When Only An Indecent Duke Will Do (Romancing The Rake Book 1)

by Tammy Andresen

  Chase relaxed a bit as Ophelia’s cool tone extended to the other men. She might sound cold because she was angry with him, but she was sending a clear message to these other men to keep away and he was grateful.

  “There’s no need to rush, Ophelia.” The other one giggled, stepping forward. “Pleased to make your acquaintance,” she said as she held out her hand.

  “Juliet.” Ophelia also moved ahead placing a restrictive hand on her sister’s arm. “We don’t have time to dally.”

  “We’ll be quick then.” Crestwood took Juliet’s hand, then placed a light kiss on her glove. The gesture was long and drawn out and not at all fast. “We’re in need of a boat to carry us north.”

  “Why?” Ophelia asked, giving Juliet a long stare.

  “The bridge is washed out,” Chase answered, cutting in front of the other men to stand next to her. He intended to send a clear message as well.

  She looked up at him. “Is that why you’ve returned?”

  “Returned?” Dashlane asked. “You didn’t mention you knew such lovely ladies here in Seabridge Gate during our carriage ride.”

  Chase straightened. “I didn’t.” Then he placed a hand under Ophelia’s elbow. “I’ll escort you ladies on your errand and then perhaps your father can help these gentlemen charter a ship out of Seabridge Gate.”

  “Excellent,” Crestwood answered. “We can all go on your errand.”

  Chase stopped, drawing in a deep breath, trying to control his intense dislike for this man. Crestwood needed to leave. Immediately. “Perhaps you should secure potential lodging? In case you can’t leave town tonight.”

  Ophelia gave a quick nod. “That’s a good idea. It’s a difficult time of day to reach my father.”

  Chase turned, taking Ophelia with him. “We should go before it’s too late.”

  She nibbled her lip, looking up at him. “Will you be going with them? On the boat?”

  He lightly squeezed her elbow. Now was not the time to share that his parents had died in these very waters and he’d never set foot in a boat as long as he lived. “No. I’ll stay here until I return home.”

  Her head cocked to the side. “Then I’d appreciate your escort to the butcher, Your Grace.”

  He gave a quick nod. “I’d be happy to.” Then he turned to her sister, “Come along, Juliet. We’ll see our new friends in just a bit.”

  Juliet gave an audible sigh but did as he commanded. A quick glance back confirmed the three men glared at him. He didn’t care. Let them glare. Just as long as they weren’t anywhere near the Moorish sisters, Ophelia in particular, they could hate his guts.

  * * *

  Ophelia glanced over at Chase, his fingers sure and strong on her elbow as she continued to bite her lip. Why was he escorting her to the butcher? Why wasn’t he going to his party? Why— She stopped. There was little point in letting all these questions swirl about now, they weren’t likely to be answered.

  “Do you think your father would permit me to stay again?” Chase asked, his chin dropping close to her ear.

  She turned to look at him, aware of how close their faces were. “I’m sure he would.” She drew in a steadying breath and inadvertently inhaled his fresh sandalwood scent. “For how long?”

  He turned down the side street where the butcher was located. “I’m not certain. But I didn’t know if I’d be welcomed back after last night.”

  She stopped then, Juliet nearly running into her back. “I didn’t tell him, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  Juliet tapped both their shoulders. “We know, though. Adrianna caught you.”

  Chase muttered something under his breath that she was fairly certain was a curse word.

  “Perhaps.” She looked back at her sister, giving her a glare. “It would be best if you didn’t stay after all.”

  “Why not?” He scrunched his brow, staring down at her.

  She shook her head, wondering if the man was daft. She hadn’t thought so up to this point but the answer seemed obvious to her. “My sisters are not the best secret keepers. If my father finds out…”

  He shrugged. “We’ll deal with that when it comes.”

  Well that wasn’t helpful and only added to the questions she was trying to quiet in her thoughts. She let out a small noise of dissent. “How lovely.”

  He raised a brow as they entered the shop. “Most women would be thrilled to catch a duke.”

