Scandalous Liaison

by Amanda Mariel

  “Nonsense, I am more than capable of riding astride. As for seeing to things, I would like to be present.” She took up the reins and notched her chin. “Let us hurry.”

  “As you wish.” The coachman mounted a matching stallion, then with three of the duchess’s outriders flanking her, he took the lead, setting his horse into a trot.

  Grace swallowed back a protest at the slow pace wishing she could ride neck or nothing, galloping full speed ahead. Alas, she did not suppose a faster pace would do any good in the long run. She would still have to wait for her carriage to be repaired regardless of how quickly she reached the inn.

  Resigned, Grace relaxed in the saddle and endeavored to enjoy the ride. Bird tweets floated through the air and she glanced at the trees lining the road in hopes that she might catch sight of one. She was soon rewarded as a starling flitted from one tree to the next, it’s black feathers shining with purple and green as the suns rays reflected off of it.

  Grace smiled, thinking how marvelous it would be if she could fly as well. Her travel setback would certainly be over for she could fly to Scotland, and no doubt arrive faster than she could by carriage. She pushed the thought from her mind.

  Woolgathering would get her no where. What she needed were real solutions. She turned her attention back to the road ahead. If her carriage could not be repaired straightaway, she would rent one, and if that wasn’t a viable option…she’d book passage on a mail coach.

  Nothing would keep her from reaching Scotland in time for her great niece’s christening. She was a duchess after all. People would trip over themselves to aid her. Grace released a relaxing breath. All would be well.

  Before long a two story building with balconies running the full length of it’s stone exterior came into view. A large half circle drive lined with flowering bushes cut a path through the thick grass in front of the building and liveried servants scurried to and fro.

  Grace’s legs twitched with the desire to kick her mount into a gallop. They were nearly at the inn and the anticipation was making her half mad. Fighting the desire to rush toward her destination, Grace pasted a pleasant smile on her face and continued to follow her coachman.

  She squinted to read the sign hanging over the wide wooden door. The George Inn. It must be her lucky day for she was familiar with the coaching inn. She had never stayed at it, but had heard plenty of her peers talk about the establishment. The George Inn was a respectable place frequented by the gentry. Surly she would find all of her needs meet.

  A stable boy ran toward the drive as Grace made her approach, then stopped to wait with his hands folded in front of him. She pulled rein bringing her mount to a stop and smiled down at the lad before casting her glance toward her coachman.

  The coachman dismounted, approached, then handed Grace down. She took a moment to right her skirts before speaking. “Thank you. I am going to have some tea while we wait for news. The instant you receive word, I wish to know about it.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” The coachman gave a bow.

  Grace fished a shilling out of her reticule and turned to the lad. “Do see that my horses are cared for. They need food and water straight away.”

  The lad gave a wide grin as he scooped the coin from her palm. “I’ll see them brushed as well.”

  “Very good.” Grace gave a nod, then turned to stroll toward the inn’s entrance. She used her hand to shade her eyes from the late afternoon sun as she took the steps one at a time. Given the late hour, she had better reserve a room and send for Eliza. Even if their was someone available to fix her carriage, they’d not have it done before night fall.

  Releasing a sigh, Grace made her way into the building. So long as she was back on the road by morning, she could make up the lost time and arrive on schedule. Foe now she would see to the room and make arrangements to have Eliza and Jasmine fetched.

  After booking a room Grace went to the dinning room for tea and a light meal. She’d send her men to collect the others as soon as she could. Guilt nibbled at her as she sipped from the china cup and munched on biscuits and cheese. Surly Eliza would like something warm to drink. She should have brought her along rather than leaving her with the carriage.

  More than an hour had passed and Grace still waited for news. Not a single one of her men had shown themselves. Just when she thought she might be making herself mad with worry, she glanced around the dining room and was rewarded with the sight of her approaching coachman.

  He came to stand beside her table. “Your Grace.”

  She swallowed the piece of cheese she’d been chewing then offered him a grin. His mouth was drawn in a firm line and he cast his gaze at the floor for a moment before returning it to her.

