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

by Jernigan, Brenda

  Adam clipped two more bows of spruce and turned back to his helper. He chuckled because he could only see her face above the bundles of green branches. “Let’s take those back to—”

  A shot rang out. He sprung toward Jewel, taking them both to the ground.

  “W-what was that?”

  “Shh.”

  Every muscle in Adam’s body coiled, waiting to spring into action. A pair of horses sounded in the distance. He jumped to his feet, then ran toward the sound. But by the time he drew his pistol to fire, there was no one in sight. Whoever it had been was long gone.

  He went back to Jewel and helped her up. “Are you all right?”

  “I-I think so.” She brushed the snow from her cape with her gloved hands. “Were they shooting at us?”

  “I’d like to think they were poachers. But that was too close for comfort.” He took her elbow, and they turned toward the sleigh. “I’m going to get you back home.”

  “What about the greenery?”

  “I’ll send someone back to get it. My main concern, for now, is your safety.”

  After dinner they gathered in the drawing room in front of a blazing fire. Annie and Jewel busied themselves making Christmas decorations from eggshells while a very frisky puppy played at their feet. Adam couldn’t help but laugh over the puppy’s clumsiness.

  Watching Jewel while he sipped his brandy, he noted she seemed to fit well into his family. He thought of how different she looked now from when he’d first found her. He also realized his obsession about her past wasn’t as strong as it used to be. But the girl herself still puzzled him. He tried to dismiss her, only to find she crept back into his thoughts. He was sure once he found out who she was the obsession would end. Life would be as it had been: fulfilling his duties at Briercliff before returning to Four Oaks. And then what? Somehow there seemed to be an empty void he hadn’t realized before.

  The servants entering the room caught his attention. Even Giles had lost some of his sour disposition tonight as he lent a hand with the festive activities. He joked with Marie, who had brought in the eggnog and scones.

  The eggnog was delicious, especially when laced with brandy, and the mood was festive as they sang Christmas carols around the piano.

  Later, Adam brought out an armful of presents, and Jewel helped place them on a table decorated with greenery. She noticed how much younger he appeared tonight. All the hard lines had vanished from his face, and he didn’t look quite so intimidating. His eyes twinkled, and she wondered if under that hard exterior there lay a gentleness he tried to keep hidden from others.

  The spirit of Christmas filled each heart that night when they went to bed.

  The next morning, Jewel slipped out of bed before the rest of the household. She dressed in a dark blue gown with a white lace overdress, then hurried down to the kitchen, taking care not to make a sound. When she found the kitchen empty, she breathed a sigh of relief.

  She had explained to Marie what she wanted to do, and Marie had told her the best time so that Jewel wouldn’t run into the regular household staff.

  Now, to make Adam’s present. She probably should wait for Christmas morning, but they would be tired after Jonathan’s party, so she thought now would be a better time. Trying to remember everything Marie had taught her, Jewel mixed up the batter in a big brown mixing bowl, remembering to add a generous helping of rum.

  While the buns baked, she brewed fresh tea and filled a pitcher with cream. The heavenly smell of the rum enticed her senses as she spread the thick white icing on the warm buns. Arranging the goodies on a silver tray with the tea, she covered them with a cloth to keep them warm, then left the kitchen.

  Taking a deep breath, Jewel climbed the stairs to Adam’s room. She was sure it wasn’t considered proper for her to be in a man’s room, but no one was around to see, so what did it matter?

  It was a small miracle, but she made it up the stairs without spilling any of her goodies. Thank God! For once, she wasn’t her usual, clumsy self.

  Jewel opened the door and eased into the room, taking care not to wake Adam until everything was ready. She placed the tray on a table beside the bed.

  Adam appeared so peaceful. She couldn’t help staring at him. His tousled hair made him very appealing. Smiling, she leaned over him and touched his arm.

  Adam had a sixth sense when it came to danger. Having been in precarious situations too many times, he never slept deeply. Years of training had taught him to keep up his guard.

