“Damnation, Samantha, you’ve now become an obsession. You’ve done your worst, but you shall not best me.”
The mantel clock chimed midnight. Raven checked his pocket watch and walked out of the room to ascend the steps to his chamber. He stepped into the room and scanned the empty bed—unrequited, unfulfilled, and with an undeniable need.
Double damnation. She bested him again even in his dreams.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ravensmere Estate, Hampshire
The journey took longer than Samantha anticipated. She inhaled the clean air of the countryside. The realization of how much she missed her brother’s country estate sobered her thoughts. Snow-capped mountains in the distance invited her attention, but the well-maintained road they now traveled, even though it curved a great deal, held few bumps.
Her Aunt Minerva had already nodded off. “How much longer, Brother?” she whispered.
“Perhaps another hour or so from what I gather. Samantha, I can’t believe our good fortune. To have someone like Raven take an interest in us is unbelievable. To think that I have been invited to meet with him at White’s Gentlemen’s Club and the Royal Society will establish me as one of them.”
Everyone in the ton knew the Royal Society was one of the most prestigious clubs of the times and became the place to meet distinguished scientists, engineers, astronomers, explorers and botanists, and then not limited to the military, arts and crafts people. The Society established itself as the best of the best, the crème de la crème. White’s remained the most exclusive and political, but the Royal Society offered prominence too. And of course, the Boodles Club added another distinguished alternative. Each club had select standards which in and of itself required the member to have sufficient wealth.
“Be careful of what you wish for, brother. I would not appreciate anyone who would hurt you.” She grasped his arm and held on to it for a while and remembered all the times he treated her wounds when she was a little girl. In those days, she existed solely to be near him. Samantha pestered him to take her with him to the point of his distraction. If she did it enough, sometimes he relented. She didn’t see him as a man, but as her big brother, who would always look out for her. Nostalgia tempered the air around them.
Later, her reverie became disrupted at the sight of the Ravensmere manor house. She pointed in excitement. “Look, Brandon. The manor soars to the sky like a giant silver gray stone edifice, larger than the man himself and as magnificent. Its huge spires and curved turrets crisscross each other.”
Lakes and ponds surrounded the manor and fountains spewed water into the air, no mean feat in these times. A sense of architectural appreciation overwhelmed her when she saw some adjacent structures, a conservatory, and trellised gardens with pergolas.
“Can you see the infusion of roses in one color?” She found it hard to contain her excitement. “How strange to see so many dark red roses.” Other flowers caught her attention, but the coach was too far for her to discern them.
“Wake up, Aunt Min. We’ve entered the drive.” It would take a while to proceed to the main house because of the immensity of the estate.
“Harrumph.” Aunt Minerva awakened. “You caught me in the middle of a beautiful dream, child. The Sultan and I lay in his bed in the harem. He became enamored of my charms, and we set about to…converse, then you awakened me. I would have liked to finish the dream.” She smiled with an expression of sheer decadence.
“You are a wicked woman.” Samantha kissed her.
“Yes, I am. I still have a memory, though. It’s wonderful to note my mind is not addled. Lady Margaret is his hostess, so I assume she’s arrived.” Her gaze went toward the manor house. “Oh, my, it’s rather large, isn’t it? We shall get lost within its reaches, I fear.”
“Aunt Min, it has forty-eight rooms.”
They all laughed. The mood became light with gaiety. The bright sun gave the mansion a haloed glow. The coach approached the circular drive. Samantha sighed at the prospect of seeing Raven again and her excitement tingled deliciously.
Upon arrival at the portico, the servants appeared from nowhere and instructed the footmen to take the luggage. The majordomo, Randall, greeted the guests and indicated His Grace would join them in a few moments. The maids, valets, stable boys and the like were in handsome livery. The splendor became awesome to behold. It represented shock and wonder personified. If he meant to impress her, Raven succeeded.
Raven waited in the drawing room for his majordomo to bring his guests to him. He greeted them with good will and cheer, much the lord of the manor with his impeccable dress and demeanor.
