To Trust a Duke

by Aston, Alexa

  Ashlyn had been delighted to hear the couple was engaged and was glad that Lady Edith would attend tonight’s festivities. She liked the young woman and hated to think her sister’s actions would reflect poorly upon the family.

  “I see.” She excused herself and went downstairs, knowing their friends were due soon. Ashlyn had requested Charlotte and Gemma come early so they could spend several hours together before the ball began. Both the Cramptons and Westons would be staying the night, the only guests who would do so. She looked forward to her time with her friends before the festivities began.

  Reid appeared and said, “I saw carriages from my window in the study. Let’s go greet our first guests.” He slipped an arm about her waist and led her out the front door.

  Four carriages appeared in the lane, the first two traveling at the usual pace, while the third and fourth seemed to crawl along.

  The first arrived and Gray jumped out, helping Charlotte and their three children from the vehicle.

  Gray kissed her cheek and Charlotte did the same, their young son squirming in her arms. She set the boy down and he toddled off, soon chased by his nursery governess, who emerged from the second carriage, which carried the Crampton servants.

  The two girls came and curtseyed to Ashlyn.

  “Thank you for allowing us to come to your ball, Lady Dunwood,” Lady Harriet said.

  “We can’t wait to dance!” squealed Lady Jane.

  “I thought you would enjoy coming since my students will also be in attendance and are your same ages,” Ashlyn said.

  Gray looked at the girls with mock sternness. “Remember, I’ll have my eyes on you all night long.”

  “Oh, Gray, don’t worry,” she assured him. “My boys will be beautifully behaved.”

  He chuckled. “It’s not your boys I’m worried about, Ashlyn. It’s my mischievous girls influencing them.”

  Charlotte placed her hands on the girls’ shoulders. “They will be perfect, Gray. You have nothing to worry about.” Then she leaned down and softly said, “You two better be good or he’ll lock you up until you’re thirty.”

  By now, the other two carriages had arrived. Gemma poked her head out the window and waved merrily as Burke opened the door and exited the vehicle. He lifted Gemma down with great care. Ashlyn saw in the three weeks since she’d seen her friend that Gemma’s belly had popped.

  They all greeted the couple. Gemma patted her belly. “It seemed to happen overnight. I only hope there’s one inside me and not two.”

  “When are you due?” Reid asked.

  “The end of June or the first week in July. In the worst of the summer heat,” she said. “Burke already has to rub my feet every night and place cold compresses upon my brow. I’m sure I’ll think of other things he must do to make it up to me.”

  Servants were toting bags inside and the nanny and governess whisked the children away.

  Ashlyn said, “The first thing you need to know is that Reid and I are engaged.”

  All four beamed with delight and offered congratulations to them.

  “We planned to wed once the spring term at Dunwood Academy ended and the boys left for their summer holiday,” she continued. “Now, I don’t think that’s a wise idea.”

  Reid said sternly, “No delays, Ashlyn.”

  “Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking about a delay. I thought we might need to move the wedding up.”

  In response, he kissed her soundly as their friends chuckled.

  “I don’t mind you changing your mind but may I ask why—and when?” Reid asked.

  “Just look at Gemma,” Ashlyn said. “In another six weeks she won’t feel like walking ten feet, much less riding from Westbrook to here in order to sit through a ceremony.”

  “Burke made the horses walk the entire way here,” Gemma said. “It took forever to drive the three miles but he didn’t want me jostled about.”

  Ashlyn looked at Reid. “It’s only ten o’clock. If you rode to London now, you could purchase a special license. We could announce our engagement tonight and then wed tomorrow. Or perhaps Monday.”

  Reid withdrew something from his coat pocket and handed it to her. “Open it.”

  She did. “It’s . . . a special license for us to wed,” she said, astounded. “Dated earlier this week.”

  He laughed. “I know we planned for the banns to be read starting tomorrow but I had business in London and thought it would be wise to have this just in case. It’s good for ninety days. We could still marry in the chapel at Gillingham but now we don’t have to wait.”

  Ashlyn smiled. “You never cease to amaze me.”