  Now he sensed that someone was in his room, and felt a presence near his bed. There were too many people who wanted him dead—especially if they’d found out about his spying activities. Easing his hand under his pillow, Adam’s fingers touched the cold metal of his pistol.

  As a hand touched his shoulder, he moved with lightning speed. He grabbed the arm, and with a powerful jerk he threw his assailant onto the bed and quickly placed the barrel of the gun next to the intruder’s head.

  Jewel! Fear lanced him at the thought of how he could have hurt her.

  He calmed his breathing as he stared down at the woman now lying under him. Blinking his eyelids several times to clear the sleep, he once again focused on the intruder. The picture that met his eyes was somehow unbelievable. Either he was having a very vivid dream or Jewel was in bed with him. Impossible! For the wild-eyed tigress that met his piercing gaze told him he was wide awake.

  He removed the gun from Jewel’s head, keeping her trapped beneath him. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Good morning, sweetheart. May I ask what you’re doing in my bed?”

  “I wasn’t in your bed until you threw me here,” she snapped indignantly. The palms of her hands pushed against his chest, and she realized with a sudden shock that the man wasn’t clothed. She really hadn’t thought about how improper this whole thing would look to him, but when his arms tightened around her, she knew this wasn’t a situation any lady should find herself in.

  “Let me rephrase my question.” His gaze shifted toward the crack in the curtains, then back to her. “Is there a particular reason why you’re in my room at this ungodly hour?” But he had no intention of letting her answer. She could tell his thoughts were anything but friendly. His heavy-lidded gaze lowered to her lips just before he said, “I can think of many things we could do.” His husky voice became a purr as he nuzzled her neck. “Mmm, you smell wonderful.”

  His lips took her breath away, and she had the strongest desire to melt against him. Her head spun. This was wrong. She knew some distance had to be put between them. She felt much too comfortable in his bed and in his arms.

  Catching him off guard, Jewel shoved hard on his chest and scooted off the bed before he could grab her. This wasn’t going at all as she had planned!

  Adam laughed tauntingly. “I could come after you.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  He started to throw back the covers, and Jewel could see he planned to get out of bed. Did the man have no shame?

  “Wa—wait a minute. You’re not dressed. Oh, Adam, you’re going to ruin everything.” She shoved him back down before he could get out of bed.

  “What do you mean ruin everything?”

  Jewel brushed the wrinkles out of her gown. “I have a surprise for you. That wonderful smell is not me, but your breakfast.”

  “My what!” His brow shot up.

  “Your breakfast.” Jewel pulled the blankets up to his chin. “Now if you’ll get yourself situated, I’ll serve your breakfast in bed.”

  “I don’t believe this. I’ve never had breakfast in bed.” His astonishment rang clear as he smiled at her.

  Jewel handed him a plate and pulled the cloth off the buns, letting the savory rum aroma fill the air. “This is my present to you. Merry Christmas.”

  “Rum buns!” His eyes rolled toward the ceiling, then back to the tasty treat. “How did you know they’re my favorite?” Jewel handed him a piping hot cup of tea laced with rich cream. “Let’s just say someone to
ld me.”

  She watched as Adam sampled her cooking, pleasure rolling through her when she received his nod of approval.

  “I refuse to eat by myself,” he said. “Please join me.” Jewel fetched herself a pastry and a cup of tea, then looked around for a place to sit. Adam patted the bed beside him. She really didn’t trust him after a moment ago, or maybe she didn’t trust herself because she liked his kisses too much. But considering that his hands were busy with the sticky buns, she took a chance. “I wish I could give you a better Christmas present.”

  “Sweetheart”—he placed his forefinger under her chin, turning her face to his—“you couldn’t have given me anything I wanted more. Then again . . His eyes gleamed.

  “Adam!” So much for him being occupied with food.

  “I was just teasing. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. He sipped his tea, then said, “Tell me, Jewel, have you had a chance to look at the map?”

