Wish Upon a Duke

by Jamie Salisbury

  A headache wasn’t what Savannah thought the countess was running from. She knew Gabriel was coming to take her out for a drive and didn’t want to face another confrontation. Savannah smiled. Lady Dorset probably wasn’t expecting her to stand her ground either. The countess was quite used to getting her way and had probably spent far more in the time since Timothy died than was necessary. Or that Gabriel thought she should be spending. She liked that about him. He watched out for her son. One of the many redeeming qualities she was beginning to like about the Duke of Clevedon.

  * * *

  The first thing Gabriel noticed as he handed Savannah into his phaeton was how quiet she was. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what brought on this change. They had a nice enough time at the Duke and Duchess of Liverpool’s ball. He’d paid as much attention to her as was socially appropriate, even if she was a widow. He detested gossip and wouldn’t see her good name sullied by the old biddies wanting to keep Savannah’s entrance into London society from becoming a success.

  She remained quiet, even though he took the time to point out sights he thought might interest her. Rather than comment, she would simply nod. So uncharacteristic of her. Had he done something wrong?

  They had just entered the park, and the line of carriages was thick. It seemed everyone was taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Having had enough of her silence, Gabriel carefully prodded her. “Are you all right? You seem awfully quiet this afternoon?”

  She shook her head and focused on the greenery rather than look at him. “I’m fine, Your Grace. You mustn’t worry yourself over nothing.”

  There it was, she was referring to him by his title. Something was indeed amiss. “May I be blunt?”

  “Of course, Your Grace.”

  “Gabriel. Something has happened since the ball last night. Something is amiss, and I want to know what. Tell me. Please.”

  Carriages passed, people walked by his phaeton, all greeting him and looking on with keen interest. The Duke of Clevedon never drove a carriage through the park. He always rode his black stallion.

  They were nearing the serpentine. He saw a spot on the side open up and urged the pair of grays toward it.

  He gazed at her thoughtfully. “Tell me, Savannah, what is wrong?”

  “You really don’t need to concern yourself. It’s nothing.”

  “Please forgive me, but I don’t believe you. Something has you upset, and I would like to know.”

  She sighed. “It’s the dowager countess. She informed me we’d be leaving for Sky View tomorrow rather than a fortnight hence.”

  He cocked his head in thought. “That’s rather sudden. Did she say why? Usually, she loves spending time in Town.”

  “I’m afraid it has to do with you. She’s angry with you for cutting her funds and is going to punish me by cutting our time here.”

  Gabriel smiled. He’d hit a nerve with Lady Dorset, and she was going to do what she could to sabotage his interest in Savannah. “Did she mention I also gave her an increase in her allowance, and that she was the one who asked me to go over the earldom’s finances?”

  “Vaguely,” Savannah replied. “She wants to redecorate and doesn’t want to have to go through you or your man of business to do so.”

  He nodded. “I just bet she doesn’t.”

  “So I’m afraid I won’t be able to accompany you to the theater.”

  “Would you like me to speak with Lady Dorset, see if I can change her mind?”

  “I would, but I’m afraid that would make matters worse for me. Besides, I miss Vincent something awful, so this is a way to see him sooner.”

  “Perhaps I could persuade her to let you remain in London? I would accompany you back to the country as soon as my business is completed.”

  She nodded. “I would like that very much, Gabriel. Just don’t push her too hard.”

  “I promise,” he replied, his attention drawn to the pale-yellow dress she wore. He rarely noticed women’s attire unless it was a ball grown, and they were usually magnificent. Savannah had an eye for fashion, but knew not to overdo the way so many of her contemporaries, including the countess, did.

  “I just worry about Vincent. I don’t need the dowager countess upsetting him by telling him some untruth.”

  Gabriel hadn’t taken that into consideration. Lady Dorset was already taking his actions out on Savannah. She had a vindictive side and certainly didn’t try to contain her dislike for the fact her daughter-in-law was American. Knowing how much Savannah adored her young son, he decided to make a counter proposal. “What if you returned with Lady Dorset? I’ll return to Brook Fall as soon as my business is concluded. Perhaps in a few weeks, we could bring young Vincent to Town.”

  “He would love that,” she replied. “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all. I’m sure Vincent would love to see some of the sights.”

  “At his age?” she teased. “He is only seven.”

  Gabriel picked up the reins to move back into the long line of carriages. “I’m sure there’s bound to be something he’d love.”

  The carriage pushed on, neither he nor Savannah saying much more. He acknowledged those he knew, but didn’t stop because of the parade of people. All of a sudden, he heard Savannah gasp in disbelief. He turned to see she had one hand over her mouth, the other pointing forward.

  “What is it?” he demanded. “What has upset you?”

  She shook her head, unable to speak. For a moment, Gabriel believed she would surely faint on him. She just kept pointing.

  “Savannah, what is it?” he gently prodded.

  “Roland. I swear I just saw him heading toward that hill,” she finally gasped.

  Gabriel jerked his head in the direction she was pointing, but saw nothing but a wall of people out for a walk. This was the second supposed sighting of Roland Dawson. Could it be true that he hadn’t drowned in a shipwreck? If it were indeed true, what did he want?