  “I’m not most women,” she answered, moving ahead of him toward the counter. The truth was, the entire conversation had her at her wit’s end. Had she wanted to help this man? She’d suspected that was a silly notion, he scrambled all her plans whenever he was near.

  He chuckled as she left his side and approached the butcher.

  She ordered the meat, though Ophelia had little memory of what or why when their small party exited the shop, Chase once again stationed at her elbow. Though they didn’t make it far.

  Outside the shop stood the three lords that Chase had been with in the square. Chase stopped short, Ophelia stopping too and Juliet, once again, bumping into their backs.

  “We’ve got a bit of a problem,” Crestwood said, frowning at the possessive hand Chase had on her elbow. “The inn is full.”

  Chase paused and she wondered if he were going to answer. Was it her place to? But then he cleared his throat. “Where are your holdings that you came to check on?”

  Crestwood narrowed his gaze. “More than a day’s ride south of here. And then we’ll have that much more to sail in order to reach Dover.”

  “Perhaps,” Chase pulled her a touch closer, “the house party just isn’t in your future.”

  “Is it in yours?” Crestwood stepped a bit closer.

  “No,” Chase bit back, hostility that Ophelia didn’t quite understand crackling in the air.

  But Juliet gave the tiniest giggle behind her. “Oh. This is delicious. You lucky thing, you.”

  What did that mean? She glanced over her shoulder at her sister. Then back at the three men before them. All three were assessing her with various degrees of interest. Their eyes roved her body, her face, her basket.

  “If not the party then where will you go?” Crestwood asked, running a hand through his wavy blond hair and flashing her a bright smile.

  “Back to London,” Chase grit out.

  “Really,” Crestwood shifted. “You won’t stay here?”

  Chase’s fingers tightened on her elbow. “That’s none of your business.”

  “I disagree.” Crestwood said before his gaze flipped to her again. “Miss Moorish. You mentioned that you could introduce us to your father. Could we trouble you to do so now?”

  Chase gave a rumble in his chest that sounded near like a growl. The sound, rather than frightening, however, seemed to settle deep in her belly and cause little tendrils of pleasure to go dancing in her most private of areas. Oh dear. What was she going to do now?

  Chapter Eight

  Chase wanted to bash Crestwood’s head with his fist. If he were lucky, blood would squirt from the man’s perfectly straight nose. He gave a mean grin at the thought. He could see Crestwood sizing up Ophelia. He’d be interested in her anyhow. She was stunning and her body… He clenched his teeth together. But with Chase having laid claim, well, he’d piqued the man’s interest further. Chase was sure of it.

  Drawing in a deep breath, Chase attempted to calm the surge of jealous rage that had risen up, making it difficult to even think. He’d never responded like this before, the feeling was almost primal.

  Ophelia gave a delicate cough. “I can try, my lord. It’s half tide, which means he’s likely doing rounds on all the ships getting ready to leave the harbor.”

  Craven gave a grumble. “If we don’t find him that means we can’t board a boat until at least tomorrow.”

  Crestwood wiggled his brows. “We’ll have to find somewhere to stay then, besides the inn. Does anyone have any ideas?”

  “Oh,” Juliet called from the back
. “I’m sure we can help you.”

  Chase looked back at Juliet, he hoped his face properly portrayed how much he wanted her to cease talking. She caught his glare and took a half step back, her lips pressing together as her eyes widened.

  “We’ll see if there is a house in the village where you can stay,” Chase pushed out between gritted teeth. “In fact, since we’re unlikely to find Mr. Moorish, perhaps we should secure lodging for our fine friends first.”

  “Fine friends?” Crestwood repeated. “I thought so in the carriage, but now I’m beginning to wonder.”

  That was fair, Chase supposed. In his defense, he’d actually said little. “Miss Moorish,” he looked down into Ophelia’s kind, chocolate-brown stare. Everything about her eyes warmed him on the inside. “Do we know where these men might be able to stay?”

