A Duke's Decision (The Duke''s Club Book 4)

by G. L. Snodgrass

  The memory made her blush inside. She had come so close to making a fool of herself. Thankfully, she had kept quiet and the moment had passed. But there had been something in his eyes. Something that told her he was wanting her as much as she wanted him.

  Instead, he had turned away and pulled the conversation back to the supply problems with the army.

  She was terrified that he would charge off like a bull in a china shop, unafraid of the political ramifications. Or the danger. Men who were willing to betray their country for a quick pound would do anything to protect themselves. Men who would cheat and steal were just as likely to kill.

  Then there was the danger to his reputation. Anderson’s was a very well-respected company that employed thousands. Dukes and Earls were investors in the company. Even Prinny was known to be friendly with Anderson’s son. So, they needed to be sure of their facts she had repeatedly pointed out to him.

  Now, there he was as Jarvis held his coat for him. So tall, so handsome.

  He looked up and their eyes met. Once again, she felt that burning need inside of her. That feeling of love.

  With a small smile, he continued to stare at her as she walked down the stairs. God how she wished …

  “Duncan,” Lady Denton called out as she stepped to the head of the stairs, her hand gripping the banister so hard her knuckles had turned white. “Before you go off on this silly business, a moment of your time.”

  Emily froze. Had Lady Denton seen the look she had shared with The Duke?

  The woman was looking gray and weak. Dressed in her silk robe, it was obvious that seeing the Major was rather important. Lizzy, just behind her, shot Emily a quick look of concern. A look that said the older woman should be in bed.

  Emily shrugged to the maid, what could she do? The woman was a force of nature and would refuse any suggestions or advice as to how she should live her life.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” The Duke said as he stepped away from Jarvis, giving Emily a quick glance. He is wondering the same thing she thought. Their look had been overly long and filled with hidden meaning. Anyone with any brains would jump to the conclusion that there was something between them. An energy that could not be ignored.

  If they were particularly perceptive, they would know they had shared a night of passion. Emily could only hope that Lady Denton’s illness had softened her awareness.

  The older woman glanced down at Emily, then back at her nephew. Her brow furrowed with a strange look before she asked her nephew, “Will you return in time to escort us to the Hamilton’s. If not, I may ask Lord Hawley. I do think …”

  The Duke’s face turned as hard as stone as he said, “I will be back in time, I promise you.”

  Emily’s brow furrowed in confusion. Why had Lady Denton suggested Lord Hawley? Surely, she knew the Duke hated the man.

  Lady Denton continued to study them for a long moment, then turned to go back to her room. Lizzy next to her if she was needed. Lady Denton suddenly stopped, then turned back and said, “Emily, when you are done here, will you see me in my room?”

  Once again Emily’s heart turned over, those last few words had been filled with so much meaning.

  “Of course, My Lady,” Emily responded as she watched the woman turn away again, her hand resting on Lizzy’s shoulder.

  The Duke raised an eyebrow to Emily, obviously asking her what that was all about. All Emily could do was shrug her shoulders.

  He laughed, then turned back to Jarvis only to be interrupted by Jones coming back in the front door.

  “The carriage is ready, Your Grace,” the valet said, “Your bag is loaded.”

  The Duke scowled down at Jones. Emily felt a brief sense of relief to know that scowl was not focused on her.

  “I ordered my horse,” The Duke barked at Jarvis. Furious that his orders had been disobeyed.

  The butler sputtered as he stared at the valet.

  Jones shook his head, “Don’t be blaming Jarvis, Your Grace. I had them change it.”

  Emily watched amazed as the Duke reigned in his anger. That temple twitch was at full speed. She knew him though. It was taking every bit of his self-control to stop from erupting like a roman candle.

  “Why? may I ask.

  Jones shrugged, ”I can’t ride a horse, Your Grace. Not all the way to Sheffield.”

  The Duke’s jawline stiffened as he said, “What makes you think you are going?”

