and although Abigail was sure he was tired from his time travelling, he did not show it.

  She held her breath as the man leaned over to brush a kiss against her closed lips. Her lips could not help parting, to beckon his lips to return. Only, Colin’s lips did not return to her mouth.

  Instead, he trailed kisses along her chin. She drew in a ragged breath as his lips found her neck. Her eyelids fluttered closed at the feel of his kisses on her sensitive neck.

  “Serena,” he whispered to her.

  The name was as if he had splashed cold water on her. She shook her head and pushed his chest. At first, he did not relent, but gradually he stepped away. “You should eat and rest, Colin. You would not want to get sick.”

  “I can think of little that would make me healthier than basking in the light of your eyes,” Colin bantered back.

  Abigail waved off the man’s words, but he caught her around the waist and pulled her up against him. She could feel his hardness even through her skirts and his trousers. He captured her mouth in a crushing kiss, it was bruising and glorious.

  She gasped as he broke the kiss. “Colin,” Abigail whispered.

  “You love me, do you not?” Colin asked as if he was pleading for an answer.

  Abigail sighed out a breath of release. “I do love you,” she admitted aloud for the first time.

  “Then you have to know that I feel the same. Marrying you was the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Colin stroked her face tenderly. “I want you to be happy.”

  Abigail longed to make the uncertainty on his face disappear, but she looked down. She was lying to him, not about her feelings, but something so much more important. How could he love her when he did not truly know her?

  His hand left her face, and Abigail became aware of his fingers tracing the lines of her neck and shoulders before he settled on exploring her breasts. Her breath stuck in her throat as he cupped her breast, caressed, and kneaded her bosom.

  Abigail closed her eyes so she would not fall into his warm brown eyes. It was the only defence she had against losing herself completely to the moment. If she gave herself to him now, would it be her or her sister’s image that shared his bed?

  Colin’s hand had found the ties to her simple muslin dress, and she groaned as she pushed his hand away. “Colin, we are in the library.”

  “You have a point,” Colin breathed against her skin as he bent over to kiss her neck. She did not know if he had kissed her to make her compliant, but it worked. She went limp under his administrations.

  Colin was on to running his hands over her waist, down her skirt. She had no strength to fight it. She just let him do as he would.

  She gasped as she felt his hand slide up under her skirt, along the inside of her leg. “Colin,” she breathed out frantically. Despite her misgivings, she found herself waiting for his fingers to find her.

  A noise from the hallway brought the moment to a crashing halt. Colin swiftly stood up straight and smoothed her skirt back down. Abigail breathed in a steadying breath as she ran her hand over her hair to assure herself that it was still properly pinned.

  Colin’s father entered a few moments later. “Ah, there you are, Colin.” He noticed Abigail then and gave her a smile. “Sorry to interrupt, Abigail, but I need Colin to look over some papers that just arrived.”

  Abigail cleared her throat. “Of course.” She was surprised her voice sounded in any way normal with the way her heart was still crashing around her ribcage.

  Thankfully, her father-in-law seemed none the wiser and was swiftly out of the room as soon as Colin told him he would be there shortly. Colin turned to her with a sigh. “We should go to the country.”

  “Which country?” Abigail asked with a grin at her joke.

  He chuckled and wagged his finger at her. “Do not tempt me, Lady Honeyfield. I might abduct you and carry you off to some island where they will never find us.”

  Abigail shook her head at her husband. “And what of your duties?”

  He pulled her to him, and she went willingly. Colin whispered, “Duty be damned, Serena. I just want us to be together without interruptions.”

  The pang of guilt at being called her sister’s name did not stop Abigail from smiling back at the man. “So, when shall we leave for the country?”

  “As soon as I can wrangle a week or two without it being necessary for us to appear somewhere so people can look at us.” Colin sighed heavily. “It will likely be Christmas at this rate.”

  Abigail reminded him, “But then we have parties to attend.”

  “It is hard to get heirs if one is never left alone.” Colin laughed.

  Abigail blushed but had to agree. “Go on with you and see what is so important about those papers. I shall be here.”

  Colin gave her a light kiss and left to go attend to whatever business his father had for him. Abigail leaned back against the bookcase and sighed. As much as she wanted to enjoy Colin’s affections, she was hesitant to allow herself to give in to them. Was it her or Serena that the man truly loved?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Christina was rather pleased with herself for having secured an invitation to the picnic social that Lord Penton and his wife were holding. It was late in the Season, and most couples had already formed, but that did not bother Christina.

  She had left the Season in a bit of a scandalous position, but she was here for one reason only, and that was to win back Duke Honeyfield. She had heard he had left after their public display where he had told her he was not interested.

  It might not seem that odd, but Christina took it to mean that perhaps the Duke felt bad about how he had treated her. He had misunderstood her, thrown her feelings back in her face. She could be spiteful, but that was not what love did.

  Love forgave. She drew in a deep breath as Duke Honeyfield’s name was announced. Her mouth dropped open when along with the Duke the name of his wife was also announced. While she was out of society mending her heart the man had got married?

