The Irish Duke

by Virginia Henley

  The Herdman brothers conferred and agreed. They worked out the rent, then moved on to discuss the length of the lease.

  “How about a hundred years?” James suggested. “We can put in a clause to negotiate extending it further, every few years.”

  The Herdmans readily agreed. A hundred-year lease was more than generous.

  “Tomorrow I’ll ride into Omagh and have my attorney draw up the papers.”

  As they rode home Louisa questioned his motives. “Why did you offer such a long lease at such a low rent? Perhaps in a few short years the Herdmans might be able to buy it, and you could recoup the money you have laid out.”

  “The land is priceless. I never sell when I can lease. The property is our children’s and grandchildren’s legacy.”

  Louisa fell silent. James makes no secret of the fact that he wants children. It’s only natural when he has so much wealth and property in three different countries. Her heart constricted with anxiety. Whatever am I going to do?

  A mile from Barons Court, Louisa was distracted from her worrying thoughts. She pointed to the sky. “Look at that flock of birds. Are they crows?”

  “Ravens. I can tell by their wedge-shaped tails and shaggy throats. They make their rookery close by. Every evening, about an hour before sunset, they gather and seem to revel in the pure joy of flying. Ravens are very social birds that form a close- knit community. They mate for life and make excellent parents. They are the only birds that can do somersaults when they fly.”

  James and Louisa stopped to watch as the ravens swooped, dived, and somersaulted gracefully through the air, making intricate patterns in the twilit sky yet never colliding. They cawed to each other with gusto.

  Lu laughed. “They are singing and dancing!”

  “For the pure pleasure of it.” Just like you, James’s eyes told her.

  When they entered Barons Court, James cupped his ear. “Listen.”

  Louisa stood quietly for a full minute. “I don’t hear anything.”

  “Exactly!” he said with a grin. “No hammering. The carpenters must be finished. Shall we go and inspect their handiwork?”

  Side by side they walked through the house to a room beyond the great hall. Louisa saw that the carpenters had built a spacious stage at one end of the long chamber. Her heart began to sing and a lump came into her throat. “James, you built me my own theater! I thank you with all my heart. You are always so thoughtful and generous.”

  “Lu, it gives me pleasure to make you happy.”

  She removed her riding boots and ran up the steps onto the stage. Then in her stocking feet she twirled about gracefully and ended with an Irish jig. “Thank you!”

  That night as Louisa lay abed in her boudoir, her anxiety returned. Then, gradually, it became overshadowed by feelings of guilt. James is so generous to me, yet I give him nothing in return. He has let go of all his anger toward me, and we have become friends. But I doggedly cling to the barrier I have erected between us. It began to dawn on her that she was no longer at war with him. She was fighting herself. Selfishness was against her nature and each day she was finding it harder to justify her position. The emotional distance between them was rapidly melting away. The physical distance had dissolved in the lake when he’d taught her to swim. But the intimate void had not been diminished by one iota. None of it was his fault, and this added to her anguish.

  As usually happened when Louisa was in torment, her recurring nightmare took control the moment she fell into a deep sleep: She was back in Woburn’s garden among the lupins. She heard her mother’s cry of alarm and saw her covered in blood. Suddenly the dream changed. Louisa looked down at her white nightgown and saw that it was drenched crimson with her own blood. No! No! Help me . . . please help me! Then she realized it was not her mother’s screams she could hear, but her own.

  Louisa awoke in a panic. She felt herself being swept up in powerful arms, and it took her a moment to realize that the person who was carrying her was James. “What are you doing?” she cried.

  “You’ve had a nightmare, Lu. I don’t want you to be alone.” He carried her into the master chamber and put her into his bed. Then he climbed in beside her and gathered her close. He brushed her hair back from her temples with a gentle hand. “Tell me about your nightmare, sweetheart; it will lessen your fear.”

  I cannot tell you about the blood. I don’t dare hint at the subject of miscarriage. It will dredge it all up again, and stir your black anger. “I . . . I don’t remember. I only know that something frightened me. But it’s gone now. I can go back to my own bed.”

