by Ava Stone
Caroline grinned and spun around in her gown the color of warm honey, her golden-brown curls swayed back and forth. “Do you like it?”
“Caro, you always look splendid,” she replied honestly.
“You are a dear.” Caroline dropped on to the corner of the bed by Livvie and grasped her hands. “I have a favor to ask, darling.”
That was unusual. Generally people sought Caroline out for favors. “Of course.”
Her cousin frowned a bit. “I don’t mean to shock you, but I believe Kelfield has developed a tendre of sorts for you.”
Livvie’s mouth fell open. Of all the things she expected Caroline to say, that had never entered her mind. “I do believe you’re mistaken, Caro. That degenerate does not even like me, let alone hold a soft spot in his heart for me.”
Caroline frowned. “I’d hardly call him a degenerate.”
Perfect! Now she’d have to listen to Caroline extol his wonderful character. Livvie fell back on the bed, staring up at her canopy. “I’d rather not hear about his finer points, few as I’m sure they are.”
Caroline scoffed. “There is much more to His Grace than the wicked devil-may-care rogue he pretends to be.”
“I don’t think he’s pretending.”
“He is loyal and a true friend. He is a loving and devoted father.”
Livvie snorted. “There isn’t enough time in the day for him to be devoted to so many.” After all, it was rumored the man had fathered dozens of children. How could he possibly be devoted to all of his offspring? Caroline generally was a much better judge of character.
Her cousin smacked her knee. “Olivia Danbury,” she remarked reproachfully—which was saying something as Caroline was never reproachful. “What has gotten into you? I’ve never known you to be so ungenerous in nature.”
Livvie rose up on her elbows and shrugged. “I’m sorry, Caroline. I suppose I’m missing Philip more and more. Being secluded in Derbyshire has made that more pronounced, I’m afraid.”
Caroline squeezed Livvie’s leg, and her hazel eyes seemed to understand. “I know you miss him, darling. It shouldn’t be too much longer before he returns home.”
Livvie bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “I don’t even know if he’s all right, Caroline. He hasn’t written in ages.”
“Darling, you know he’s fine. The Averys have kept you well informed.”
“But what if Russell and Tristan aren’t telling them everything? What if something’s happened to him? And if he does come home… What if he’s not the same person anymore?”
“The same person?” Caroline echoed. “Livvie, Philip is fine. And when he returns you’ll marry and everything will be as it was intended.”
Livvie pushed herself off the bed and paced around the room. “But war changes people, Caroline. Henrietta’s husband returned from the battlefields a completely different person and she’s at a loss for what to do with him. She doesn’t even know who he is.” In a way it felt good to voice her concerns. She’d been holding them inside for too long.
Caroline softly snorted. “Henrietta didn’t know the man a fortnight before he set off for the continent. You can’t worry yourself over such a thing with Philip, darling. You’ve known him all your life. He may be a bit different, but not completely. Do try not to dwell on the situation. It’ll just drive you mad.”
Which was easier said than done.
“Now about that favor.”
“Yes?”
“Well, I just don’t want you to encourage Kelfield. I think you’re precisely the sort of girl who could break his heart.”
A nervous laugh escaped Livvie. “I can promise you, Caro, I have no intention of encouraging Kelfield.” The last thing she needed was for Staveley to think something untoward was occurring between her and the duke. Her life would be over.
Livvie frowned as she looked directly across the table. How had she managed to end up opposite Kelfield? Blast Juliet for disbanding with etiquette and not seating the table by rank as they had every other night since her arrival. When the duke met her eyes, she could have sworn his silvery orbs twinkled at her—before they finally settled on her décolletage, where they remained for the rest of dinner.
If there hadn’t been a room full of dinner guests, she would have leapt from her chair and beat him with her fists, which was really not like her at all. But Kelfield drove her to distraction. Blast him!
She had to settle for simply glaring at the man, which could not be perceived as encouraging him.
