A Hidden Duke For The Passionate Lady (Regency Historical Romance)

by Lucinda Nelson

  Mrs. Clifford handed the letter to her granddaughter and Selina’s heart skipped a beat once she recognized the handwriting on the letter.

  Mr. McAlister’s.

  Dear Miss Clifford,

  I am happy to inform you that I will be going to London next week. I look forward to seeing you again, and your family as they have always been very welcoming.

  The next time we write to each other, please, use the address below. My home in London is closer to yours than I thought when we met in person.

  Many regards to you and your family,

  Mr. Edward McAlister’

  Selina smiled once she finished with the letter, a London address right beneath his signature. He was right. They were closer than they thought.

  “He is very sweet on you,” Granny told Selina, who blushed.

  “You read all our letters, Granny. You know we talk about daily matters and such.”

  “It is what I see between the lines that matters, my dear,” Mrs. Clifford chuckled. “If you two sit down to write about trivial things such as whom you meet or about a silly little chore, it means you want to keep the conversation going and that matters much more than you think.”

  “It does?” Selina asked.

  “Of course. He is a busy man who has taken his time to write you just as quickly as when you receive a letter. If you were just a passing fancy, he would not have. Mr. McAlister is a very handsome and wealthy bachelor. Bristol has a handful of pretty, young, unmarried women, yet he’d rather write you,” Mrs. Clifford told her.

  “I think I will convince your father to ask Mr. McAlister for dinner. We should be very cordial to him, don’t you think? And, well, if Joseph doesn’t, I will. I am an adorable old woman no one can tell ‘no’ to.”

  Selina laughed and hugged her grandmother.

  She truly had the best ally.

  Chapter 8

  Mr. Edward McAlister

  Ever since he was a boy, Edward liked practice hunting and riding much better than reading. It drove his governesses mad and amused his aunt and his mother much more.

  Yet, for almost a month, he exchanged letters with Miss Clifford and he couldn’t believe he had been so eager for letters in his entire life.

  He had always received letters for his work was handled mostly through them; but he never exchanged mail with a woman he was interested in before, mostly because his dalliances had been spur of the moment things and they most likely would not see each other again.

  For someone who swore to never fall in love, Edward was failing at it miserably.

  Miss Selina Clifford had captured his heart in a way he never thought possible. Her witty words, the way she saw life, her beautiful smile.

  When he received the letters at his London home, he was very pleased; one was from Mr. Clifford and the other from Mrs. Clifford – which truly meant they were Miss Clifford’s instead.

  They had been very careful with the letters. After all, an unmarried woman and an unmarried man exchanging letters, as trivial as they were and with her grandmother as a chaperone, would be frowned upon.

  He didn’t know how people found out about things, but they always did and Edward would rather have his arm chopped than stain Miss Clifford’s reputation.

  The first letter was a formal invitation for dinner two days after Edward’s arrival, by Mr. Clifford, to which Edward was quick to write an answer and have it delivered.

  The second letter, by Miss Clifford, made him laugh.

  Dear Mr. McAlister

  I pray your travel from Bristol was without incident. It is a long journey for some, tiresome even. I do hope, though, you are not too tired to have dinner with us in a few days. You must have received Papa’s letter but I wanted to invite you as well.

  Apparently, it is frowned upon not to invite someone who almost ran you over with their horse. Who knew? Probably has not happened enough for it to be mentioned during etiquette classes with my late governess.

  The things that are useful and no one teaches us could fill a book!

  That being said, it would mean a lot for us if you accepted the invitation.

  Sincerely,

  Selina Clifford

  With wearing one of his best outfits, he exited his carriage in front of the Clifford’s manor and marveled at it. It was beautiful. Perhaps the house was one of the reasons Miss Clifford had such a good eye for detail.

  He was greeted by the butler, who was quick to show him to the small library and announce his arrival.

  “Mr. Edward McAlister,” the older man said and Edward stepped inside.

  His eyes immediately fell on Miss Clifford. As always, she looked beautiful. Her red hair was up, and she wore a light pink dress with blue sashes and white gloves. Her blue eyes seemed to shine in happiness to see him. At least, it was his hope.

  Immediately, he took his eyes off her and bowed at his hosts’ direction before walking any further in.

  “Mr. Clifford. Mrs. Clifford. Miss Clifford,” he greeted them.

  “Dear Lord, sometimes etiquette is quite bothersome. For once I am glad there are no more Cliffords around,” Mr. Clifford said to him and Edward laughed, walking towards the couch the women were seated on. “Welcome to our home, Mr. McAlister.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He turned to the women. “It is nice to see you all again.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Mrs. Clifford smiled knowingly. “I almost suggested we would come to your house. Your cook made incredible biscuits when Selina and I were in Bristol.”