He gestured for all to sit. “Welcome, to Ravensmere, my home. I hope the journey hasn’t fatigued you. My staff has been instructed to show you to your suites. We have some guests due to arrive today. My aunt, the Dowager Lady Margaret, will be our hostess. She rests now but will be in attendance tonight. Should you have any special requirement, let Randall or any of the servants know, and they will comply.”
He graced them with a sense of pride. “I will need your assistance in one matter, though. My staff is anxious to demonstrate my hospitality in all things. It’s their request, and therefore I must insist that you adhere to punctuality for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is casual and informal. Each day the events will be posted.”
He paused and arched one eyebrow. “Should you wish a tour of any of the facilities that are not listed, let Randall know, and he will accommodate you. Now if we can proceed to lesser formalities, Lady Minerva, I’m delighted to see you. There is much I would show you in the conservatory. My aunt asked that I extend her good wishes to you.”
He spoke to Samantha. “Dear lady, a special welcome. Your presence here pleases me. There is much I would show you, also.” He kissed her hand and squeezed it to everyone’s notice.
“Winston, there will be a get-together of some members of the cartel this week. I shall advise you of the time and place. I ask everyone to remember that confidentiality is of significant importance. There has been a change of circumstances, and I will so inform you when we meet.”
His voice dropped an octave. “One caution, though,” he offered. “Prince Nicholas of Russia will be here. He is quite a…” he searched for the right word, “personality. He does enjoy my confidence and is an absolute charmer. His aunt is the Grand Duchess of Oldenburg. One dinner event will be ala Russe in honor of the Prince who arrives tomorrow with his entourage.”
He rang the bell pull. Servants descended in quiet organization and somehow they knew each person’s names and led the guests to their rooms.
“Lady Samantha,” Raven spoke. “A special request?”
She curtsied. “Yes, Your Grace?”
“Let me know if you like your accommodations.”
“Oh, yes, I will,” her smile flirted. “I do confess I am weary from the ride, but am in awe of this marvelous Ravensmere. It’s so you. I do hope you will show me all its secrets.”
“Indeed, I shall show you some. We did agree to an exchange of them did we not?”
“I believe I agreed if you raised the stakes?” She laughed and to him, her voice was like an engraved invitation. He’d be happy to accommodate her. “Indeed, I will, but I keep you from your rest. Dinner is at eight.”
“Eight, Your Grace. I will mark the time indelibly in my mind.” She winked.
He winked back and repositioned his quizzing glass and so wanted this visit to be memorable. After all, he did all of this for her.
Samantha savored the moment, again and again, and again. Celestial stars beckoned, and she knew that if she succumbed to his charm, she’d be lost forever. What a wonderful thought—to be lost in his strong, virile arms. Oh, this promised to be a special week. She couldn’t contain her happiness and vowed nothing would spoil this moment. Raven’s words caressed her ears in delicious expectation. She found it enjoyable to tease and flirt with Raven using his proper title at times to emphasize a point.
Wh
en she entered her suite, there were no words that could express her joy. The rooms, all appointed in the signs of the zodiac, more than impressed her. Walls mimicked the sky at night. Her fingers glided over the brilliant colors of blue and purple.
She gazed at the wainscoting of some metallic color not familiar to her. Samantha ran her hand along the short wall to feel the grainy texture of the teals, coppers and azure blues. Next, she tiptoed to the high four-poster bed draped in velvets, silks, and rich brocades. She brought an edge of the coverlet to her face. The soft silken fabric against her cheek was so intimate and suggestive. The visions in her head caused her eyelids to close. Her deep sigh spoke more than words ever could.
Samantha gazed at the extraterrestrial designs on the ceilings, which seemed to glow in grand majesty. She sat at the edge of the bed for a moment, and the plush mattress embraced her body with familiarity. Oh, my.
Beyond the first bedroom, a sitting room awaited, which then led to a balcony that overlooked the rich, verdant, and fertile grounds. The view made her breathless. She crossed her arms over her chest like a little girl who saw something spectacular and awesome for the first time.