On one side of her sat the quiet Hugh St. Claire and on the other, the kind Lord Carteret, who was sending his own reproachful glances at the duke. She turned her attention to Carteret and smiled sweetly. “My lord, have you had the opportunity to visit Gosling Park recently?”
The earl inclined his head. “Actually, we have, Miss Danbury. Masten was gracious enough to host my brood for a fortnight before we set out for Prestwick Chase.”
Livvie felt Kelfield’s heated gaze on her, and a blush crept its way up her body. She cleared her throat and tried to give Carteret her undivided attention. “Indeed? A-and how is my cousin Robert?”
Lord Carteret’s soft blue eyes twinkled warmly. “Devoted to his wife and children. I must confess I was concerned he would be unhappy that Lydia has given him another daughter. He had so wanted an heir. But I don’t believe he could be any happier.”
“That is good news. I believe Caroline and Staveley plan to visit them later this summer. I admit I am anxious to see little Laurel myself.”
“Ah.” Carteret smiled. “She looks just like her mother. Blue eyes and light red hair.”
Out of nowhere, a boot touched the inside of her calf. She sucked in a breath as her eyes flew across the table to land on Kelfield.
His black brows rose with feigned concern. “Are you all right, Miss Danbury?”
The rogue was daring her to say something, which she most certainly could not. Caroline was already suspicious of his interest in her. She couldn’t make a scene and risk raising anyone else’s notice. The very last thing she needed was for Staveley to hear something. She’d end up married to the lout.
“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, Your—” somehow the scoundrel had been able to flick off one of her slippers— “Grace,” she finished through clenched teeth.
He smiled wickedly. “Are you certain, Olivia? You seem a bit out of sorts.”
She was going to kill him. Just as soon as dinner was over. Livvie glared at the duke, while her foot searched the floor for her missing slipper. “On the contrary, I. Am. Just. Fine,” she clipped out.
When his foot found hers again, Livvie steeled herself against reacting, which was very difficult to do. Especially, when he began lifting the bottom of her skirt.
“So, Lord Carteret,” Livvie began as she stabbed an asparagus on her plate, imagining it as Kelfield’s hand, “I had the pleasure of dining with your sister before we left London.”
How she managed to get through dinner without completely losing her mind or patience was a mystery to Livvie. She’d had to drop her ruby bracelet to the floor when it was time to depart, so that she could snatch her slipper from under the middle of the table. The look of wicked satisfaction on Kelfield’s face when she emerged from the depths of the table was enough to make her silently wish him to the devil.
When the women began their escape to the drawing room so the men could enjoy their port, she had never been more relieved. Then Caroline linked her arm with Livvie’s and began to escort her down the corridor. “Darling, you seemed uncomfortable at dinner tonight. Are you feeling all right?”
Livvie forced a smile to her face. “Actually, Caroline, I think something at dinner didn’t agree with me.” Or someone. “I think I’ll retire for the evening.”
Caroline touched her hand to Livvie’s brow. “It’s so unusual for you to be under the weather, darling. Is there anything I can do?”
Livvie shook her head. “I’m sure I’ll feel b
etter after a good night’s rest.”
Then she continued down the hallway and up the stairs towards her room. At least she could get some peace in the safety of her own chamber. However, as she rounded a corner, she stopped in her tracks. A dark figure stepped out of the shadows, staring at her.
Kelfield.
He stood tall and strong, blocking her path and Livvie narrowed her eyes on the scoundrel. He was clearly trying to intimidate her, and she had endured enough at his hands for the evening—thank you, very much. So she stalked towards him, intent on showing the powerful, handsome, maddening duke that he had absolutely no effect on her at all.
“You are an abysmal conversationalist,” she complained and tried to slide past him in the corridor, but his strong arm stretched out in front of her and he trapped her against the wall—just like he had done earlier with his wardrobe. The duke quietly stepped closer to her and as Livvie inhaled his sandalwood scent, she had to tilt her head back to see him. He was intoxicating. Blast him!
