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

by Ella Edon

  It was the day before the Christmas ball and she was joyous that it was finally approaching. She would happily wear her new silk dress and enjoy the company of her friends. The days of sadness were behind her and with or without Stefan there, she would have an enjoyable time. Of course, his presence there, would be more than welcoming.

  Night had fallen and everyone had gone to rest. Her father was away on some business in Ireland. Her mother was curled up in her bedchamber at the far east end of the house. Esther walked to where her bedchamber was, the west end of Kendal Manor. The maids were already retired and the house seemed too silent. Esther walked on, with every intention to get some rest, even though she was not feeling tired.

  Her mind drifted to Stefan as she walked on. He had been sending secret letters to her in the past few days. Marlene always hid them before delivering them to her. Esther had read them all, but refused to put her emotions into paper. She wanted to see him personally, so she could tell him everything she felt. His letters were still filled with apologies, worries for her wellbeing, and as always, words of love. She smiled at the possibility of seeing him again the next day. The Christmas ball would be special. She was finally ready to express her feelings to him. She knew she could trust him now.

  Esther entered her bedchamber and sat with a huff on her bed. She waited for Marlene to appear to help her undress, when her window shook slightly. She stared at it for a while and felt the cold air swoop in. She rose up and was about to walk over to it, when something groaned, and suddenly, she noticed someone’s hands clutching on to the window sill.

  Her eyes widened, and she nearly screamed when the body, still hanging on the window, rose its head and whispered harshly. "I beg you, do not scream."

  Her heart was racing. "Stefan?!"

  His blond hair seemed darker under the moonlight. He levered himself up and Esther moved back a little. She narrowed her eyes, suddenly wondering why her window was open. She would never have made such a mistake.

  "What are you doing here, Stefan? And how did climb all the way up? It is inappropriate for you to be here!"

  "I haven't seen you for days and you never answered to my letters! I was worried. I couldn't bear not seeing you." He frowned and swiftly threw himself into her room. Her cheeks reddened at his words. He had been worried about her. She creased her brows when his frown turned sad. "Did you stop coming to the orphanage because of me?"

  Esther winced. Choosing not to reply to him, she averted his question. "How did you know to come here?"

  He stood up, a smile on his face. "I may have paid your maid a few coins for her help."

  "That little —" She turned to head downstairs and chide Marlene, but before she could get to the door, a hand-pulled her back and clamped a hand over her mouth. She gasped, trying to speak.

  "Esther, please, if you make any noise, I would be discovered. Please. I have come here to tell you something of great importance. Listen to me, and then, I promise I will leave immediately."

  Esther's heart was beating steadily as his hands were still around her. One around her waist, and the other around her mouth. She felt the knots in her stomach tighten. It had been so long since she’d had him so close to her. She liked that he was holding her now. And it felt wonderful to have him there, scandalous as it may was.

  Stefan let go of her mouth slowly, but his hands remained around her waist. Did he feel what she felt, too? She felt her knees go weak as he held on to her. Her heart was beating faster than ever and her breath was coming short.

  "I have never felt for anyone the way I feel for you," he whispered. "I was driven by jealousy when I heard that you are to wed Lord Milway. I was maddened. And it was then I realized how much you mean to me. Because I was afraid of losing you forever. I tried to hide and deny it. I really did, but I could not any longer. "

  Her heart melted at his words. She had read them a thousand times from his letters, but the sound of his voice made her feel like she never heard them before. Her eyes closed briefly, and she didn't want him to let go. Perhaps he thought that she had still not forgiven him. He felt that his words at the river were not enough to truly make her forgive him. So, he was trying again, trying to charm her.

  "I love you, Esther," he said aloud, enough for her to hear. Her breath hitched.

  With a whisper, she spoke at last. "I am not going to wed Lord Milway. I already told him so. But Stefan…" She turned in his arms, to hide her smile. "I am afraid to trust you." She stepped back, with very little willpower left in her. "You hurt me. You may hurt me again."

  He took her hands before she could get too far away. "No. I will never hurt you again. I love you, Esther. And I want to be with you, forever —"

  "Perhaps it is better I stay alone. Remain unmarried. Perhaps all of this is not for me."

  "I lied. When I said that love didn't exist. Because the moment I met you, I loved you, whether I knew it or not. We were made for each other Esther. I love you beyond measure. And I am willing to fight for us. Because I'm certain that you love me, too. I will never hurt you. Never, Esther. I made a mistake. But look in your heart, search for your truth. Please." He begged. His hands still holding hers.

  His blue eyes were once again, staring at her grey ones. Her heart lurched. She missed him so much.

  Her heart melted. She believed him. His words were sincere. She saw it in his eyes.

  He moved towards her and his body closed in on hers. His hands moved to her face, while his eyes searched hers eagerly, desperately. "Esther, I love you more than anything." He repeated it over and over again and by staring into his eyes, Esther was certain that she loved him too. He tilted his head and kissed her. She decided to let her facade fall and reciprocate the kiss.