  “Yes, I have.” She tensed, wondering how much she should tell him. “Bits and pieces did come back to me.” She toyed with the edge of her sleeve. She couldn’t tell him about the pirates for fear he would hate her association with such people. He might also turn her over to the authorities. And she still wasn’t sure exactly how she had ended up at Briercliff. Had she lived with her uncle? Somehow, that notion seemed farfetched.

  “I remember that I am eighteen, and that my birthday is July first. I also remember who Jean is.” She waited to gauge his reaction.

  Adam tensed. “Who is he?”

  “My uncle.”

  Adam let out the breath he’d been holding. “Uncle? It’s a start, Jewel. What’s his last name?”

  “I don’t remember that, but he’s the one who gave me the map. The other night I had a dream, and in my dream I was a child. I can’t tell you anymore, but that’s when I received the map. She did remember her childhood promise of secrecy.

  “Do you know where the islands are located?”

  “No.”

  “Jewel, does the name Henry Lee mean anything to you?” She thought for a moment. “No. Should it?”

  “I’m not sure. We’ll talk more of it later.” Adam decided he didn’t want to stir up that problem at the moment. If Lee was her uncle, Adam would have to let her leave. The question was, could he do that? Or did he want to?

  “Breakfast was delicious,” he said. “Don’t tell Marie, but I think your rum buns are the best.” He winked at her, then added, “Would you like to go with me to St. Ives today?”

  “To see Cyril?”

  “Yes, among others. My grandfather has always taken the villagers baskets of food for Christmas. Since he’s no longer here, the duty falls into my hands. But first, I’ve some things to take care of in my study. We’ll leave around eleven o’clock.”

  Jewel nodded.

  “Now, unless you would like to stay and help me dress, I’d suggest you run along.”

  “I’ll take the hint.” She slid off the bed. “I’m leaving.” She gathered up all the dishes on her tray and walked to the door.

  “Jewel?”

  “Yes?” She looked at Adam, thinking how much she really would like to stay. She was drawn to him, and she knew that couldn’t be good. They seemed to be from two different worlds. And she’d probably never fit into his, no matter how much she wanted to. Something in his eyes made her realize that he would kiss her again if she moved closer. But the distance between his bed and the door might as well be a mile, because she didn’t know exactly how to act. Or how he really felt about her.

  “Thank you for my present,” he said. “It means a great deal to me.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Adam worked in his study all morning, dealing with the matters that had been neglected during his absence. At mid-morning he was deep in the tedious clerical work when he heard a knock on the door.

  Adam barked gruffly, “Enter.”

  Annie walked up to his desk, but remained silent.

  “What is it, Annie?”

  “Beggin’ yer pardon, sir. There be a gentleman here tae see ye.”

  Adam’s first thought was Captain Lee. “Who is it?”

  “He wouldn’t rightly give me his name. He did tell me tae say that ye’ll be glad tae see him.”

  Adam shoved the chair back abruptly. “We’ll see about that.”

  Adam went to the sitting room where the visitor had been sent. A man of medium build stood in front of the fireplace, warming his hands. He wore a sailor’s coat of navy blue wool with his collar turned up so that Adam couldn’t see his hair. Maybe it was Captain Lee, Adam thought again. If so, the man definitely had some nerve.

  “You wished to see me?” Adam stated bluntly.

  The visitor jumped, then slowly turned. “You wouldn’t have gone and gotten all uppity on me now, would you, son?”

  Adam relaxed as a broad smile swept across his face. He immediately recognized the gentleman in front of him, and walked over to embrace him. “Derek, you old codger. You made damn good time, but then only you could have the ocean do as you command. I hadn’t expected you this soon. Did you encounter any problems on the trip?”

  “No, son, not a bit. We had smooth sailing all the way.” Derek took a moment to look him over. “I must tell you straight off, you look well indeed. Something here has surely agreed with you. And to think, all this time I’ve been feeling sorry for you, stuck in this godforsaken land.”

  “Things haven’t been so bad, but you’d best believe I’ll be glad to return to Four Oaks,” Adam admitted.

