Sins 0f An Intoxicating Duchess (Steamy Historical Regency Romance)

by Violet Hamers

  “Oh, Lady Morton!” Leah said, going to her neighbor.

  “Lady Kirby! Lady Leah! How good of you to come,” Lady Morton replied.

  “How are you feeling, My Lady?” Leah’s mother asked.

  “I’m feeling much better. My poor nerves have been an absolute wreck! Please, sit,” Lady Morton said.

  “Were you able to see anything?” Leah’s mother asked.

  “Mother! Don’t make her relive it!” Leah said.

  “It’s all right,” Lady Morton replied. “They were wearing masks over their faces. And it was dark, except for the light from the carriage lamps.”

  “Did they take anything?” Leah asked, her hand to her throat.

  “My jewels that I was wearing,” Lady Morton said sadly. “And Lord Morton’s good pocket watch and cufflinks.”

  “How awful,” Leah’s mother said.

  “Yes—it was a sapphire necklace, which had been in the family since my grandmother,” she said tearily. “We’ve begun to spread word to jewelers across the county to keep an eye out. But there isn’t much to be done. It’s only good luck that the dear Duke of Gillingham has been making inquiries about town.”

  “He’s such a brave, caring gentleman,” Leah’s mother agreed. “Very like his father, the late Duke.”

  “You’re very fortunate to marrying such an upstanding gentleman,” Lady Morton said.

  Leah beamed. “Yes, My Lady. I’m very proud of my husband-to-be,” she said, honestly. He was going to be a good husband. He was everything that a gentleman should be—brave, kind, good-looking.

  “Tell me, Lady Leah,” Lady Morton said, “I’m dying for some good news. How go the wedding preparations?”

  “Her first fitting for the gown was yesterday,” her mother said. “She looks like a picture! Even Lady Selina was impressed, and you know how fashionable she is.”

  “Tell me about it, please,” Lady Morton urged, clasping her hands.

  “Well, Saoirse has outdone herself,” her mother said. “She’s just today sewing seed pearls into a rose and vine design, on a background of pure white silk.”

  “Oh, that sounds exquisite!” Lady Morton exclaimed. “I would so love to have a peek!”

  “You must come for the next fitting,” Leah offered.

  “I would be delighted!”

  “We can have tea and cakes,” her mother suggested. “Make a little party of it. Perhaps invite the Dowager Duchess, as well.”

  Leah nodded, excited by the prospect. If only she could avoid inviting Selina, as well. She always knew exactly how to insinuate herself into the situation.

  “Well, you two certainly know how to brighten my day,” Lady Morton said.

  Leah and her mother smiled at each other. “We aim to please, Lady Morton,” Leah assured her.

  * * *

  Jasper sat, talking to Lady Selina. They were quite tucked away from the road, there. No one even came upon them, although the trustworthy Faith would have alerted them, from where she sat reading. She was close enough, and he knew that, though her nose was tucked into her book, she heard and saw everything.

  “You were saying, the other night, that you were interested in seeing Greece?” he asked Lady Selina.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  He sighed. “Would it be too forward for you to call me Jasper?”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” She smiled at him. “If I were to do so, then we would be on very intimate terms.”

  “I’ll convince you yet, My Lady.”

  She shot him a look, which he could only read was that he was being impertinent. “You wanted to know about Greece, Your Grace?”

  “Yes,” he mused happily.

  “Would you like to go, as well?”

  “I’ve always been content to remain in the English countryside,” he said. “But as you describe the Mediterranean, I can’t help but picture going there.” He was beginning to have an idea of what their life would be, together standing on the beaches, seeing breathtaking vistas.

  “I do spend quite a lot of time in London, as well,” she mused.

  “Why is that?”

  “There’s so much to see and do—there are plays and operas, the newest books,” she replied.

  “You mentioned, before that you enjoy riding as well?”

  “Yes. I’ve been riding horses since I was a child,” she replied. “My brother and I shared a tutor and a riding instructor, as well.”

  “Did you, truly?”

  “Yes. My father is a reasonable gentleman,” she explained. “Mother was always around to teach me anything that I needed to know about being a lady. There was no reason to hire a governess as well.”

  He took a bite of a scone, chewing thoughtfully.

  “What about your father?” she asked. “What was he like?”

  Jasper recalled his father, the previous Duke. “He was stern,” he said. “He was strict. Mother was second to him. Reuben and I were to be seen, but not heard. Now that he’s gone, things are…less tense, I suppose.”

  “He sounds difficult.”

  “That’s one way to describe him,” he replied. “You know, I’ve recently bought a mare,” he said. “I could bring her by for you to try out tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be missed,” she replied, smiling, “Your Grace.”

  “Are you teasing me, My Lady?” he asked, his eyes on her hand, which rested on the blanket. He raised his gaze to find that she was watching him closely.

