Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke?

by Laura A. Barnes

  When he lifted his head, he stared into her eyes, neither of them glancing away.

  “I am sorry, my love.”

  “You hurt me.”

  “A pain I feel in my soul and will work every day for the rest of our lives to heal.”

  “Why?”

  “I assumed you played me for a fool. You are not aware of it, but your father has threatened me with a document that could strip the dukedom from my family. I thought perhaps you were a ploy in his game. Then when you befriended me as Sophia, knowing how I cared about Violet and playing on my love for her, I felt manipulated.”

  Sophia smoothed the creases around his mouth, wanting to wipe away his frown. She wasn't an innocent in this mess. In her own way, she did play him. All along she held knowledge of his identity, while he didn't discover hers until the end.

  “I am sorry too.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for.”

  “I fooled you because I feared you would not want me, if you figured that the Violet you desired was Sophia Turlington.”

  “We haven’t started off on the right foot, have we?”

  “You hated me.”

  Sheffield laughed, feeling lighter. “I believe that is the other way around, my dear.”

  “How so? You were always cruel to me. Both times after you kissed me, you spoke such hateful words.”

  “Because my dear, I knew who you were and even then, you threw me for a loop. Your kisses aroused me, and I thought the allure of your attraction would trap me. I figured if I was hateful, you would keep your distance and not tempt me into fulfilling my desires. But after Violet left and I saw you at the soiree, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You gave me doubts on my feelings toward Violet.”

  “So, you wanted both of us?”

  “Yes, and I fought the conflict. But then I didn’t need to, did I? For you two are one and the same, and knowing that I became furious at myself. Because all the signs were there and I refused to notice them. So, I blamed you for making me a fool.”

  “Do you forgive me?”

  “Ah, Sophia, I forgave you the minute I hurt you. I only hope one day you can forgive me.”

  “I forgive you, Sheffield.”

  “Alex, my Sophia.”

  “Alexander.”

  “Am I forgiven enough that you will agree to be my duchess?”

  “I am not aware you have asked me.”

  “Sophia, my dearest, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my bride?”

  “Do you love me or are you in love with Violet? I am not her; I am Sophia.”

  “Are you not, my dear? I fear you are wrong. Violet is the woman you have always desired to be but held yourself back from becoming so as not to disappoint anyone. I love you as Sophia and as Violet. As my wife, I hope you will allow Violet into your world of being Sophia. Because they are both beautiful creatures who carry my heart.”

  Sophia started to cry again at his sweet words. He understood her better than she did herself. How did she ever think him to be a man of an overbearing nature? He was the dearest man on earth, and she promised to make him feel special every day.

  “I love you, Alex. Your love inspires me. I would love to be your bride.”

  Sophia lifted her head to seal her promise with a kiss. Her fingers slid around his neck deepening the kiss, wanting to show him her love and forgiveness. Their kiss turned passionate as they expressed their desires and happiness. Soon Alex’s hands roamed her body, caressing as Sophia moaned her delight. Lost in the passion of each other, they forgot they were in a park. When a couple of ladies walked by expressing their disgust at such a vulgar display of affection, Sophia and Alex fell into a fit of laughter. When the ladies noticed who they were, and the scandal attached to them, they rushed away.

  “I fear, my dear, we are ruined.”

  “Yes, my love, it appears so. Kiss me again before you take me home. If we hurry, you should be safe from Papa’s gun.”

  “What?”

  “Never mind, we shall go to your place first and then send for my parents.”

  “Gun?”

  “Kiss me, Alex,” Sophia demanded.

  Alex kissed Sophia long and passionate, and before long he forgot about the gun. He carried her to his carriage, kissing her along the way. The gasps and sighs as they left the park echoed around them. Once inside, he fought to keep her hands off him. He wanted her, but not inside a carriage. He wanted her spread across his sheets as he made love to her for the first time without a mask. Also, he wanted to wait until she was his bride. He would endure her father’s wrath and court her as she deserved until they were married. It would frustrate him, but she would be worth the wait.

  Alex confused Sophia when his carriage arrived at her parents' townhouse. From the way he caressed and kissed her, she thought Alex was taking her to his home. She couldn’t enter the house appearing this disheveled. Her hair hung in tangles and his hands had wrinkled her dress. She traced the fullness of her lips from his kisses and knew her parents would be furious.

  “Alex?”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “I thought ...”

  “I know—and believe me, I want to. But I also want to right my wrongs and to do that I need your parents' approval.”

  “My father wants to kill you.”

  “Kill is a strong word, my love.”

  “Not when it is the correct word. You do not understand.”

  “Come love, trust me.”

  Sophia allowed Alex to escort her inside. When they crossed the threshold, it was to find her father with a loaded rifle pointed at Sheffield, her mother panicking at his side. Her fire-breathing mama was in a fit of hysterics. Sophia gasped and pleaded with her father to lower the gun.

  “Give me one good reason not to shoot your head off.”

  “I love your daughter and will cherish her for the rest of my life.”

  Her mother gasped, “Oh, Samuel, how romantic.”

  “Is this a ploy to stop me from releasing the document?”

