The solid door slightly muffled Wilkes’s voice. “Lady Millicent and Lady Elizabeth have arrived, Your Grace.”
The bulge in his breeches prevented him from rising to greet them properly. “Please escort the ladies to the drawing room and I’ll be with them shortly.”
Through the door, he heard Wilkes’s retreating steps on the wood floors. Bloody hell. The woman had been in his home for only minutes and his body was already overridden with yearning. He needed to see to that mistress—and soon.
When Elizabeth entered the drawing room, she was pleasantly surprised by its simple elegance. Unsure what she’d expected, it surely wasn’t this. Aware the Duchess rarely, if ever, resided with Gabe, she’d anticipated the room to carry a heavy masculine presence. Quite the opposite, for the room was light and airy, decorated in deep creams and light hues of gold.
Wilkes’s voice resonated through the space. “The footmen are seeing to your luggage. Shall I send in tea while you await His Grace?”
Always the consummate hostess, Aunt Millie arranged herself neatly on the sofa. “Please do.”
Upon Wilkes’s exit, Elizabeth leisurely roamed the room, feeling a need to familiarize herself with her surroundings.
“Do you know what you are about, child?”
After their easy exchange in the carriage, she was taken aback by Aunt Millie’s sudden question. Elizabeth turned to face her. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t be coy with me, dear. I’ve known you since you were in long clothes. You’ve been in love with that boy for years.”
She felt her cheeks flush hotly, unwilling to question the identity of that boy. From the time he was young, Aunt Millie had held a special affection for Gabe. Not even his rakish demeanor could make her believe he was anything but the innocent boy who played at Foxmoore years ago.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to refute the claim, only to be interrupted by her aunt. “Don’t even think of bamming me. I can tell when you are lying. I’ve seen how you look at him. I may be a spinster but I know an inkling of passion when I see it.”
Before she could find her voice through equal levels of embarrassment and astonishment, they were interrupted by the delivery of the tea. The young maid quietly placed the tray, filled with elegant Worchester china and biscuits, on the table before Aunt Millie and silently left the room. Elizabeth looked from the refreshments to find her aunt steadily watching her.
The silence of the room still carried the weight of Aunt Millie’s unanswered question. Ignoring it, Elizabeth seated herself in the gold and bronze striped chair opposite. “Would you like me to pour?”
Her aunt chuckled softly. “I may be getting old, but I’m not senile enough to forget a question I asked but moments ago.”
Against such steady determination, Elizabeth lowered her head and tried to settle her fluttering nerves. “Oh, Aunt Millie, I’m not sure anymore. All I know is I want to be near him. To help him.”
Offering comfort, the same as she had when Elizabeth was a child, Aunt Millie reached over the silver tea set and gently squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “That is all I needed to hear.”
Elizabeth studied her aunt as she started to pour, giving no hint Elizabeth had just admitted to loving her brother’s best friend—a notorious rake.
Absorbed with the tea ritual, she hadn’t noticed Gabe enter the drawing room. “Lady Millicent, Elizabeth, welcome to my home. I’m deeply sorry I was unable to greet you when you’d first arrived.”
A charming smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes graced his handsome face as he crossed the room and bowed over Aunt Millie’s hand. “Lady Millicent, I’m in your debt for agreeing to act as chaperone.”
Elizabeth studied every line and curve of his strong features but she couldn’t find a trace of Gabe’s earlier hostility. He was either resigned to her offer of help, or it was all an act for Aunt Millie’s benefit.
Her aunt waved off Gabe’s easy charm. “Enough of that, boy. I’m too old to be charmed by your sweet words.”
Gabe emitted a deep laugh, easily lowering himself into the empty chair beside Elizabeth. At his nearness, she breathed in his scent, purely masculine and earthy. Her toes curled at the sensations it caused.
“Lady Millicent, with a beauty as graceful as yours, you’ll never be old.”
Contrary to her earlier words, Aunt Millie’s face shone with a youthful glow. “I’ve told you before. Call me Millie. After all the time you’ve spent at Foxmoore, you are practically family.”
From the corner of her eye, Elizabeth noted how Gabe’s smile finally reached his eyes, warming them to chocolate. “It would be my pleasure, Millie.”
He turned his attention to Elizabeth and she thought her insides might be reduced to gooey mush.
“You’re unusually quiet, Minx. Regretting your offer to assist?”
His continuing doubt caused her to scowl, erasing any fondness. “I’m doing nothing of the sort. I’m merely wondering if Phoebe will be joining us.”
A hint of a smile curved her lips when all traces of humor left Gabe at the mention of his daughter. Seeing something ruffle the feathers of the Duke of Wesbrook reminded her of the Gabe of old, and it only made his discomfort more enjoyable.
“Yes, Gabe, where is this daughter of yours?” Aunt Millie asked. “You caused quite a stir around town when she appeared.”
The forgotten tea cooled as a short silence filled the room. Finally, Gabe lightly cleared his throat. “Umm, well . . . actually, I’m not sure where she is at the moment.”
“You mean you’ve lost the gel? Already?”