  “Certainly, someone will notice that I’m always out, Your Grace,” she replied, standing up.

  “Of course, My Lady.” He glanced toward Kirby Hall. “Shall I accompany you to the house?” he offered.

  “No, thank you, Your Grace,” she replied, curtsying to him. “It was a pleasure.”

  “Agreed, My Lady.”

  He stood, watching the lady and her maid as they walked along the drive toward Kirby Hall. Lady Selina glanced back at him. He raised his hand in farewell.

  Chapter Seven

  As Selina and Faith began the walk back to the house, she turned to her maid.

  “I imagine you heard?” she asked, wanting desperately to know what she thought.

  “Yes, My Lady.” Faith nodded, pursing her lips. Her book was tucked dutifully beneath her arm.

  “What do you think, Faith?” she asked. “That green coat of his is dashing, is it not?”

  “I think you should be careful, My Lady. He says all the right things. But he also hasn’t mentioned ending his engagement.”

  “Quite right. I suppose we’ll wait and see,” Selina mused. “I won’t do anything rash. I promise.”

  “You have a good head for these things, My Lady,” Faith replied. “I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.”

  As they neared the house, her Uncle’s landau pulled up. Aunt Georgiana and Leah climbed out.

  “Selina!” her aunt called out. “Such good news!”

  “Where are you coming from?” Leah asked crossly.

  “Faith and I went to the overlook for a picnic,” Selina replied. “It’s such a gorgeous day.”

  “You’ll get very tan,” Leah said, wrinkling her nose.

  “She’ll spend tomorrow indoors,” Aunt Georgiana said, seeming very certain about it.

  “Will I? What’s afoot, Aunt Georgiana?” Selina asked, curiously, as the ladies all headed for the front door.

  “Once the wedding dress is finished, we are having a little do,” Aunt Georgiana said. “Lady Morton and the Dowager Duchess are coming over to see Leah’s fitting.”

  “Oh,” Selina said. “That sounds like a good time.”

  “Indeed, it shall,” Aunt Georgiana said. They entered the house. “Come, Leah. We need to go and talk to Mrs. Stout, down in the kitchen. We need to begin planning what to serve.”

  Selina and Faith watched as the two ladies walked off.

  “It’s a good thing that you told him that you wouldn’t be going,” Faith mused.

  “Agreed, Fait
h.”

  * * *

  Jasper made his way home, riding slowly. Pilot tossed his head, used to being ridden at a swift trot at the very least. He snorted, wanting very much to be told to race back home as if the devil were at their backs.

  Jasper patted him on the neck. He’d take him out for a good gallop later. Right then, he wanted a moment to himself to think.

  He had so much on his mind. He needed to convince Lady Leah that the wedding needed to be called off. And soon. He recalled his promise to Lady Selina—that it would only be on his own account.

  When he arrived home, his mother met him in the hall. She held a letter in her hand.

  “Oh, Jasper,” she said. “It’s good that you’re home.”

  “What’s that, Mother?” he asked, half-heartedly.

  “Lady Kirby has invited me to attend Lady Leah’s dress fitting,” she said. “And to tea with all the ladies at Kirby Hall.”

  “When?” he asked uneasily.

  “The end of the week,” she replied. She took his hand in hers. “I’m so glad that you’re finally settling down. I have to admit; I was worried that you’d never find anyone suitable.”

  “Mother,” he said. “What if I was unsure about the wedding?”

  She frowned in confusion. “Unsure? Whatever could you mean?”

  “I just—” He sighed, shaking his head.

  Her hand had gone to her mouth. “Jasper? What’s happened, my son?” She placed a hand on his arm.

  “I suppose it’s just nerves.” He knew that it wasn’t. But his mother wouldn’t understand.

  The fear left her face. “Of course, dear. Everyone gets nerves. It’s very common. How about I have a glass of wine sent up for you?”

  “Thank you, Mother. I’ll be in my study.”

  He walked up the stairs to his study. The thick velvet curtains were drawn. He opened them, looking out over his estate. It was early afternoon, the sun lighting up the countryside.

  * * *

  Selina was seated in the parlor with her Aunt and Uncle, who were discussing Lord and Lady Morton’s plight. Selina’s mind was wandering, and she was only half-listening.

  “They haven’t been found yet,” Uncle Latimer was saying. “Not a hide nor hair of them.”

  “Well, they’re either long gone, or they’re tucked up somewhere,” Aunt Georgiana replied. She turned to Selina. “You’re rather quiet, my dear.”

  “It’s dreadful,” Selina said, shaking her head. “I wonder where they’ve holed up.”

  “We were wondering the same,” Uncle Latimer said. “They could be anywhere by now.”

  Selina sipped her tea. She recalled a time when she and her parents had been staying at a palazzo in Italy. There had been a spree of robberies, perpetrated by an Italian Duke. He’d stolen to get revenge on his neighbors.

