Dukes by the Dozen

by Grace Burrowes

  He was still in the card room, but he and Angus were sitting at the back near the fire in two large armchairs. He’d invited his friend to sit with him over a few glasses of fine whisky. Luckily they had gotten past the issue with Flora’s marriage some years back. Mainly because Flora had seemed happy in her marriage.

  Dougray should have been pleased at that fact, but it tortured him every day to know she was happy with another man.

  Tonight he needed to discuss Flora and he was worried about his friend’s reaction.

  “Scott,” Angus spat out. “That bloody pompous cretin. I’m not sure a visit from the King is worth this.” Angus banged his empty whisky glass on the arm of his chair and called a servant for more of the fiery liquid.

  “Do behave, Angus. Talk like that is likely to see Scotland truly embarrassed and you sent to Coventry, if you are not careful.”

  Angus snorted. “Rubbish. You’ve met the King before. What do you think of him?”

  “Actually, the last time I saw him he was still the Prince Regent. Don’t let the overweight and jolly image fool you. The King is not a stupid man. Although he does love his food, wine, and women far too much.”

  “But is it in Scotland’s interest to form this closer alliance?”

  “I believe it is. Both of our estates are flourishing now that we are working with the English. I intend to welcome them until they do something that is not in Scotland’s interest.”

  “To Scotland,” Angus said. The two men clinked their glasses together.

  “Speaking of the King. Scott mentioned the King is most concerned at my marital status. To be fair its more the ‘no heir’ that is of issue. It would appear the King, or his lapdog Scott, does not wish to see my cousin inherit.”

  He waited for Angus’s chortle but it did not come.

  “Aye, it is about time you married and beget an heir. This moping over your wee lass has gone on long enough. It’s not manly.”

  Dougray’s fingers tightened around his glass. “Says the man who would not leave his wife’s side for two weeks when she was battling the lung fever.”

  The two men eyed each other before Angus whispered, “Touché.”

  He cleared his throat. “I’ve had a royal order to announce my engagement at the dinner in two nights time. The King believes it will give the Scottish people something else to celebrate.”

  Angus almost choked on his drink. “Two days time? How long have you known of this command?”

  “Since the Kings visit was first muted.”

  “Hell, that was almost nine months ago. Have you already won a fair maiden’s hand?”

  “No. I’ve been thinking through the issue.” Angus raised an eyebrow. “And I have come to the conclusion it could be a good idea.”

  Angus laughed. “I know that face of yours sees most women drop their draws for you at a smile, and the title will definitely help with gaining a wife, but still, a woman does like to be wooed. Even you might find arranging an engagement in only two days a trial.” At his silence Angus sighed. “You have a lady in mind? Well, get on with it then man, you hardly need my help.”

  “That is not exactly true.”

  Angus’s eyes narrowed. “My daughters are way to young, and by the time they are of marriageable age you’ll be in your dotage. I’ll nay marry them to an old man.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, besides your eldest daughter has already told me she is marrying Connor when she is older.”

  “At five years of age she should not be thinking about marriage, and I’ll be keeping boys like your Connor well away from any of my daughters.” At Dougray’s hurt look, Angus added, “It’s not his illegitimacy at issue. It’s simply he’s too much like you. A man who loves all women but loves none with his heart.”

  “I have loved with my heart and it cost me more than you will ever know,” Dougray admitted softly. “Twice.”

  “Well, if it is a brood mare you want as a wife, I’m sure we can find a match by tomorrow morning. But if I were you I’d look for a lass who stirs more than your cock. It’s infinitely more appealing to find a woman who engages all of you as you age. Looks don’t last forever and cold winter nights can drag with the wrong person by your side.”

  “I actually have someone in mind. Someone I have loved for many years.”

  Angus put down his glass. “Oh, no. Don’t you dare say her name.”

  Dougray took a large gulp and moved his chair out of Angus’s reach. “Flora.” He waited ready to deflect a punch but none came. The silence was unnerving. So he said, “I have loved her for years. We have been good friends too. She’s funny, kind, she loves Connor, and she is so intelligent. I’ve known her all of my life. I’ve been thinking about her, but I wanted to talk with you to be sure. I did not want to damage our friendship again.”

  Still the silence lengthened. He hated his lie. He had considered Flora a few months ago but crossed her off his list. Knowing how much he loved her he could not bear to think of her dying in childbirth. He’d never be able to face Angus again. But this morning, hearing her admit to Connor that she had never got with child, and was certain she was barren, that changed everything.

  “My sister has been in love with you since she was a young girl. I would have welcomed a match with you, but Connie’s death changed you. Eight years ago I thought you loved her too, but you stood by and watched as my father married her to Iain. Iain was a good man but there was no love in their marriage, and I watched her month-by-month, year-by-year, wither inside. If you cannot give her your heart then I say no. I will not let you hurt her again.”

  “There has always only been one women who could claim my heart and it’s her. It killed me to watch her marry another.”

  They both took a drink.

  “Then tell me why you let her marry Iain?”

  “I,” he scrambled to find something that would make sense. “I wasn’t ready. Connie’s death gutted me, and then on top of that I had to search for Connor. I had no idea where father had sent the babe. I thought I had buried the guilt and pain but I hadn’t. But now I’m ready.”

