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

by Jernigan, Brenda

  Conscious of her softness, Adam felt the heat of her body searing through his clothes. But her softly spoken words became his undoing. His hold tightened on her. “Sweetheart, you don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

  After they finished the waltz, she didn’t see much of Adam. Every time one dance ended someone was there asking her for the next dance, and she noticed Governor Claiborne spent a great deal of time talking to Adam.

  Jewel had finished the last bit of her white wine when Jonathan claimed his dance.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Jonathan?”

  “I am now.” He grinned.

  “I see you haven’t lost that silver tongue of yours.” Jewel lifted her brow slightly.

  “You always could see through me.” His eyes darkened as he turned serious. “Are you happy, Jewel?”

  “Yes, I am.” She felt her eyes mist slightly. “You’ve always had my best interest at heart, and I’ll always love you dearly for being so sweet and being there when I needed you.”

  Jonathan smiled. “I’m glad Adam finally did the right thing and married you. I’ve seen him shy away from marriage so many times in the past.”

  “We had some rough times at sea, but finally solved some of our differences, or I think we have.”

  “Yes, you both are a little stubborn,” he commented, as if the answers were obvious.

  “Who, me?" Jewel pointed to herself and decided to change the subject before he asked about her memory. “I’ve seen you dancing with Elizabeth a few times. She’s very sweet and has become a good friend.”

  “Sweet . . . Elizabeth? Remember, I grew up with the hellion, but I have to admit she has developed into quite a beauty.”

  Jewel saw a gleam in his eyes. Just maybe there could be something there. She would test him and find out. “Elizabeth has had a few marriage proposals since we’ve been home, but she keeps turning them down.”

  “Really? I can’t picture Elizabeth married to just any man. She’s too much like Adam.” The dance ended and they moved to the side. “Will you excuse me, Jewel? I think I promised Elizabeth another dance.”

  “Yes, of course.” Jewel tried to hide her smile as she opened a small fan to cool herself.

  “Are you through dancing?” said the voice beside her.

  “Not if you’d like to dance with me,” Jewel said, smiling up at her husband and noticing he looked somewhat irritated.

  “Well, you’ve danced with everybody here. I thought maybe I could have a turn,” Adam snapped in a low voice.

  “Isn’t that what a hostess should do?” She didn’t particularly like his tone. Especially since she’d endured boring small talk all night with strangers.

  Adam didn’t bother to reply, but escorted, or rather pulled, her to the dance floor just before the band called for the last dance. Neither said a word as they whirled around the floor. Both were definitely conscious of the energy radiating from their bodies. Adam guided her over to the side of the garden where the crowd had thinned.

  “Let’s take a walk,” he growled.

  She started not to go, but decided it might be better to be out of hearing range of their guests.

  They stopped at the edge of a pool on the other side of the rose garden. Walking around the pool, they entered the gazebo, where they could have some privacy.

  Before Adam could say a word, she whirled about to face him. Her eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t you say a word, you pompous ass!”

  “I beg your pardon,” Adam bellowed.

  “I said shut up!” She didn’t care how angry he was. Her anger now matched his. “For weeks, I’ve worried that something had happened to you. You never bothered to write, not once. Then tonight I had to greet our guests by myself, and now when I try to be a good hostess and have to put up with men stepping all over my feet, you start accusing me of flirting!” Tears glistened on the edges of her eyelashes. “I’m trying to be a good wife, but where you’re concerned it’s almost impossible!”

  He reached out and snatched her to him. His iron grip tightened, just a small reminder he could crush her if he so desired. His face was mere inches from hers as he said, “I’m sorry.” He let his breath out slowly. “But the sight of men holding you close, when it has been so long since I’ve had the privilege, has driven me beyond reason. Once again my demon temper overruled my judgment.”

  Adam felt Jewel’s body relax, and it warmed his heart. Just holding her seemed to ease his restless spirit. Something about her still scared him. He rarely thought about her lack of memory anymore. If she hadn’t regained it by now, she probably wouldn’t. But something nagged at him. Even though she had married him, he felt as if he didn’t truly possess her. There was something she held away from him, and he couldn’t figure out what it was.