  “Granny!” Miss Clifford reprimanded her grandmother and her attention went to Edward. “I am sorry, it feels as if Granny says every little thing that pops inside her mind.”

  “Dear, you get to my age and you realize you have more regrets about being quiet than embarrassment about saying what you were not supposed to,” Mrs. Clifford said. “Besides, I did not say anything outrageous. Have I, Mr. McAlister?”

  “Absolutely not, Mrs. Clifford. My cook, Mrs. Putman, makes the best biscuits. I have brought her with me to London,” he added. “I will ask her for a special batch of them just for you, how about that?”

  “Saying what is in my mind does pay off, then,” Mrs. Clifford said with a smile. “I would like that. Thank you, sir.”

  “You shouldn’t encourage her.” Mr. Clifford looked more amused than anything. “We will never hear the end of it, now.”

  “Oh, Joseph, you should have learned by now that I am always right.”

  Miss Clifford tried to hide a chuckle with a gloved hand, but failed. “Of course you are, Granny.”

  “I would never doubt it, ma’am,” Edward agreed.

  “Now you have done it, Mama.” Mr. Clifford shook his head slightly. “Come, Mr. McAlister, have a drink with me before we head to dinner.

  Edward excused himself to the ladies, giving a meaningful look to Selina and then walking over to a table with crystal glasses and bottles. Mr. Clifford poured two glasses and offered Edward one.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Of course.” They took a sip. “So, Mr. McAlister, I learned you did some business with my brother-in-law.”

  “I did, sir,” Edward agreed. “He rented one of my warehouses for his company. I am grateful I could help.”

  “Indeed,” Mr. Clifford nodded. “I think we should discuss business after dinner, if you have any warehouses here in London.”

  “I do, sir. Quite a few, actually.”

  “Very well, then.” Mr. Clifford patted him on the back and Edward secretly hoped the man warmed up to him enough to let the idea of Miss Clifford marrying to gain a title go.

  * * *

  Miss Selina Clifford

  Dinner couldn’t have gone better.

  It appeared that Mr. McAlister could charm even her father. By the end of it, they would soon be talking about business. Her father had always been receptive of people who worked hard and honestly, and it was clear Mr. McAlister fit that criteria.

  As they wer
e about to leave the dining room, her grandmother called for her son. “Joseph, could you help me up and help me return to the small library? I am not as young as I used to be.” Selina frowned slightly. Her grandmother needed help sometimes if she needed to walk a long distance. A walk to the small library hardly qualified.

  “I could help you if you need, Mrs-” Mr. McAlister tried, but Mrs. Clifford cut him off.

  “No need, dear boy. My son will help me. You and Selina go ahead. We will be right after you,” Her grandmother said to him and then looked at Selina and she finally understood.

  She was giving them a little time to be alone.

  “This way, Mr. McAlister,” Selina prompted and led the way towards the small library. Mr. Rhodes looked a little confused when she dismissed him so she could be alone with Mr. McAlister.

  The older man said nothing and closed the door behind him as he left. Her father and grandmother wouldn’t take long, after all.

  “Mr. McAllister,” she smiled at him and for some reason, she was out of breath.

  “Miss Clifford,” he answered with a smile of his own. “It is nice to finally speak with you, alone.”

  “I know. I feel it too,” Selina told him. “I know we have communicated through letters, but Granny read them all, since they were addressed to her.”

  “I imagined.” He nodded and took a step back. “She is very crafty.”

  Selina giggled. “You have no idea.”

  “We don’t have much time before they arrive,” Mr. McAlister said. “I wanted to ask you something before I did it, because I want you to have a choice.”

  “Oh?”

  “Miss Clifford, I would like to ask your father his permission to court you, but I will only do it if it is something you want also.” Selina’s breath caught in her throat as she heard the words. “If you would rather we stayed friends, we could as well. There is no wrong answer.”

  Oh, there was a wrong answer, Selina thought. She would be absolutely mad to say ‘no’ to his question. Not when she was dreaming of it for weeks, now.

  “Yes,” Selina’s voice was so quiet it was almost a whisper.

  “Yes?” Mr. McAlister asked, as if incredulous of her answer.

  Selina cleared her throat and spoke with more confidence. “Yes, Mr. McAlister, I would like for you to court me.”

  They looked at each other for a moment before Mr. McAlister broke the sudden silence of realization that had befallen them.

  “Edward.”

  Selina blinked two times before questioning. “Excuse me?”

  “Call me Edward when we are alone.”

  It was absolutely mad. It was completely against all the rules of society but at the moment, Selina couldn’t have cared less about it.

