by Lauren Smith
He reached for her hand. “It is not me I am worried about.”
Brooke pulled her hand back. “You needn’t fret over me.”
“Marry me, Brooke?” He stared at her, his eyes besieging her to agree.
Brooke shook her head. “My answer remains, no.”
“Have a care for yourself,” he said, his voice tender. “You are ruined.”
“It is myself I am considering. I have no wish to marry, regardless of what anyone thinks.” She searched his eyes, silently praying he would cease his efforts and leave her in peace.
“Then, have a care for your family.”
She peered at him. “Why ever should I? They’ve never concerned themselves with me.” Brooke strolled to the window, turning her back to him. “I will not be forced to marry, nor would I force you. The gossip will die down with time.”
“Even if it does, you will be ruined.” He came to stand behind her. “I want you for my duchess.”
She turned, glaring at him. “You are only saying so because your honor demands you do.”
He flinched as if she’d struck him, then said, “You are wrong. I proposed because you are the lady I want.”
“If that were true, you would not have abandoned me these past ten years,” she said, hating the way her voice cracked betraying her emotions.
“I wanted to come for you years ago. I told you my father left the estate in shambles. There was little money in the coffers and much work to be done. I could scarcely support myself, let alone a wife. I came as soon—”
Brooke held up a hand. “Stop it! I’ll not hear another word. Leave.” She pointed at the door.
Drake’s gaze turned pained as he studied her as though he were searching for something else to say. He remained in place, staring at her, his brow creased.
Brooke’s throat tightened as she watched him. If she remained here, in this room with him, she’d fall apart. She inhaled, stiffening her back. “If you won’t, then I will.” She turned and fled from him for the second time in as many days.
Chapter 8
Three days passed—three long, miserable days and three lonely, fretful nights—before Drake attempted to call on Brooke again. He’d sent her notes and flowers each day, but she’d ignored them.
This morning, he’d decided that enough was enough. He’d go to her and press his suit once more.
Hell, he’d call on her daily until she agreed to marry him. He loved her, and she must love him too, even if she didn’t want to believe it. They shared a connection, they always had. Surely with enough time and patience, Brooke would stop fighting the emotions between them.
She was afraid, and it was at least in part his fault. Even though he was in no position to come sooner, he should have stayed in contact with her. Drake did not blame her for feeling abandoned.
He was an ass.
His chest tightened at the knowledge that he had hurt her.
He’d make it up to her, somehow. From this day forward, she would never be alone again. Never have cause to feel betrayed or abandoned by him. Drake would love her whether or not she wanted him to.
He would prove his worth.
He would make amends for the past and protect her in the future.
With his mind made up and determination in his stride, he approached her house. Drawing in a deep breath, he reached for the knocker.
The door opened, revealing her family butler. The man offered a bow. “Sir.”
Drake held out his card. “Lady Brooke, if you please.”
“I’m afraid she is not in residence,” the butler glanced at his card, “Your Grace.”
Drake’s stomach churned. “If you will show me to the receiving room, I’ll await her return.”
“I’m afraid that is not possible.” The butler palled.
“Why ever not?” Drake demanded.
“My lady has left London.”
“Where has she gone?” Drake demanded, his heart hammering.
The butler looked pained as she said, “I am not at liberty to say.”
Drake had the inclination to press the man further but doubted the butler would betray the family he served. He’d not fault the servant for his loyalty. Drake turned, then mounted his stallion and rode toward the only place he could think of.
Blackmore House.
God willing, the duchess would be home and have some knowledge of Brooke’s whereabouts. After all, the two of them were close friends. He prayed they were not so close that the duchess would refuse to help him.
It seemed like seconds and hours passed all at the same time before he found himself seated in the Duchess of Blackmore’s parlor. He stood and bowed when she entered. “Your Grace.”
“Call me, Narissa.” The duchess chose a brocade covered chair near the hearth and indicated the one across from it for him.
Drake waited for her to sit then followed suit.
“To what do I owe the honor of your visit?” She asked.
Drake cleared his throat as he sent up another silent prayer. He met the duchess’s kind gaze and said, “I require your help.”
He’d expected her to appear surprised, but instead, she smiled, then said, “With Brooke?”
Drake released a sigh of relief and returned the duchess’s smile. “Indeed, yes. Can you tell me where she has gone?”
“That depends.” The duchess pursed her lips and studied him. “Why do you wish to know?”
HIs pulse sped. The duchess did know where Brooke was, but would she tell him? “I am determined to marry her, but I cannot press my suit when I have no idea where she’s gone off to.”
The duchess’s gaze turned skeptical. “Why do you want to marry her?”
Drake folded his hands together. “Do you read the papers, Your Grace?”
“Narissa, and yes, I do.” She narrowed her gaze. “Brooke does not wish to wed only to avoid scandal.”
“I am aware of her feelings.”
“And yet you press your advances on her?” The duchess raised a brow.
Drake swallowed hard. This was not at all going to plan.
The duchess stood, her head held high. “I am sorry, but I cannot help you.” She strolled toward the door.
