At The Duke's Pleasure

by Tracy Anne Warren

  “A light pressure is often all that’s required for the horses to understand exactly what you want,” he observed, as they safely completed the next turn and moved slowly along the street.

  “After that,” he continued, “it’s simply a matter of letting them do their job. Animals, you will find, are far more intelligent than people give them credit for being, especially horses. Be good to your team, show them respect, and they will be good to you in return.”

  Swallowing, she nodded.

  “Ready to try it alone again?” he asked.

  She hesitated, then reminded herself that she wanted to learn to drive. This lesson had been her idea, after all, and she had more pluck than to let a mild case of nerves keep her from achieving her goal. “Yes,” she stated with determination. “At least I think so.”

  Laughing again, he released her hands and returned full control of the team to her. She expected him to slide his arm free as well. Instead, he left it curved around her waist, his gloved palm resting on the seat next to her hip.

  Her skin tingled everywhere he touched, and places where he didn’t as well, her body growing warm beneath her corded lilac muslin carriage dress. With the horses on a straight stretch, she took a moment to dart a glance at Edward from beneath the narrow brim of her white chip-straw bonnet.

  And found his gaze on her—his eyes vividly blue in the sunshine of the crisp spring day.

  Her heart squeezed out an extra beat, then another when a slow smile curved his mouth in a move that displayed his beautiful white teeth.

  Good heavens. He really shouldn’t be allowed to do that, she thought, her pulse hammering. And I should have more sense than to let it scramble every logical thought in my head!

  “The next turn is approaching,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving hers. “You may want to get ready.”

  Giving herself a stern mental shake, and a scold as well, she turned her gaze forward again. The horses’ ears twitched as if anticipating her next command. Adjusting the reins, she prepared herself to give it.

  “Need help?” Edward offered.

  She refused to glance at him. “No. I can do it.”

  She wasn’t sure, but she was nearly positive that he smiled again.

  Displaying more confidence than she felt, she took the turn, pleased when the team—and the curricle—rounded the corner with an easy grace. Edward’s hand touched hers only once, making a slight adjustment as she maneuvered past a coach standing idle in front of a stately town house.

  And then they were proceeding up the street, picking up speed as they went. Only she was controlling the pace now and not the team.

  “How was that?” she asked, daring to shoot him a grin.

  “Splendid. Now keep going.”

  Nodding, she maintained her concentration, her initial concerns falling away. When the next corner approached, she was ready, positioning the team in just the right way. She made the turn smoothly, the yards sliding past with no difficulty.

  Glancing ahead, she was surprised to find Clybourne House rising with grandeur on the horizon.

  “Go around another time or two,” Edward remarked. “We’ve already given our neighbours plenty of fodder for their afternoon calls, why not add a bit more.”

  “What do you mean?” Keeping a steady grip on the reins, she maneuvered around a delivery wagon, then slowed to let a nursery maid and her young charges walk across the street. Edward covered her hands to direct her well out of harm’s way before returning control to her again.

  “Surely no one is paying us any mind?” she remarked, as she signalled the team to continue on.

  “Of course they are,” he said. “I expect half the draperies on the square have been drawn back by now to witness our excursion.”

  “I certainly hope you jest. I don’t much care for the notion of being spied upon.”

  “Unfortunately, you’ll find that one is under almost constant surveillance here in Town. After all, gossip is the lifeblood of the Ton, and the buzz will do nothing but increase as more and more families arrive for the Season. As it is, Mallory and I have been fending off calls for the past two weeks in order to let you settle in. Soon, though, there’ll be no stopping them, particularly once the Season is officially under way.”

  Fending off calls? She’d had no idea. But she supposed it was only natural that people would be curious about the Duke of Clybourne’s fiancée, even if she would much rather they weren’t.

  Frowning, she shot a glance at the windows of the nearest town house to see if any of the curtains were moving.

  “Don’t let it bother you,” Edward said, having obviously caught the direction of her gaze. “Besides, you must be used to a certain level of scrutiny, even in the country.”

  “Yes, but old Mrs Roddy isn’t quite the same as having an entire city full of tattlers.”

  “Oh, it’s not so bad as all that. Well, maybe it is,” he corrected with a laugh. “But you’ll find it easiest to just ignore their inquiring gazes and go on about your affairs as if they weren’t there at all. Besides, any talk about our outing today will only be of the complimentary sort, since you’re doing brilliantly.”

  “Am I?” she asked, unable to keep the hopeful note out of her voice.

  “Yes,” he confirmed. “If you aren’t careful, I shall have to suggest that the Four-in-Hand Club change their rules about admitting women. We’re around the square again. Shall we venture farther afield or have you had enough driving for today?”

  “Farther afield, please. Perhaps there is somewhere we could go that would allow us to take the horses above a fast walk.”

  “There might be a place or two,” he drawled with amusement, “if we venture out of the city a bit.”

  “I’m game, if you are. Or have you duties to which you must attend this afternoon?” she added. “Perhaps your prolonged absence will cause Mr Hughes to wear more holes in your office carpet should you fail to return apace.”

