by Meara Platt
She turned on her heels and hurried upstairs, preferring not to wait around for the silence that would surely linger between them when Beast said nothing back.
But not all hope was lost. Once they were married, they would have the sexual privileges afforded to a husband and wife. She’d need to read a different sort of book to learn about those, and it wouldn’t be so hard to obtain one. Miss Billings carried such books in her Wellesford bookshop. She’d leave word for her to ship one of them to London for her. Hopefully one with vivid illustrations that explained the various positions.
She stopped suddenly and hurried back down the stairs. “Beast, I have an important question to ask you.”
He nodded. “Ask it.”
“Will we be sharing a bed once we’re married?”
The question surprised him, but he seemed pleased by it. He arched an eyebrow and grinned. “Do you wish to?”
She nodded.
“Then, yes. We’ll be sharing a bed.” He chuckled lightly. “Dare I ask why you posed the question?”
“No, you may not.” She was about to skitter back up the stairs when he laughingly groaned and started toward her with a smoldering look. Lord, he looked so handsome.
She loved this man.
He placed his hand lightly on her arm. “Is this about another book?”
“Goodnight, Beast.”
“One of those lewd books?” he persisted, still holding on to her arm.
“It isn’t lewd if one reads it when one is married, as I shall be to you.”
“Bollocks, you’re a little goose,” he said with an aching groan. “But I think that’s why I love you.”
Had she just heard him correctly? Or was she asleep and this had all been a dream? “You love me?”
He nodded and took a step up to gather her in his arms. “I do.”
“Truly?”
He nodded again and kissed her, this time with exquisite tenderness. His mouth felt warm and reassuring upon hers. “Truly.”
“Promise.”
His arms came around her, and they also felt solid and wonderful. “I promise, Goose. I’ll love you till the day I die.”
A sudden dreadful thought overwhelmed her.
If her guardian was stealing from her, then Beast now posed the greater threat to him. As her husband, he would take control of her inheritance as soon as they were married, assuming she had any inheritance to contribute to their marriage. Her guardian would be desperate to stop that from happening.
Would he dare murder a duke?
*
Beast knew he ought to have climbed in the carriage with Goose and behaved like a proper husband-to-be, but he did not like that everyone was now regarding him as a curiosity. He preferred his privacy and mildly resented the way his best friends and even his own aunt continued to gawk at him. Goose appeared to be relieved that he rode alongside the carriage instead of sitting in it beside her.
As it turned out, Lavinia and Matilda decided to ride together in his ducal carriage. Goose and her friends rode in Nathaniel’s along with The Book of Love which had now taken on mythical proportions since Goose had conquered her duke… him.
“Having any regrets?” Nathaniel asked, riding up beside him as they neared Oxford.
Thad joined them. “Do ye think there’s any truth to The Book of Love?”
“No regrets. And the book is just a book. Whatever spell has been cast on me is of Goose’s own doing.”
Thad grinned. “Will ye ever call her Olivia? It’s her name, ye know. She might prefer it to Goose.”
Beast shook his head and chuckled. “We’ll see. She hasn’t complained about it to me.” But he regarded his companions thoughtfully. “Has she said anything to either of you?”
“No,” Nathaniel said. “In truth, I’ve never known her to complain about anything. Not even about her odious guardian. I’m glad she’ll soon be under your protection. We’ll all rest easier knowing she’s in safe hands. But you must pay some attention to her now, or Matilda will box your ears. We’re almost at the Black Swan Inn. I’ll order food and refreshments for all of us once we get there, but do start behaving like a man in love, or I’ll be the one to catch hell for it from my own aunt and my opinionated sister.”
Beast grumbled, but assured his friend. “Everyone’s meddling isn’t helping matters.”
Thad laughed. “Ye have only yerself to blame for returning to England as a war hero. Ye’re the catch of the Season. But now that ye’re taken, perhaps Nathaniel and I will have more luck with the ladies.”
