Winning the Duke

by Jenn Langston

  Shrugging, he pulled her along. Sweat broke out on his forehead. After a month at his house, he and Grace would be as good as betrothed. Did he want that? Yes. Should he want that? No.

  Frustration clawed at him. What was he supposed to do? Every second felt like a fight with himself. One side demanded to have Grace, and the other rebelled against the idea. Which was right?

  “It would be nice to return the courtesy your family has extended to me all these years.”

  With her gaze remaining straight ahead, she clicked her tongue. “Brianna will not be traveling much until the baby is born, and my father would be desolate without the activities of the Season.”

  “I suppose the timing is off then.” Although he knew his rash offer was best forgotten, disappointment soured his mouth. The idea of Grace coming to his bedchamber and sleeping in his bed overruled his common sense.

  “What is really going on, Braiden?” She pitched her voice even lower than their prior conversation.

  Unable to resist, he sighed. “I simply miss being in your company.”

  She smiled and tightened her grip on his arm. “Then you must accept my family’s invitation to the ball at Denton House. My father does enjoy showing off his property, and the gardens are extraordinary.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  What was he doing? His blood pumped as his heart leapt. His body didn’t care what he should or shouldn’t do. All it cared about was seeing Grace again. And he didn’t blame the compulsion.

  He smiled to himself. Tomorrow night he would be alone with Grace again. Tomorrow night he fully intended to kiss her. Tomorrow night, he would allow himself to feel joy again. He could hardly wait.

  Chapter 9

  Grace moaned as Braiden moved his lips down to her neck. Although locked in the library, she clamped her lips closed, worrying someone would hear. Desire washed over her. She’d missed this. As Braiden’s hands gripped her tighter, he pushed his knee between her skirts. Her vision blurred.

  “Braiden,” she breathed. “We have to stop.”

  “Why?” He nipped at her neck, sending goose bumps over her flesh.

  “I won’t be able to walk before long.”

  He sighed and then laid his head against her chest. She knew he could hear the rapid beating of her heart, but she didn’t care. He needed to see what he’d done to her.

  Expecting him to pull back, she lost all thought when he ran his tongue along the line of cleavage presented by her dress. His arms gripped her tighter as his mouth continued lavishing attention upon her bare flesh.

  Unable to take it any longer, she pushed against his shoulder, and he immediately released her. She wanted nothing more than to let him take matters as far as possible, but her frustration with him was peaking.

  “I’m sorry.” His passion-filled voice didn’t sound very apologetic.

  Spinning around, she busied herself by trying to smooth out the wrinkles in her skirt. Overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes itched with the need to cry. How could he keep doing this to her, all the while refusing to marry her?

  “This stolen moment brings me back to those happy memories from the holidays,” she said in an unsteady voice.

  He laid his hands on her shoulders, but didn’t turn her around. “That was the happiest time in my life.”

  Instead of comforting, his admission only depressed her further. She wanted to spin around and demand he tell her why she wasn’t good enough for him. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind of the thought.

  “I can agree with that, but we can’t go back. We cannot act in the same manner here.”

  It took him a few moments before he responded. “What exactly are you saying?”

  “From now on, I must save all my kisses for my husband.”

  His hands left her, and she heard him cross the room. She hadn’t wanted to upset him. After all, she enjoyed kissing him, but their current situation wasn’t beneficial to either of them. Neither of them could progress with their lives while they remained stuck with one another.

  “It’s him, isn’t it?” Braiden’s voice turned bitter.

  Confused, she faced him and was taken aback by the fury she saw in his eyes. “Who?”

  “Ryland. I saw him kissing your hand earlier. Don’t think it escaped my notice how long he lingered. Does the man have no thoughts of propriety?”

  Grace’s mouth dropped open. Braiden had been watching her? Mr. Ryland had done nothing wrong. She hadn’t noticed him hesitate for one second.

  What did Braiden want from her? To never look at another man? To content herself with his rare kisses and never experience marriage or love for herself?

  Her anger rose steadily. “What does that have to do with you? I have the right to encourage or discourage any man I choose. You have no place to even remark upon my decisions.”

  “Someone has to look out for you. Your mother hardly turns an eye upon you, and your father gives you too much freedom.”

  Putting her hands on her hips, she stomped over to him. The desire to slap his face rocked her. “How dare you? I don’t appreciate your opinion, nor do I welcome it. Good day to you.”

  Without wasting another second on him, she ran from the room. She didn’t stop until she reached the ladies’ withdrawing room. Tears spilled the second she had privacy. He was hurtful and mean, and she never wanted to see him again.

  Once the tears had run their course, she concentrated on regulating her breathing. Marriage to Braiden didn’t loom in her future. However, now that she had come so close, she wasn’t sure the idea of never having a child would suit her any longer. Especially with Brianna expecting another child. Could she handle watching her sister welcome a baby while she had no possibility of gaining one for herself?