  Their gazes met, his brow arching with clear awareness of her thinly veiled sarcasm. “Oh, I expect I can be spared for a few hours at least.”

  “Good. You work too much anyway.”

  “Do I?” he said in a surprised tone before pointing toward the street ahead. “Take Upper Brook Street over to Park Lane. We’ll go up to Tyburn Turnpike, then north of the city. There are some farms up there that should provide a few reasonable roads on which you can let the horses have their heads.”

  Guiding the curricle, she followed his directions.

  “Actually,” he continued, “you should probably let me drive for now. The traffic is bound to be heavy until we’re out of the city.” He laid his hands over hers to take the reins.

  Instead of relinquishing them, however, she tightened her grip. “I’m fine. For now at least. If the traffic is heavy and I become uncomfortable, I will let you drive.”

  His hands tightened fractionally over hers, sending a fresh round of quivers through her. Then he let go. Leaning back, he relaxed. But he left his arm looped behind her with his palm on the seat near her hip, exactly where it had been before. “I had no idea you could be so stubborn.”

  “There are a great many things you don’t know about me, Your Grace.”

  “So it would seem. And it’s Edward, remember?” he said, his words silky and warm.

  Yes, I remember, she thought with a wistful inner sigh.

  “So tell me more,” he encouraged.

  She tossed him a glance. “About what?”

  “About you, of course.”

  “Me? Oh, there’s nothing to tell.”

  He quirked a brow. “That’s not what you said a moment ago.”

  “Nothing interesting, that is.” Slowing the curricle to let a coach-and-four roll past, she used the distraction to change the subject. “Why do you not tell me about yourself instead? For instance, what do you like to do, when you aren’t working, that is?”

  “Hmm, when I’m not working—which according to you is rarely—
I like to do any number of things. I enjoy reading and music and collecting art. I like to fence at Angelo’s when I’m in Town, and I love to ride. We must ride out together one morning. I have several gentle mares in the stable. I am sure we could find a suitable mount for you.”

  “If that is the case,” she replied without governing her response, “then I hope you will choose an animal with a bit more spirit than merely gentle. I am not so accomplished a horsewoman that I ride to hounds, but neither am I shy in the saddle.”

  “No,” he said in a considering tone. “I am beginning to realize that you would not be—in the saddle or anywhere else.”

  Wishing suddenly that she’d kept her mouth closed, she focused on her driving. Having turned onto the more well-travelled Park Lane, she realized that Edward had been right about the traffic. It was heavier and a great deal more difficult to negotiate. Still, she was determined to try.

  “What else then?” she asked, taking up a position behind a rather slow-moving dray. “What else do you particularly enjoy doing?”

  “Oh no,” he countered. “I believe it’s your turn now.”

  “But there is—”

  “Nothing interesting to tell. Yes, I know. Pray enlighten me nevertheless about all the tedious things which give you pleasure. Other than gardening, of course,” he added.

  Claire shot him a look, but if he was teasing, she couldn’t tell. Composing herself, she forged on. “At home, I occupy myself with the usual feminine endeavours. Stitchery and the occasional sad attempt at watercolour painting. Flower arranging when the blossoms are in season, and flower pressing if there is an especially lovely specimen. I trim hats, take long walks and pick berries off the wild brambles in the hottest days of summer.”

  “Those are all things you do, but you haven’t really answered my question. What do you like?”

  “I like those things,” she defended. “Except for the painting. I’m really dreadful with a brush and would be better off painting a fence than a canvas.”

  “I shall remember not to accept any invitations to painting parties on your behalf. What else?”

  “Reading. I like books, although I rather doubt we share the same interests when it comes to subject matter. I love romances and mystery stories. The more lurid, the better.”

  “Mallory loves those too.”

  “Yes, I know. She has loaned me several already. She possesses quite an impressive collection of Minerva Press novels.”

  “What more?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Nothing in particular.”

  He cocked his head and gave her an inquiring look. “But there is something more. What?”

  “Your turn again.”

  “After you answer,” he insisted. “What else?”

  Pausing, she watched as the dray pulled over and stopped, forcing her to go around and continue ahead without its reassuring bulk.

  Why, she wondered, did I say anything to him? She wished now that she’d never started this line of questioning. If she’d had any sense she would have spent the entire time making up a series of ridiculous inventions in hopes that a few of them might displease him.

  Instead, she’d been hopelessly candid when she ought to have guarded her thoughts and feelings. But it was too late now and couldn’t be helped. And truly, what difference did it make what she’d told him? He was only being polite with his inquiries. He was only doing his duty with this whole outing. And with any luck, mayhap he wouldn’t like the real her at all.

  “Puzzles,” she declared. “I like puzzles and games, the sort that give most people a headache. But I find them fascinating and frustrating and immensely satisfying to solve. I’m always looking for new ones to try.”

  She expected him to greet her comment with boredom or disapproval, as her family always did. Instead, Edward had a peculiar look on his face, his eyes gleaming with an enigmatic light she couldn’t quite read.

  “As it happens, I like puzzles too,” he said. “Love them, in fact. There’s nothing more interesting than solving something deemed unsolvable, is there?”

  “No, there isn’t.”