  “Absolutely not.” His tone brooked no argument. “I’m an authority on nightmares. Claud used to have them when he was young. Making him feel safe was the only antidote.” He did not tell her that he too had them, though no one ever came to his rescue. That’s how he knew how terrifying they could be. “Once you feel warm and secure, perhaps you’ll go back to sleep.”

  She felt his hands massage her back with long slow strokes that reached from her shoulders to her bottom cheeks. His palms, callused from rowing, felt rough against her soft skin as they moved firmly up and down the curve of her back. She drew in a swift breath as she felt his marble-hard erection brush against her belly.

  James willed his cock to soften, but of course the more he stroked her silken skin, the harder he became. He felt her stiffen and heard her whimper, and knew that his erection made her feel anything but safe. If he did not take control immediately, she would bolt from his bed. Quickly he turned her around in his arms, so that her back lay against his chest. Her woman’s scent stole to him, and it intoxicated his senses. He curved his body about hers in spoon fashion. As heat leaped between them, he prayed it would make her feel secure.

  With her head tucked beneath his chin, he began to murmur about the wildlife she had seen at Barons Court, hoping it would soothe and gentle her. He spoke of the dancing foxes, the diving otters, and the swooping ravens. He promised that the first moonlit night, he would take her to see the romping badgers in the woods.

  His words made her stop fighting him. Lying in the big bed with him, knowing his powerful body was curved about hers, made her feel more secure than she’d ever been in her life. She smiled into the darkness and stopped fighting herself.

  He felt her body gradually relax against his, and eventually he knew that Louisa slept. He lay still so he wouldn’t disturb her slumber, though his body was highly disturbed. He closed his eyes, but as the hours ticked by, he could not sleep. His body raged with unspent passion and desire for the innocent bride he held in his arms.

  When morning arrived, James knew the moment Louisa awoke because she immediately withdrew her body from his. She half- turned to look at him as it came back to her what had caused her to share his bed. She could not even pretend anger at his gallantry, but she did feel shy as the sunshine splashed over them.

  As his dark glance roamed over her creamy skin, disheveled curls, and brilliant green eyes, a strong urge to seduce her rose up in him. Desire ran through his veins, making his blood hot and demanding. Yet he knew that if he took advantage of her, he could lose her trust and she might refuse to share his bed again.

  James made an effort to curb his lust. It wasn’t easy, since he knew he would remain hard and throbbing as long as he lay naked beside her. He made a firm decision that he would not allow her to sleep alone again. From now on, her nights would be spent in his bed. For that to happen, he would need to gain her trust. He rose up on one elbow and smiled down at her. “You are still intact after your ordeal.”

  “The ordeal of the nightmare, or the ordeal of sharing your bed?” she teased.

  “You are tempting as sin. I promise not to touch, if you will let me look at you.” He didn’t wait for her permission but slowly drew down the covers.

  Lu wondered if she could trust him to keep his word. She remained silent but did not cling to the covers, which gave him tacit permission to look. His intense gaze roamed over her
breasts, then rose to her mouth; it made her feel beautiful. She found his concentrated attention highly flattering. It made her feel extremely feminine. His dark face and black hair set her pulse racing, and the powerful muscles of his chest, covered by the dark pelt of hair, tempted her fingers to touch him. But Louisa knew that if she tempted him further, she would have to take responsibility for the consequences. “We cannot lie abed all day,” she said breathlessly.

  “Unfortunately,” he said ruefully. “Wear something lovely. I am taking you into Omagh to meet all the important people.”

  As she slipped from the warm bed and made her way to her boudoir, she could sense her husband’s eyes on her back and her bottom. It made her feel desirable, which threw her into another dilemma. For someone who doesn’t wish to be either wife or mother, you are embarking on a very slippery slope, Lady Lu.