  Dougray’s father had gone crazy when told that Dougray, at eighteen, had got a serving girl with child. Dougray’s real crime was wanting to marry the girl. His father had his men kidnap Dougray and send him to Ireland where he was kept a virtual prisoner. When Connie’s time was due the Duke had her thrown out and forbade anyone to help her. Mary somehow got word to Angus. Angus found her, but she’d been in labor for almost two days and the babe was so big the midwife could not save her and the baby.

  Angus’s eyes suddenly widened and a smile lit his face. “I think you must be in love with Flora.” At his genuinely puzzled frown Angus added, “She was married for five years and had no offspring. Of course it could have been Iain’s problem, but it is a risk for a duke to marry a woman who has been wed for such a long time yet has failed to beget an heir. You must love her if you can overlook this fact.”

  His gut clenched at the lie he was not abusing. It was precisely this reason he could risk marrying her, and could risk giving her his heart. She likely could not give him a child. He had come to terms with what that meant years ago when he’d made his decision to never marry. He had a large extended family with many cousins and he even liked some of them. And he had Connor. He did not care about the title. His father had taught him that the title meant more than a person’s life, and he could not live like that. He had plenty of time to train his cousin Derek to do his duty.

  “So, you are not opposed to a betrothal between myself and Flora?”

  “I already think of you as a brother. I would be honored to align our two families as it should have been many years ago.”

  Relief flooded through him. Not once had Angus seemed concerned that Dougray’s first wife had died in childbirth, but then Angus was a large man and had several children. Tessa, his wife, was a largess woman. Flora was not as small as Connie, but she wasn’t as robust as Tessa. Thank goodness he’d neve
r have to find out.

  “I will treasure her and look out for her until my last breath.”

  “I know you will. However, there is one wee fly in your ointment. I will not command her, or force her to wed you. She would not listen to me anyway.”

  This time Dougray laughed. “Are you saying she will deny me?”

  “Women don’t think like us. Flora is not a young starry-eyed girl. As a widow she knows what she wants out of her next marriage. You spurned her once, she will be wary. She was hurt and she does have her pride.”

  “But I love her!”

  “You’ve had a funny way of showing it. I doubt she’ll want to compete for your affections, and no lady likes to be made a fool of. Your recent affair with Lady Carissa is still fresh in everyone’s memory. You should have been celibate for months, then she might believe you love her.”

  “I won’t dishonor her. I love her and once we are wed…Besides, I think I can persuade her.”

  That made Angus really laugh. “Your charm won’t work on my sister. She knows you too well. Honesty. That’s what she will require.”

  He wondered if Angus noticed him flinch. He could not afford honesty. If they learned why he chose Flora, Sir Walter Scott would see him married off to some other virginal young lady and Dougray would have no choice in his lifelong partner.

  Angus finished his drink and stood. “Come. If you are serious then best you start wooing tonight. I’m going to find my wife in the ballroom. Flora is likely to be with her and Mary. It’s time to see what response your arrogance in leaving this so late, brings.”

  Chapter 4

  The mood on this hot summer evening was festive as the excitement of the King’s visit built. The thronged ballroom swirled with Scotland’s elite, dressed in their finery and jewels. The warm evening saw the doors of the Palace ballroom opened to the terrace, with the impressive rose garden below, allowing the perfumed floral scents to drown out the smell of over heated bodies.

  Unfortunately, Flora stood on the opposite side of the ballroom near the entrance to the card room where the heat and accompanying smells were stifling. She was standing here hoping to waylay Dougray when he finally exited—if he exited. She had her arm tucked through Lady Claire’s. She was hoping Dougray would appear from the card room like most of the other men had during the evening so she could manipulate an introduction. Lady Claire would make him a fine wife. She was one of the prettiest debutantes, clever, her father was a wealthy Earl, his estate was near Glasgow, and most of all she was kind.

  Both Mary and her agreed, the woman who would become Dougray’s wife had to be kind, because they would want her to accept Connor. Since Connie was well in the past, and Dougray had recognized his son, both ladies hoped any wife would not see Connor as a threat.

  Just then a servant arrived with a silver tray, offering them much needed refreshments. She let go of Claire’s arm and accepted a glass. She thanked the servant with a nod before turning her back on the card room to observe the rest of the ballroom.

  Flora scanned the guests, not sure who she was looking for. While she kept her demeanor outwardly cheerful, her mood was anything but. It was as if she understood the rest of her life would now start her down a path that in some small part of her heart she’d hoped would be different.

  When her husband had died from a bee sting of all things, she wondered if Dougray would come for her. She’d waited patiently for her year of morning to finish. And then waited. And waited. He had written to her expressing his condolences but nothing more. In the two years since, he was friendly when they met, but nothing more.

  Until earlier today when he had flirted with her in the dining room. What did that mean?

  She took a depth breath trying to keep the disappointment at bay. Yet all the revelry, sights, sounds, and tastes of the most exciting night in Scottish history could not shake a strange feeling of detachment.