  “No. This is simply a man falling in love with a woman and wanting to create a life with her. You have my permission to expose the document for the truth it may hold.”

  “It will ruin you.”

  “I am aware of the repercussions.”

  “This will ruin Sophia too.”

  Sophia said, “I will only be ruined if I have to spend my life away from him. Whatever you hold over him, we will endure together.”

  “And if I forbid this union?”

  “Then it will happen anyway, Father. I love him and no other.”

  Her father sighed. “I am outnumbered. Meet me in my study to discuss the marriage contract.”

  Her father walked away defeated and her mother crowed her delight at the good news. She rushed to the parlor with instructions to the servants on a wedding to plan. Sophia chuckled on how quickly a moment could change. One minute her father threatened Alex with a gun, and the next plans for their marriage were under way.

  “What is so funny?”

  “Life.”

  “Mmm, I believe you are correct.”

  “Will you sneak into my room after you are finished with my father?”

  “No, I will return home.”

  “Will you meet me at Belle’s?”

  “No, Sophia. From this day forth, Belle’s is off limits to you.”

  “But it is open for you, I suppose. I remember your remarks from when you courted Sidney.”

  Sophia’s temper rose at his denial for them to be together. Now that she agreed to marry him, apparently his life would return to the normal activities of carousing while she sat at home all demure.

  “No, my jealous duck. I will not be visiting Belle’s again, you are enough.”

  “Then why?”

  “Because I owe you the courtship you deserve. Our whole relationship has been unorthodox. I wish to create memories for you to cherish.”

  “Every memory we have sh
ared, I will cherish. I do not need this simple nonsense, nor do I want it.”

  “But I do, love.”

  She tried to tempt him. “I want you, Alex.” Her whisper turned husky as she stroked his body.

  He tensed from the sound of her voice and the touch of her fingers as she caressed him. His willpower was weak to begin with and the added temptation of her seduction was more than he could handle.

  “One week, and I will get a special license. Give me one week,” he pleaded.

  Sophia pouted. “One week.”

  Sheffield glanced over his shoulder to make sure they were alone and that her father didn’t lurk around the corner. Then he pulled her to him and gave her a kiss full of promises to come. With a final kiss on her nose, he turned and strolled to her father’s study to arrange for Sophia to be his bride.

  Sophia sighed as he walked away. She would give him one week, but wouldn't make it easy on him. She planned to tempt him at every opportunity.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  And she didn’t make it easy for him. Sophia tempted Sheffield at every turn. From the cut of her dress to the lingering touch of her hand. His need for her was undeniable. Her parents never left them alone, hovering to the point of annoyance. But through the week he charmed her mother and fixed the rift with her father, who burnt the document stating Sheffield was not the legitimate heir to the Sheffield name. Lord Hartridge had proved the document to be false and explained the forgery. They destroyed the paper so that no future generation had to deal with the dilemma. Sheffield and Sophia's father even managed to compromise on a few key topics in Parliament.

  However, the letters from Sophia teased Sheffield's mind and made him crazy with need. They would range from his sweet Sophia to his temptress Violet. Each letter holding a special place in his heart.

  When he replied, Sheffield also sent a gift. Little trinkets of affection, each one endearing her heart to him more. Alex was sexy, sweet, loving and a tease. Sophia’s frustrations grew with being so near to him, yet so far away. Her frustration turned to a longing and a desire to be his wife after his last letter and gift. She held the letter, tears of love streaming down her face.

  My darling Sophia,

  You tore this from your heart with pain. I hope you wear it upon your heart today in love. I do not deserve you, but I will attempt every day to try. You tempted me as Violet, but it is you Sophia who I love. You are the temptress that captured my heart.

  I love you.

  Your soon to be husband,

  Alexander

  Sophia opened the small box. Inside was the necklace. She remembered ripping it from her throat the night he destroyed her. She had thrown it away in Sidney’s garden. Her fingers trembled as she traced the purple stone in the heart, her love for him spreading through her body, eager to be his bride. She slid the necklace around her throat. The final piece to make today perfect.

  As Sophia walked down the aisle, Alex stood at the front nervous for fear she would not come. When he saw the beauty of her smile radiate the church, he felt honored to have been given the gift of such a wonderful woman. When he noticed the necklace resting against her chest, he knew all was forgiven and their love would only flourish from this day forth.

  Once they spoke their vows, he kissed his bride. Soon their friends and family set upon them with their congratulations. Then they enjoyed a reception at Sophia’s parents' home. After many handshakes, hugs, and toasts they were able to sneak away.

  Alex carried her over the threshold of his townhome, his eyes lost in hers. He waved, dismissing the servants as he carried her to his bedroom. He'd waited for this moment impatiently for over a week. Many distractions throughout that time kept them from being alone. Today he would make Sophia his true love.

  Sophia lay in his arms; her gaze entranced by his. She could feel his arms tremble as he held her. She lifted her hand and held his cheek.

  “I love you, Alex.”

  “Ahh Phee, you are my heart and soul.”

  “Then are you going to kiss me or not? I have been dying for the taste of your lips for an eternity.”