  But this wasn’t the same deserters from the army who had done this—likely, men who had been looking for something to sell for money.

  “I think it’s going to rain,” she commented, her eyes on the window. From where she sat, she could see a gentleman on a horse, riding toward Kirby Hall. He looked like one of the grooms. He was riding a large chestnut colt that Uncle Kirby had recently purchased.

  * * *

  There was a knock at the study door. Turning away from his window, Jasper replied. “Yes?”

  “Colonel Fitz for you, Your Grace,” his butler announced.

  “Colonel!” Jasper said, eager for news. “Come in and have a seat.”

  The Colonel entered, standing by the door.

  “I cannot stay—I rode out here to inform you,” he said. “The men returned. As it turns out, they were all out drinking. Lost track of the time. The innkeeper over in Bridesdale can account for it.”

  “Then who were our thieves?” Jasper wondered aloud. He took a sip of his wine, setting it aside.

  “Can I interest you in a glass?” he offered.

  “No, thank you,” Colonel Fitz replied. “Dawson and Jordan are good men. I didn’t think they’d done it. Nor that they had defected. I was surprised that Coyle hadn’t done it, but he can be vouched for, by the other two, as well as the innkeeper.”

  “Well,” Jasper said, standing up. “I will go and let the local aristocracy know to be on the lookout.”

  “Very good, Your Grace.”

  “I’ll see you out, Colonel,” Jasper said.

  He needed to alert Lord and Lady Morton, and then to go to Kirby Hall, to let Lord Kirby and his family know. He didn’t want the Lady Selina going out alone. Who knew where the thieves would go next if they were still in the county, that was. A lady, walking with her maid, would be allowing herself to be taken, unaware.

  * * *

  The family had just finished dining and had retired to the parlor. Selina sat with a book in her lap, listening to her aunt and cousin telling her uncle about their plans for the next day.

  Mr. Wickes opened the door.

  “The Duke of Gillingham,” he announced. They all shared looks, standing up as the Duke entered. He seemed out of breath.

  “What brings you here at this hour, Your Grace?” Uncle Latimer asked.

  “I’ve just had news of the soldiers,” he replied. “They’ve returned.”

  “Oh? Come, sit, Your Grace,” Uncle Latimer gestured to the seat across from him.

  Selina set her book aside.

  “It wasn’t them,” the Duke said, his eyes meeting Selina’s. He quickly looked away, focusing on Uncle Latimer. “The innkeeper in Bridesdale can vouch that they were there, gambling and drinking the entire night, and then the few days, following.”

  “So those who did rob the Mortons are still at large?” Selina said.

  “Yes, My Lady,” he said nodding.

  “But who could it be, Your Grace?” Selina asked.

  “I have no idea,” he said. “There aren’t many crimes in this county. It’s so out of the way. I just came by to let everyone know not to wander about alone and unprotected.” His eyes cut over to her, then away.

  Selina sighed. “I suppose it’ll happen again, if they’re still here.”

  “Why are you so morbid?” Leah asked. Selina noted that her tone was measured since the Duke was present.

  “I’m just saying,” Selina replied, recalling what had happened in Italy. “That we should all watch out for any shifty characters. Although, maybe this isn’t a shifty-looking character.”

  “Whatever could you mean?” Aunt Georgiana asked.

  “What if it’s someone that we know?” Selina suggested, her eyes meeting the Duke’s.

  “How could you say that?” Leah asked scandalized.

  “It’s all very easy to pin it on the poor and downtrodden. What if this villain is someone who doesn’t need to steal? After all, it stands to reason—why come out here, where crimes like this don’t happen often? It’s so out of the way.”

  “Selina!” her uncle said, impressed. “That’s quite some deductive reasoning.”

  “You have a point, My Lady,” the Duke replied, raising an eyebrow. “But I can’t think of a single person who would target the Mortons. They’re very well liked.”

  Selina was prepared for this. “Well, when my family was vacationing in Italy, there was a particular villain who was making his way through the countryside, stealing from the wealthy by breaking into their homes.”

  “Did they catch him?” Uncle Latimer asked.

  “Yes, Uncle. He was caught when he stole from a particularly well-prepared lady, who had posted guards around her home, both day and night.”

  “Who was he?” the Duke asked.

  “An Italian Duke,” she stated, looking around at everyone’s shocked faces. “He didn’t need to steal at all, you see,” she said. “He did it compulsively.”

  “What an evil, evil gentleman,” Aunt Georgiana murmured.

  “Agreed, Aunt,” Selina said, turning her gaze toward the Duke. “What I’m saying is—”

  “Are you ac
cusing my fiancé?” Leah demanded.

  “Not at all,” Selina replied calmly. “How could I? After all, we were all together—with Lord Munro and Lord Sandbourne as well—during the attack. I’m just saying that our culprit may be among the local aristocracy.”