“You were spotted,” he whispered, “leaving my chambers this afternoon, sweetheart.”
He was lying. If that had been true, Staveley would have pulled her aside and informed her that, no matter how much she disliked the idea, she was about to marry the brutish man who was currently holding her hostage. “How dare you?” Livvie asked, swatting at his hands which had dropped to her waist.
“As my wife,” he drawled, “you’ll learn I am quite daring.”
Livvie glared at him. “We’ve been through this, Your Grace. I am marrying Major Moore, and—”
“Yes, but that was before Carteret accosted me while I was playing billiards and demanded to know what I was doing with you in my room earlier today. Then my old friend threatened to go to Staveley with the details.”
Lord Carteret? Livvie felt the color drain from her face. Her mortification was now complete. She’d always had the utmost respect for the earl, and to know that he believed that she and the duke had… Well, for him to believe that she and the duke had done the things she witnessed earlier was quite disturbing. Heavens! She’d sat next to the man at dinner. He must believe the absolute worst about her, and her stomach roiled at just the thought.
“Then why hasn’t he said something to Staveley?” she asked in a very small voice.
“He came to me first. He wanted to give me the chance to explain…”
Explain! Thank Heavens! Relief washed over Livvie. Kelfield was just toying with her. He didn’t have any desire to be married to her, he didn’t even like her. He was just punishing her for being in his room in the first place. Torturing her, just like he’d done at dinner. “And what did you tell him?” she asked tartly.
“I asked him to hold off on speaking to Staveley…for the time being.”
“For the time being? You could have just told him the truth and then—”
“And then I wouldn’t have anything to hold over you. I’m discovering that I enjoy that quite a bit.” He grinned down at her with such a devilish twinkle in his silver eyes that Livvie had to take a deep breath.
The rogue! Her face heated up again and she darkened her scowl upon him. “I don’t know what you’re after, but I’ll go to Staveley myself and tell him, and—”
“And?” the wicked duke prompted with a raised brow. “He made it quite clear to me, and I’m sure to you as well, that if anyone had seen anything I’d be leg-shackled to you in the blink of an eye.”
“What a charming term!”
He lowered his head and his grin grew more rakish. “Indeed. I am currently envisioning shackling your legs to my bed and ravishing you.”
Livvie sucked in a surprised breath. Then she stared at him in complete bewilderment. After all, what did a proper young lady say to such a ribald statement made by such a debauched man? Then there was a tiny little part of her that was titillated by the suggestion—not that she would ever admit that to another living soul, as long as she lived. “You are reprehensible.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, you’ll get used to me after twenty or so years of marriage.”
She couldn’t image a worse fate. “I-I’m not marrying you. No matter what Staveley says, or anyone else for that matter.”
“No?” he asked with a feigned innocence.
“No.” Livvie started to feel a bit more in control, and she pushed at his chest.
A serious look settled on his face. “Maybe we can come to some sort of agreement then.”
Agreement? What sort of agreement? Livvie thought she’d agree to just about anything if it meant she wouldn’t have to marry this wicked, wicked man. “What do you want from me?”
“I’m sure I can convince Carteret to keep his mouth closed, if—”
“Oh! Thank you, Your Grace!” she gushed, hoping that he had at least one gentlemanly bone in his body.
But, of course, he didn’t.
“On two conditions.”
Livvie gulped. Two conditions? She wasn’t certain she could live with one condition he would come up with.
“The first, sweetheart, is my name. You will always call me Alex—not Your Grace, not Kelfield, not something derogatory—”
Was he mad? To do so would completely ruin her, and she shook her head. “Absolutely not!”
“But Alex, no matter what and no matter who you are talking to. If you refer to me by any other name or term, and I learn of it, I will tell Staveley what Carteret witnessed myself.”