  “Like headmistresses, army officers like to be prepared for any circumstances. Tomorrow will be taken up with Sunday services.” Reid took her hand and kissed it. “Would you care to marry me Monday morning, Lady Dunwood?”

  “I most certainly would, Your Grace.” She turned to their friends. “If you’re willing to stay until then for the ceremony.”

  Gray laughed. “Charlotte always brings extra clothes wherever we go. She’ll have something to wear for a wedding, I’m sure.”

  “I don’t,” Gemma complained. “But we’re so close that I can send someone back to Westbrook for a gown. Or a sack. That would be nice and roomy.”

  Burke cradled her cheek. “You would look lovely in a sack, my dear.”

  “Fortunately, if I wear one, no one will be looking at me,” Gemma quipped. “All eyes will be on the beautiful bride.”

  “The very person who has nothing to wear to her own wedding,” Ashlyn informed them. “I already had the Gillbrook seamstress make me a gown for tonight’s ball. Perhaps I should wear it.”

  “I like that idea,” Reid said. He took back the special license and returned it to his pocket. “We can use flowers from the ball to decorate the church. I’ll need to arrange with our good reverend a time for the ceremony to take place.” He looked to his friends. “Care to walk down to the church with me?”

  “Of course,” Gray said and the three men set off.

  “I suppose I’ll need to tell Mr. Bellows and Mrs. Paul of our sudden plans. And Mrs. Cook. Poor thing. She’s been cooking along with Mrs. George for days to prepare tonight’s feast. Now she’ll have a wedding breakfast to supply.”

  Charlotte and Gemma linked arms with Ashlyn. Charlotte said, “They’ll all be happy to do so because they’ll be getting a wonderful mistress in return.”

  They went into the house and Ashlyn asked for tea to be brought to the drawing room with eight cups and asked the footman to have Lady Gilford join them. The tea arrived when Dalinda did and Ashlyn then rang for the various servants she needed. After they arrived, she invited them to sit and poured tea for them all. Mr. Bellows and Mrs. Paul looked uncomfortable doing so but Mrs. Cook and Mrs. George eagerly took a place.

  “I know how very hard you’ve all worked in order for tonight’s ball to be a success,” Ashlyn said. “I’m afraid I have more to ask of you, though.” She paused. “His Grace and I plan to announce our engagement tonight.”

  They offered immediate congratulations, telling Ashlyn how happy they were to have her as the new duchess. She could tell by Dalinda’s face that the dowager duchess had already guessed at the news.

  “We wish to wed on Monday in the Gillingham chapel. His Grace has purchased a special license. I know you’re exhausted but—”

  “Don’t you worry about a thing, my lady,” Mrs. Cook interrupted. “Mrs. George and I will give you a lovely wedding breakfast. It will be our pleasure.”

  “And Mr. Bellows and I will see the church decorated properly,” Mrs. Paul added.

  “Hopefully, we can use some of the flowers from tonight’s event,” Ashlyn suggested.

  “It will be taken care of,” Mr. Bellows assured her and then added, “the staff at Gillingham will be delighted with this news, Lady Dunwood.”

  “How many will attend the breakfast?” Mrs. George asked.

  Ashlyn said, “The Dowager
Duchess of Gilford and her sons. Lord and Lady Crampton with their children and Lord and Lady Weston, of course. Possibly Viscount Ransom and Lady Edith Martin.”

  Dalinda spoke up. “I believe it would mean a great deal if your boys and their tutors were invited.” She gave Ashlyn a warm smile.

  “That’s a wonderful idea. Yes, we must include the boys and their tutors.” She thought a moment. “Other than those guests, I believe that should do it. If you will keep the news to yourselves for now, I’d appreciate it. I’d rather all of tonight’s ball guests leave without being obligated to invite them to the wedding. We prefer a more intimate affair.”

  “Nothing will be mentioned until the last guest has left, my lady,” Bellows guaranteed.

  “Thank you, Mr. Bellows. Thank you all,” Ashlyn said. She lifted her teacup and turned to the two cooks. “Let’s talk about the wedding breakfast.”