  His mouth eagerly took hers while his exploring hands caressed her body as he held her close. His warm breath brushed against her ear. Adam placed soft kisses on her neck, and soon felt her body tremble in his arms. It was all he needed to send him over the edge.

  He stood back from her only a moment while he loosened his stock.

  Jewel felt limp watching Adam disrobe. Her body already yearned for his kisses and touch. She, too, quickly pulled off her dress, frustrated by the knot she had just put in her corset

  Adam pulled her down on his lap. His knife quickly disposed of the ribbon and the corset fell away.

  “Adam, you’ve ruined it!”

  “I’ll buy you another,” he murmured huskily, turning her to face him. He took one of her breasts in his mouth, pulling her down on top of him as he lay back on the cushions. His tongue teased each nipple into hard buds. Then his teeth closed on one peak, causing Jewel to groan with longing. Adam’s mouth traveled back to her pink lips, and he took her mouth with a blistering kiss. “I want you now, Jewel.”

  “Like this,” she whispered, indicating she was on top.

  “Yes, just like this.” Adam held her hips, lifting her up before lowering her down on his throbbing manhood. God, she felt good! He moved her hips, feeling all of her velvety softness around him. Pulling her head down, Adam captured her lips again. He lost control and took her with a wild abandonment. They both climaxed as their bodies shuddered from pent-up emotion. Adam rolled her to the side, kissing her tender lips. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”

  “Will you be staying for a while?” Jewel murmured sleepily.

  “Yes, for a while . . .”

  Chapter Twenty-five

  September 3, 1814

  Thanks to his many friends and spies, Jean Lafitte knew what the British Army and Navy were thinking even before he was told.

  So on this lovely morning in September as he watched the brig Sophie, R.N. come a-calling, Jean smiled and leaned back against a white column that supported his veranda while he wondered just what the British offer would be.

  Unfortunately, he and his brother were now considered outlaws with a price on their heads. And poor Pierre had the unfortunate circumstance of now being a prisoner in the jail in New Orleans.

  “That damn Claiborne!” Jean pushed away from the pillar, feeling the anger of his brother’s imprisonment. At least he had confidence that his attorney would get Pierre out.

  All these things weighed heavily on Jean’s mind as he left the shade of the veranda to meet the crew of the Sophie.

  He wasn’t in a good mood.

  “Good day, gentlemen,” he said in his heavy French accent.

  “Monsieur Lafitte, thank you for allowing us to come and make our proposal to you.” Captain Lockyer shuffled his feet when Jean didn’t bother to comment. “Let me introduce myself and my assistant. I am Captain Robert Lockyer, and this is Lieutenant Mark Williams.”

  Jean nodded at the introductions, but refused to shake their hands. “Come, let me escort you to my home. We’ll dine there. Then we can discuss business.”

  Jean smiled secretly, noticing that his men jostled the Englishmen along the way as they walked to the main hous
e. But what could these proper Englishmen expect from these ferocious Baratarians?

  The British officers exchanged looks and started to hesitate, evidently thinking their coming here might not have been a good idea.

  Looking over at the much-too-proper officers, Jean decided to rescue them. “These gentlemen are my guests,” he said sternly, “and you would do well to remember that, men. Now, come.” He swept his hand toward the veranda, ignoring the amused glances that passed between his men.

  When they entered the sprawling house, Captain Lockyer looked surprised at the exquisite interior and how well Jean lived. Jean smiled. Just because he was an outlaw didn’t mean he didn’t have taste.

  As dinner was served, a dinner that was probably far superior to the captain’s everyday meals, Jean couldn’t help thinking of Jewel. Had the British captured his niece? By heaven or hell, he would find out.

  Jean plied the officers with his best rum and exquisite wine—stolen from a French ship, of course. After dinner they adjourned to a sitting area and the captain produced the letter.