“I’ve got my eye on one lady at the moment,” Nathaniel admitted. “The Duke of Winthrow’s daughter, Lady Charlotte. Her first Season and she’s already considered an Incomparable.”
Beast had seen her on his second day back in London. She was beautiful, but there was something icy in her character. Nothing like Goose. Ridiculously, he missed not having her beside him these past few hours. That she was in the carriage and he could have climbed in to join her at any point on their journey was not the same thing, not while surrounded by a host of prying eyes.
He liked having Goose close, liked the light lavender scent of her skin, the brightness of her eyes, and fullness of her smile. He also liked the idea of having her body pressed close to his.
He dismounted and strode to Goose’s carriage.
Thad assisted the elderly ladies down from the first carriage while Nathaniel strode into the inn to make arrangements for their luncheon.
Poppy and Penelope walked ahead to join the others. Beast was left alone for the moment with Goose. “How are you holding up?”
She smiled. “Well, thank you. It feels strange knowing I’m not to return to Lord Gosling’s townhouse. But I’m glad. Truly, it lightens my heart. I look forward to staying with Matilda.”
“Even that won’t be for long. I’ll obtain the special license tomorrow.”
Her eyes widened in obvious surprise and she began to nibble her lip, a sign she was fretting. “Assuming you gain Lord Gosling’s cooperation.”
He gave her cheek a light caress. “Goose, all will be well.”
“I hope so. I can’t seem to stop worrying. What if he attempts to harm you? If he truly has something to hide, then you pose the bigger threat to him. He might be making plans to stop our marriage as we speak.” She sighed and shook her head. “Oh, Beast. Doesn’t it feel odd? We were mere friends only a few days ago. Old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. And soon we’ll be bound to each other for the rest of our lives.”
“Have you heard me complain?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“I’m not afraid of your guardian, nor am I regretting my offer. Just so we’re clear, it wasn’t made out of pity. I know what I want, Goose. Remember that day at the pond when the three of you caught us without our clothes? Instead of running off with mine, you neatly folded them. It was such a Goose thing to do. Kind and silly and sweet. It touched my heart. You touched my heart, and I never forgot you throughout the years.”
He tucked her arm in his when he heard Nathaniel calling to him. “Let’s join them. I don’t want to delay our journey.”
She nodded. “I never forgot you either, Beast. How could I? You saved me from drowning. That was our first meeting. I was a scared six-year-old, soaking wet and sputtering, probably bleeding from my forehead. You were all of fourteen. You carried me home in your arms and introduced yourself to my parents. ‘Good afternoon,’ you said to them. ‘I’m Alexander Beastling, Duke of Hartford. I’ve found this little goose in my friend’s pond. I believe she belongs to you.’”
He laughed. “Man of your dreams?”
“You still are. You’ll always be.”
“The dukes of Hartford are faithful by nature. They love once and always. You’re the one for me, Goose. I’m telling you this now because London Society will be in an uproar when we return and they hear the news of our betrothal. The Prince Regent won’t be happy. Many of the rich and powerfu
l who hoped to put me forward for high political office will be disappointed, and some will be angry. Don’t listen to any of the gossip. I need you to believe in me and trust me.”
“I do.”
“And most of all, I need you to marry me. You’ll hear lots of reasons why you shouldn’t. For the good of the country. For my own good. Malicious reasons. I want you to know I’ve given it serious thought. I’d already decided to offer for you before William Jennings frightened the wits out of you and all of us. That incident only spurred me into proposing to you sooner. It was never a question of if but when.”
She listened in apparent earnestness and seemed to take his words to heart. They weren’t flowery or particularly romantic, but such was not his nature. He was a military man. Decisive. Direct. Forthright. He hadn’t even courted her. He’d bought her an inexpensive bracelet, that’s all.
Should he say something more? Do something more?
He was never one for dramatic gestures.
Goose said nothing, just cast him a perfectly beautiful smile. He realized then no more words were needed. She understood his heart as no one else ever would. They’d have a good marriage if ever he got her to the altar.