  Jones frowned, “You told me to pack your pistol, Your Grace. That means you might be having a fight or two. And we both know you do better with me watching your back. Lets you focus on the important things.”

  Emily’s heart squeezed to a stop at the thought of the Duke facing danger. Could it really be that serious?

  “If I need you,” the Duke said through gritted teeth, “I will let you know.

  The servant stared up at the Duke, then pointedly at the injured arm tucked into his employer’s pocket. “Have you shot a lot of men left-handed, Your Grace?”

  Emily’s hand flew to her mouth at Jones’s boldness. But before the Duke could fully process how he was being disregarded, Jones turned to her and said, “You tell him, Miss Winslow, he’ll listen to you.”

  A new fear filled her, the last thing she wished to do was to disagree with the Duke. Last night’s conversation had been the first building block of a new friendship. Now, to have it all put at risk. The man would be furious with her.

  But Jones was right, she realized. When it came to the Duke’s safety, her fears had to be ignored.

  “He’s right, and you know it,” she said to the Duke as she looked up into his eyes. “Besides, Lord Riverstone mentioned that he much preferred carriage rides to horseback.”

  His scowl deepened. Emily held her breath, it was wrong to lie to him, but if it got him into a coach instead of spending three days on the back of a horse, then it was more than justified she told herself.

  Finally, his shoulders slumped and he barked at Jones, “I’ll be right there.”

  The valet smiled broadly, giving Emily a look of thanks before saying, “Just a moment, Your Grace,” as he rushed up the stairs for one last task.

  Emily and the Duke continued to stare at each other until finally, he started to turn to leave, she instinctively placed a hand on his arm to stop him. “Promise me you will be careful, Your Grace.”

  He looked down at the hand holding him back, then shook his head, “You people would think we were off to invade Paris itself. It’s a foundry in Sheffield for God’s sake. They make cutlery.”

  Emily continued to stare up at him, “Regardless, please be safe.”

  He looked down into her eyes and she felt the earth move as she saw a longing look of hunger behind his eyes. Oh, how she wished she could kiss him. Let him know with her lips what he meant to her. Instead, she took a step back as her heart broke for the tenth time.

  The Duke, her Major, sighed again then gave her a small smile before turning and leaving her all alone.

  A sense of abandonment filled her. A deep understanding that she would never know happiness again. For a long minute, she wallowed in the misery, then pulled her shoulders back. She must put it behind her. Besides, Lady Denton was waiting for her.

  As Emily walked up the stairs, Jones hurried back down, a wide smile on his lips. She wondered what that was all about. It was obviously more than simply being pleased that the Major had agreed to his plans.

  “Take care of him, Corporal,” she said as the man passed her.

  The valet laughed, “That is what I do, Miss. And I am very good at my job.”

  A small smile crossed Emily’s face. The Major was in the best of hands. But it wasn’t the same as her being there herself. She knew she would spend the next few days anxiously waiting for his return. She would fret and worry herself half to death. All for a man who did not love her.

  Once again, she was filled with sadness.

  As she approached Lady Denton’s room, Lizzy stepped out and shook her he
ad. “That Mr. Jones,” the maid said as if she were trying to understand a strange puzzle. “Telling His Grace what to do. Changing his instructions like that. And the Duke listened to him.”

  “His Grace knows good advice when he hears it,” Emily said as she studied the young woman. There was something in her face when she talked about the corporal. A questioning interest that animated the maid.

  And it was obvious the valet was very interested in the young woman. The way his eyes followed her whenever they were in the same room. Of course, he was. Lizzy was very pretty, intelligent, and a good person.

  As she had before, she wished them well, but a deep regret filled her at the realization that she and the Major would never know such happiness. And wouldn’t that be a change in things, a shift in the normal way of the world, the maid and valet falling in love while their employers remained nothing more than friends.

  “How is Lady Denton?” Emily asked the maid, determined to push this sadness away.