  How dare he? Emily popped up at her elbow. “Did they just say, Duchess?”

  “He scorned me then marries someone else?” Christina scowled at the couple. “Who is that?”

  “I do not know. I can ask around.” Emily looked at Christina, and as soon as she nodded her acceptance, Emily was off to use her gift of gossip.

  “She is just some plain girl,” Christina muttered under her breath.

  Emily reappeared after a few minutes. “Her name is Serena Haddington, and apparently, the Duke and she have only wed a week ago.”

  “Well, I hope she enjoys her stay in my bed. I shall be claiming my rightful place soon.” Christina eyed the couple as they stepped out onto the dance floor. The way the Duke held his bride made Christina’s heart clench. That should be her.

  “Lady Talbert,” Lord Balfour said as he walked up to them.

  Christina put a smile onto her face. Lord Balfour had been there the night that the Duke had spurned her. She had no doubt the man was coming over to see that she did not interfere with his cousin and his new bride.

  “Lord Balfour.” Christina gave the Earl of Mornington a curtsey.

  He gave her a warm smile. “I just wanted to come and say that I am very glad to see you back out in society. I know my cousin felt horrible about how things had ended.”

  “He seems rather recovered,” Christina noted as she watched Lord Honeyfield dancing with his new bride.

  Lord Balfour turned to follow her gaze. “He has found happiness, and I wish him the best with it. I was hoping that you could do the same.”

  “Of course,” Christina assured him. “I would never do anything to harm Lord Honeyfield. I still care for him very much.” Her words were true. If he happened to assume that they meant she would leave the Duke alone, then that was not her problem.

  Lord Balfour nodded. “I am
glad to hear that. I do hope that you have a lovely evening, Lady Talbert and Lady Henson.”

  Emily gave the man a curtsey. Once Lord Balfour had walked away, she whispered, “That was bold of him.”

  “Yes, well, the problem with people like Lord Balfour and my beloved Duke is that they assume they can do what they please.” Christina heaved a sigh. Her beautiful green dress was not going to do her any good tonight.

  “What shall you do now?” Emily seemed curious. She could afford to be only mildly interested in all the nonsense of the London Season. Emily’s father had already secured her a match which the young lady was grateful for as she had no great love of showing herself at such events.

  Christina bit her lip as she eyed the couple. At length, she whispered, “I am going to listen. Everyone has secrets, Emily. I shall find out what this girl’s secrets are and then I shall show the Duke the error of his ways.”

  The weeks after the wedding seemed to be an endless stream of balls, social events, and visits to various relations or prominent members of society. Abigail was growing tired of the constant demands, but at the same time, her world seemed to be opening up. She and Colin grew closer, and if she could just stop the agony of her guilt, then things would be perfect.

  She took a deep breath as she stood at yet another ball. Abigail did not even remember who was hosting the ball, to be honest, and she thought it just as well. She would be at another just like it the next day, no doubt.

  “Serena!” Her father’s booming voice made Abigail look around more than her sister’s name.

  She smiled and accepted the man’s crushing hug with an acceptance that only comes from having a father. “Father, I am so happy to see you. Are Mother and Abigail here as well?” It felt so odd to ask after herself, but she had to keep up the appearance of normality.

  “Yes.” He nodded his head as he stepped back. There was something in the way he looked at her that made Abigail feel that something was off.

  She frowned. “Is something wrong?”

  “Could I speak to you for a moment?” Her father’s voice took on a quiet quality that Abigail was not even aware that it could do.

  She nodded slowly. “Of course.”

  Her father barely let her finish her words before he was ushering her along towards a doorway. He did not stop until they were out on the stones of a small courtyard in the gardens.

  When he did stop, he ran his hand through his hair. “There is no need for the act, Abigail. I know the truth.”

  She stared at him for a moment before she laughed with nervous energy. “What sort of game is this? Did my sister put you up to it?”

  Lord Grey shook his head at her. “This is no game. I do not know why you two chose to do this, but like I told your sister. You have made your decision, and now you must honour it for the sake of us all.”

  Abigail shook her head. “How did you know?”

  “Your mother, she could always tell you two apart,” Lord Grey admitted.

  She sighed. “I care for him, Father. I do not know if I can keep lying to him.” Abigail walked a short distance away and looked up at the stars. “And what of Serena? Is it fair she should have to pretend to be me for the rest of her life because of one moment in time?”

  “She made her choice, Adie.” He eyed her sternly. “You both made a choice to do such a foolish thing, and now you must live with what you have done for the sake of your family.”

  Abigail knew that the scandal would be perilous for her family, but she thought perhaps a lifetime of pretending she was someone else might be a steep punishment for her crimes. “I do not know if I can,” Abigail admitted.

  “You do not have a choice.” Lord Grey despite his harsh words gave Abigail’s shoulder a squeeze. “I am glad that you care for the man, but do you think it fair to pull him into a scandal that he never asked for?”

  The Duchess had been talking to a man when they disappeared out into the garden. It was just the suspicious thing that Christina had been waiting to happen. She needed something that would absolutely be worth going to the Duke.