  *

  Ashlyn was excited for her second ball in such a short time. After all of the guests arrived, Reid led her to the center of the floor and then laced his fingers through hers. She heard the murmurs flow through the room at such an intimate gesture in public.

  Reid addressed the room. “We are here tonight, in part, to celebrate my permanent association with Dunwood Academy and its being situated within Gillingham. What I really want to share, however, is that Lady Dunwood has agreed to become my wife.”

  Applause broke out as he lifted their joined hands and kissed hers. For a moment, as her gaze met his, Ashlyn felt as if it were only the two of them in the room.

  “I love you,” Reid said and kissed her hand again. Then he called out, “Please join my fiancée and me in this first dance.”

  The musicians struck up a tune and Reid swept her across the dance floor.

  “I thought you were going to make the announcement at supper.”

  He grinned sheepishly. “I thought so, too. Then I saw how lovely you looked and pride rose within me, knowing you will soon be my duchess. I couldn’t help myself.” A devilish glint came into his eyes. “Besides, this way, I can dance every number with you without fear of gossip. No one can blame me for being besotted with my fiancée.”

  “That would be extremely bad manners, Your Grace. You can’t neglect your guests that way.”

  He sighed. “You’re right, as always, though everyone here will want to dance with the duchess-to-be.”

  The music ended and Reid escorted her from the floor. Ashlyn found herself surrounded by well-wishers and danced every time the music struck up. She made a point to alternate partners between gentry, tenants, and her pupils.

  Finally, supper came and she joined Reid at a table with the Cramptons and Westons. She was happy to find Viscount Ransom and Lady Edith also at their table.

  “I must offer you congratulations on your engagement,” Ashlyn said.

  “The same to you, Lady Dunwood,” Ransom said.

  “We are very happy for you,” Lady Edith added. “The duke looks so pleased.”

  As the men left the table to fill plates for everyone, Ashlyn asked, “When is your wedding going to be held?”

  “Ransom wants us to wait until September. He wants me to enjoy the full season and still have plenty of time to plan for the ceremony.”

  “That is thoughtful of him,” Ashlyn said. “It will also give your sister more than ample time to return from her visit to your relatives in the north.”

  The younger woman’s cheeks reddened. “Eden is in London, my lady. She is making her come-out this Season as planned.”

  Ashlyn wondered if Reid knew this. “I see.”

  “Once again, I am very sorry about what Eden did to you,” Lady Edith said.

  “You had nothing to do with the incident,” she assured the young woman.” Besides, it’s already forgotten.” Wanting to change the subject, she asked, “Where will your wedding take place?”

  “At the Gillbrook church. Ransom hopes His Grace will agree to stand with him. They were at school together. Ransom was several years younger and His Grace put a halt to some vicious bullying that had been going on. Ransom worshipped His Grace after that and still thinks highly of him.”

  Ashlyn smiled, thinking of Reid standing up to a group of bullies so that younger boys might feel safe. She hoped their sons would also have such strength of character.

  It surprised her that the thought of children brought no heartache. For a long time after losing Gregory, it had pained her to think of children. She’d never intended to have a child again but Reid had changed all of that. Now, Ashlyn couldn’t wait to give him sons and daughters.

  After supper ended, she made sure to dance with the few remaining students she hadn’t partnered with earlier. Each boy expressed his delight at her upcoming marriage.

  Ashlyn joined Reid, who stood with Gray, Charlotte, and their two girls.

  “I hope you have enjoyed your first country ball,” she told Harriet and Jane.

  “We have, my lady,” Harriet said, her eyes shining. “Jane and I have decided we should be allowed to attend every ball.”

  “I believe that’s called a come-out,” Gray said. “Which you will make when you turn eighteen. Tonight’s ball was an exception.” He smoothed both girls’ hair. “I don’t want you growing up too fast, you know.”

  Dalinda approached, her hands on the backs of her sons, guiding the boys toward them. Both Harry and Arthur looked shyly at Harriet and Jane and then their gaze shifted to their shoes.