  Ophelia’s nose twitched, just a bit, as she considered his question. “There is an empty cottage at the back of the square that my father owns. I’m sure he’d allow them to stay there.”

  Chase gave a tight nod. He’d prefer to get these men on a boat and out of Seabridge Gate as quickly as he could but at least they weren’t staying at the manor with the family.

  “And you must come for dinner,” Juliet called again.

  “Excellent idea,” Crestwood answered. “Tonight?”

  Ophelia shook her head. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I doubt it. With high tide so late, my father isn’t likely to be home this evening until very late.”

  “Tomorrow then.” Juliet actually put her hand on his shoulder to lift up and see the other men better. He didn’t have any strong feelings about any of Ophelia’s sisters but if she spoke one more word, he might have to stuff his cravat in her mouth.

  “They are trying to get to Ipswich, Miss Moorish,” Chase said, giving her the eye again. Why wasn’t she getting the hint to stop? These men were the worst sort of rakes and they needed to leave this sleepy village at once.

  “We can delay one more day for such an invitation,” Crestwood volunteered.

  “Now see here,” Dashlane interrupted.

  “What?” Craven asked, his voice dropping dangerously low.

  Chase looked back at Juliet. The woman was mad and he’d like to throttle her, but instead he’d have to protect her from these men. Because somewhere between that broken bridge and right now, he’d made a decision. He’d marry Ophelia. He couldn’t stand the thought of another man touching her. Later he’d worry about what a disappointment he was likely to be as a husband.

  * * *

  “We’ll make it for the second half of the debauchery,” Crestwood said to his companions.

  Ophelia sucked in a sharp breath. Debauchery? What did that mean? She looked at Chase whose jaw had tightened to the point of appearing as though it might shatter. But a whole new series of questions had started thrumming through her thoughts. Was he also planning debauchery at this party? Was that his intent with her as well?

  She took a half step away from him but he pulled his arm tighter to his body.

  “That’s enough, Crestwood.” But it wasn’t Chase who spoke but Craven. “There are ladies present.” Craven’s gaze settled on Juliet, who blushed furiously.

  Crestwood looked back at them, his mouth tightening as he gave a quick bow. “Apologies, ladies.”

  “Let’s find your father,” Chase said as he started leading her down the street. “Juliet, if you’d kindly take my other arm.”

  Her sister dutifully stepped up next to Chase, though she gave a long look back at Craven. Ophelia understood that Chase didn’t want Juliet being escorted by one of those other men but she was beginning to wonder if he was any better.

  She wasn’t saving this man from anything. Her instinct to run had been much more apt. They walked down toward the docks, and she turned to the left. Her father had a small office in one of the buildings located on the shore. He could watch all the ships coming in and out and captains could easily report to him.

  The building was painted a fun shade of dark red with large black-trimmed, multi-paned windows. A bell hung above the door and its cheerful call had given her and her sisters hours of entertainment as children.

  Seabridge Gate was technically a peninsula between two rivers. But the mainland of England jutted out just beyond Seabridge Gate’s shore on both sides, providing a uniquely protected harbor and her father a booming business providing them all with a wonderful life. She entered the shop to find her father’s clerk behind his desk. “Hello, Mr. Burton,” she said as the entire group filed into the office.

  Mr. Burton looked up, surprise lighting his gaze. “Ophelia, Juliet. Good to see you. To what do I owe this…” He glanced at the four men. “Surprise?”

  Ophelia gave Chase a hesitant glance before she looked back to her father’s old clerk. “His Grace was a guest of ours last evening.”

  “Interesting,” Crestwood muttered behind her.

  Ophelia continued as though he hadn’t spoken. Weary as she was of Chase, she knew she was relatively safe in his company and she’d stay close to him while with Crestwood. “These other lords are trapped in town because the bridge to the north was damaged in the storm. They were hoping to speak with Papa about passage and the use of the cottage on Mayfair Street.”

  Mr. Burton nodded. “I’m sure you know your father is currently making the rounds. But I can give you the key to the cottage and Mr. Moorish will most certainly visit the gentlemen there on his way home.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Burton,” Ophelia answered. “That is an excellent plan.”