Amazed at the flush of embarrassment coloring Gabe’s face, Elizabeth fought to control her rising amusement. Often with an air of arrogance, Gabe always appeared in control. Even with all the scrapes he and Marcus had found themselves in, he’d never shown any discomfort.
Almost as if he suddenly recalled his station in life, Gabe cleared his throat. “No, I didn’t lose her. I merely meant I’m not currently aware of her agenda. She is in the care of the housekeeper.”
“I do believe this is going to be entertaining. I’m glad my schedule allowed for me to chaperone so I could witness it firsthand.” Her aunt stood. Gabe quickly rose. “After so much excitement, I think I’ll rest before dinner.”
“Of course, I’ll have Wilkes escort you to your room,” Gabe said as he guided Aunt Millie to the door.
About to follow, Elizabeth stopped short when Gabe abruptly faced her. “If you don’t mind, Minx, I’d like a word with you.” She raised a brow at his request. “Regarding Phoebe, naturally.”
Still suspicious, Elizabeth felt the need to decline when her aunt interceded. “I’m certain you have much to discuss regarding the child. Do not be troubled about me, Gabe, I’ll locate Wilkes. I’ll see you both at dinner.”
Elizabeth wasn’t sure, but there appeared to be a glint of mischief in her aunt’s eyes as she exited the room.
Gabe swung back into the room only to find Elizabeth within arms’ reach. He took in the sight of her. The blue of her day dress transformed her emerald eyes to a deep jade. Eyes he could lose himself in. The unsated need that remained suppressed from his earlier preoccupation with her lithe body roared back to life.
His desires beckoned him to reach out and pull her supple curves into the hard planes of his body. Fill his hands with the velvetiness of her creamy skin. Press his mouth over her delicate lips and lose himself in her.
Submerged in a haze of craving, he was unaware he’d started to reach for her until her uneven voice broke through. “You wanted to discuss Phoebe?”
Bloody hell. He clenched his hand into a fist and dropped it to his side. Needing some space, he strode across the carpeted floor, directly to the cart carrying only the finest—and some quite illegal—liquor available.
With his back to her, he filled a snifter with a healthy dose of brandy. Instead of taking a drink, he studied the golden liquid. What the hell had come over him? Never before had he allowed lust to dictate his actions. He could only hope she hadn’t noticed his lapse in judgment.
Undeniably, on more than one occasion, lust had compelled him, but he’d never lost his control. What was it about her that overrode his better senses? Whatever the reason, he must find a way to resist.
Sounding quite annoyed, Elizabeth spoke. “If you’d rather drink than discuss Phoebe, I’ll retire to my chambers.”
He looked up, relieved to find her safely across the room. His body wasn’t yet prepared for her nearness. “Just need a little indulgence.” He raised his glass to her. “Would you care for one? I believe the tea has grown cold by now.”
“No, thank you. I don’t partake in strong spirits.”
Having no aversion to strong spirits himself, he took a drink. And regardless of what she claimed, he was skeptical the very girl who, while growing up, had a tendency to spend more time playing with the boys than with dolls, didn’t indulge in something stronger than wine with her meal.
Sarcasm dripped from his words. “Sure you don’t, Minx.”
He took tiny pleasure in witnessing Elizabeth visually tense, her dainty hands curved into tight balls. Would she use those undersized fists on him if he stood closer? Apparently, the young lady he’d secretly watched gracing the glittering ballrooms of the ton still possessed the wild spirit of the child he once knew.
Would she let the same spirit loose in his bedroom?
His body began to stir at the idea of Elizabeth visiting his chamber. Gabe downed the remainder of his drink, anxious to finish discussing Phoebe so he could find an outlet for his mounting need before he accosted Elizabeth on the floor of his study.
Clearing his throat, he disposed of his glass. “What are your plans with Phoebe? Do you require any assistance?”
“I’m not sure yet. I will need to discuss things with your housekeeper and determine what is needed.” As she continued, he could see her gain confidence. “Also, if you have no objection, I could take over the search for a governess.”
If it meant he wouldn’t have to bore himself with potential applicants, he would declare her Queen of England.
A more self-assured version of the little minx he’d watched grow up seemed to unfurl before him. “If you think you can manage it, I’ll hand over any documents I have.” The corner of his mouth curved. He liked this side of her. “Is there anything else?”
“I’d like to meet her.”
His slight smile died. It was a simple request—and something completely reasonable—but he wasn’t ready for her to meet his daughter. He didn’t want to see the misguided respect Elizabeth held for him disappear. And disappear it would. Meeting Phoebe, spending time with her, would lead to more questions. Questions that would eventually center on Phoebe’s mother; who she was, and what she’d been to him. And those answers would hint at other details of his life. Details he’d give anything to keep Elizabeth from being privy to.
He forced his trepidation aside, knowing the situation was inevitable. “I’ll consult with Mrs. Pearce and have it arranged for tomorrow. Use the remainder of the day to get settled.”
Seeming to take his words as dismissal, Elizabeth bobbed her head faintly and turned to leave the room.
“Minx.” She stopped. He murmured, “It might not seem like it, but I appreciate your help.” As she swung around to face him, he added, “Thank you.”