  “Is there someone in particular you are looking for?” Lady Claire asked. “You are staring with a determination I’ve not seen this evening.”

  Mary arrived just as Claire spoke. “Lord Glengarry is on the terrace. He asked after you,” Mary replied with a wink.

  Lady Claire immediately thought that Glengarry was whom Flora was hunting, when in fact she had no idea who, or what, she wanted.

  Liar. You want Dougray for yourself. She inwardly sighed and smiled at the women’s teasing not bothering to dispossess them of their matchmaking. Lord Glengarry would be a more than suitable match for her. He has young children, two boys and a girl, plus an older son, so would most likely not care if she were barren. He was rich, handsome, only a few years older than her and he appeared to be a nice man. She should be honored at his interest.

  But her heart was not in it. Her bottom lip trembled. She doubted her heart would be in any match because it only held room for Dougray.

  She hoped that when Dougray finally married, she’d be free of his hold, finally knowing that he could never be hers. At the moment her life was at a standstill, still hoping for a miracle. Hoping that one-day he would declare he still loved her. When he finally married, maybe then she could forget him and find a love match she so desired.

  Lady Claire looked at Mary and then at Flora. “You have been inside all evening, Lady Flora. Why don’t you go and get some fresh air on the terrace while Lady Mary and I find her husband. I want to thank him for a kindness he did for my father recently. We shall join you outside shortly.”

  She knew they were being kind, but she really did not want to face Lord Glengarry. She did not wish to give the man any encouragement until she knew her mind on the matter.

  Mary gave her a small push. “Go on. There are many guests out on the terrace there is nothing untoward in seeking fresh air.”

  Flora excused herself with a discreet murmur, and with cheeks blazing in embarrassment at their obvious plan, she walked at a sedate pace, toward a future she did not want. Her steps slowed the closer she got to the open doors. Her fingers played with the pearls at her neck as her throat tightened. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the women were no longer watching her, so she ducked sideways and hurried toward the grand curved staircase. Upon walking upstairs she crossed the long portrait gallery and through a few more corridors until she found the small library.

  Without thinking she lifted the latch and slipped inside. Several lamps had been lit around the room and the windows at the far end were open letting in a cool breeze. She drifted towards the fresh air not really taking in the room at all.

  She stood by the window, her hands on the windowsill taking deep gulping breaths, trying to quell the hopelessness beginning to overwhelm her.

  “Sensible minds think alike.”

  She jumped out of her skin, turning at the familiar velvety voice. Her heart sped as her eyes found his.

  Like a virginal girl she could not get her mouth to work. She stood mesmerized by Dougray’s beauty. He always looked magnificent in his formal attire, but tonight as he sat sprawled on the couch, his midnight blue jacket covering a burgundy waistcoat, with his cravat hanging untied at his throat, his handsome face looked wicked, and dangerous, but so inviting. Her feet wanted to dance across the space dividing them, daintily tumbling her into his lap.

  Raven-haired, deep-set blue eyes, coupled with his iron physique, caused her knees to tremble. She’d never wanted him more.

  Was she fooling herself or was his self-assured stare full of heat and desire? She needed to sit down.

  “I was about to come and find you. I was merely having a few drams for courage.” He patted the settee beside him. With a hint of a devilish smile tugging at one corner of his tempting mouth, he said in a whisper that intimately flowed down her spine, “Take a seat before you fall down.”

  She could not move. She could barely breath.

  Pinned by his piercing stare, she shivered at the force of the unbridled sensuality in his beautiful eyes. What was he playing at? Lady Claire. Think of Lady Claire.
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br />   It was no use. From halfway across the room, the heat of him seemed to engulf her. The enveloping visceral reaction took her by surprise. She’d been alone with him plenty of times and been able to control her response to him. Why was tonight different? Her heart lurched as he gave a knowing smile. “I prefer to stand thank you, I love the fresh air.”

  “You’re scared to sit by me,” he goaded.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would I be afraid? I’ve known you since I was a young girl.”

  His heated gaze ran over her person, from her feet to her face, indecently stopping at certain points along the way. “You are not a young girl any more,” his husky declaration saw her thighs clamp together.

  Dougray was an expert seducer but he’d never tried his skills on her before. For one brief year when she was nineteen he’d—courted her—stolen her heart and then stood by and let her marry Iain.

  Her heart slammed behind her ribs like a drum’s doomful warning. She would get hurt if she even thought of playing this game with him.

  Still, ignoring her own mind’s warning, her feet moved and she sat where only moments ago his hand had been. To her disappointment, and relief, he did not touch her. He was busy pouring her a drink.

  “Why did you want to find me?”

  He handed it to her. “Drink. You look as if you need it.”

  She took a big gulp only to splutter. “Whisky?”

  “You’ve been drinking it half your life.”

  She nodded as she fanned her mouth. “I wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.” The fiery liquid gave her courage. “I wasn’t expecting you either. I have been waiting outside the card room all evening. How did you leave without me seeing you?”

  His devilish grin widened. “Waiting for me?” He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “How intriguing.”

  She pulled back. “To introduce you to Lady Claire.” At his puzzled frown, “You are looking for a wife. Lady Claire would be perfect.”