  He took one of her hands in his. “I’m sure it was only someone who favored him. You know what they say, everyone has a twin somewhere in the world.”

  She nodded and looked up at him, shaken and pale. “Perhaps you’re right. I hadn’t thought of that, but he certainly looked like Roland.”

  “Come, I think you’ve had enough excitement. Would you like me to show you some of the sights?” He’d distract her for the afternoon, but clearly the need to discover the identity of Roland’s impersonator was more urgent than ever.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Though she didn’t like the circumstances under which her trip to London ended, Savannah had to admit she was glad to be back at Sky View. She found she missed the peace and tranquility of the country compared to the hustle and bustle of London.

  Most importantly she’d missed Vincent. He was the most important person in her life. During the time since Roland had died, her son had provided her with happiness she might not otherwise feel. He made her realize she had a reason to strip herself of her mourning attire and live. Live for her son, and for herself. After all, time did have a way of healing all wounds.

  The trip from London had been a strain, and Savannah chose to read a book she brought along rather than have to make polite conversation with the dowager countess. Fortunately, Lady Dorset napped most of the journey, making the time far easier.

  The carriage came to a stop in front of the house. When all that appeared were the butler and two footmen, Savannah found herself disappointed. She’d halfway expected to see Vincent come bounding out the front door to greet her. Then she reminded herself that there probably hadn’t been time to get word of their return, and if there had, the countess most likely made sure the information was withheld. After all, the older woman felt Savannah coddled the boy far too much and had made a point of reminding Savannah of that. In Savannah’s mind, Vincent should get all her attention because in a few years, he would be going off to school and would have to fend for himself. Children were remarkably r
esilient, and she wished she could be as well.

  Without a word, Savannah climbed the stairs. Rather than go to her room, she walked upstairs to the nursery. When she quietly opened the door, she discovered Vincent deep in arithmetic. She stood at the doorway and placed her fingers to her lips so the governess wouldn’t stop.

  “That’s very good, Vincent,” the governess said.

  “Mama!” the young boy cried, then raced over to her waiting arms. Savannah knelt and hugged him back.

  “Oh, how I missed you,” she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face.

  “I wasn’t expecting you until next week. Wasn’t London to your liking?”

  “I was lovely. We just finished our appointments more quickly than we anticipated and decided to leave the heat of Town.”

  He nodded. “Did His Grace return home with you?”

  “No, I’m afraid the duke had business to attend to. He promised to come see you the moment he returns.”

  “I’m glad, Mama. I missed you and the duke.”

  “Well, I’m back. Now you finish your lessons. I’m going to freshen up. Perhaps if you finish up your work, we can go for a walk or you can join me for tea.”

  “Oh, I’d love that! Tea is the best time. There are so many sweets to choose from, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, there are.”

  He did as he was instructed, and Savannah waited for a moment as her son recited numbers before disappearing to the sanctity of her own room.

  Her maid was bustling about in the dressing room when she entered. Savannah stuck her head in and told Norma she wished to freshen up and change into a brown muslin dress. She was looking forward to seeing the duke again. She missed their talks when they were apart. He was becoming such an important part of her and Vincent’s life, and she didn’t care anymore who disapproved.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Gabriel handed the reins of his stallion to a stable boy as he entered the courtyard, or what had once been known as a bailey. He was home and glad for it. He’d spent the past three days since Savannah had left combing the docks and other key places to see if he could indeed find this man who looked so much like Roland Dawson. Searching the docks was the logical solution once again since he had shipping interests.

  “Make sure to cool him down and give him a good rub down,” Gabriel told the young boy. “And see that he gets an extra ration of oats too.”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” the stable boy replied as he led the massive beast away.

  Was the man he sought indeed Roland, or just a man who happened to look a great deal like his late friend? Enough so that Savannah had been spooked by the sight of him?

  Having not found the man or any trace of him, Gabriel assumed he had boarded a ship bound for who knows where. The possibilities were endless. He didn’t have any more time to make inquiries. He had pressing matters here at home that needed his attention.

  He went to his rooms and changed his dusty riding clothes for something clean. He was taking Savannah for an afternoon ride. Why he’d planned it for the day he returned, he wasn’t sure, other than he was anxious to see her. He would take her back to the tower and then to the roof, where the view was spectacular. One could see for miles on a clear day.

  He wrote her a short missive letting her know he’d arrived and would call on her in two hours. After applying the ducal seal to the missive, he handed it to his butler with strict instructions that the man delivering it was to make sure it was received by Mrs. Dawson. Simmons nodded and assured him it would be delivered directly to the young woman.

  He walked into his study, shutting the door behind him. Staring at the pile of mail, invitations, and documents, Gabriel picked up a decanter of whiskey and poured himself a glass. He usually didn’t partake this early in the day, but he was exhausted from the long ride. The demands of his position were never-ending. Always, something required his attention. He glanced at the mound of papers and ledgers. The majority could wait.

  He called for the butler to make sure the tower had been cleaned. Knowing it hadn’t been used for years, he didn’t want Mrs. Dawson subjected to spider webs or vermin.