  Dalinda leaned down and murmured something in Harry’s ear and he nodded. Glancing up, he asked, “Lady Harriet, would you like to dance the next number?”

  “And will you dance with me, Lady Jane?” Arthur quickly interjected.

  The girls glanced to each other and giggled. Harriet answered for them both, saying, “We would be honored to dance with you.”

  Harry offered Harriet his arm and Arthur did the same to Jane. Both boys led their new dance partners onto the floor as the adults looked on with smiles.

  “I believe my sons may have a crush on your daughters,” Dalinda told Gray and Charlotte.

  “Don’t they look sweet together?” Ashlyn said, slipping her hand through Reid’s arm.

  As they watched the children dance, her gaze swept across the room, watching all her pupils dancing. She spied Edward, who partnered with the head groom’s daughter.

  “Do you see Edward?” she asked Reid. “He looks so happy. As if he hadn’t a care in the world.”

  “Edward is a special boy,” her fiancé agreed. “He has made great strides under your care. Perhaps with his mathematical skills, he will one day become our steward—or even our banker.”

  She smiled. “That would be lovely.”

  When the ball came to a close, Reid had Ashlyn stand with him as they said goodbye to the departing guests. Gemma and Burke had excused themselves after supper. She’d looked very tired after being on her feet for several hours. They said goodnight to Charlotte and Gray and then Reid looked at her.

  “Am I to walk you back to your cottage now—or will you stay with me tonight?”

  A shiver of anticipation rippled through her.

  “I came and dressed for the ball here,” she said. “I had thought about sleeping in that bedchamber tonight.”

  His hands encircled her waist and he pulled her close.

  “If you’re staying under my roof, then you’ll be sleeping in my bed. Our bed. And this time when I make love to you, Ashlyn, I will complete the act with you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Reid led Ashlyn to his bedchamber, glad the corridor was empty. He hadn’t known if she would say yes to his request and was grateful she’d agreed to spend what was left of the night with him.

  He pushed open the door and then swept her into his arms and entered, shoving the door closed with his foot. He carried her to a chair and sat with her in his lap, not wanting to rush things. They kissed for a long time, his blood heating, his desire for her as strong as ever.


  Reid nuzzled her neck and gave her tiny love bites, enjoying the pleased murmurs that came from her.

  “I meant what I said earlier. Once we’re wed, you may use the bedchamber intended for the duchess—but only to store your clothes. Or possibly dress there.” Reid kissed her. “I want you in my bed every night, Ashlyn. I want my arms about you. Our bare skin touching. There’s to be none of this going to visit you and then returning alone to a cold, empty bed. We will be together every night.”

  She stroked his cheek. “Won’t the servants find that odd?”

  “I don’t care what they think. I’m the duke—and I want my duchess in my bed.”

  “To pleasure you every night, Your Grace?” she asked saucily.

  “Yes,” he growled and then added, “and so I may pleasure you in return.”

  Reid kissed her again hungrily. His hand cupped her breast and she sighed.

  “Enough talk—and enough with clothes,” he proclaimed, standing up and setting her on her feet. “Since you’ve no lady’s maid, I suppose I shall I have to attend to you.”

  She slid a finger slowly down his chest. “I think that’s a marvelous idea. Even if you are a duke and are used to others waiting upon you.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “I haven’t been a duke for very long. Don’t forget I was away on the Continent for many years.”

  She chuckled. “You may not have been a duke all that long but you’ve certainly taken to it. You’re incredibly bossy. And you certainly don’t take no for an answer.”

  “Sounds like a headmistress I know,” he said huskily and kissed her, long and deep, finally breaking the kiss. “Let’s get you naked as you should be.”

  He carefully unbuttoned and unfurled everything having to do with the gown and then removed the layers underneath it.

  “You do that with ease. I’d say you’ve played lady’s maid to more than me, Your Grace.”

  He gave her a solemn look. “His Grace has only undressed you, Lady Dunwood. Lieutenant-Colonel Baker might have had a hand helping other women, though.”

  Ashlyn kissed him. “I’m only interested in His Grace. Now and from this moment forward.”