  He stopped. "I'm sorry. I can't seem to control myself with you."

  She nearly groaned. "Stefan, kiss me."

  He moved away from her. "Not until I'm sure and certain that I've been forgiven. Esther, with you, it is more than just physical. It is so much more. I will give you more time to think it through. All I wanted was to be sure that you're alright —"

  She grabbed his coat and pulled him to her. His eyes widened. She blushed, but held on to him tightly. "I've spent days away from you, because of other reasons, other than what you think. I only needed time to sort everything out. To end things properly with Nicholas. So that I could come to you, ready. Not because I was angry."

  "Oh, Esther." His hands caressed her face. "Does that mean you forgive me?"

  Esther raised her hands to her lips and pretended to be deep in thought. "I'm not quite certain, Your Grace, but perhaps a kiss would jiggle my memory and make my response quicker."

  Stefan guffawed. He moved in close to her and kissed her chastely. "Will that be enough?"

  Esther shook her head. "Not even close."

  She felt her insides melt as his mouth moved gently against hers. She moaned against his lips, while his hands moved to her waist. His hands roamed over the material gently. She wanted more, more of him. "Stefan." She called between kisses, hoping that he would understand. She wanted his body against hers.

  His lips moved to kiss her neck, the sides of her face, and then, back to her lips. She let her hands move to the back of his hair. As his lips savored hers, she caressed his hair so lovingly. She felt as though nothing was enough. She wanted more.

  "Stefan." She pulled away. Her eyes searched his as her breathing became rough. His blue eyes seemed to be darkened by passion. "I want more,” she whispered, her cheeks turning red.

  Stefan raised one brow. "Are you certain?"

  She nodded more than once. Feeling flustered, she cast her gaze away. He chuckled lowly, tilted her chin up, and then kissed her again. Slowly, as he was kissing her, his hands moved to touch the row of buttons that ran down her back.

  Stefan tugged at it, setting it loose. She pulled her hands from its sleeves and let it drop to the floor. He sucked in a breath as he watched her, standing in a corset. His eyes were gla
zed with desire. Her eyes widened when she saw the bulge in his breeches. Stefan's eyes glinted as he stepped forward and planted soft kisses on her shoulders. She blushed. His hands moved to remove his coat, as well and pull his cotton shirt over his head. He kicked off his boots and impatiently, he lifted her and took her to the large bed. The bed dipped as he placed her carefully on it.

  His lips were on her neck again before she could speak. Kissing and sucking on her as moans of pleasure filled his ears. He was kissing his way down while gently removing her corset. Her breasts sprang free. She gasped as she made to cover them but Stefan stopped her immediately.

  "Do you trust me?" he asked.

  She nodded once. Her cheeks were ablaze. She wondered how it was that she had faced him so squarely before. And now, she felt so small under him. His lips parted on her left breast. His hot tongue began to suck and pleasure surged through her. It was maddening to feel so much at once. He moved his mouth to her other breast, kissing, sucking, and caressing all at once. She moaned. As he laid above her, her thighs parted over as his kisses were moving lower. She felt him tug at her petticoat until it came off. He kissed her stomach and trailed down till his lips were on the triangle between her legs. She gasped.

  "Stefan."

  He looked up at her. "I would never bring you harm. If you do not like this, then I will stop."

  He waited for her response. With one nod, she said, "I trust you."

  He grinned mischievously and went on. His hands caressed her inner thighs. She moaned and closed her eyes. Then she felt his mouth on her, hot and satisfying. His tongue moved slowly, rubbing against her in slow pleasures. Her hands ran across his hair as she moaned in pleasure and let out low cries. Stefan was far from done yet. He kept on, sucking her until he that she was shaking with pleasure. He rose, with his eyes glinting, he moved away from the bed and removed his breeches. His manhood sprang free. She watched him in slow, agonizing moments as he walked over and lay beside her. Unable to keep away from him for too long, she lay above him and attacked his lips with hers. His hands glided over her rear as she kissed him, slowly, steadily. He was touching her all over. She wanted him inside her, all of him. She wanted to feel him.

  His cock brushed against her. She gasped, suddenly whimpering above him.

  Stefan turned so that she was beneath him. His eyes were on her, and he said loudly. "I love you Esther, with all my heart."

  "I love you, too, Stefan.” She felt like she was new, saying those words so proudly, so happily with honesty and certainty. Her hands caressed his chest. She had never felt happier. He was smiling down at her as slowly, he guided himself into her. She gasped when the cap of his member touched her opening. Swallowing hard, she felt him slide into her. She almost screamed when he finally was able to penetrate. He didn't move above her. It was her first time, and she had heard that first times could hurt a lot. So, he stayed there, making sure she wasn’t in pain.

  "Are you alright, my love?" he asked.

  The discomfort eased not long after, and she yearned for him to fill her. She craved more of him. Then, with a smile she encouraged him. "I am fine."