  Jean took the dispatch and an accompanying proclamation, reading both without comment. The letter stated that he would be in the British Navy with a rank of captain. He could have his lands as soon as they had peace, and a bonus of forty thousand dollars cash.

  How absurd, Jean thought. Make him a captain . . . when he was already commander of his group of thieves. Give him land . . . that he already owned. And last but not least, an offer of forty thousand dollars when he had millions. Bastards! These men had to be very stupid. They didn’t deserve to win the war.

  Since he considered himself a true diplomat and also very cunning, Jean smiled slowly. “Gentlemen, this offer leaves me . . . how would you say . . . perhaps, speechless? I would like to review it and get my affairs in order. I’ll get back to you in a fortnight.”

  The men smiled and bade their farewells. Jean could see from their faces they were already congratulating themselves, thinking that the meeting had gone extremely well. Such fools.

  As soon as the visitors had gone, Lafitte sat down and wrote to Adam and Governor Claiborne. Yes, he would fight with America, but first he had to get Pierre out of jail. Jean could not look for his niece with Pierre in danger.

  To the governor, Jean suggested a pardon. He could handle the state people through his connections; it was the federal people that worried him.

  But would he get his deal? Jean wondered.

  The December morning dawned cold and wet. It wasn’t a day fit for a parade, and all of New Orleans did so love a parade, but Adam knew the general wouldn’t like the fuss.

  Adam sat on the horse at the outskirts of town and waited for the general. He’d sent a carriage to fetch him, but doubted Jackson would take it.

  Riding into the city, the commanding officer of the Seventh United States Military District cut a drab figure. He should have been covered with medals and gleaming with gold lace, but Jackson wore a leather cap on his head. A short, faded blue Spanish cloak was draped across his shoulders, and had been frogged over his chest against the chill, hiding his insignia and decorations.

  He appeared damn tired, and it showed in his “damn-you” eyes. Adam knew how the man felt, for he felt much the same. He wanted to get on with his life, but unfortunately it would have to wait. Staring straight ahead, Adam and Jackson rode to the previously prepared quarters on Royal Street. They didn’t bother to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd.

  Once settled in, General Jackson met the engineers with whom he would have to work. He listened attentively to what they had to say.

  When everyone had left, Adam tried to talk to the general about Jean and Pierre Lafitte.

  “They are Hellish Banditti,” Jackson stormed, coming to his feet.

  “You’ve known me a long time,” Adam stated, trying not to lose his temper. “I ask that you not make up your mind too quickly about the Lafittes. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and after you have had time to look around, you’ll see I am correct.”

  Jackson sat back down. “Because I’ve known you a long time, I will think on this matter.”

  “Thank you, General. You’ll not be sorry.”

  Unexpectedly, the office door swung open. “General Jackson, welcome to our city,” Edward Livingston, a highly acclaimed lawyer, said in his deep voice.

  “Edward, my old friend, how good it is to see you.” Jackson beamed.

  “Adam, as always, it’s a pleasure.” Edward shook his hand. “It looks like our mutual friend is in trouble.”

  “I just mentioned that very fact to the general.”

  Adam was glad that Edward Livingston worked for the Lafittes as their lawyer. Edward was a personal friend of Jackson’s. Definitely more than any other man, he had the ear of the general. With Adam on one side and Edward on the other, they had the general convinced in no time to pardon their friends.

  “I’m having a reception at my home tonight. I’d be honored if you both would attend,” Edward said.

  “I will see you both tonight, then.” Adam took his leave, anxious to return home, if only for a night. Again, he found himself anxious to get this impending battle over with. He didn’t want to go through life as he’d been doing. He wanted a meaningful life. He wanted a loving wife. But above all he wanted her trust. There had been few women in his life he could trust. He would bring Jewel, so she could meet the general.