Her assigned maid, Diandra, unpacked for her and placed her gowns in the armoire in an adjacent dressing room. “My lady, I’m here to serve you. Please let me know whatever you require, and I shall do my best. His Grace made a request that I take care of any of your special needs.”
“Thank you. Do you think you could get me some water to refresh myself?”
“But, of course, my lady. The next small room is the lavatory and contains all you will need for your ablutions. Would you like to see?”
She led the way to a chamber of small proportions, outfitted with a painted metal tub in a universal design of the constellations. A piece of furniture she never saw before contained a basin from which water is gathered by the turn of a knob. Diandra told her that Raven had staff install a cistern at the top of the room which would gravity-flow water to her lavatory.
“Could you assist me in my bath?” She gave a wistful smile at all this obvious luxury.
“With pleasure, I will.” The maid proceeded to pull the lever that allowed the water into the tub. “You’ll find it’s warm. I don’t know how. These things are beyond me, but it will pleasure your body.” She helped Samantha undress and alight into the tub. The fragrances, pomades and wonderful oils in which to bathe made Samantha feel like a goddess just ascended to celestial heaven. The upstairs maid rubbed her back with something she called a sponge, brought back from the South Seas. Samantha enjoyed the gentle massage. She sighed in contentment.
“We do have to wait if we want more warm water. If this is sufficient, what shall you wear, my lady?” Samantha’s hair, now washed and dried, got brushed to a high polish.
“This is my first night here, Diandra. Select something from my wardrobe that will suit. I would like to rest for a while if you would be kind enough to come back and awaken me.”
“Yes, my lady.” After she had removed the coverlets, the maid settled her into the bed and said she would return soon.
Samantha laid her head on the soft fluffy pillow and fell asleep content. She didn’t take the time to fantasize.
All too soon, the sound of movement about the room signaled it was time to rise. Diandra took on the task of finding a suitable gown and chose the gossamer lavender silk. After all the ministrations, she asked, “May I attend to your hair, Madam?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I could not help but notice you have hair brooches of stars and crescent moons. They represent this room. Why not allow me to dress your hair with them. Do you know His Grace instructed the staff to refurbish with this design with you in mind? They are all a titter about it.” She placed the tongs on the portable stove to heat, and when sufficient time passed, the servant removed them and proceeded to curl her lady’s hair.
The maid used her hands to pile the flame red hair high and pulled a plait of the hair down. “This will call attention to the vibrancy of your color. The star and crescent pins, of course, will sit on your crown like a tiara. I do believe the duke will be pleased when he sees you.”
“Why, Diandra, how clever of you, and how fortunate he is to have you in his employ.”
“Thank you, my lady. We would all give our lives for him. He is quite a good patron, you know. He has moved heaven and earth for this week, and we want to do him proud. Thank you again for your confidence in my suggestions.”
Somewhat later, Samantha entered her aunt’s room. She shimmered, shined, glowed and turned herself around and around. “Hello, Aunt Min. Do you feel wonderful, too?”
“I saw your suite of rooms. Be careful, my dear. It’s easy to turn heads with so much opulence.”
“Yes, I know. Please don’t spoil it for me:” Samantha hugged her aunt. “I need to be able to one day reconcile myself to the fact that at this time in my life, I am special to a powerful man. I’ve never experienced this before. It makes me—expectant of all that is to come. Oh. I’m special, though, Aunt Min, aren’t I?”
Lady Minerva nodded with a smile. “You are very special for marriage.”
She reached for her aunt’s arm. “Let us descend these marble steps and set heads in a dither. Help me, Aunt Min. I’m about to fall for that insufferable, wonderful arrogant man.”
“I know, child. That is what frightens me.” She reached for her niece’s hand. “You know how much I love you, do you not?”
“Yes, Aunt Min.”
“Don’t let your heart and eyes be swayed. This is simply a glimpse of what you could have. Be cautious. Above all, don’t settle for less than you deserve—respectability.”