  Grace braced herself for unpleasant news. “Am I correct in assuming that I will not fancy what you have to tell me?”

  The coachman nodded. “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but there is no carriage maker in the immediate area. One can be sent over from a neighboring town, however, he cannot arrive until day after tomorrow.”

  Grace released a breath. “And what of renting a carriage?”

  “There are none available.” The coachman’s shoulders slumped. “It seems the only option is to wait for the repair of yours. Shall we send for the carriage maker?”

  Grace stiffened her spine. “No. I’ll take the mail coach. Do go and find out what time it arrives. While you are at it, arrange for Eliza and Jasmine, along with my trunks to be brought here.”

  The coachman’s eyes rounded as he stared at her, shock etched in the lines of his face. “You couldn’t. It would be most improper. Even with—”

  “Nonsense. I can and I shall. Now go do as I bid.” Grace waved him off. She’d never given a fig about propriety and she damn well wouldn’t start now. Nothing was going to keep her from fulfilling her commitment to her nephew and Amelia. Certainly not a busted carriage axel. She was made tougher than that.

  The scraping of a chair drew her attention, and Grace glance up. She froze, not quite believing her eyes. A gentleman—not just any gentleman, but Lewis Duffield, the very man she’d fallen in love with as a young debutante—pulled out a chair at her table and slid into it.

  “Your coachman is correct,” he said, his tone cool.

  Grace’s pulse speed as the air caught in her lungs. She wasn’t prepared to face him. Not yet. Of course she’d known Amelia’s uncle would be at the christening, but she’d assumed he would sail directly to Scotland. That she would have days to prepare herself before facing him. What the deuce was he doing here? In England.

  She collected herself and smiled. “You are the last person I expected to bump into.”

  “It has been quite some time since we last meet.” Lewis returned her smile.

  “Amelia told me you would be in Scotland.” Grace brushed a curl from her suddenly warm cheek. “What are you doing in England?”

  “I had business to tend to in London.” He relaxed back in the chair, his green eyes trained on Grace. “I’m on my way to Amelia’s now. I only stopped to break my fast.”

  Was she mad for thinking he could help her? Perhaps, but all the same, she smiled. “Then you intend to continue on tonight?”

  He smoothed his jacket. “Indeed. And you shall accompany me.”

  Grace’s heart fluttered, old feelings resurfacing. When she’d last seen Lewis, she’d hoped to reignite their past relationship. However, it was not to be and she was left wondering if he’d ever truly cared for her in the first place. Could her heart withstand being trapped in close quarters with him when she’d barley survived afternoon tea?

  Why was she waisting time pondering her feelings? She was getting what she wished for—a ride to Amelia’s.

  She released a breath, willing herself to relax. She could ill afford to be choosy, and her other options all delayed her for an untold amount of time. He had a carriage going to the same destination she was. Wether or not she travelled with him, she’d have to spend time in his company once they re
ached Scotland. Besides, they were both mature adults.

  She drew in a calming breath, then reached for a piece of cheese, doing her best to act nonchalant. “Thank you, Mr. Duffield.”

  He furrowed his dark brows. “I’ve always been Lewis to you. Let us not change things now.”

  A wide grin tugged at Grace’s lips. “Very well, Lewis. Let me go and inform my servants. I will meet you out front in short order.”

  “Very good, I’ll wait for you.” Lewis stood, then with a nod he took his leave.

  Grace’s heart hitched at his words. The same way he’d waited for her all those years ago when she’d had to turn him away. Had his heart ached for her ever sense? Is that why he’d never wed? A wave of guilt crashed into her.

  Maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to make amends, to heal what she’d broken in both of them, even if she and Lewis were never to be.

  Chapter 2

  Lewis stood on the large stone porch of the inn awaiting Grace. Lord if he didn’t feel like a green lad awaiting the company of a beautiful girl. Every time he crossed paths with Grace the past came rushing back to him.