  When Lady Abercorn stepped from their carriage in Omagh, she was wearing a stylish tawny orange afternoon gown and matching hat that sported a black ostrich feather. She took delight in lifting the hem of her skirt to reveal her black lace petticoat, knowing that James would roll his eyes. As Louisa gazed about, she realized that the town was much larger than she had expected. Their first stop was the town hall, where Abercorn introduced his wife to the lord mayor, Seamus Fitzgerald.

  “Your Grace, it is a distinct pleasure to meet you.” He bowed gallantly over her hand. “My wife will be grass green with envy that we’ve had the good fortune to meet.”

  “You may tell her that Lady Abercorn is planning a dinner party for next Friday and you and your good wife are invited to Barons Court.”

  Lu’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but she took the news in stride and did not rebuke her husband in front of the mayor. “The Fitzgeralds will be our guests of honor.”

  They moved on to another section of the town hall, where the Tyrone County councilors had their offices. James introduced her to Clive O’Brien, Patrick McGowan, Ross Begley, and Joseph Quinn. The marchioness graciously issued them invitations to her upcoming dinner party.

  When they departed the town hall, James thanked her for falling in with his plans. “When we get home, we’ll send an invitation to the Earl and Countess of Caledon. I have an ulterior motive.”

  “I should have guessed as much, you devious devil.”

  “Caledon is the lord lieutenant of Tyrone. Might as well invite the lord lieutenant of Donegal too. I’m hoping to become the future lord lieutenant of either County Tyrone or County Donegal.”

  “If you become the viceroy, will that make me the vice queen?”

  He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I’ll have a deal of things to teach you before you can claim to be a vice queen.”

  While James visited the county magistrate, Louisa explored some of the town’s shops. Privately, she was happy about the dinner party. Since Abercorn was politically ambitious, finally here was something she could help him with, in return for his generosity toward her. Her mother had taught her how to be an effective political hostess and she was eager for a chance to prove herself.

  James was waiting for her when she came out of the bookstore. He took her to his attorney’s office.

  “I am utterly delighted to finally meet the beauteous Lady Abercorn.” Rowan Maloney bowed deeply and ushered her to a comfortable leather chair.

  “I believe you are one of the attorneys who drew up our marriage contract.” Louisa’s manner was polite but cool.

  James cut in quickly, “If you are left a widow, Maloney will make sure you receive your inheritance money from Barons Court before the estate is passed on to my future son and heir.”

  Lu realized the arrangement was far more generous than what her mother would receive from Woburn. “And do you look after my thousand-pound allowance from my father, Mr. Maloney?”

  “I do indeed, Your Grace.” Rowan’s eyes twinkled. “Lord Abercorn was most insistent with your father’s attorney that you receive such a generous allowance.”

  Lu glanced at her husband. “Seems the two of you were in cahoots to fleece the Duke of Bedford good and proper,” she drawled. She did not see the wink James gave Rowan Maloney.

  Abercorn asked his attorney to draw up the legal document to lease his flax mill to the Herdman brothers, and then he invited Maloney to the dinner party they were giving.

  That evening when they arrived home, the post had been delivered. James had a letter from Angus Murray, his Scots attorney, and Louisa had two letters—one from her mother and the other from Georgy. She decided to keep them so she could read them in the privacy of her boudoir when she went up to bed.

  A few hours later, Louisa undressed and chose a pink satin nightgown. When her trousseau had been made, she had vowed never to own a pristine white nightdress ever again. She sat down on the bed and opened her letters. She got as far as the salutation when James opened the door between the adjoining chambers.

  He waved the letter in his hand. “Won’t you join me, Lu? I’m dying to share my news with you.”

  She arched her brows. “Are you substituting your letter for a sugared mouse?”

  He grinned. “Witty as well as shrewd—a seductive combination. Absolutely this is a ploy to get you in my bed again.” He hid his amusement. “My news can wait.” He left the doorway and went back into his room.