  Lizzy’s brow creased in a deep frown. “I wish the doctors had never given her the laudanum. If you ask me, I think it makes things worse, Miss.”

  Emily nodded. She had long suspected the same thing. Perhaps she should discuss it with The Major when he returned.

  Lady Denton was sitting in her favorite stuffed chair by the fire, a blanket across her knees.

  “There you are dear,” the older woman said, “Is Duncan away?”

  Emily said, “Yes, he and Jones are off.” A nervousness filled her stomach as she looked around the room for something to keep herself busy. The look in Lady Denton’s eyes made it appear to be that she wished to discuss something important.

  Unfortunately, with a Lady’s maid now, everything was taken care of. All she could do was keep the older woman company.

  Lady Denton pointed to the other chair and said, “We need to talk.”

  Emily swallowed hard as she sat and silently waited.

  “I have done my very best to teach you everything you need to know as a Lady of British society…”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” Emily interrupted, “I can never thank you enough.”

  “… Things such as which fork to use.” Lady Denton continued as if she didn’t want to be interrupted until she had finished. It was as if she had thought out a prepared statement, Emily thought.

  “What conversation topics where appropriate. Expectations of behavior.”

  “Yes Ma’am,” Emily said as her stomach clenched with worry.

  “In fact, you have been the daughter I never had.”

  Emily’s heart broke with love for this woman. This woman who had taken her in and given her every opportunity. Never judged her for being nothing more than a sergeant’s daughter.

  “First of all,” Lady Denton continued, “I want you to know that you will be taken care of. When … I have set aside more than enough to see to your wellbeing.”

  “My Lady! No.”

  The older woman laughed and shook her head. “I’m not saying it will be soon, mind you. So, don’t go spending it yet. No, but someday. Duncan’s solicitor has assured me that everything is taken care of.”

  Emily’s mind whirled as she tried to process this information. The thought of Lady Denton passing created a deep hole in her heart. As for her being taken care of. It seemed too much to even believe.

  “But,” Lady Denton said with a heavy sigh, “I have failed in teaching you one of the most important of things. Something that every Lady needs to know.”

  Emily held her breath as she bit back another interruption. Her mind was still trying to wrestle with the previous bit of news.

  “How to seduce a man,” Lady Denton said with a wicked smile.

  “What?” Emily stammered as she fought to understand. Suddenly, the entire previous conversation was forgotten.

  Lady Denton laughed, “Don’t be so shocked. Once you get to be my age you discover what is important. And trapping the right man could be considered the most important challenge a woman faces.”

  Emily gasped and shook her head, “Lady D…”

  “No, don’t interrupt. This is too important. I have seen the way you look at him.”

  Emily’s stomach shriveled into a tight ball. “Wh … Who?”

  “Duncan, the Duke,” the older woman scoffed. “What is more, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And I am telling you, get him into bed and you’ll be a Duchess within the week.”

  “But … but … but,”

  Lady Denton laughed again, “I notice you didn’t deny loving him.”

  Emily’s face flashed with heat. How could she be having this conversation. Who was this woman? Had the laudanum addled her mind?

  “Don’t act so surprised,” the older woman said. “If we do this right, things will work out. I promise.”

  A thousand different emotions raced through Emily’s mind as she tried to regain her footing. Things were going too fast. She needed Lady Denton to understand. “I told him I wouldn’t marry him.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because he doesn’t love me,” she whispered.

  Lady Denton scoffed again as she waved her hand in dismissal. “What does love have to do with marriage? I swear. You young people and your silly ideas of love …”

  “No,” Emily interrupted. “I could never do that to him. Tie him to a woman he doesn’t want. Besides, I thought you wanted him to marry a princess.”

  Lady Denton leaned back in her chair and studied her Lady’s companion for a long moment. “You’ve shared his bed already. Haven’t you?”