  Derek looked around. “I’m well impressed with your wealth, Your Lordship.” He gave him a mock bow.

  “Oh, shut up and sit down.” Adam poured his friend some scotch, which had long been Derek’s drink. “I’ve known you well enough, old friend, to realize my title doesn’t impress you one bit. If it had, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time persuading you to let me on board your ship those many years ago.”

  Seeing Derek sitting across from him, Adam noticed he hadn’t changed much in the last year, except for a little more gray at his temples. He was a good-looking man with a gentle nature.

  Adam thought back to the first time he laid eyes on Derek. The man had been standing at the wheel of the ship with the sea breeze blowing his russet-brown hair. Adam had been a young man set upon seeing the world; however, he hadn’t had any sailing experience. He could remember that day as if it were yesterday. Derek had stared down at the then-young Adam. “What makes you think I should take the time to teach a dandy like you how to sail, son?”

  Adam had informed him that he wasn’t a dandy, and if Derek would like to see his skills, he’d be most happy to demonstrate them.

  Derek had seemed to like Adam’s spunk, and for some reason unknown to both, he had taken him on board his ship.

  In many ways Derek had been a father to Adam, and had taken him under his wing and taught him everything he needed to know about the sea. Derek was a man of great wisdom who Adam respected above all people.

  “Tell me what has been happening at home,” Adam said. “Have you seen Elizabeth?”

  Derek Winters looked at Adam before he spoke. “I couldn’t be prouder of you if you were my own flesh and blood. I remember the first time I saw the arrogant young lad you were.” He chuckled. “You were brought down a measure on your first sea trip, as I recall. I can still see you hanging over the side of the ship, retching your guts.” His cheeks turned red with laughter.

  “Elizabeth sends you her best and wants you to hurry home,” he continued. “She said to tell you please don’t marry Colette. She doesn’t want her for a sister-in-law; said you could find somebody much more suitable in New Orleans.”

  Adam smiled, thinking of Elizabeth. “Well, my sister has always spoken her mind. I wonder where she got the idea I was going to marry Colette. I have a feeling Annie is in this somewhere.”

  “Who?” Derek inquired.

  “Annie. You met her when you arrived.”

 
; “Aye, I met her. I must say she’s all spit and fire. Wasn’t too sure she was going to let you know I was here.” Derek smiled. “You know, she’s a right nice-looking woman. Is she married?”

  “No, as a matter of fact, she isn’t, but I’m not sure you could handle her. You might see gray in Annie’s hair, but she is a spitfire. Both men laughed together, and began catching up on old times.

  Annie and Jewel had been busy all morning filling baskets with fruit and baked goods for the people of St. Ives when Annie mentioned Adam’s visitor.

  “Who do you suppose it was?” Jewel asked.

  “I dinna know. ’Tis a fact I’ve not seen him before. Dressed strangely, too. He was a fine-lookin’ mon, but I dinna think he comes from round here.”

  “Well, it must be someone Adam knows, because he’s still visiting,” Jewel said as she tied her final ribbon. “There, that’s the last basket. I’ll go tell Adam they’re ready, and while I’m in there I will see who your mysterious visitor is.”

  Seeing the drawing room door open, she paused to look at the stranger before she entered. The man seemed different from Jonathan and Adam just by the clothes he wore, but he was good-looking, just as Annie had said. His bronzed and weathered skin resembled Adam’s, but the fine lines around his eyes told her he liked to laugh, whereas Adam controlled his emotions.

  The stranger glanced up when she entered. Upon seeing her, he stood. “This is Colette?” Derek asked.

  Adam swung around. “She’s a far cry from Colette,” he answered, taking Jewel’s arm and escorting her to the seat beside Derek. “Derek, I’d like you to meet Jewel.”

  Derek bowed. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “The pleasure is mine. Are you Adam’s first mate?”

  “Aye. I see he’s mentioned me.”

  “Yes, he has.” Jewel stared at him a moment before taking her seat. She saw in his eyes the same thing she saw in Annie’s—trust.