  Of course, she had no idea that when she followed the two into the garden that instead of getting an affair, she landed in an even stranger scandal. The Duke’s wife was really her sister pretending to be Serena. Christina could scarcely believe her luck.

  The Duke might have been able to ignore her advances during the Season, even going so far as to break her heart, but there was no way the man could ignore this. Christina shrank back into a doorway as Lady Honeyfield and her father exited the garden. She watched them go with a smile on her lips.

  Christina knew how girls like Lady Haddington thought. She would put her loyalty to her family before her loyalty to the Duke. The Duke of Richmond valued honesty above all else which made the duplicity of his new bride all the more rewarding.

  He would not believe her out of hand. She would need clear evidence, but she had an idea of how to get her hands on it. Christina rubbed her hands together. There was work to be done, but it was going to be well worth doing it.

  She would take a good deal of pleasure in reminding him how bad he was at judging the hearts of women. Of course, she would not be cruel about it. Christina wanted the Duke to look at her with new eyes and see that she was the one that was loyal all along.

  Serena finally saw Abigail and went to talk to her while her sister was alone. “Serena,” she called as she came over to Abigail. “I am so glad I caught you.”

  Abigail glanced around then motioned for Serena to come with her. She led Serena out to the gardens. “I suppose you are here because of father.”

  “Actually, I am here because I wanted to tell you that I am so happy for you. You look truly and splendidly happy, Adie.” Serena embraced her sister. “Do not worry for me. I am willing to continue the ruse. What is a name, but a silly thing? I love you, Adie.”

  Abigail felt the tears fill her eyes, and she dabbed them with a handkerchief she kept hidden in the small purse tied to her wrist. “Serena, that is not fair to you. What is more, it is not fair to the Duke.”

  Serena shook her head. “I do not want you to lose your dream. This is what you have wanted. Marie Ann and I had some interesting conversations, especially before she realised I was not you.”

  Abigail laughed and blushed. “I hope you did not startle her too much with the revelation.”

  “She was rather giddy about it actually.” Serena shrugged with a smile. “We are all just happy that you have finally found where you belong and are content.”

  Guilt welled up in Abigail. “I appreciate your willingness to do this, Serena, but as my feelings grow for the Duke, I have realised that it is not all about passion and romance. He deserves my honesty, Serena.”

  Serena reached out and grasped Abigail’s hand. “I will stand with you, no matter what you choose. I do not think Mother and Father will be quite so comfortable with it, but I say that you do what feels right, Adie.”

  She clung to her sister’s hand. Serena was the first person to tell her to do what she felt in her heart. At least one person understood, and Abigail held onto that lifeline.

  They shared a smile. Serena whispered, “You look beautiful. Marriage must really suit you.”

  “It is wonderful,” Abigail agreed. “I thought he would end up being nothing like the vision I had of him. In a way I was right. He is so much better.”

  Serena grinned at her. “You make me long for that kind of connection.”

  “There is always Lord Balfour,” Abigail suggested with a grin of her own.

  Serena seemed to give it some thought. “Perhaps. He is a lovely man, even if I did make a bit of a fool of myself when I first met him. Or should I say, of you.”

  Abigail stuck her tongue out at Serena as she used to as a child. “I should like you to be able to marry him as yourself. It really does complicate things far too much to pretend to be someone you are not.”

  “I can see how it would,” Serena admitted.
“However, I am not ready to marry anyone. I just want that connection with them. It would be nice to know someone is there.”

  Abigail gave her sister a hug. “I am certain you shall find it. I believe that with all my heart.”

  Serena gave her a squeeze as they hugged. “Your heart is full of romance and ballads, and I do not know if it is grounded in the world we live in.”

  Abigail did not take offence at Serena’s words. It might just be true that Abigail was not the most clear-headed with her love of the Duke colouring the world around her. “You will find it.”

  “Promise?” Serena asked echoing an old childhood sentiment.

  Abigail grinned. “Promise.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  James was busily breaking in the crust on a meat pie at their favourite tavern. “You certain something is not bothering you?”

  Colin toyed with his pie and sighed. “Truth is I do not know, James.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice so it would not carry to neighbouring tables. “I told you that Serena was hesitant.”

  “She is not still keeping you at bay?” James paused midway to his mouth with a fork full of pie.

  Colin shook his head. “She seems to be willing, but something is bothering her. I cannot place the expression on her face. It is like she feels bad.”

  “Maybe that is just women’s guilt. They are so pressed that they should not enjoy such things that perhaps it is a good sign that she feels so.” James shrugged. “What do you intend to do about it?”

  Colin laid his fork across his plate as he all but dismissed the idea of eating. “As soon as the next ball is over with, I plan on taking her to the country. I feel that being away from all the distractions here might ease her transition. We did not truly get a honeymoon, after all.”

  “That is true. Perhaps she is holding out for that moon she was promised,” James said as he nodded along.

  With another sigh, Colin had to agree. “It is possible. I should have planned for a quieter entrance into my life. Instead, she has received the full force of just how hectic it can be, and I think it has made her resist.”