Panic gripped Drake as he sprang from his seat. “Wait, please. I love her,” he strode toward the duchess. “I have to find—”
“Love.” The duchess turned back to him. “Now that changes everything.”
Drake stilled, “It does?”
“Of course, it does.” The duchess smiled. “Have you told her?”
Drake let his head fall back. “No.” He was a blasted idiot! In all of his declarations and offers, he’d never once thought to tell her how he felt. He’d never once laid his heart bare.
The duchess took his hand in hers and met his gaze. “She’s in Bath. Go to her, and for Heaven’s sake, tell her how you feel.”
Chapter 9
Brooke scanned the final lines of her father’s letter before tossing it to the table. “Bad news travels quick,” she said, as she lifted her teacup.
Aunt Milly shook her head. “I’m afraid so, dear. All of Bath is gossiping about you.”
Brooke grimaced. “And Father is demanding I marry straightaway.” Brooke sipped her tea then shook her head. “I won’t do it, Auntie. I can’t.”
“Of course you can. You told me yourself that the gentleman in question offered marriage. You need only accept.”
Brooke sat her teacup aside. “He only asked out of duty. I cannot commit myself to a lifetime at a man’s side who does not love me.”
Aunt Milly drew her brows together, a crease forming between them. “How do you know his motivations?”
Brooke recalled the night she’d gone to him. The brazen way she’d run into his arms and her wanton demands. She blushed as she said, “I threw myself at him, Auntie. I practically begged him to make love to me.” Her face flushed at the admission. “It was only after he discovered my maiden state that he proposed.”
> Aunt Milly’s eyes softened, and she said, “Mayhap, he did not have the chance to do so beforehand?” She waved her hand. “Regardless, dearest, do you truly wish to spend your life alone?”
“Yes,” Brook said. “You never married and look how happy you are.” Brooke cast her gaze about the elegant drawing room before smiling at her aunt. “You have a wonderful life, and you live it on your own terms.”
Aunt Milly took Brooke’s hand and met her eyes. “It can be an awfully lonely life at times. I want better for you.”
“And what of my wishes?”
Aunt Milly ignored Brooke’s question as she continued speaking, “I wanted very much to marry, you know.”
Brooke frowned at this new information. So long as she could remember, auntie had been happy living on her own. She’d had a massive dowry, and had spent her days as she pleased. Financially secure and beholden to no-one save for herself. She’d never given any indication of wanting more. Brooke swallowed, then asked, “If that was what you wanted, why didn’t you?”
Aunt Milly sighed. “I held out for love, and as it happened, love was not in the cards for me.”
Brook opened her mouth, ready to argue the validity of that particular emotion, but Narissa’s words circled through her mind stopping her. I assure you, love is real. Seth and I are but one example of it.
Brooke had other friends who put on a good show of being in love as well. Hannah, Diana, and Katherine all claimed to be happily in love and appeared to be as well. Perhaps they were. Maybe love could be true and lasting, but how did a person know for sure?
“I fear your parents have provided you a poor example, indeed. Do not allow their actions to ruin your future,” Auntie cautioned.
You are not your parents. Narissa’s words floated through Brooke’s memory, mirroring what Auntie had said. Perhaps they were all right. Perchance Brooke was being a stubborn fool, but what if she wasn’t? The last thing she wanted was to become her parents.
“I’ll concede that love could be real. However, I doubt very much it’s ability to last. What’s more, I do not believe the duke loves me.” Brooke averted her gaze, not wanting Auntie Milly to see the tears gathering in her eyes.
“But you love him,” Auntie said, matter-of-factly.
“I…no, I don’t.” Brooke shook her head. “I wanted him, and I got what I went after.”
“Rubbish!” Aunt Milly snaked the arm of her chair. “You have been moping around here for days. More than once, I found you with tears in your eyes, or caught you distracted over what seemed to be nothing at all.”
She pointed at Brooke, waving her finger between them. “You might fool yourself, but you’ll not be pulling the wool over my eyes. You love the man. It’s plain to see.”
“I’m upset over the scandal I caused, not the duke.” Brooke denied her aunt’s charges. Her heart squeezed as she did, for she saw the truth in Auntie’s words. Love was real, and God help her, she loved Drake.
She always had, but how could she trust such a fickle emotion? Did it even matter when it was one sided? Brooke was certain that one person could not love enough for two. Experience had taught her that such an arrangement could only lead to heartbreak.
Aunt Milly took both of Brooke’s hands in hers and stared into her gaze. “I love you, Brooke. I want to see you happy and settled. Mark my words. If you continue on this fool’s path, you will come to regret your choices.”
“It matters not how I feel, Auntie. He doesn’t love me, and I would rather be a scandalous old maid than marry a man who doesn’t love me,” Brooke stood, ready to take her leave.
Aunt Milly followed, catching unto Brooke. “How do you know what’s in his heart?”
“Look around.” Brooke swept her arms out to both sides. “He isn’t here.” Brooke turned and strode from the room. She didn’t want to discuss the duke or her ruined state anymore. All she wanted was to return to the way things were before Drake crashed back into her life.
