The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series)

by Jernigan, Brenda

  Adam watched as she stared at him, but he could tell her mind was far away. Perhaps she was remembering some little something, and he wondered what her life had been like before she landed on his shore. She was full of life, and wasn’t in the least bit shy around him. He liked that. Maybe no one had taught her to play the aloof seductive role that most women played.

  “Where’s the Wind Jammer now?” she asked. “May I see her one day? She sounds beautiful, Your Grace.”

  Adam started laughing. She’d just done the same thing— asked two questions at once. “Please, call me Adam.”

  “Thank you, Adam.”

  He liked the way she shyly said his name, her accent adding a different sound with its mixture of French and English. If he could only put his finger on where he’d heard it before. “She’s in the colonies right now, transporting spices and other goods from the West Indies to America. I left my first mate, Derek, in charge. And in answer to your first question—when I’m ready to return home, I’ll send for Derek to pick me up. You can see the ship at that time.”

  “Then you’ll be leaving soon?”

  “I’m not sure. As I said, I still have some business matters to clear up here first. And I need to find out just who you are and where you belong.” Adam noticed the look of apprehension that crossed her face, and wondered what had caused it.

  “I see,” she said softly.

  Noting the disappointment in her voice, Adam came around the table to help her out of the chair. His hand slid down her arm. He felt her tremble at the mere brush of his fingers. He knew he was too close—her breathing became shallow.

  Slowly, she looked up into his eyes. “You’re handsome,” she murmured, swaying toward him. “I didn’t mean to say that. Annie said that ladies should be demure.”

  Adam grinned, thinking the wine had loosened her tongue as he reached out to steady her. A pink blush covered her face. Of course, he’d been guilty of keeping her glass full all night. If she could read his thoughts right now, she’d be smart and run out of the room to safety. God, she was beautiful, and he’d love to find out if her skin felt like satin all over. How he ached to touch her wine-sweetened lips. But Adam thrust aside the thought as soon as it formed. She still seemed an innocent child, much like his sister, he told himself. He’d not take advantage of her.

  Finally, she looked down at her feet and murmured, “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize, my lady.” He put his finger under her chin and tilted her face up so he could see her eyes. He looked deep into their depths and found a burning passion, making him forget all earlier thoughts of her being a child. He groaned. Again the urge to kiss her grew like a fire within him. Jerking himself back to reality, Adam realized that he couldn’t kiss her as he wanted to. This attraction to her was insane. It made no sense at all. Gently, he brushed his lips against her forehead. “Good night, my lady.”

  The shutting of the door brought Jewel’s attention back. Adam was gone, and she didn’t know if she was happy or sad. If only he were old and ugly or had a scar or two, then resisting him would be easier. But he was simply beautiful. “Good night, Adam,” she whispered to the closed door.

  Breakfast consisted of blueberry muffins and jam. There were also generous portions of ham and bacon. Jewel was afraid she’d feel awkward after the previous night, but Adam acted as if nothing had happened. She wasn’t sure how men and women were supposed to act. Perhaps he kissed every woman he knew.

  They enjoyed a pleasant conversation much as they had the previous night.

  After breakfast, Adam bade her good day and went to his study to work, leaving her to entertain herself. Jewel soon learned this was his usual custom, so she began to visit the kitchen staff, knowing he would disapprove if he found out, but needing someone to talk to. She soon learned all the servants’ names, and would laugh while she helped them with their small tasks.

  The days soon settled into a routine. She saw very little of Adam during the day, but at night he always appeared for dinner and provided her with stimulating conversation about Briercliff. They were developing an easy relationship, and a few times she felt that Adam was reluctant to bid her good night. However, he never kissed her on the forehead again, much to her regret. But when she expressed a desire to go outside, he did promise to take her riding very soon. She was beginning to feel like a member of the family, and it seemed she had known Adam longer than a month.

  The next three weeks, she spent her time reading; however, she soon became bored and looked for other ways to occupy herself.