Society and her toad-of-a-guardian were not going to make it easy for them.
He understood men like Gosling and could outwit his plans.
But Prinny was the bigger problem. What would he do to interfere?
Chapter Sixteen
Olivia hugged her friends after they finished their repast at the Black Swan Inn and made plans to meet them at Lord Forster’s ball tomorrow evening. This is where they parted ways, she and Matilda now to ride in Beast’s carriage for the last leg of their journey. “Wait Poppy. Let me fetch The Book of Love for you.” She grinned at her friend who suddenly appeared a little paler. “You’re next. You know that’s the plan.”
“Oh, dear. I’m not in a rush. I’ll pick it up later this week. Besides, Nathaniel will be riding in the carriage with us now.” Poppy paused to peer beyond Penelope and Lavinia, settling her gaze on Penelope’s brother who was just finishing a pint of ale with Beast and Thad. “I’d rather not have him mocking me the entire journey.”
Penelope nodded. “He and Thad believe it was just coincidence that Beast fell in love with you. Perhaps you and Beast were fated to do so, but I know that book made it happen now.”
Poppy agreed. “The men have no understanding of how powerful it is. In truth, it puts me a little on edge just holding onto it. What if I choose the wrong man to pursue? What if he falls in love with me and then I decide I don’t really love him? That would be awful.”
“It is potent,” Penelope agreed, “but that’s why you’re going to practice on my brother. He’s safe enough. Besides, the dolt has set his sights on Lady Charlotte, the Duke of Winthrow’s daughter, and I don’t like her.” She rolled her eyes. “Why are men so dense? She’s obviously completely wrong for him.”
Poppy sighed. “She is beautiful.”
“So are you,” Olivia said. “Far prettier than she is because you have an inner glow while she’s just a frosty exterior.”
After another round of hugs, she and Matilda climbed into Beast’s carriage while Penelope, Poppy, and Lavinia clambered into Nathaniel’s carriage. Olivia smothered a grin when she noticed that Nathaniel had taken the seat beside Poppy. No doubt, he meant to tease her about the book, for he knew she was next to receive it, but Goose suspected there was a little fear in him as well.
The mighty Beast had fallen.
He and Thad had to know no man was safe now.
Olivia’s heart felt a little heavier now that she was no longer with her friends, but this time alone with Beast’s aunt also gave her the opportunity to get to know her better. She was quite surprised Matilda had accepted her so readily. Was it merely a ruse she maintained while among friends?
“I am quite the dragon, I’m told,” Matilda said, seeming to read her thoughts. In the next moment, she laughed and shook her head. “Olivia, my dear. You needn’t fear I am about to bite your head off.”
Olivia’s eyes rounded in horror. “Never, Your Grace.”
“But that is exactly what you’re thinking.” The dowager gave an impatient wave of her hand. “That is my reputation and I’ve encouraged it. When one is in my position, one must strike a little fear in the hearts of all the toadies and fortune hunters who circle around me like vultures or else they’d never hesitate to approach. But you are nothing like those birds of prey. You need not fear me.” She leaned forward and patted Olivia’s hand. “You are the sweet bird my nephew adores. You must call me Matilda. Or Aunt Matilda, if you wish. We shall soon be family.”
Olivia smiled at her. “Thank you, I’d love that, Aunt Matilda. I’ve missed having a loving family. I’ve wanted it so badly these past two years. But this sweet bird, as you call me, is merely a goose. A penniless goose, if my guardian is to be believed. So how can I not be worried about how you perceive me? You hardly know me, so why wouldn’t you think me a fortune hunter? I bring nothing into the marriage.”
“My dear, you bring the only thing that matters. True love. Nothing less will do for my nephew. Nor will I accept anything less from him. If I believed for a moment you were after his wealth and title, I would turn into the very dragon everyone fears.” She took out her handkerchief and dabbed at the tears suddenly forming in her eyes. “Oh, I promised myself I would not turn into a watering pot. After all, dragons don’t cry, do they?”