  He leaned slightly closer, looking for a moment as if he might say more. Instead, he glanced up and nodded toward the cross street ahead. “You’ll need to turn left for the turnpike. If you won’t take it amiss, why do you not let me drive this last portion?”

  In the past minutes, the traffic had grown steadily thicker and more difficult to manage. Her pride had kept her going, but she had to confess she wouldn’t mind his assistance. Hiding her relief, she nodded. “Very well. But I want to drive again when we reach the countryside.”

  “Of course. I promise.”

  She handed over the reins, more sorry than she wished when he slid his arm out from around her. Relaxing back, she lifted her face to the sun, determined to enjoy the rest of the outing.

  Chapter 10

  Edward strode into his study later that afternoon to find Drake lounging in one of the wide brown leather armchairs positioned near the fireplace. Drake’s eyes were closed, his fingers linked across his flat stomach, his long legs stretched out before him. Anyone looking at him would assume he was asleep, but Edward knew better, the pose one of his brother’s favourites when he wanted to think something through.

  Of course, sometimes he really was just sleeping.

  “Where have you been then?” Drake said without opening his eyes, proving Edward’s initial assumption to be correct. “I’ve been waiting here over an hour. Croft said something about you taking a drive with Lady Claire.”

  “Croft obviously keeps you well informed.”

  Drake smiled. “He guards your important secrets, don’t worry.”

  Edward gave a mild snort, then crossed to the liquor cabinet. “Care for a drink?”

  “Only if you have some of that Madeira you served the other evening. Otherwise, I’ll pass.”

  Reaching for the vintage in question, Edward poured them each a glass, returning the crystal stopper to the decanter with a near silent click. Taking up the goblets, he walked over and handed one to his brother, who opened his eyes just in time to accept it.

  “My thanks,” Drake said before taking a long swallow. “Delicious.”

  Edward lowered himself into the chair opposite, moving Drake’s feet out of the way with a good-natured shove.

  Grinning, Drake sat up in his chair. “So, you took Lady Claire out driving, did you?”

  Pausing, Edward sipped from his glass, enjoying the dry, slightly fruity notes of the wine. “Actually, she took me. We had our first driving lesson today.”

  “Driving lesson? How did that come about?”

  Edward shrugged. “This morning at breakfast she expressed an interest in learning. So I offered to teach her.”

  “How’d she do?”

  “In truth? Phenomenally well. Don’t tell her I said this, but she could drive solo after just the one lesson. Handled the reins like she was born to it. Of course I’d never let her explore the city on her own, but so long as she has a proper escort, I can’t see any harm in letting her take a team out on occasion.”

  Drake shot him a look of surprise. “Next I suppose I’ll hear that you’ve bought her a phaeton or some such. Painted in her favourite colour, of course, with specially upholstered kidskin seats and fittings made of real gold.”

  “How ridiculous. Don’t be absurd.”

  “Then again, I’m not sure she’s the type who’d fancy an ostentatious rig,” Drake speculated aloud. “Simple black with plain leather seats and not so much as a crest on the door might be more in keeping with her tastes.”

  Edward frowned, realizing he didn’t know what Claire would prefer; he didn’t even know her favourite colour. He thought about the twitching curtains of their neighbours and her reaction to the idea of being watched. A showy colour that drew every eye would only make her uncomfortable, he decided, whereas the black…not that he was buying her a phaeton. He’d already bought her a fortune in clothes
.

  Not that he minded.

  Not really.

  Maybe not at all.

  Frowning again, he drank more wine.

  “It’s interesting, but she isn’t what I expected,” Drake remarked.

  “Oh?” Edward drawled, spinning his glass slowly between his fingers. “How so?”

  “I’m not sure. I suppose I thought she might be haughty and vain, having grown up knowing she was going to be a duchess one day. But she’s not. She’s…sweet and interesting and amusingly unpredictable. I like Lady Claire. It may have been nothing more than fool’s luck and Papa’s obstinacy that brought you two together, but you’ve made a good choice. I can see why you decided to go through with the match.”

  But he hadn’t decided to go through with the match because of Claire. He’d done it for the sake of duty, honour and, yes, expediency. Yet Drake was right. Claire was sweet and interesting and amusingly unpredictable. She was also a puzzle. A very intricate, very complicated and as yet unsolved conundrum that he was still in the process of figuring out.

  But I like puzzles and I like her too, Edward thought, surprised by the truth of the realization. He hadn’t really considered it before, since liking Claire wasn’t a requirement for their marriage, but he found that he did indeed like her.

  Their drive today, for one, had been remarkably entertaining, and not because of the lesson, but because of Claire herself. She was a lively and enjoyable companion and yet she didn’t preen and wheedle as so many ladies of the Ton were wont to do. Nor did she insist on constant conversation, although she was very easy to converse with. Claire was amiable and desirable, and his brother was right that she would make him a good wife—and because of far more than her excellent bloodlines.

  Downing another mouthful of Madeira, he swirled the remaining inch of pale gold liquor in his glass, then returned his attention to Drake. “So did you just drop by to chat about my fiancée and drink my wine or was there something else you wanted?”