Livvie’s mouth fell open. Never in her twenty years had she dealt with such an arrogant, heavy-handed, controlling man.
When she simply stared at him, Kelfield continued, “And second, after everyone has retired for the evening, you will leave your room and join me in mine. You do still remember its location, I’m sure.”
Suddenly calling the scoundrel ‘Alex’ didn’t seem so difficult anymore—much better than meeting him for an assignation. She stared at him in complete, astounded wonder. How could he even think of asking such a thing of her? “I’ll talk to Lord Carteret myself and explain what happened, and—”
He started to laugh, which was most frustrating. “And who do you think he’ll believe, Olivia? The man’s known me for longer than you’ve been alive. Besides there’s my reputation to consider. An innocent young miss would never leave my chambers untouched—everyone knows that, most especially Carteret.”
“Oh?” she asked with indignation. “I will not give you my virtue and be ruined in reality.”
“I’ve not asked for your virtue, Olivia. Only your company.”
She stamped her foot in anger. “Why are you doing this? Why are you so intent on punishing me?”
He leaned forward and brushed a gentle kiss across her brow, which didn’t fit with the man she thought him to be at all, and she couldn’t help but shiver.
“I’m simply playing the hand I was dealt, sweetheart,” he whispered. “You’re the one who snuck into my room to steal from me and then neglected to reveal yourself when you should have. You landed us in this mess. And nothing is free. If you want to be rid of me you’ll have to pay my price. You can come to my room, or Staveley can force you to marry me. I win either way.”
“Are you mad?” she hissed. “I’m in this trouble for being in your room to begin with. If anyone were to see me I’d be ruined for sure.”
Kelfield’s silver eyes twinkled. “Then you’d best be careful.”
The look of surprise on Olivia’s face made Alex smile. Her pretty hazel eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. That luscious mouth. He had plans for that mouth.
And soon, very soon, he would have that mouth on him… Just not tonight.
The first step was getting Olivia in his room, to have her make that decision, to have her cross his threshold. After that first step, everything else would fall into place. Tonight he intended to learn all about her. Seducing her would come later, when he had more time and had won her over. Until then he would have to be a very patient man.
Olivia glared at
him. Then without a word, she tipped her nose in the air and brushed past him down the darkened hallway. The girl was spirited, which Alex liked a great deal. Conquering her would be both challenging and rewarding.
With a little swagger to his step, he started towards his chamber in the other wing of the house. He’d have to find something to occupy his time until Miss Danbury arrived.
Livvie paced back and forth across the floor of her room. What was she supposed to do now? She couldn’t go to Caroline—not after Staveley’s warning. She couldn’t go to Staveley either—not if she didn’t want to find herself thrust into the unhappy role of the Duchess of Kelfield. And she certainly couldn’t go to Lord Carteret. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to look the earl in the face again—not knowing what he must think of her. How completely humiliating.
She would have liked to be able to discuss the situation with Cordie, but her friend was rather busy entertaining Captain Seaton at the moment, or so she imagined. Besides, what could Cordie really do other than commiserate with her? And as comforting as that would be, it wouldn’t help her find a way out of this mess she’d gotten herself into.
No, in this she was all alone.
Why was His Grace suddenly so intent on enjoying her company? Just last night he was scowling at her from the other end of the dining room table, for heaven’s sake. What had changed in the last day?
She felt herself blush as answers to that question began to flood her mind. What had changed? Well, for one she couldn’t erase Kelfield’s magnificent, very naked, image from her mind, which was quite infuriating. As was her reaction to seeing him in such a state. For another, she’d seen more from peeking out of the duke’s wardrobe than she had ever imagined on her own. Those images would stick with her forever. And then there was Kelfield. He had changed, hadn’t he? He didn’t seem to be quite the same man—especially when he whispered in her ear or when he gently kissed her forehead. He was still arrogant. That hadn’t changed at all, but… Oh, it was all so confusing.