  Finally, one morning she saw Adam ride off on his black stallion. Now, she decided, was the perfect time to cure her restlessness. Every time she had mentioned going outside, Adam had told her she wasn’t well enough. There were times when he treated her much like a child, and she wondered if that was the way he really saw her.

  She had a terrible longing to be outdoors, and now was her opportunity. She quickly dressed and hurried from her room.

  Once outside, Jewel wandered across the back lawns of Briercliff. She stopped and stared up at the grayish stone contrasted against a bright blue sky. The structure might not be the largest in England, but it was certainly impressive.

  Annie had told her a little about the castle. It was, of course, large, with thirty-four rooms. There were two three-bedroom cottages, two fish ponds, and an active church on the grounds. Jewel found the leaded windows that stretched across the back of the house to be beautiful. The ballroom was easily identified by the many floor-to-ceiling windows and several French doors.

  She turned away from the castle and walked down the stone steps, noticing the back lawns were in layers, each level leading to another. After reaching the second section, she found Annie working in the flower beds.

  “What are you doing?” Jewel asked.

  The little lady was startled, but quickly recovered and looked around at her. “Workin’ in my flower garden, lass. ’Tis nice tae see ye outside.”

  “It’s wonderful to be here. I’d have come out sooner, but His Grace kept insisting I wasn’t well enough.” She sighed. “I’ve been shut up much too long. This time I didn’t bother to ask,” she confessed. “What are those things you’re planting?”

  Annie held up a tiny round ball with a point on one end. “They’re called bulbs. I plant them in the fall and by spring we’ll be havin’ bright rainbow colors. I’m also plantin’ daffodils and crocuses. ’Tis said when ye see the first crocus peek out of the ground, spring can’t be far behind.” She stood up, stretching her back muscles. “Would ye like to be helpin’ me?”

  “May I?”

  Jewel glanced down at her pretty dress of heather blue with the faintest thin white stripe running through the material. She really should go and change, but the October sun felt much too good on her skin, and she didn’t want to miss one ray. Shoving aside the guilt about soiling her new gown, she was soon down on her knees, digging in the soil.

  “My mother liked flowers,” Jewel admitted right out of the blue.

  “Ye remember her, lass?”

  “I—I can almost picture her in a flower garden, but it must have been a long time ago,” she said sadly, “because I can’t remember her face.”

  “The important thing is ye remembered.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Jewel admitted as she scooped out two more small holes.

  Annie laughed, and Jewel turned to see what had amused her. “What’s so funny?” she asked, puzzled to find Annie watching her.

  “Lass, one thin’ we now be knowin’! Ye’ve never planted bulbs in yer life.” She pointed at the row Jewel had just finished. “Ye’ve just inserted that whole line of tulips upside down. Points must be pointin’ straight up—not down.” Annie laughed, stopping to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Lass, ye don’t know how much ye have brightened up this household.”

  “Well, they fit better with the point down.” Jewel chuckled, then pushed the hair from her face, smudging her cheek in t
he process. Her hair was extremely unmanageable, causing her to brush it often from her face.

  Annie showed her the correct way to plant the bulbs; then, for the rest of the late summer afternoon, they worked in the garden. The day grew warm, and Jewel ended up streaking her once-lovely dress in many places as she wiped the dirt from her hands from time to time.

  “And a good afternoon, ladies. Is Adam about?” a male voice inquired from behind them.

  Both turned to see who had spoken; however, the sun’s glare blinded Jewel and she couldn’t make out the intruder. Shading her eyes, she stared at the gentleman who had interrupted their tranquility.

  “Jonathan!” Annie stood and hugged his neck. “Ye’ve stayed away much too long.”

  “It’s good to see you, too.” He smiled at her. “I had to go back to London unexpectedly and have just returned,” he explained. “Adam wasn’t in his study. I thought he might be out here.”

  “Nay, he rode out early this momin’, but we be expectin’ him back for dinner. Do stay and eat with him,” Annie said.

  “Since you’ve twisted my arm, I’d be delighted.” Jonathan turned his attention to Jewel. “Perhaps you should properly introduce us, Annie.” He grinned at her with a breathtaking smile. “I presume this has to be the girl from the beach.”