Samantha sashayed back and forth and said in a moment of seriousness, “You did tell me, Aunt Min, to make up my mind and seek what I wanted, didn’t you? Well, I still want my forever love. If it’s not Raven, I’ll be disappointed. Don’t worry yourself about this. Come, let us enjoy all the events. The evening is young, and I float on air. Join me in the frivolity.” She pulled her aunt along.
“I’m too old for frolicking, but I do remember. You are wise beyond your years, Samantha, but I’m still concerned. What happens if he discovers you’re not a consummated widow?”
“He will have to deal with the circumstance as I will, Aunt Min. Let’s not think of this right now. I’m not about to leap into bed with anyone yet.”
But what a lovely thought that conjured if Raven were the man in the bed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Samantha twirled again and urged her aunt down the stairs. “We mustn’t be late. I wonder what happens to us if we are. Are we guillotined or sent to the dungeons?”
“The guillotines are a French custom—perhaps the dungeons? I’m not sure. This staff is anxious to accommodate. It’s nice to be so pampered. I believe you are right, Samantha. Let’s enjoy. Whatever happens will happen, but do promise me you will be wise.”
“I can’t promise that, Aunt Min. My heart will dictate. I so want happiness for all of us. Brandon is content with the fact that he will be allowed to enter the sacred circle. Do you know he purchased a quizzing glass? What about you and me? Well, you have pointed out time and time again, we are women. Oh, Aunt, what I have learned from you these past years is I want to be like you.”
Aunt Min grinned. “I do not think the world can handle two of us. This is your turn to shine.”
Samantha paused in thought, “My mind has been altered about independence, thanks to your counsel. Strength through a strong man can be a powerful ally.”
“I think you now get the connection, child. The power is often behind the throne. I recall you indicated you wanted to be beside the honorable man you love.”
“Do I love him, Aunt Min? I don’t know him well enough yet. He sets me afire. It’s hot and cold all at the same time. The portrait of his late wife in the drawing room is of a woman with extraordinary beauty. However, I can’t help but feel she could be som
eone acquainted with me, but that is absurd.”
Aunt Minerva shuddered and spoke, “That is because you are a replica of the lady, except for your hair and eyes. Child, I worry about you. Is it you or his late wife he wants? You can deal with another woman who is alive, like Lady Buxton, but you can’t compete with a dead, beloved wife. It can devastate.”
Lady Minerva followed her niece down the curved circular staircase to the drawing room where some people waited. The guests were the Earl of Ballantyne with his Countess and daughter, Lady Sue Ellen. Everyone chatted about the arrival of the fabled Prince Nicholas on the morrow.
The duke proceeded with courteous introductions to the earl and his family. He inquired if the rooms were adequate. They smiled their replies that everything was more than satisfactory “Lady Samantha, do you like your quarters?” Samantha gushed about the beauty of the colors and the ceiling that took her fancy. She tried not to be too effusive, but since she knew Raven designed the rooms for her, she was thrilled, and somehow she wanted him to know how much it pleased her.
The conversation passed back and forth when Winston entered the room resplendent in his new finery. She noted her brother held his quizzing glass.
She spoke to Raven in a whisper, out of earshot of the others. “My rooms are large, and I’m impressed with the lavatory. It feels decadent to soak in the tub and have warm water poured over me. It’s innovative, Your Grace.” Her eyes sent a hidden message. She wanted to tell him she wished he would be there to pour water over her. Perhaps he read the intent in her eyes?
****
Raven’s mind now envisioned a naked beauty languishing in the tub of warm water, her long hair afloat around her shoulders and breasts. He envied the water that embraced her body and wanted to bathe her in scented water and oils which he would personally hand rub with meticulous care over every inch of her porcelain body.
“I wonder if it could fit two people. Do you have an opinion?”
“Samantha, I would venture it’s a definite possibility. As a caution, they would have to stay close to one another. It would be an experiment of interest, wouldn’t it?” A smile crossed his face. “Would you like me to take measurements?”
One Night with a Duke Page 15