Auntie Milly was right about one thing, Brooke was a fool.
How had she ever convinced herself that one night of passion would satisfy her and allow her to put Drake behind her?
It pained her to admit it, but dammit, she did love him. She always had, and now that she’d shared her body with him, she always would.
Narissa and Auntie were wrong, though. Brooke was very much in danger of becoming her parents.
There had been a time when Mother loved Father. She’d learned from her parents that a one-sided affection could not last, and she’d never sentence herself to their fate.
Brooke would remain in Bath and be content with her lot for now. In time, the gossip, as well as her feelings for Drake, would fade.
By this time next year, it would all be a distant memory. She would be back to doing the things she enjoyed most: Helping at Fortuna’s and racing her beloved horses.
She had no need to marry and less need for love.
Chapter 10
Drake stilled, his breath catching as he caught sight of Brooke. It seemed like years had passed since he’d last set eyes on her.
He’d been overset with worry when he could not find her and heartbroken when he’d discovered that she’d run from him.
Now, a sennight later, he’d found her. This time, he would convince her to stay with him forever. He took a step in her direction, then stopped to study her. Drinking in the lovely sight.
She walked at the edge of the ocean, her skirts held up as the waves splashed her feet and ankles. Her blond hair was gathered at the base of her head then left to flow down her back. The wind stirred her pink skirt as she kicked at something in the sand with her bare feet.
A massive wave crashed against her creamy legs, and she jumped, then turned toward him. Her cheeks were rosy, and a smile pulled at her lips.
Their gaze’s met, and his heart hitched.
“You came,” she said.
He could no more stop himself then he could stop the waves. He ran to her. “Brooke,” he called out. “I will always come for you,” he said as he wrapped her in his arms.
She clung to him, neither of them caring that the water now splashed their clothing.
Drake held her tight, stroking her hair with one hand. “Marry me, Brooke?” He asked for the third time.
She pulled away, her gaze going hard. “Drake—”
He placed one finger on her lips, stopping her from saying more. God how he wanted to kiss those lush lips, but right now he had a more pressing matter to tend to. “Let me finish,” he said.
She nodded, and he lowered his finger.
“I love you, Brooke. It has always been you. I regret that I did not come sooner, but I always intended to keep my word. When I came to London, it was for you. The lady I had my eye on was you. It has always been you.”
Moisture glistened in her blue eyes, but she did not speak. She held his gaze, her eyes full of emotion.
Drake continued. “I didn’t think you were ready, and I had no wish to scare you away. My desire to wed you has nothing to do with the scandal. Rather it has everything to do with my feelings for you. Feelings I have held since youth. I was a bloody fool.” He took her hands in his, then continued, “I should have declared myself straightaway. I never should have allowed so much time to pass without making my intentions known. Lady Brooke Linwood, I love you. Please, do me the honor of becoming my duchess.”
Brooke squeezed his hands with hers, a mischievous grin tilting her lips. “Are you sure you want me? I am scandalous, you know.”
“I’ve alway’s wanted a scandalous duchess. Any other would bore me to death.” Drake grinned back at her.
“You wouldn’t mind if your duchess raced horses?” She asked, her eyes sparkling.
His grin turned into a full-blown smile. “I’d attend the race’s and cheer her on.”
“And what if she spent evenings at a gaming hell?” Brooke’s grin turned into a beaming smile.
“I would ensure she had ample c
oin to wager with.”
Brooke’s gaze turned more serious. “And what if your duchess was gossiped about in all of the papers?” She asked.
“I say, let them write what they please.” Drake pulled her close against him. “We can laugh together as we read the gossip column.”
Brooke tipped her chin up and asked, “What if your duchess wasn’t welcome in prominent drawing rooms?”
“It only matters that she loves me and I her.”
“Just so.” Brooke laughed.
Drake lowered his lips to hers, brushing his flesh against hers. When he pulled away, he asked for the fourth time, “Marry me?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Because you love me?”
Brooke pressed closer, her eyes locked with his. “I fear I always have.”
Drake captured her lips again, this time in a passionate kiss meant to claim her.
He slanted his mouth over hers, again and again, taking all she offered.
He’d dreamed of this for most of his life. Dreamed of having and holding her. She’d been his every desire, his motivation, his dream, his everything, and he’d make sure she knew it from this day forward.
Brooke pulled away and gazed into his eyes. “Thank you for not giving up on me, Drake.” She brushed the backs of her fingers across his jaw. “Because of you, I believe in love.”
“I shall ensure you never come to regret it.”
“See that you do.” She pressed her lips back to his.
Epilogue
Cumbria, England
Six years later…
* * *
Brooke settled into the crook of Drake’s arm as they lounged beneath a lime tree at their country estate. Their daughters, Lavender and Rose, played nearby with their new puppy. A fluffy red Pomeranian.
She glanced from the girls to Drake. “I think they are pleased,” Brook said as she inhaled the familiar scent of her husband.