The radiance that beamed from her full smile hit him directly in the gut. “You’re welcome.” Her smile reformed into a smirk. “Your Grace.”
Chapter 6
An hour later, Elizabeth found herself searching out Phoebe. Choosing to ignore Gabe’s request to wait until the morning, she prowled through his town house, hunting for a child that could be the result of his love for another woman. Or simply further proof of Gabe’s rakish behavior. She didn’t know which she hoped for.
She didn’t believe herself to be naïve. She knew of Gabe’s various mistresses, his liaisons. Even though it hurt, knotted her stomach, she’d never been able to ignore the obvious. But to discover Gabe could be so careless, so reckless in his behavior that he had gotten a woman with child, might be too much to take in.
On the other hand, it would be more devastating to learn he loved Phoebe’s mother. If his heart was filled with affection for another, could he ever come to love her?
She assumed the child stayed in the nursery, so she’d had her maid discreetly inquire as to its whereabouts. Hoping she didn’t meet Gabe, Elizabeth continued down the expansive hall to the far wing of the house. Apprehension crept up her back as she slowly made her way to the second door on the left.
Not sure what she’d find, she peered through the crack of the door left slightly open. Blast. The opening was too small to distinguish anything. She took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock.
Before her hand connected with the wood, she paused. Was she prepared for what was inside? Her hand still hovered before the door when it opened.
At first the room appeared empty besides the highly polished miniature furniture that was clearly new . . . until she shifted her gaze down. Down to the small child looking at her with eyes so blue Elizabeth could have been gazing into the deepest of sapphires. Surrounding the beautiful eyes was the most angelic face, topped with raven curls that fell in adorable disarray instead of perfect ringlets. Besides the blue of her eyes, the child’s features were a miniature version of Gabe’s.
Elizabeth’s heart squeezed. There was no denying he’d fathered this lovely child.
As the child kept a wary eye on her, Elizabeth glanced around the room, aglow with the afternoon light. A few toys sat amongst the various furnishings. Other than the basics, the room was void of any personal touches. Nothing that created any extra comfort. She also realized the child was alone. No housekeeper, no maid, no one. She might not be an expert on children, but she knew enough to understand one Phoebe’s age shouldn’t be left unattended. Not in a house the size of Gabe’s.
Unwilling to leave the child on her own, she decided to stay until someone came along.
She crouched to the little girl’s level. Being face to face with Phoebe only heightened the similarities between her and Gabe.
“Hello.” She smiled at the child. “I’m Elizabeth, but you may call me Lizzy. Are you Phoebe?”
She didn’t respond. Instead she continued to peer at Elizabeth as if debating to trust the stranger standing before her. Elizabeth kept quiet under the scrutiny. Finally, Phoebe gave a slight nod of her head, all the while keeping her eyes trained on Elizabeth.
“Do you have anyone to play with?”
The dark head gave an even slighter shake.
“Well, I don’t have anyone to play with, either. May I play with you?”
The child contemplated for a moment and the prospect of a playmate must have won out, for she bobbed her head in concession.
“Why, thank you.”
Her offer to play must have appeased Phoebe’s concerns, because suddenly, gone was the cautious child that had opened the door.
All settled, Phoebe turned into the room. She took a few steps then peeked over her shoulder and gave a timid smile. “Are you coming?” She didn’t wait for a reply. Instead she toddled to two dolls positioned on a rug in the center of the room, then sat.
One smile. One innocent, baby-toothed smile and Elizabeth felt her reservations disappear.
Phoebe held out one of the dolls to Elizabeth, still standing by the doorway. “You can play with Victoria.”
Understanding an invitation when presented with one, Elizabeth crossed the floor and took a seat on the rug before lifting the doll f
rom Phoebe’s outstretched hand. “Thank you. And what is your doll’s name?”
“Jacqueline.”
“That is a pretty name. But not as pretty as Phoebe.”
As the child kept her focus on her doll, Elizabeth searched her mind for something else to draw Phoebe out. “I like your dolls. They are lovely. Where did you get them?”
“My papa.”
A tight knot rose in Elizabeth’s throat at the word ‘papa.’ Looking away, she toyed with the lace hem of the doll’s dress. It might be fanciful, but she had always imagined her children addressing Gabe as ‘father.’
She pushed aside her feelings, for none of this was Phoebe’s fault. She plastered a smile on her face, something she found effortless as she watched the child play. “That was very nice of him.” Doubtful that Gabe had anything to do with the purchase of the dolls.
Even though Phoebe appeared unharmed, Elizabeth remained concerned such a young child had been left unattended. “Phoebe, where is Mrs. Pearce?”
Phoebe continued to arrange her doll but managed a slight shrug of her shoulders.
Elizabeth’s unease increased. “Do you always play alone?”
“Sometimes Sally plays with me.”
Elizabeth took the response as positive indication Phoebe was often alone when Sally wasn’t available, something that needed immediate amendment. Even if Gabe couldn’t find a governess or nanny to supervise the child, he should have an adequate staff to allow a maid to stay with Phoebe without disrupting the flow of the household.
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