  Chase leaned down close to her ear. “I’ll see both you and Juliet home.”

  It was on the tip of her tongue to say that wasn’t necessary but a quick glance back over her shoulder, and she swallowed the words, giving a terse nod instead. With the wolf Crestwood just behind her, it seemed prudent to accept his offer.

  They made their way back out of the shop and down the coastal street and then took a right onto Mayfair. Though the cottage was empty currently, it was used by captains who were in Seabridge Gate on longer stopovers and so it was kept clean and well-stocked. “You’ll find everything you need in the cottage,” she said to the men. “There is food as well but you’ll likely enjoy dinner out at the tavern.”

  The three men said little as she stopped in front of the house and unlocked the door. Stepping inside, she motioned for the other members of the party to follow. The cottage was cheerfully decorated in a nautical theme. Ophelia had done a great deal of the work herself.

  “When you said unoccupied cottage…” Dashlane started. “I thought you meant unused and untouched. This is…”

  “Far better than the last four inns we stayed in,” Craven finished. “By a magnitude of ten.”

  “Thank you,” she answered. “I think.” She tapped her chin. “I’ve never actually stayed in an inn so I don’t know how good or bad they actually are. But we use this cottage regularly to give our captains a homier place to stay if they are in port for more than a night or two.”

  Chase looked at her then. “You’ve never stayed in an inn?”

  She shook her head. “My father’s work demands his constant attention and with my mother gone…”

  “Aunts?” he asked.

  She shrugged, looking at a painting of the very harbor they’d just left. Her father’s relationship with his brother was fair but he didn’t approve of his sister-in-law’s parenting practices. He’d never wanted to leave his daughters in her care. “My father hasn’t sent me to the countess yet.”

  Crestwood cleared his throat. “It’s very nice what you’ve done for us, both of you.”

  Ophelia nodded but she noted Juliet’s blush. She’d been irritated with her sister when she’d invited these men for dinner, but she understood why Juliet had. Apparently, she wasn’t the only Moorish sister starving for a bit of fun and romance. “We’re always happy to help guests of Seabridge Gate,” she answered. “If for some reason my father does not stop by on his w
ay home, I’ll see that he does first thing in the morning. In the meantime, there are two bedrooms upstairs and a third in the back, just down the hall. To reach the town square again, you only need continue up Mayfair Street.”

  Juliet gave a small curtsy. “We’ll send a maid over as well to make sure you are comfortable.” She looked up at the ceiling, tapping her chin. “Miss Kitteridge lives in the village so it would be an easy assignment for her. Is that all right, Ophelia?”

  “Of course,” she answered.

  “Thank you,” Craven replied, giving her sister a long look.

  It was innocent enough but Ophelia straightened, ready to defend her sister. She faced the lords who became their unexpected guests. “But let’s be clear that Miss Kitteridge is here for cleaning and shopping only.” She pressed her lips together as her face tightened. “And dinner tomorrow night will be a friendly event meant for introductions and polite conversation.” She turned to her sister. “Please step outside for just a moment.”

  Juliet frowned but did as her sister commanded. Then she turned to face the four lords who had landed in Seabridge Gate. She met each of their gazes, including Chase. “None of you are to do anything untoward involving my staff or my family. Just so that you’re aware, the benefit of growing up in the country is that I’m adept at firing a pistol or a rifle. I’ll shoot you out of this town if I have to. There will be no debauchery in my village.”

  Not one of them said a word. While Crestwood wore a look of surprise, his eyes widening, Craven’s face remained unchanged. She didn’t bother to look at Dashlane, instead focusing on Chase. He had the decency to look at the floor, his features tight with what she assumed was regret. She didn’t say another word as she turned and left.

  Chapter Nine

  Chase watched her walk down the steps and he started to follow but Crestwood grabbed his arm. “You wanted to protect them,” Crestwood said as Chase turned back to look at the man.