Her Counterfeit Husband

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  Someone knocked on the door, and he looked up, surprised to see Anna standing in the doorway. “I thought you wished to play a few songs on the piano before you retired for the night,” he said.

  “I planned to, but then I thought of something I need you to do. Will you come to my bedchamber when you’re done in here?”

  If she wanted to make love to him, all she had to do was say so, but he thought it was charming she was too embarrassed to come out and say it. With a wink, he said, “I’ll be there soon.”

  Though she seemed confused by his reaction, she shrugged and nodded. “I’ll be waiting for you. I’ll have everything ready. There’s not much time to waste.”

  He chuckled. “I didn’t realize you were so impatient for me.”

  “Well, it’s something that needs tending to, and the sooner, the better.”

  “In that case, do you want me to join you right now?”

  “No. I’m not that impatient. I can wait until you’re done in here.”

  He watched her as she left the room and grinned. It was nice to be wanted so badly. His gaze went to the open drawer in the desk. It was the last one he had to examine. He collected the papers and a safe and set them on the desk. Sorting through the papers, he learned what assets came with the estate, and after reading through those, he picked up the safe. He studied the lock and recalled the key he put in his cabinet.

  Placing the safe down, he went to the cabinet near his bed and opened it. He searched the bottom of the shelf and found the key. Once he returned to the room, he sat at the desk and inserted the key into the lock. After he opened it, he pulled out the documents and studied them. With a frown, he put them down and opened a drawer so he could pull out the paper where the family lineage was documented.

  “This doesn’t make sense,” he whispered as he set the paper beside the family tree he’d found in the safe.

  The paper was nearly identical, except for one thing. He traced through the lineage to compare the two pieces of paper. Everything was the same except for one thing: one person was missing from the family tree. That person happened to be his twin brother.

  Setting the paper aside, he searched through the other papers in the safe and discovered a notice of death. He sighed. His poor parents, especially his mother. He recalled that Mason said their parents refused to have visitors shortly after Jason was born and now it made sense. Their parents were grieving the death of the first twin, his older brother of three minutes who was never named. The cause of death was reported as a stillbirth.

  He sighed and picked up another piece of paper. It was a letter from his father instructing Jason to never mention the death of the unnamed boy. Jason put the paper down and debated whether or not such a thing was necessary. Why keep the infant’s death a secret? There wouldn’t be anything to gain from it.

  He sat back in his chair. He should tell Anna, shouldn’t he? Drumming his fingers on the desk, he thought over the pros and cons to both options. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. He didn’t like the idea of keeping anything from Anna, but telling her wouldn’t change things. It certainly wouldn’t bring his brother back. Looking at the safe and papers around it, he decided he would honor his father’s wish and not tell anyone about his twin brother. He put everything back in the desk before he returned the key to the cabinet.

  His attention went to the door connecting his bedchamber with Anna’s, and he smiled. He’d kept his wife waiting long enough. The poor lady went through all the trouble of telling him how much she wanted him in bed with her. The least he could do was oblige her.

  He decided he wouldn’t bother his valet this time and dressed for bed. When he secured the straps of his robe, he went over to the door and entered Anna’s room, pleased to see that she was also in her robe. She sat in front of her vanity and brushed her hair.

  His smile widened and he tiptoed over to her. He covered her eyes with his hands. “Guess who?” he whispered.

  “Umm…” She tapped the brush in her hand. “Can you give me a hint?”

  Chuckling, he removed his hands and kissed her cheek. “Does tall, strong, and handsome sound familiar?”

  “No, not really.”

  “You’re charming.” He kissed her neck, and she giggled. “Now, what did you want me for when I was in my bedchamber?” Even if he already knew, he’d like to hear her to say it.

  “I need you to read that book.”

  He waited for her to say she was joking, but she pointed to her desk, which was on the other side of the room. Just to make sure she wasn’t kidding, he humored her and walked over to the desk. His eyes grew wide. Indeed, she hadn’t been joking. The book sat on top of the desk, opened to the first chapter as if mocking him. At least there weren’t papers beside the book this time or else he’d be expected to practice his writing as well. He knew she took the task of teaching him to read and write seriously, but this was ridiculous.

  “Why did you call me to your bedchamber if you had no intention of using me for your pleasure?” He turned from the desk and watched as she brushed her hair in front of her vanity mirror. “I won’t be able to concentrate on reading while we’re in your bedchamber. You would have done better to take me to the library like you usually do.” He crossed his arms. “A gentleman can’t focus when there’s a bed in the room.”

  She finally glanced his way and gave him an amused smile. “I thought you’d be more comfortable reading in here than in that stuffy library. The chairs in this room are more comfortable.”

  “Well, I’m not going to be comfortable in here if all I’m going to do is sit in a chair and read.”

  “I assure you that I won’t leave you unsatisfied, Your Grace, but we already delayed your progress by spending too much time in intimate pursuits. You still have things to learn about being a duke.”

  He groaned and plopped down in the chair by the desk. “I fail to see what the urgency is. I lost my memory. People will understand if I don’t do everything perfectly.”

  “Regardless of whether you lost your memory or not, there are certain expectations you must fulfill in polite society. You don’t want to do anything that causes a scandal.”

  He glanced at the book. “And a book this gigantic is going to prevent me from causing a scandal?”

  “Those are etiquette guidelines, and yes, it’s important you read them.”

  With a grimace, he brought the book into his lap and flipped through it, picking out random passages to read. “If a gentleman passes a lady he is briefly acquainted with, he must not tip his hat or greet her unless she first acknowledges him. When walking up the stairs, gentlemen must go first. When walking down the stairs, ladies must go first.” He placed the book back on the table. “I don’t see how those things matter.”

