Winning The Heart 0f The Mischievous Duke (Historical Regency Romance)

by Ella Edon

  Esther spent most of her days at the orphanage. Stefan never came anymore, and sometimes, she wished he would walk through the door and go on his knees, saying that all he said had been a lie.

  News of her relationship with Nicholas had spread like wildfire. He had come to see her father and seek to court her. Her father had not been quite pleased, but he had simply accepted. Her mother was worried about her.

  "Are you sure? Are you sure about this, darling?" her mother had asked. "Are you sure you want Lord Milway to court you?"

  Esther had nodded. Miss Elizabeth had been worried as well. "That gentleman has only returned to prove something to himself, my dear. What about the Duke?" She huffed. "He made you smile a lot."

  "I thought you weren't quite fond of him," Esther had queried in astonishment.

  Miss Elizabeth had merely turned away.

  It seemed like everyone was against Nicholas. They didn't know that Stefan had hurt her.

  "The Duke hasn't visited in a while. Do you know if all is well?" Lady Kinross asked. "All I receive is the weekly fee and nothing else. I wager that all is not fine. The Duke would never stay so long away from the children."

  Esther then remembered that she was standing in the empty hallway of the orphanage, her hands clasped together. She turned to Lady Kinross, who stood behind her, her brows creased.

  Esther swallowed before she replied. "I'm sure the Duke will come around." Her words hurt her because it was simply a lie. Stefan might never come to the orphanage so long as she was there because he didn't want to see her. After all, he only pitied her.

  Lady Kinross nodded curtly and walked away. "Excuse me." Before walking away, she picked up the invitation.

  Esther nodded meekly and turned, heading towards the door on the right. She pushed the door open and walked into the room. Once again, the children were gathered, eager to hear her read to them.

  "Lady Esther, is the Duke coming today?" Evangeline requested. Her lips were turned down, and her eyes were sad. She was quite fond of Stefan.

  "Yes, Lady Esther, is the Duke coming today?" Augusta rose, her eyes bright with hope.

  Esther cast her lashes down shook her head. "I'm sorry, the Duke will not be joining us, today."

  She watched as they all looked around sadly, she wasn't sure she wanted to read to them anymore. Not with their eyes bright with hope, and some, with sadness, all seeking Stefan and hoping that he would walk through the door and say something funny. Hoping that his deep baritone voice would sweep them all away. She watched the door as well, hoping, wishing, praying that he would appear.

  She may never be able to admit it to anyone, but she missed Stefan so much. But he had simply pitied her. She had been like an assignment to him. She hadn't meant anything to him. Her jaw clenched as she recalled his words.

  “I saw you, and I took pity on you, Esther." He spat. "I saw you, and saw Agnes, weaker, but Agnes, nonetheless. Whereas Agnes may have been able to hide the deepness of her sadness even in her silence and quiet smiles, with promises that she would be alright, you were unable to do so. You were weaker when I saw you. And I simply didn't want to have to see anyone relive what I, Agnes and William had lived. Death, and seeing a loved one die. It was why I took pity on you. Why I wanted to help you. Do not think that there is anything more to it. "

  She was not weak and she didn't need him. She sat down on the small stool set for her and began to read them a poem.

  * * *

  Nicholas was dressed in a black coat and a bright colored waistcoat. His breeches fitted him finely. His hat sat on his head in a style she admired. He was seated on a dark horse. One that was not a beast, compared to Black, Stefan's horse. Esther chided herself for being reminded of Stefan so easily.

  Nicholas stopped in front of her, his smile cautious. "I thought it'd be more interesting, riding on a horse across Somerset."

  Esther simply smiled and nodded. "Perhaps, it is."

  He nodded to the horse. "Hop on, we have a long ride ahead of us." His horse moved a little, and Nicholas hopped down. "Remember how we used to do this, how we used to ride for a long time before I'd take you home? Do you remember?"

  Esther did remember, but before that, she remembered riding with a certain man with blue eyes. Riding behind the Sands Castle, giggling and fearing that Black may throw her to the earth. "I've got you, Esther. You won't fall," he had said. Her cheeks turned crimson as she recalled.

  Fluttering her lashes, she nodded quickly. "Of course, I remember."

  Nicholas patted the horse's saddle and held out his hand to her. Esther took it and climbed up on the horse's back.

  The whole of Somerset and beyond was well aware of the relationship status of herself and Nicholas. Word had spread, and everyone knew that he was officially courting her. Once, she had heard one of the servants say to Miss Elizabeth. "I hope he does wed the lady this time."

  Miss Elizabeth's response had been a low grunt. She agreed to what the servant had said.

  Nicholas sat in front of her, his hand resting on hers, which were clasped around his waist.

  Before the two riders was a mass of empty land, green and lush, they were well away from the market and heading towards a stream. Esther swallowed as they neared it. Above was a slight hill, separating the riverbank from the clear road ahead. She remembered this spot.