  He nodded once and began to move against her. She bucked her back to grant him more access to her. To pleasure her. Her hands stayed on his shoulders, shaking with desire and pleasure as he moved inside her. Stefan muttered sweet sayings in her ear as she felt him tremble with ecstasy. He fell beside her, wrapped his arms around her, and together, they fell asleep.

  Sometime after midnight, she felt a shuffle beside her. Her eyes fluttered open and all her eyes saw was darkness, except for the small fire still burning in the hearth. Beside her, Stefan was moving. He turned sharply to hold her in his arms. He must not have been awake for long. Her eyes were glossy, and her arms shielded her bosom from his eyes. He moved, rested on his elbow so he could face her. She blinked, smiled a bit, and cast her gaze down. She was shy. He chuckled as he pulled her close and placed little kisses all over her face. She giggled in his arms. He held her close, smiling, enjoying the moment, and not wanting to let go.

  "I didn't intend to wake you."

  "Why are you awake?" She nuzzled close to him, making him smile.

  "I have to leave, Esther. If I am caught here, it will definitely be a scandal. It will give the ton something to gossip for at least ten years." He turned to her and leaned in. "Tomorrow is the Christmas ball. I'll see you then."

  It took a while before she remembered where they were. They were in her bedchamber, in Kendal Manor. It would damage her reputation beyond repair if they were caught in this position. He was right. He had to leave as soon as possible before morning came. However, she didn't want to let him go.

  She sighed indignantly. She wanted to spend the moment with him, and so she held on to him.

  "Esther..." Stefan moaned. "I'll see you at the ball."

  Although she didn't want to, she knew she had to let him go. To save her family from embarrassment. Nodding once, she moved away from him and watched him dress. Before he left through the window, he kissed her deeply and again promised to see her at the ball.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  All the coats Alfred thought he should don for the ball didn't please him. He shook his head every time Alfred raised one. Stefan wanted to look perfect. He was so happy that he wanted everything in him to show it. He had later called Alexandra to help him choose. She advised him to wear his deep blue coat and waistcoat with gold embroidery. He couldn't agree more. Alexandra had smiled as she looked at him. And then she nodded. "To the spirit of Christmas."

  Stefan chuckled robustly. "To the spirit of Christmas, indeed."

  Robert ran out of the dining room with a huge grin plastered on his face. "Tis so good to see you happy, Stefan."

  Stefan ruffled the boy's hair. William grumbled at the dining table, hoping everyone would come, so they could all have their meal. The Dowager Duchess had stepped in then, a broad smile on her face. Her red ball gown was beautiful and she looked youthful. He imagined her in the days of her prime. Stefan chuckled when his mother twirled, asking how she looked.

  "Beautiful, Mother," Robert announced.

  How could he be so happy? “How could happiness be everywhere?” Stefan thought. His mind moved to the present.

  He was seated by his mother in the carriage. They were on their way to Somerset Castle for the Christmas ball. The grand ball of the season.

  His mother touched his arm, smiling. "You look so happy, Stefan. It is a great pleasure to see you this way."

  "I am happy Mama. I am."

  "Agnes would be so proud of you." His mother laughed.

  Stefan smiled at her. Now, he felt comfortable talking about his sister. He felt comfortable when her name was spoken. She had a tragic end, but he would make sure her name lived forever. He held his mother's hand in his and smiled. "All is well Mama."

  "I know my son."

  They soon arrived at Somerset Castle. Richard alerted them of their arrival. Once Stefan alighted, he stretched his arms to his mother. The moment they walked through the double doors of the ballroom, Augustus, the butler of Somerset Castle announced their arrival.

  "The Duke and Dowager Duchess of York."

  They walked into the ballroom, which was already swamped with people. Stefan let go of his mother’s arm and made his way to where his best friend stood with his French wife. While he approached them, his eyes darted around, looking for Esther.

  He clapped Eugene's back and chuckled. "Eugene."

  "Stefan!" Eugene laughed boisterously and shook hands with Stefan. They launched into a random talk about the wine Eugene was drinking.

  "Italian wine is the best, I tell you." Eugene laughed.

  Stefan narrowed his eyes. "You've had too much to drink."

  "You look very good. Better than I have seen you in weeks. Did she finally forgive you, my friend?"

  Stefan didn't speak, but his smile made Eugene's eyes widen. "I see the lady has forgiven you."

 
Henriette curtsied at Stefan and whispered something in her husband's ears. Stefan let his gaze drift as they spoke. He wondered why Esther was yet to arrive, then clapped Eugene on the back and walked away. He headed towards the right side of the ballroom. Not so far from where the dowagers were gathered, Lady Katherine stood with her husband, Lord Bowmount. Stefan approached them, a smile on his face.

  "Lady Katherine."

  Katherine's eyes widened when she saw him. "Your Grace."

  Lord Bowmount bowed to him. "Your Grace."

  Stefan returned their greetings equally, before staring at Katherine desperately. "I'm afraid I haven't seen Lady Esther and am beginning to worry. She did say she would be here."