  Emily felt as if her world were coming to an end. She couldn’t lie, not about this. Looking down she studied her hands in her lap and finally nodded yes.

  “And you told him you wouldn’t marry him?”

  This had to be the most embarrassing disaster of her entire life, she thought. To have this conversation with Lady Denton. A woman she both admired and loved. And what was even worse, the Major’s aunt. What must the woman think of her?

  Surely, if she prayed hard enough the earth would open up and take her into oblivion. It was the only way to escape this pain and shame.

  At last, when the silence became too much to bear, she looked up at her employer.

  Lady Denton shook her head. “You do know, when you catch the one you want. You don’t let them go. That is how the game is played.”

  “I couldn’t,” Emily said as a tear began to crawl down her cheek. “I love him too much.”

  Chapter Twenty

  The Duke of Richmond glanced over at Lord Riverstone as the coach rounded a bend. Two days on the road and he knew less about the man than when they started. The young man had spent most of it lost in his papers and ledgers, searching for clues.

  “Tell me Riverstone,” the Duke said, “Do you prefer carriages to horses because you can study your books?”

  The young man’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I much prefer horseback, Your Grace. But since I am here, I thought I would use the opportunity.

  The Duke blanched for a moment, Emily had lied to him, blatantly. Why? Was it simply her concern for his health and to get him into a carriage? Well, who would have thought the woman had it in her? The perfect Miss Winslow wasn’t beyond a little subterfuge.

  For several minutes he turned over the idea of what she had done, then smiled to himself. Good for her. She wasn’t so naive nor innocent. It was good that she could use such manipulations. Only a fool or a child would think they could achieve what they wanted without realizing that sometimes the rules needed to be broken.

  The fact that she had done it for his own good only made it more interesting. She hadn’t lied for her benefit, but for his. Remarkable. Then, slowly, other thoughts seeped into his mind. The dishes served at dinner. He hadn’t needed to use a knife for a month. Had that been Emily’s doing?

  And then there were subtle questions about his exercises with Jones. Nothing overt, but her way of reminding him how important they were.

  Y
es, it seemed young Miss Winslow was much more … proficient at maneuvering situations to his benefit. Remarkable.

  Once again, the coach rocked to the side, making him wince as his injured shoulder was slammed into the side. Riverstone quickly snatched a piece of paper that threatened to fall from his lap.

  “And what do the books tell you?” the Duke asked once the coach righted itself.

  Lord Riverstone frowned deeply then shook his head. “Nothing more than I already knew. Anderson’s has a perfect reputation. At least according to our records. Products of the highest quality. Always delivered on time and at fair prices.”

  “Doesn’t sound like a traitorous organization. If you ask me.”

  “No, Your Grace. In addition, Jacob Anderson has one son and two nephews fighting in Spain. His son is on Weseley’s staff. A lieutenant.”

  “A perfect position to hide problems,” the Duke said as he tried to recall if he and the young Anderson had met. No, probably not, he tended to avoid the staff officer. Too many of them were more interested in promotion than in winning the war.

  Riverstone shrugged, “Perhaps, but it also puts the young man at risk. A blemish on his father’s reputation would pass to the son. He would be cashiered and sent home in disgrace.”

  The Duke pondered the situation. Anderson was risking a lot by passing off unacceptable products. If he had bribed someone, he would lose everything. Was it worth it? It didn’t make sense.

  “Well,” the Duke said as he pulled the curtain back to look out the window. “We will know in a few minutes. We are entering Sheffield.”

  Lord Riverstone nodded as he started to gather his papers and put them into his case. “The foundry is in the middle of town. I’m told that Anderson has an office there.”

  The Duke sat back. It would all be over in a few minutes. If they could discover who Anderson bribed, then perhaps they could pull that string to find out how far it went. His gut told him this corruption wasn’t restricted to one company. Much like a wounded leg invested with gangrene, he feared if not amputated and cauterized it would spread throughout the British economy and allow Napoleon an easy victory.