  Forcing her shoulders back and her head up, she knew she could not. She would find another man to marry. Although she’d never love him, at least she would get what she wanted from life.

  As she exited the room, she caught sight of Mr. Ryland. He was an amiable fellow, and she dealt well with him.

  “Lady Grace,” he greeted. “I have been bereft without you.”

  She smiled. “I’m here now.”

  Taking his offered arm, she allowed him to lead her around the room. She caught sight of Braiden but quickly averted her eyes. His presence could not dampen her night.

  “I’m afraid my party will soon be leaving, but I wanted to see you first. Tomorrow night we will be attending a performance at the theater, and I would be honored if you would join us.”

  “I’d be delighted,” she responded.

  When he took his leave of her, she took a deep breath. This was the beginning of her new life. From now on, she would forget her past and focus on the future.

  The next evening as Grace took in the performance, she found it hard to keep her irritating past from her thoughts. Especially since his presence loomed over her.

  “He’s looking at you again,” Rebecca whispered for not the first time that night.

  “As I said, you can’t be sure he’s looking at me.”

  Glancing to her left, Grace confirmed her friend was right. She wasn’t even sure how Braiden discovered where she would be tonight, or why he decided to appear, but the fact remained. She shifted, uncomfortable with his scrutiny. His position in his theater box allowed him to witness more than she cared for him to see.

  “You may lie to me about your affection if you choose, but you can’t lie about his. He does nothing to hide it.”

  “Oh, Rebecca, what shall I do?” Her comment came out louder than she intended, earning a few sideways glances from the other patrons. “He doesn’t wish to marry me.”

  “That does pose a problem. Are you certain that is his decision? Perhaps he merely needs acknowledg
ment of your affection first.”

  Grace shook her head, but couldn’t respond. Another few annoyed glances from the people beside them kept her and Rebecca quiet.

  At intermission, Mr. Ryland leaned toward her. “Are you not enjoying the show?”

  Forcing a smile, she attempted to put Braiden from her mind again. “Very much. Thank you for inviting me.”

  “I have enjoyed spending time with you.” Uncertainty crossed his eyes.

  Concerned, Grace put her hand on his sleeve. “What is wrong?”

  Did he regret inviting her? Had Braiden’s hovering presence made him uncomfortable? She hoped not. At the moment he remained the only man she could stand to be around, and therefore, the closest candidate she had for marriage. The thought of beginning anew made her throat ache.

  “I-I wondered if it would be too bold of me to ask if I can visit with you and your mother during your At Home tomorrow.”

  Relief sank into her bones, and she smiled brightly in response. “Of course.”

  From the corner of her eye, she caught Braiden scowling. Thankfully he couldn’t hear them. He clearly didn’t care for Mr. Ryland, but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t control who she spoke with.

  As the performance began, she could feel Braiden’s eyes upon her. The discomfort made her sit up straighter in her seat. What did he see? Was his discontent directed at her or Mr. Ryland?

  Rebecca leaned toward her, gaining her attention. “I don’t believe Lord Donetic and Mr. Ryland care for one another.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “My cousin has made several comments regarding a dissatisfaction with the way the duke keeps his eyes upon you. And in reverse, Lord Donetic’s glowers could maim a lesser man.”

  Grace shrugged noncommittally, and she turned back to the performance. Although she enjoyed Braiden’s jealousy, it did her no good. He could turn green for all she cared. Unless he decided to marry her, she would ignore him. She would forget him. She just had to keep reminding herself of that.

  “Do you intend to prowl around all afternoon?” Kenneth Rawson, Baron Berwick, asked Braiden as he lazily took a sip of his brandy.

  With a sigh, Braiden tried to calm himself while dropping in a chair. Ever since Grace had rejected his kisses, she had accepted dances and offered smiles to every other gentleman in London. The thought she could be with one of them right now drove him mad.

  “I’m sorry, Kenneth. The stifling room has me restless.”

  Nodding, his friend set his drink down. “If you would like to go out, I have no objections.”

  “No. Please tell me about you and Lady Berwick’s travels.”

  “My wife has taken enjoyment from whisking off to one place after another. She’s a lot like her grandmother in that respect.”

  “Speaking of her, has Lady Laramie settled upon another theme this year? I have decided to attend her annual ball.”

  Braiden still regretted missing the Venice-themed ball, but with Tabitha his life hadn’t exactly been normal. Excitement about the upcoming event struck him. After he’d realized his wife hadn’t loved him, he’d stopped looking forward to such things. The idea Grace had changed him struck him in the heart. How could he look forward to anything without her?

  “I have been sworn to secrecy. The countess plans to release the theme within the next day or two. She’s waiting until the ball stands a week out.”

  “Then I won’t pry. I can wait with the rest of London.”

  “Good man.” Kenneth sat still for a few seconds as if wanting to say something else. “Braiden, I must admit, my presence here isn’t entirely for a social call.”