  “Simmons, has the tower been cleaned as I asked before I left?”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I believe you’ll find it to your satisfaction.”

  “Good, good.” He sat on the edge of his desk. “I think I’ll walk out to the stables and see about having a suitable horse saddled for Mrs. Dawson.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. Is there anything else?”

  “No, nothing right now.”

  Simmons left the study, closing the door behind him.

  Gabriel waited until he was sure the butler had disappeared, something the man was good at when necessary. His staff knew when to appear and when not to, especially when there were guests at Brook Fall.

  He walked out to the stables and chose a chestnut mare for Savannah. The mare was one of the thoroughbred-Irish Draught crosses he bred. She was well trained and not skittish, with a big heart. He motioned a stable boy to ready her for Savannah, and to have a youngster, a gray gelding, readied for him.

  He rode at a quick pace, with the stable boy following to the Dawson estate.

  Slowly after he arrived, he felt his heart in his throat as he caught a glimpse of Savannah. She wore a dark green riding outfit, which made her light blonde hair sparkle. Her deep blue eyes reminded him of two sapphires. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but now wasn’t the time. Not only did he want their next kiss to be private, he didn’t want to chance the dowager countess witnessing it, whether she hid in the shadows or not.

  It had been a long time since he’d wanted to kiss a woman like he did Savannah. He’d thought he’d loved Marie, but what he felt when he held Savannah in his arms far surpassed any passion he’d known before.

  “Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Savannah said as she got closer. The lilt of her voice soothed him.

  “Mrs. Dawson, you look radiant.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Are you ready? I picked out a mare specifically for you. I think you’ll like her.” Gabriel motioned for the stable boy to bring the mare around to the mounting block. She patted the mare on the neck before mounting. She gave him an odd look.

  “What? Did I do something wrong?” he inquired.

  “I don’t require a side-saddle. I’m a good enough rider I can ride astride. These are dangerous, you know.” She smiled.

  He swung his leg over the back of the gelding. “I’ll make sure my staff remembers that in the future. If you’d like I can have the mare resaddled. It would only take a few minutes.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. I would appreciate that.”

  Not twenty minutes later, they rode quietly, side by side until they were out of sight of the house. Gabriel gathered his reins.

  “I thought we’d ride out to the tower.”

  “Wonderful. Can we go up to the roof?”

  He nodded. “Yes, it’s been cleaned since our last visit.”

  She shortened the mare’s reins and, in an instant, urged the horse into a gallop, leaving Gabriel in a cloud of dust. He galloped behind her, content to let her enjoy herself. She was an accomplished horsewoman, better than most women he knew. So many barely rode, preferring to be seen in a carriage. He couldn’t recall ever riding like this with a woman besides his sister, Frannie. Henrietta had always been prim and proper, preferring painting and needlework to galloping across a field on horseback.

  Finally, he caught up with her, and they slowed down. Coming upon a fork in the path, Gabriel led her down to the left. In a few more minutes, they’d be able to see the top of the tower. The tower had always been a fascinating place. The real reason for its construction was lost to history, given there were so many stories. One tale was it had been built to serve as a sort of prison of a home for a long-gone duke’s mistress. Another was that the tower was built as a lookout for trespassers. The third was it was where his great-great-grandfather kept his
wife, the duchess, who turned mad after a fever.

  Gabriel liked to believe the second story. The idea of this structure being used for anything dark didn’t sit well with him.

  “You’re being rather quiet,” Savannah said, joining him as they slowed their horses to a walk.

  “I was trying to recall the stories I was told about the tower growing up.” He shared the three tales with her. She was amused as he went into detail.

  “I think more than likely, the tower was built as a lookout. Unless, of course, you have well-founded evidence of one of the others.”

  “If there is, it’s hidden in one of the books in the library. Dusty and forgotten.”

  She gazed ahead to where the top of the tower now appeared before them. “It would be nice to know, wouldn’t it?”

  “I suppose. I never gave it much thought.”

  “Has it just sat there empty?”

  He nodded and stopped the gelding. “As far as I can remember, though I think my father did come here to be alone to think.”

  “I imagine the view would be a perfect deterrent from any troubles one might have.”

  He arched a brow. “You’re about to find out.”

  She smiled back at him. “You’re a strange man at times, Your Grace.”

  He sighed and shrugged. “I’ve been told worse.”

  Gabriel helped her down and found a tree to tie the horses. Opening the door, he followed her inside. Coming to the staircase leading to the roof, Gabriel continued to follow Savannah, watching the gentle sway of her hips as she took each stair. Something stirred within him, and he thought about the first time his father had brought him to the tower, how exciting it was to climb these exact same stairs for the very first time as a young boy. Now, all these years later, he was sharing the view with someone new.

  “It’s beautiful,” Savannah exclaimed as they came through the door at the top of the stairs. She was right, the view was splendid, but he always loved to see the expression on another’s face when they looked out and saw the land, which seemed to go on forever.

  “It is, isn’t it?” Gabriel replied, not knowing if he were asking her or simply making a statement.