  Lu read Georgy’s letter. It was short. She sounded resentful that Louisa was not only a wife but also a marchioness. “When I come to visit I hope you will introduce me to the wealthy, titled bachelors who have estates adjoining Barons Court. By the way, when I got back home, I learned that Teddy had deserted England. He’s gone to France on a diplomatic mission. Which is ridiculous since he totally lacks diplomacy. He would never have gotten the post without Lord Holland’s influence with the prime minister and King William.”

  Louisa set her sister’s letter down. She felt bad for Georgy. Clearly she meant that Teddy had deserted her as well as England.

  Next she read her mother’s letter. It recounted the family’s journey from Scotland back to Woburn. Her mother thanked her for giving Rachel her dormouse, Cracknut, and told her how much she and her father missed her. “I urge you to fight any feelings of homesickness, darling. Enjoy your honeymoon to the full. Your summer in Ireland will be over before you know it.”

  Louisa set the letter down. I don’t have any feelings of homesickness. I find everything about Ireland irresistible. She lifted her eyes to the open door. Then she picked up her letters and moved toward it, lured by an insatiable curiosity to know what was in Abercorn’s letter.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “I’ll show you mine, if you’ll show me yours.” James’s words were deliberately teasing and provocative. He was sitting up in bed as if he were waiting for her. His eyes licked like a candle flame over the pink satin nightgown. He patted the bed in invitation.

  Louisa climbed on and sat down facing him. “My letters are from Georgy and Mother. Would you care to read them?” She held them out.

  He glanced down and read: Enjoy your honeymoon. James almost choked. “Your mother is no doubt giving you advice.”

  Louisa set her letters down. “What is your news? I’m curious as a cat.”

  “Do you remember when I came to the Doune because I feared you were ill, and we rode together to Kinrara over the mountain trail?”

  “Of course I remember.”

  “We came to a clearing in the pines and a magnificent vista opened before us.”

  “Yes, we stopped to enjoy the view of the loch and the heather-covered mountains, and you said, Now I understand why you love the Highlands.”

  James nodded. “And you said: It holds a special place in my heart.” Absently, he reached for her bare foot and caressed it. “I’ll never forget the look on your face. It made me want my own place in the Highlands. So when I was traveling from Edinburgh to see my mother in Aberdeen, I came upon a place that took my breath away and fired my imagination. I made my driver stop the carriage so I could drink
it in. It was the most scenic glen and loch I’d ever seen in my life, and beside it stood a magnificent, gray stone turreted castle. Whenever I see something exquisitely beautiful, I long to possess it.” His eyes roamed over her satin-clad body with appreciation.

  “My map told me the long body of water was Loch Laggan, so I instructed Angus Murray, my Edinburgh attorney, to find out who owns the estate and offer to buy it from him.” James held up the letter. “Turns out it is owned by Cluny, chief of the MacPherson clan. It is called Ardverikie, but he absolutely refuses to sell the place.”

  Louisa’s face was etched with disappointment. “I thought you had good news.”

  The corners of his mouth lifted. “It is good news, Pussycat. Cluny offered to lease it to me, and we have agreed on fifty years.”

  “So Ardverikie is yours for the next fifty years?”

  “Ours!” He held her ankle and pulled her toward him. His arms slid around her and he sought to capture her lips with his.

  Louisa stiffened and tried to climb from the bed. He held her captive, refusing to let her leave. “Lu, why are you so afraid of intimate relations?” he demanded.

  She stared at him wide-eyed for long, drawn-out moments. She longed to be one with him yet dared not. “I’m not afraid of intimate relations.” Her words were as big a revelation to herself as they were to him. “It’s the thought of having a child that terrifies me, James.”

  He enfolded her against his heart and dropped a tender kiss on the top of her head. “My sweetheart, I’d never dream of giving you a baby until you are ready. There are many ways for us to be intimate, without actual intercourse.”

  “You mean kissing. I must confess that I do enjoy your kisses, but I don’t dare let things go any further.”

  “Kisses are only a small part of being intimate. I long to teach you how to enjoy your body, Lu. By heightening all your senses, they can give you as much pleasure as mine give me.”