  Leaning back in his chair, Braiden steepled his fingers. He didn’t get the feeling he would like this. “Go on.”

  “As your friend, I’ve been approached by your sister and your cousin. They are both worried about you, and after hearing their accounts, so am I.”

  “Don’t concern yourself. My family is prone to exaggeration.”

  “You once told me love didn’t exist. That the only happiness in marriage was if the two parties held no fond feelings for one another. But you were wrong.”

  “I don’t see how this has anything to do with me.”

  “You weren’t happy with Tabitha. I know that. She was the wrong woman for you. Don’t let your bad experience with her damage your chances of finding love with another.”

  Closing his eyes, Braiden let out a deep breath. Kenneth didn’t understand. Once Grace learned how inept he was in bed, she would turn to other men as well. The very thought broke his heart. He wouldn’t be able to survive, helplessly watching while Grace turned against him.

  “I’m very happy you were able to find joy with Lady Berwick. I also know people who claim to be in love feel the need to see everyone around them in a similar situation. I applaud your efforts, but it isn’t for me.”

  With a stern expression, Kenneth kept his eyes trained on Braiden. The baron seemed to be attempting to intimidate him into thinking as he did. It wouldn’t work.

  “If you would just—”

  Braiden stood. “It was wonderful to catch up with you. However, I have a pressing appointment I must attend. I do hope you won’t be a stranger around here.”

  Kenneth stood as well. “Of course not. If you need me for anything, you can come immediately. Just know, Lady Grace is my friend too.”

  With that parting remark, the baron left the room. Braiden fell back into his chair and covered his face with his hands. How did Kenneth find out? Thomas. Braiden cursed his cousin.

  The idea of their mutual friends approaching Grace bothered him. What would she say if they did? Would she tell them he rejected her for marriage? He groaned. His family wouldn’t take that too kindly.

  Dragging himself out of his chair, he called for his carriage. Mr. Spinner had sent word yesterday, telling him of an update. Although Braiden was ready to get to the bottom of Tabitha’s death so he could put it behind him, part of him worried about learning the truth.

  What if the incident had been random? Would he be satisfied with the knowledge? What if it had been planned? He shivered. The notion of her suffering from a premeditated murder by a madman made him even more uncomfortable.

  When he arrived at Mr. Spinner’s office, Braiden felt no better regarding the situation.

  “Your Grace,” Mr. Spinner greeted. “I’m glad you came. I have discovered a small amount of news for you.”

  Braiden took a seat across from his solicitor. “Yes?”

  “The duchess’s jewels you described to me have come up for purchase. I followed the trail.”

  “And?” Braiden sat further forward in his chair.

  “We haven’t tracked down the entire group responsible for the attack on Lady Donetic, but we have enough proof to piece together the truth.”

  Squelching the desire to grab the little man by his lapels and demand an answer, Braiden gripped the arms of the chair. “What do you know?”

  “Someone hired a gang of highwaymen to murder Lord Rhodes and your wife. Now the attackers are dying. One by one.”

  Grace couldn’t keep her eyes from surveying the room as she danced with Mr. Ryland. Lady Laramie was known for her elaborate balls and tonight the savanna theme didn’t disappoint. A layer of green grass trimmed the perimeter of the room. The spongy texture felt soft under her slippers, and she enjoyed the light, crisp aroma it added to the ballroom.

  Along the wall, the blue sky had been replicated, complete with white puffy clouds. With the addition of lifelike statues of exotic animals, Grace felt as though she were in another country. Even with the extravagant ballroom, nothing could compare to the garden. Peeking around her partner through the open terrace doors, Grace sighed at the beauty of the erected sunset. The yellows, r
eds, and oranges called to her.

  “I fear I have lost you to the decor,” Mr. Ryland observed.

  Heat crept up her face at the acknowledgment of her inattention. “I’m sorry. This ball is the highlight of the Season, and I don’t want to miss one thing.”

  “Your friendship with the hostess’s granddaughter didn’t allow you a prior opportunity to look around?”

  “Absolutely not.” Grace couldn’t contain her surprise at such a notion. “Nothing is released or seen until Lady Laramie has decided.”

  He laughed, and Grace turned her gaze back outside. She hadn’t made it out yet, and she could hardly contain her anticipation.

  “Would you like an escort through the garden?”

  Her gaze shot to his, but his face only held amusement. “I would love one.”

  As soon as the song ended, Mr. Ryland took her arm and walked toward the garden. Stepping out, Grace’s breath caught. A large sheet had been hung out in the garden so the guests could see the painting of the sunset upon it from the terrace.

  With the intricate pattern and warm colors used, Grace imagined the painted sunset was better than the actual thing. She wanted to touch it, to move her hand over the cloth to see if the painting spoke to her the way her sister’s paintings always had.

  Brianna would have loved it. Unfortunately in her sister’s current condition, Richard declared her unable to travel. The thought of the baby made Grace’s stomach tighten. Would she ever experience what Brianna was going through right now?