  "Don't move!" he screamed. He stood beneath, by the river, while she had been on the hill, completely unaware of the water beneath. But it was too late. Small stones rolled gently down the rocky hill, Esther had gasped again and jerked forward a little. Stefan gasped as she stumbled down the rocky hill and fell into the water with a loud thud. She fell at the edge, where the river was deep. She had struggled with the heavy current of the water, gasping and fighting to stay at its top. When she heard him curse, vaguely let go of his horse, took off his boots, and walked into the river. The path where he stood was shallow, but as he drew near, the water's current increased and his feet sunk deeper. She knew this because she watched him struggle before her body went weak, unable to fight off the current much longer.

  Esther smiled at the memory. This was the spot where she met Stefan. This was where they had their first kiss. She smiled, and her cheeks went crimson as she stared at the water. She hadn't been to the river for a long time. And now, coming back brought so many memories. One memory that replicated itself into several.

  Nicholas stopped the horse by a tree and alighted. He helped Esther alight, and with her hands in his, he led her a little closer to the river. Esther stood quietly, wishing that she was here with someone else.

  Beside her, she watched Nicholas stare at the water before clearing his throat. "Esther, there's something I've wanted to ask you for a while, but I had thought it too soon to consider asking. However, love is never too early."

  Esther's heart seemed to freeze as she stared at him. He turned to her, a small smile on his face. "I've talked to your parents about this. They have clearly stated that the choice is yours to make. Esther, I have made a lot of mistakes in the past. I was immature and impatient. But now that I know how much it is that I love you, I'm more than sure what it is that I want, forever. And it is you. Esther, will you wed me?"

  Her heart seemed to plummet down her stomach as she stared at Nicholas. She opened her mouth to speak, but he went on.

  "Esther, I've been courting you again not for that long, but we’ve grown closer. I can feel it."

  Esther creased her brows. Had they really grown closer? Most times, she felt that he never understood her. That he mistook her words. He was usually speechless when she made regular jokes. Did that mean that he understood her?

  "Esther, what do you say?" He was smiling desperately. "Will you wed me?"

  Esther stared at him. She swallowed hard before forcing a smile. "Tis quite a heavy question you have asked. Nicholas, I… I need time to think this through. We only began courtship a week ago. Are we ready for this? Are you ready?"

  Nicholas sea
rched her eyes, a small, confident smile on his face. "Esther, I'm more than sure of what I want. And I want to be wed to you."

  Esther raised her chin and smiled brightly, a forced smile. "Then give me time, Nicholas. Give me time. I will give you a response at the upcoming ball. The Christmas ball at Somerset Castle."

  He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them. His eyes glinted as he stared at her. Esther's heart contracted sharply as she watched him caress her hand. He leaned in as if to kiss her, but she turned a little and let his lips touch her cheek. She closed her eyes as his lips stayed on her cheek for a brief time. She was breathing rapidly, and she hoped he wouldn't turn and kiss her on her lips. The last memories she had of a kiss on her mouth were ones she didn't want to be ruined by another. Not yet.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The woman was bathing in the river, her hands moved against her body slowly, rising and falling as she washed her body. Her back was to him. From where he stood, he could see the outline of her curves. She rose, out of the water, her hands on her hair as the water splashed. He watched for a second before slowly moving into the water, in awe of what he was seeing. He drew closer to her, his body shaking with excitement. Who was she? And what was she doing bathing in the river?

  Her hands touched her sides just as he finally approached her. He halted. Her hair seemed to be a lighter shade than the dark one the water had made it. He let his hands slide over hers, and together they moved their clasped hands over her body. He rested his head on her shoulders and closed his eyes, taking her in. She smelled of air and water. And all he wanted to do was touch her, caress her, till all that was left on her lips was his name.

  Closing his eyes, he moved his lips on the nape of her neck, his hands moved forward and slowly caressed her bosom, making her moan. He felt his crotch harden as he continued. Slowly, with his eyes still closed, he inched his face towards her. He felt her turn in his arms and finally, their lips met. His hands moved to her thigh; he moved them slowly upward until they met with her wetness and slid inside. His lips still moving against her in sync; his hands rhythmically stroking her. She moaned in his lips, rocking herself in his arms. He wanted to be inside her; he wanted to be one with her.

  "Stefan...I need you. I want you." Her voice was a familiar melody. His fingers finally slipped inside her, he moved them eagerly, tenderly, sending her body shaking against his. He kissed her some more, not wanting to let go.

  Then he felt her hands on his hard member. She clasped her hands, tenderly around him and began to stroke. He moaned against her lips. She was driving him mad with passion.

  He opened his eyes, and his eyes met with grey ones. Beautiful grey eyes that were bright with happiness.

  "Who are you?" he asked.

  She looked up; her cheeks turned crimson. She stroked him some more, making him moan. He gripped her behind and pulled her closer. She stopped stroking him. Her eyes dimmed as they stared into his. And suddenly, they were sad.

  "Esther."

  He froze as she said her name. And it all began to make sense. "Esther...Esther."

  "Stefan!" she screamed. "Stefan!"