  Alex laughed. “Are you going to be a task-master, my duchess?”

  “Only when my duke keeps me waiting.”

  So, on her orders, he lowered his head and took her lips in a kiss to make memories. Each kiss leading into another as they poured their emotions into each other's souls. As he lowered her to her feet, they slowly removed their clothing. He lifted her again and laid Sophia on his bed.

  As he made love to her, his eyes never left hers. No mask covered Sophia's face. Each of them lay exposed to the other, open and vulnerable. With every kiss and stroke of his fingers he watched her full expression come alive.

  Their bodies joined, clinging to each other, and whispering words of love. When he exploded inside her, his fingers traced around her eyes. Her tears gliding off his fingertips. She was beautiful to him, inside and out.

  Sophia cried as they made love. The beauty of their love-making touched a deeper part of her soul. That was how it was with Alex; he drew emotions from her that Sophia didn’t know she possessed.

  They lay side by side and whispering into the night, her fingers wrapped around the necklace and his intertwined holding their love close. Sophia was secure and knew that Alex loved her for who she was, not who she portrayed as Violet. However, Violet brought them together and might appear from time to time. She smiled secretively at Alex, and he returned her smile, pulling her underneath him and making her dreams come true.

  Her smile spoke her intentions. From the look in her eye, to the smile that graced her lips, to the touch of her fingers, he would be forever brought to his knees. His new duchess achieved what many said could never be done, but he would do for the rest of their lives together.

  Epilogue

  “Now that you are home from your honeymoon, you can assist me with my latest project.”

  “Another experiment, Sid?”

  “I refer to them as matchmaking, Phee.”

  Sophia laughed as Sidney tried explaining the differences between the two terms. Even though the end result would be the same.

  “Who is the unlucky couple?”

  Sid joined Phee’s laughter at her teasing. She stared at the happiness glowing off her friend. Because of her interference, Sophia was now happily married to Alexander Langley. At one time the newlyweds never got along. With a gentle push in the right direction they found their love for each other. All as a result from her matchmaking attempts. It was the least she could do, since Phee helped her with Wilde. Now all Sidney wanted was to help their friend and she would need Phee’s assistance.

  “Rory and Lady Dallis MacPherson.”

  “Sid, I think you should leave well enough alone with Rory. He will not take kindly to our meddling.”

  “He doesn’t have to know, Phee. We will just nudge him discreetly in her direction. He is infatuated with her, and you heard how she is interested in him. They are a perfect match.”

  “You are forgetting the main factor.”

  “And that is?”

  “He is broke, and her grandfather will only allow her to marry a man of wealth and power. Sadly to say, our friend has neither.”

  Sidney waved this away. “A small matter of unimportance. Love conquers all. Why, just the other day, I read this novel about an impoverished duke who loved an heiress. Her father never approved, but the duke whisked her away to Scotland and married her. Their passion overruled common sense as they discovered their deep, abiding love. Rory and Dallis only need to discover the same.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes. Now that Sidney was obsessed with love stories, her friend thought everyone needed to find their happily ever after.

  “What do Rory and Dallis need to discover?”

  Alex and Wilde strode inside the parlor, catching the end of Sidney’s declaration for Rory. Alex only had eyes for his wife and he watched the secret smile light up her face as he came to her side. He leaned ov
er to kiss her gently on the mouth. His lips lingered until he heard Wilde’s soft cough, followed by Sidney’s laughter. His desire for Sophia never diminished. Any minute spent away only grew his need stronger.

  “Sidney wants to play matchmaker between Rory and Dallis. She thinks they need to discover their love for one another.” Sophia explained.

  “Sidney, you made a promise to leave them be,” Wilde growled.

  “She may be on to something,” Sheffield said.

  “I am?” Sidney asked.

  “What?” Sophia and Wilde exclaimed.

  Sheffield laughed. To be in agreement with Sidney was shocking to say the least. However, he wanted to help her. He owed Lady Dallis for his boorish behavior at the Wildeburg’s dinner party. Plus, if he could make Beckwith suffer, it was all the more pleasurable.

  “What do you have planned?” Sheffield asked Sidney.

  Wilde rose from the couch and pulled Sidney to her feet. He would not allow this scheme to go any further. He wasn’t acquainted with Lady Dallis, but he understood the devious minds of his wife and friend enough to realize this would only end in disaster. While he got along with Beckwith, he also knew of his struggles. Beckwith’s pride would be his downfall for this matchmaking plan to succeed. It would seem Wilde needed to keep his wife well occupied for the rest of the season. He guided her toward the door before any more of this discussion continued.

  “We shall talk later, Sheffield.” Sidney laughed as Wilde ushered her away.

  Sheffield laughed as he watched his friend try to handle his wife. Try being the operative word. When he caught Sophia's eye, she narrowed her gaze at his amusement. He lifted her into his arms and settled back on the chair with her in his lap. When he lowered his head to kiss her, she pulled away.

  “You are not serious on helping Sidney, are you?”

  “Perhaps, I am.” He lowered his head again, this time capturing her lips in kiss.