  “Selina,” She told him as an answer. She hoped it was good enough, but added just to have the pleasure to say his name. “Call me Selina, Edward.”

  “Selina.” Mr. McAl- No, Edward said her name and she didn’t know how much she wanted to hear it with his deep beautiful voice until he said it. Why did it sound so much better when he said it?

  They were close enough and Edward took two steps towards her before cupping her face with his warm hands.

  Looking into the green of his eyes, Selina could swear her heart would burst out of her chest at any time. It was beating so fast and loud she wondered for a second if Edward could hear it.

  “Selina?” Edward asked in a whisper and she made a distracted sound to indicate she was listening. “May I kiss you?”

  She froze for a moment, but nodded.

  His lips were warm on hers as they touched sweetly and for a few seconds, it felt like they were the only ones in the world.

  Selina never kissed anyone before. Never had the urge to, just a curiosity. Some of her friends had shared their experiences with her about it, but they always described it as awkward and uncomfortable.

  They must have been doing it wrong, then, because with just a light touch of their lips, Selina was already feeling her knees weaken, warmth spread through her veins, and her stomach was filled with butterflies.

  Selina thought it was over all too soon when Edward took a step back. They smiled at each other, an understanding passing by them.

  That was right.

  Whatever they were, whatever they were doing, they were right. Destiny had joined them that fateful night a month before so they could have that moment, right there.

  “I will write you,” Edward told her and she understood – her mail would not go through her Granny anymore.

  “My maid’s name is Vivian. She will get the letter,” Selina informed him.

  Edward nodded. “You met my valet, Mr. Gropps.”

  Selina agreed and then asked, “What are we doing?”

  They were mad. It was the only explanation.

  “I haven’t the faintest idea,” Edward said. “I am glad, though. We are going to find out together.”

  She was going to speak when they heard chatter outside and they had to pretend nothing had happened.

  Selina was sure she was blushing as she walked towards the fireplace and sat on the couch next to it, hoping her father thought the heat brought color to her cheeks instead.

  Edward stood at the end of the couch and she hoped she looked as composed as he seemed to be.

  Her father’s voice made her look over her shoulder, towards the door. He was escorting his mother as she had asked him to and he seemed concerned. “Mama, you really should see a doctor if this distance is bothering you so much.”

  One look at the young couple was all it took for her grandmother to straighten herself and smile brightly. “I am suddenly feeling much more invigorated, Joseph, dear. Do not worry.”

  Selina looked at Edward and shared a secret smile.

  Chapter 9

  Mr. Edward McAlister

  One kiss.

  All they had shared was a kiss and Edward’s need for Miss Clifford increased tenfold.

  He already wanted to court her, but the sweet innocent kiss they shared in her home’s library had ignited a fire inside him that Edward didn’t even know he had.

  Of course he had been in love before, when he was younger and naïve about the world, but he realized they were silly infatuations compared to his feelings towards Selina.

  Selina.

  Just saying her name, made him smile and, for some reason he would never understand, she had feelings for him as well.

  If his Aunt had been alive, she would have laughed at him; she always told him he would find someone to love and he would reply he would never do.

  “Oh, Aunt,” He whispered to himself as he stepped inside the Clifford’s home once again, a few days after the kiss. “You would be proud of me, I think.”

  “Excuse me, sir?” Mr. Rhodes asked, stopping for a moment.

  “Thinking out loud, Mr. Rhodes,” Edward told him and the older man nodded.

  “Very well, sir.”

  “Mr. McAlister?” Both men stopped walking towards Mr. Clifford’s office when they heard Selina’s voice.

  “Miss Clifford, hello.” Edward bowed and Selina curtsied in reply.

  “What are you doing here, sir?” Her expression was hopeful.

  Edward couldn’t help but to smile. “I am here to see your father, Miss Clifford. We have business to talk about.”

  Selina understood his meaning and smiled widely. “Is that so, sir?”

  “Yes.” Edward nodded. “I am sure you will hear about it as soon as our meeting is done.”

  “I do hope so, sir,” Selina agreed. “I hope you have a very productive reunion with Papa.”

  “Thank you.” He smirked and gave her a small nod before he turned to Mr. Rhodes. “Shall we, Mr. Rhodes?”

  * * *

  “You have a very good sense of business, Mr. McAlister,” Mr. Clifford said as soon as he signed the contract Edward had drafted about a warehouse to be rented. “May I ask where you get it from?”

  Edward ch
uckled. “I was raised by two very strong women, sir. One learns how to endure life much better when he has to answer to two women who are very invested in their development.”

  “Poor lad,” Mr. Clifford laughed. “I only had my Mama and she all but drove me insane, I can only imagine the terror it would have been for you to have two of them.”