  He jolted up, his eyes scanning the bedchamber. "Stefan!" he heard again. The voice was not Esther's this time. It was Alexandra's. He groaned. She seemed to be at his door.

  "I'm awake, Alexandra," he muttered. He sometimes wished she wasn’t the one to wake him. She always woke him up when he was dreaming.

  He cursed as he threw the duvet across the bed and rose. This was the third time in a row which he was dreaming about bedding a woman. Not just any woman, but Esther. He felt his member harden as he stalked to the door in his cotton shirt and black breeches. He pulled open the door and stared out angrily. "Why do you scream my name at such an early hour?"

  Alexandra stood there, a large smile on her face. "I'm supposed to go to Sutherland House today. I'm to coach young Francis. Do you mind coming with me? It'd be such a bore traveling alone on the way there, and you're not busy."

  He grumbled. "I'll be dressed. Just go away."

  "Thank you, Stefan!" She giggled and ran along.

  Sometimes, Stefan wished all he had was brothers. He cursed again as he shut the door and stood perplexed, with his hands on his hips. Why the bloody hell would he be having dreams about Esther? He shook his head and clenched his jaws. He needed to get her out of his head.

  * * *

  Francis was quite intrigued by Alexandra's skills. He was so much in awe that he simply stood by. And Alex was so happy for the opportunity to prove that she was vastly skilled. She fired away, giggling and never missing the bull’s eye.

  "How can you do that?" Francis demanded; his lips turned down.

  Stefan stood by, watching them. He was standing beside the tutor who taught Francis English. The young lad seemed to be learning faster than expected. Alexandra once again had made Stefan plead on her behalf to Lady Castleroy and made her let Alexandra off from her lessons.

  The field of Eugene's home was smaller than that of Sands Castle, quieter even, and with a courtyard that sat at its center. Stefan was seated alone on the courtyard, sipping tea. He had been eager to bring Alexander as he was not busy with anything at all. Since he began avoiding the orphanage, he found himself in the same routine. He would do some paperwork, ride Black, and then return home. He didn't feel like visiting the orphanage anymore, but he made sure to send foodstuffs and money to Lady Kinross, for the children. She had replied him most times, saying the children missed him. But he didn't want to visit. Not yet, at least.

  Stefan watched Francis hit close to the center circle. The boy turned to him for a cheer. Stefan nodded eagerly, showing that he appreciated his effort. He soon clapped his hands together and grinned at the lad. Francis muttered something in French. The tutor chuckled, and Stefan was tempted to ask what the boy had said.

  "It's no fun with just us two," Francis muttered thoughtfully, after a moment. Then he nodded to Stefan. "Would you like to join us?"

  Stefan raised both brows. "Join you? I'd rather not. Alex is quite enthused to show off her skill to at least one person. It would be rude to join in and be better," he said jokingly, his eyes glinting as Alex glared at him.

  Stefan's mind drifted from them. Though he was still staring at them, his mind wandered to the orphanage. He wondered how the children were faring. It had been so long since he saw them. And he wanted to, he really did. However, circumstances would not let him.

  "...isn't that right, Stefan?" Alexandra was saying. He blinked twice and shook his head. Alexandra stared at him with raised brows.

  He forced a smile and looked away.

  After Alexandra was done coaching and playing with the French lad, Stefan got into the carriage with her, and together, they headed home. As the wheels of the carriage rolled away, Alexandra pulled at her cloak until it came off and turned her focus to her brother.

  "These days, Stefan, you seem lost and far away. What bothers you?"

  "Nothing."

  Alexandra let out an unladylike snort and did not back down. "Nothing? You look quite unhappy if you ask me. Gloomy most days, moody some and strangely quiet, most too."

  Stefan looked out the carriage window and stared into the market. His eyes quietly watched as they drove past. The stalls were open, people walked in and out of shops. He craned his neck, looking sideways, having completely ignored his sister. He was still looking around when he saw familiar hair. He froze. Before the carriage rolled away, he saw a glimpse of her face. The brown hair blew across her face. He watched her swipe at it and laughed with someone before her. Stefan sat up and peered out eagerly now. Opposite her was the newlywed daughter of the Duke of Somerset. Katherine. Esther stood there, her cheeks flushed, her black cloak flowing with the wind and her face filled with laughter. He was unable to see her eyes before the carriage wheeled past quickly. He was still peering out the window oddly, craning his neck, anything to make him keep looking at her. She hadn't seen him. He wished that s
he had, and he wished their eyes had locked. He wished so many things as he sat back properly and let his gloomy gaze wander on his boots.

  He had seen Esther. That was her in the market. He wanted to talk to her, to hold her close and never let go. He wondered what she was doing there. Had she not gone to the orphanage? Esther never missed going there. Had she stopped?

  He made a note to himself, to ask Lady Kinross in his next letter to her.

  "Stefan!" Alexandra snapped.

  He flinched and turned to her. He wondered how long she had called him.

  Alexandra's brown eyes searched his helplessly; hers filled with worry. "We're home. You've been seating here for very long. Stefan are you alright?"