  Even after all these years the mere sight of her took his breath away. When she spoke, her soft tone fairly melted his hardened heart. He would never understand the choices she’d made in the past. Probably never recover from loosing her…

  He shook his head in self chastisement. Hell, he must be daft for inviting her to travel with him, but how could he allow her to take a mail coach? A duchess traveling with common folk across England. She would have made every gossip column in the country. Worse, Amelia and Goldstone would have been cross with him for allowing it.

  All thought feed his mind when Grace stepped out onto the porch, the sun’s rays shining in her strawberry blond hair and her hips swinging as she strolled toward him. Time had been kind to her. Like a fine wine, Grace became sweeter, prettier, more desirable with age. The devil if he wouldn't love to taste her.

  Lewis swallowed hard. The woman had been his downfall. How could he long for her after all she’d put him through?

  “Thank you again for inviting me to accompany you.” She smiled sweetly.

  He ignored his the blood pounding in his ears and offered his arm. She took it sending warmth through him. “There is no need to thank me.” He led her toward his waiting carriage then handed her in. “Amelia would have my head if I left you behind.”

  Grace laughed as Lewis took the seat opposite her. “I do not believe she’d do anything so drastic.”

  “All the same, I could not leave you to take a mail coach. Not when I have a perfectly serviceable carriage and happen to be traveling to the same residence you are.” He tapped on the carriage window, then waited for his coachman to open it.

  “Yes, sir?” The coachman asked.

  “Continue toward The Duke and Duchess of Goldstone’s—”

  “I need to go to my carriage first. My companion, cat, and trunk are there.” Grace interrupted. “I hope it’s not to big of an inconvenience,” she added then offered a coquettish smile.

  Lewis turned toward her, “Of course. I should have thought of it myself.” He gave a nod before looking back at his coachman. “Take us to Her Grace’s conveyance. It’s…” He returned his stare to Grace.

  “About half a mile back that way.” She pointed in the direction where her conveyance had been stranded.

  The coachman nodded then slid the window closed.

  Lewis settled back in his seat, crossing his legs at his ankles. “Have you made arrangements for your carriage and men?” Knowing her, she had everything in hand. However, if she did not, he was prepared to handle the situation for her. Against all reason and in spite of a lifetime between them, he still desired to care for her—to see to her needs and safety.

  She brushed her fingers over her bodice. “Yes, of course. My coachman will see to the repairs and deliver my carriage to Richard and Amelia’s. Two of my outriders are remaining with him and the rest are to accompany us.” She grinned. “I procured a room for the night when I believed I’d be stuck here. My men will now share it.”

  “Sounds reasonable.” Lewis removed his gaze from her and began looking out the window at the passing country side. For years the woman had hunted his mind. He dreamed about her as much at night as he did by day. The few times he had attempted to court another woman, he couldn’t stop himself from comparing them to Grace and they always came up short.

  He’d last seen Grace three years ago at his niece Amelia’s home, it had taken everything within him to walk away. He’d just found himself as Amelia’s guardian after the tragic passing of her father, her mother, his dear sister, had died some years prior.

  As it happened, his niece had hatched a plan to stay in England rather than returning to America with him, and Grace was assisting her in the endeavor. Of course, Lewis knew nothing of their antics or he never would have agreed. Nonetheless, everything worked out splendidly for Amelia. She fell in love and married the Duke of Goldstone—Grace’s nephew.

  Lewis stole a glance at Grace. She appeared regal in her fine silk gown and jewels. Her hair was loosely piled at the crown of her head, and her warm brown eyes sparkled. She’d looked very much the same way at their last meeting. That day and the easy conversation they’d shared came back to him. It had been as if nothing had ever happened between them. As if they had been strangers meeting for the first time.

  In a way he supposed they were. She was no longer the story eyed debutante who’d fallen in love with him—who he’d given his heart to as young man. No. She’d married the duke…birthed his children…elevated her status and that of her family. Grace was no longer the girl she’d been, and yet, he still saw bits of that girl when he watched her. It was in the way she moved, the way she spoke, how she looked at him.