Olivia’s smile softened.
“Beast is the dearest thing to my heart. His injuries in battle were so severe, some even worse than his damaged eye. And he’d hardly taken a step off his ship when it docked in London before everyone began to clamor for his attention.”
Olivia nodded thoughtfully. “The Prince Regent most of all.”
Matilda rolled her eyes. “The Austrian princess fiasco. Yes, Prinny was not thinking clearly. But everyone is demanding his attention. From the highest born to the lowest, they accost him. However, when he is with you, he is at peace. You make no demands on him.”
Olivia shook her head. “Quite the opposite. I make the greatest demand. I want his heart. Nothing less will do for me.”
“You soothe his heart,” Matilda said with insistence.
“As he does mine.” Olivia blushed. “I’ve always cared for him.”
“I know, my dear. I had only to glance at you to know the truth. You are not very good at hiding your feelings.”
She groaned. “That’s what Beast says.”
“My nephew is right. He is always right. Makes him insufferable at times, but this is why everyone trusts his instincts.”
Olivia nibbled her lip as she began to fret. “I don’t know that he’s right about my guardian. He believes I am the one in danger, but what if I’ve put Beast in danger?”
“Are you suggesting your guardian would be insane enough to assault a duke? Possibly attempt murder?” Matilda shook her head. “I hadn’t considered that. He would have to be completely mad to even harbor the thought.”
“The problem is, I don’t know the man at all. He’s a distant cousin of my father’s. My family had very little contact with him. I’d never met him until my parents passed away. Yet, he was put in charge of me because he was next in line to the title.” She began to wring her hands. “I’ve mentioned my concerns to Beast, but he remains so calm about it. I want to shake him by the lapels and shout at him to be careful.”
“He will be. He always is. He has Bow Street runners investigating your guardian as we speak.”
Olivia allowed Matilda to shift the conversation to more pleasant topics. “You’ll need a gown for Lord Forster’s ball.”
She hadn’t given it a thought, but knew the dowager was right. She sighed. “I’ll borrow one from Penelope or Poppy. We’re all about the same size. The alterations, if any are needed, won’t be drastic.”
“A borrowed gown? Oh, no, my dear. We shall have none of that.” Matil
da gave a dismissive shake of her head. “The gossips will have a feast with that news. No, Beast will never allow it. You’ll have a new gown for tomorrow’s ball. We’ll attend to your wardrobe the moment we reach London. We aren’t far. It won’t be long now.”
Olivia did not like involving Beast or Matilda in her problems, but neither did she ever wish to return to her guardian. So, she said nothing when they reached London and settled into the townhouse residence of the dukes of Hartford located in fashionable Belgravia. This section of town was where the scions of old wealth and power had settled over the generations.
Matilda retired upstairs to change out of her dusty travel clothes while Beast gave her an abbreviated tour of the house. He’d ordered a guest bedchamber to be prepared for her, so they had time to casually stroll through the majestic rooms while her accommodations were prepared.
The entry hall alone was magnificent. The floor was of the finest quality marble and the matching oversized vases standing at either end of a medieval-looking table were made of exquisite Delft porcelain. The ducal portraits lining the walls of the visitor’s salon were painted by renowned artists of their time. The furniture and draperies in the drawing room were of the finest Italian silks and velvets.
Everywhere Olivia looked, she was dazzled. The ornate silver was polished to a blinding shine and every detail, every piece of furniture and decorative art, spoke of the prominence of the dukes of Hartford from the time of the Norman conquest to the present.
Olivia had lived finely as the daughter of a viscount, but she felt like a pauper among this old-world opulence. It made her head spin to think this residence would be her home once she and Beast were married.
Matilda joined them in the drawing room. “Beast, will you stay for tea and light refreshments? I’ve told Hopkins to bring up a tray for us.”
He nodded. “One cup and then I’ll take my leave. I’ll have Collingsworth send a few of my things over to my club.”
“Oh, dear.” Olivia frowned, not liking she was booting Beast out of his own home.