  “ ’Tis Miss Jewel.”

  Jonathan brought Jewel’s hand to his lips and gently placed a kiss there. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered nicely, for you look nothing like the frail waif we found that morning. The last time I saw you, you were a very sick young lady. I now see why Adam has been keeping you under close wraps.”

  “You found me?” Jewel asked, puzzled.

  “Well, yes, I mean no ... I mean yes and no.” Jonathan chuckled.

  “I’m not sure you’ve said anything.” She laughed good-naturedly.

  Jonathan’s face had taken on a shade of pink. “It’s been a long time since a woman has gotten me tongue-tied,” Jonathan confessed. “I was with Adam when we found you on the coastline. I must say, if I had known you looked like this, I’d have taken you home myself.”

  Warmth spread across her face. She had the feeling Jonathan could be quite a charmer. Perhaps it was the twinkle in his eyes that spoke of a devil-may-care attitude. But before she could respond, Adam rode up on his magnificent black stallion.

  Immediately, she sensed his gaze upon her and wondered why he was frowning. Could it be because she had disobeyed him and was outside without his permission? There were times when he treated her like his own personal property.

  “Hello, Jonathan, have you been waiting long?” Adam asked.

  “No, I’ve just arrived. I was explaining to Jewel how we had met. I’m surprised you didn’t tell her about your best friend.” Jonathan chuckled.

  Adam dismounted, walked over to Jonathan, and gave him a none-too-gentle slap on the back. “Well, seeing that you are my best friend and a scoundrel to boot, one could understand the slight oversight. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Ah, praise from the king.” Jonathan grinned broadly. “What’s wrong? Afraid I’d steal her?”

  Adam ignored the comment. Instead, he focused his attention on Jewel, and didn’t bother to hide the irritation in his voice. “Mademoiselle, I believe I bought you a nice wardrobe. It would seem there is something amiss with that garment.”

  She looked down and saw the soil marks on her gown, but she really didn’t see a problem. The garment could be washed, and surely a little dirt never hurt anyone. She was not a child to be ordered about. She was a woman! Couldn’t he see that? And what was wrong with the way she was dressed? Hadn’t Annie told her she’d had on breeches when she was found?

  “I’ve been planting flowers,” Jewel said. “Do you expect to keep me locked behind Briercliff walls, never to see the sun again?”

  She saw his brow raise slightly. A sure sign, she’d learned, that she’d vexed him. He was getting ready to speak, but Jonathan spoke first, saving her from Adam’s tongue-lashing.

  “I think you look charming. And Adam must agree some fresh air would do you a world of good. However, most ladies don’t care for the sun.”

  Her anger surfaced. “Evidently, I’m not most ladies,” she snapped. She’d tried her damnedest to please Adam lately. Well, she was through trying. “Jonathan, I look forward to your company tonight. If you both will excuse me, I need to change into something more suitable for His Lordship.”

  Jonathan covered his mouth to smother his laugh. “I see you have your hands full, Your Grace, and somehow the thought pleases me.”

  After she left, Adam looked at his friend, an eyebrow arched in question. “Dinner?”

  “Your invitation is a trifle tardy. I believe Annie invited me earlier. You don’t mind, do you, ol boy?”

  “Of course not.” Adam scowled, a small twitch starting in his jaw.

  “I’ll be damned.” Jonathan grinned. “I never thought I’d see the day. You are jealous, ol’ boy!”

  Once they were in Adam’s study, Jonathan accepted a drink from Adam, who warned him, “Don’t get any ideas about Jewel. She’s a sweet child.”

  “Child!” Jonathan nearly choked on his brandy. “Adam, you’ve been in the country too long. She is a woman if I’ve ever seen one, from those velvety brown eyes and that creamy skin—” Jonathan stopped in mid-sentence. “But don’t worry, I’ll try to suppress my charms.”

  “See that you do,” Adam growled, sitting down in his favorite chair and casually propping his feet up on his desk.