  The carriage drew to a stop, jerking him from his thoughts. “We must have arrived.”

  Grace slid closer to the door. “I won’t take long.”

  He nodded a moment before the coachman opened the door. Lewis stepped from the conveyance then handed Grace down. “Take as much time as you need.” He stepped aside and clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze trained on her.

  Before long Grace returned to Lewis, a fiery red haired woman clutching a bundle at her side. He offered a bow after the red haired woman curtsied.

  Grace looked at Lewis. “May I introduce you to my companion, Miss Eliza Bruce.” She looked to her companion. “And this is Mr. Lewis Duffield.”

  The corners of Lewis’s eyes crinkled with his pleasant smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss.”

  She readjusted the bundle in her arms and smiled back. “And you as well, Mr. Duffield.”

  Grace reached over and lifted the corner of the blanket canceling Miss Eliza’s bundle and a large orange and black stripped head popped up.

  “That is no cat.” Lewis’s eyes rounded then narrowed, and he took a step back. “It’s a tiger. Where did you get such a pet?”

  Her eyes lit with merriment, a trail of laughter floating from her pink lips. “She most certainly is a cat. Granted a rather large one, but I assure you jasmine is the sweetest of things.”

  The cat’s tongue darted out as it licked at the corner of it’s mouth, sharp white teeth glinting in the sunlight.

  Leery of the cat, Lewis took another step back. He was no coward, but common sense told him that a tiger, regardless of size, should not be in such close quarters with humans.

  Grace lifted the cub from Miss Eliza’s arms and held it against her chest. The length of the animal stretching from her chin past her waist. “Do give her a chance. I’m certain you will come to like her.” She strolled close to him, one feminine hand around the cats back and the other cradling its bottom. “Go on, pet her.”

  Lewis meet Grace’s twinkling gaze, “I would rather not.”

  She pouted, her bottom lip protruding in the most delectable way as she stepped closer. “Please.”

  How could he d
eny her now? Releasing a breath, Lewis reached out a hand then stroked his fingers down the tiger’s back. The animal turned its face toward him, large round eyes sizing him up. “Nice kitty,” Lewis good as he pulled his hand back.

  Grace smiled. “She wants you to scratch under her chin. It’s her favorite spot.”

  More relaxed this time, he reached out and did as she’d instructed. The tiger leaned into his fingers, it’s eyes drifting closed, and Lewis grinned at Grace. “I suppose she is just an over grown cat. Where did you come by her?”

  “I rescued her from a traveling show.” Grace nuzzled her face against the cat. “Her mother had been so mistreated that she was barley holding onto life. I couldn’t allow the same thing to happen to this sweet girl.”

  How very much like his Grace. She had always been a champion for those in need. It had been one of the reasons he’d fallen for her all those years ago. He’d first meet her along the Serpentine in London. She’d helped him to rescue a lost and terrified child. It had endeared her to him.

  “I would expect nothing less of you, Grace.” He removed his hand from the tiger and glanced back at his carriage. “Your trunk has been loaded. Let us get underway.”

  “Yes, indeed.” Grace strolled toward the carriage, her hips swaying invitingly as he followed behind.

  Once inside of the carriage, Lewis seated himself across from Grace and Miss Eliza. Both women had settled into their spots and neither seemed interested in chatting further. Just as well, he thought as he turned his attention to the window. He didn’t want to talk either. He needed time to sort out his mind—and his reactions to Grace.

  They traveled in silence for some time before Lewis hazarded a glance at the women. Miss Eliza had fallen asleep, curled against the wall of the coach. Grace sat in her regal way, the tiger curled on her lap.

  He rubbed the back of his neck as he studied her. Memories from their last encounter flooding him. The peculiar way she’d pretended not to know him at Amelia’s after her father’s passing came back to him. He’d often wondered why Grace had behaved in such a way. Perhaps now was the perfect opportunity to find out. He lowered his hand back to his thigh. “Grace?”