  Everybody had turned out, it seemed, for Livingston’s party. There were six carriages waiting in front of them, Jewel observed as she peeked out the window, watching the ladies disembarking from the carriages. There were more than a sprinkling of aristocratic belles, which reminded her of Jonathan’s party. From what Jewel had read, she decided she must be the most inexperienced party goer ever. But then most young ladies hadn’t grown up the way she had. Then she thought of her uncles. She wouldn’t change one minute of her childhood. Their love meant more than any fancy gatherings—their love and Adam’s.

  “Adam, are you sure I look proper? I had to get ready in such a hurry.” Jewel fidgeted, smoothing out her gown. She wanted to make a good impression as his wife. She was sure he’d known much more sophisticated women in his past. “I should have put my hair up, shouldn’t I?” She reached up, patting her hair.

  Adam took her hand and held it firmly in his. “You’re beautiful just the way you are, and I like your hair down. Just relax.” He pulled out a flask of brandy. “Here, take one swallow and I’m sure you’ll feel much better. I believe it’s your favorite.”

  “You’re never going to let me live that down,” she said, laughing up at him. “Are you?”

  Adam didn’t get a chance to answer because the carriage door opened and a footman waited to assist them from the vehicle.

  “I wish Elizabeth and Jonathan could have joined us,” Jewel commented to her husband’s back as he stepped down and then turned to aid her.

  “If I know Jonathan, he wanted to be alone with my sister. Remember, he’s been gone, too.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I think they make a lovely couple.”

  Adam arched a brow at her, and then placed her in front of him as they went through the receiving line.

  “Jewel, may I introduce General Andrew Jackson,” Adam said.

  “It’s a pleasure, General.” Jewel extended her hand. She noted that he wore his dress uniform and his boots had been polished to a high luster.

  “The pleasure is all mine,” Jackson commented.

  They entered a large ballroom, alight with candles and glistening chandeliers, which held a good number of people. Evidently Jewel and Adam had been among the last to arrive. Strolling among the guests, Adam finally settled in a small cluster of people that he seemed to know very well. Jewel half-listened, but she’d had the oddest feeling since entering the room.

  For some strange reason she thought again of Jonathan’s party and Captain Lee. After all these months, why would she think of that despicable man? Quickly
glancing around the room to make sure he wasn’t there, she breathed a sigh of relief. What a stupid feeling, she told herself. An Englishman wouldn’t dare come to America unless it was to fight. She frowned again. Did that mean Lee would be coming?

  It didn’t matter, she finally convinced herself. He’d never be able to find her.

  “I’ll be right back.” Adam squeezed her arm, then moved over to a cluster of men on the other side of the room, leaving her in the midst of a group of ladies talking about their latest quilting bee. Unfortunately, she’d never sewn a day in her life. Instead of sewing, she’d practiced with swords. Jewel smiled, wondering if she should change the subject.

  “I’m glad you could come to my party,” a male voice sounded beside her. She turned to find the general smiling at her as he extended his arm.

  “Thank you for rescuing me,” she murmured when they had moved away from the group.

  “My pleasure.” Jackson chuckled.

  They began talking, and she found the man very interesting. She especially liked hearing the stories of some of the battles he had fought. He even told her a little bit about his wife, who was back home waiting for him. The time sped by quickly, until she overheard a conversation that a small group just behind them was having.

  “You suppose they will hang that scoundrel Pierre Lafitte?” one man said.

  “They have him locked in the jail, but there’s not a jail built that can hold him,” the other said with a laugh. “Especially while Jean is still loose. He’s the dangerous one.”

  “Excuse me, General.” Jewel went and got herself a glass of champagne. She found her throat suddenly very dry. That glass was soon followed by another. Her uncle was in jail. But why? He was so close. She had to see him. Glancing around for Adam, she noticed he was still in the group of men talking. It was perfect. She would take the carriage, see Pierre, and be back before Adam even noticed she was missing.

  Slipping through the crowd, she hurried from the building to their waiting carriage. The driver, who was asleep, jumped when she grabbed his leg. “Please take me to the jail. It’s urgent.”