  “You wouldn’t be trying to keep our little lady all to yourself, would you?” Jonathan gave Adam one of his lopsided grins.

  “Of course not,” Adam retorted. Then, in a calmer tone, as if regretting his outburst: “I just don’t want to see her hurt. Jewel cannot remember anything about herself except her name.”

  “You’re joking! So you don’t know any more than you did the day we found her?”

  “Well, I’ve learned a few things, but not much. She speaks French, and she enjoys rum.” Adam gave him a rueful smile. “She’s certainly not a debutante from Almacks. As you saw earlier, she thought nothing of being half-clothed. Yet there is a certain naivety about her.” He sighed. “I can’t figure her out. We found what looks like a treasure map with her first name written on it. But the diagram is only part of a larger map.”

  Jonathan sat up, intrigued. “What did she have to say about it?”

  Adam shrugged. “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?”

  “No, I haven’t shown it to her yet. The doctor suggested I wait until she’s completely recovered physically.” He reached in his desk drawer and pulled out the parchment, then tossed it across the desk. “What do you think?”

  Jonathan studied the map. “It’s hard to tell with only half a chart, but this looks like the Gulf of Mexico to me. I’d wager your friend—you know, the pirate—could possibly shed some light on this map.”

  “You mean Lafitte, that scoundrel! If this drawing is worth anything, he’d sell his soul for it. The man lacks scruples, but no better friend could I find. You do have a good point, though. If Jewel doesn’t recognize this place, I’ll take it with me when I return home.”

  “Speaking of the United States, I have another message from General Andrew Jackson.” Jonathan handed a letter to Adam.

  Tearing the envelope, Adam quickly read the note, then frowned. “Things are getting worse at home. I need to do a little investigating in London to see what I can pick up. I also think it’s time to send for the Wind Jammer.”

  “So soon? Are you going to take Jewel with you?”

  “No, I think it’s better that she stays here,” he answered in a low voice. “At least until we find out more about her. Her life could possibly be in danger.”

  “You’re probably right,” Jonathan agreed. “If you’re ever caught, you’ll be hung for treason.”

  “In my eyes it’s not treason.” Adam’s loo
k hardened. “I think the United States should be allowed to govern themselves. After all, I’m part American.”

  “I know, and I agree with you. One day perhaps I’ll go and see this country you love.” Jonathan realized he probably could be hung for that treasonous statement, but he knew Adam wouldn’t be loyal to this new nation without just cause. “By the way, while you’re in London, I’ll be glad to keep an eye on Jewel.” Again he saw the muscle in Adam’s jaw start to twitch.

  “Thank you.” Adam let out a long, controlled breath. “But remember, the lady is mine.”

  “So, you do care!”

  “Let’s put it this way. I found her. She belongs to me!” he stated in no uncertain terms.

  Jonathan couldn’t help laughing. “You talk as if Jewel is a piece of goods to be bought and sold, and the person who had possession was her owner. I think you’re in for a rude awakening, ol’ chap.”

  Before Adam could issue a stinging reply, the study door opened and the subject they had been discussing entered the room. Jewel was a vision of femininity. Her simple dress was made of white percale that fitted at the top and gathered with soft pleats at the waist. The bottom of her skirt had a muslin flounce trim. She wore a pink embroidered Spencer jacket with puffed shoulders and long velvet sleeves that fitted over the bodice and accented her tiny waistline, and her hair had been tied back with a soft pink ribbon of lace.

  The two men both stood as she walked over to them, but Jonathan moved first, claiming her hand. He placed it in the crook of his arm. “Let me escort you into the dining room. I must say you look lovely tonight, my dear.”

  “Thank you,” Jewel murmured.

  Jonathan glanced over his shoulder. “Are you coming, Adam?” Jonathan was well pleased with the black look he received.

  Jewel noticed extra candles had been placed on the dining room table. Soft light bathed the room, and in the middle of the table was a beautiful centerpiece of orange and yellow cut flowers. She took her seat across from Jonathan, and Adam sat at the head of the table.