  “They matter a great deal, Jason. You must take everything in that book seriously. You’d be surprised at how little it takes for gossip to circulate through London, and the Ton can be unforgiving if you upset the wrong person.”

  “Have you been the victim of gossip?”

  “No, I haven’t, but I’ve seen others who have been, and it’s not pleasant. Candace had to settle for marrying Ian because no other gentleman would have her. Candace made the mistake of making a morning call without the proper allowance from her superior. The superior in question happened to be Lady Cadwalader, and she has a lot of influence with the Ton. Had it not been for that social blunder, Candace could have married someone far better than Ian. Ian’s one of the few gentlemen who won’t let the Ton dictate what he can or can’t do. He needed a lady to give him an heir so he offered his suit, and her brother arranged the marriage on her behalf.” Her voice drifted off as she inspected the brush in her hands.

  Curious, Jason leaned forward. “You don’t like Ian?”

  “He’s Lord Mason’s friend, and people are often known by the company they keep.” She turned her attention to the mirror and resumed brushing her hair. “So you see why it’s important that you read the book. If we’re g
oing to London, you need to be acquainted with the proper etiquette.” She glanced his way and smiled. “Besides, the book isn’t gigantic like you claim. You can read it in one sitting if you wish.”

  “I’m sorry, Anna, but I have no intention of staying up all night reading. I’ll humor you and read some of it tonight, but I have something far more interesting to study than what the Ton wants me to do or not do.”

  Her face grew pink at his meaning, and she averted her gaze from his. Finding her reaction to intimate talk adorable, he stood up and approached her. He took the brush from her and gently brushed her silky blonde hair, which fell to the middle of her back.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, turning her head in his direction.

  He turned her head back to the mirror and continued to brush her hair. “Brushing your hair.”

  “All right. Perhaps I should have worded the question differently. Why are you brushing my hair?”

  He shrugged. “I thought it’d be a good way to start studying you.”

  She chuckled. “I think you already know everything about me.”

  “There’s always something new to learn.” He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck, noting that she shivered in delight. “Ah, I see I found a sensitive spot right there.”

  He kissed her again and grinned when a soft moan escaped her lips. Letting go of her hair, he brushed it a few more times before placing the brush on the table in front of her. He brought his hands to her shoulders and, noting how tense her muscles were, massaged them.

  “You needn’t worry about London. I’ll behave myself as required,” he promised. “And if I’m not sure about something, I’ll ask you.”

  “You will read the book, won’t you?”

  “Yes.” He laughed and worked his way down her back. “I’ll read and memorize every painful word.”

  “Painful?”

  “You have to admit that reading an etiquette book isn’t exactly the most stimulating way to spend one’s time.”

  “No, but it’s necessary.”

  He knelt beside her and kissed her cheek. “I know it’s necessary. I won’t do anything to embarrass you.”

  She turned toward him and clasped his hands. “Jason, it’s not about being embarrassed. I just don’t want people to think you’re different from the way you were before. You used to know all the etiquette rules and obeyed them.”

  “And I’ll obey them this time. But can you explain why gentlemen walk in front of ladies when going up the stairs and why they walk behind ladies when going down the stairs?”

  “That is simple. It all has to do with the ankles. The gentleman must never see a lady’s ankles. When a lady goes up or down the stairs, she might need to lift the bottom of her dress ever so slightly to avoid tripping on the hem. It’s possible that a gentleman might see her ankle in such a situation, but if he walks in front of her while going up the stairs and behind her while going down, he can’t see the front of her dress.”

  With a wicked grin, he slid his hand under her robe and touched her ankle. “So seeing your ankle would be scandalous?”

  “Not in the privacy of a bedchamber, but I wouldn’t recommend you take a peek at my ankle while we’re in public.”

  “Then it’s a good thing we’re in your bedchamber.” He traced the curve of her calf and brought his hand up her thigh. She parted her legs, and he accepted her silent invitation and lightly brushed the inside of her thighs. “I promise I won’t lift your dress to see your ankle when we’re in public.”

  As he hoped, she laughed at his joke, but her laughter died down when he leaned forward and kissed her neck. She shifted in the chair and spread her legs so he could touch her more intimately. He brushed his tongue up to her earlobe and left a trail of kisses from where his tongue had been. His fingers teased the folds of her flesh before he inserted a finger into her, noting her soft warmth. She moaned and gripped the arms of her chair.

  Now this was more like it. He’d rather be doing this than reading a book. He slid another finger inside her and stroked her core in the way he knew she liked. She rewarded him with another moan and rocked her hips. His thumb found her sensitive nub and he caressed it using circular motions he knew she liked best.

  Up to that point, they’d always been undressed when enjoying each other’s bodies, but he couldn’t deny the thrill of doing this while they were still clothed. He continued kissing the side of her neck, mindful to brush his tongue over the sensitive area that made her squirm in pleasure. She gasped and moved faster, an action which motivated him to use more pressure on the bundle of nerves in her core.

  She was getting wetter with each stroke, and his erection throbbed in anticipation as he continued to caress her tender flesh. Her moans grew louder, something that aroused him further since he knew she was almost at the peak. He loved giving her that experience, knowing it was him who was giving her the height of sexual pleasure. And when she cried out and her flesh clenched around his fingers, he groaned, pleased he had succeeded.

  After she relaxed, she took his face in her hands and kissed him, her tongue brushing his lips, prompting him to open his mouth for her. He obeyed and her tongue interlaced with his. She deepened the kiss, and his fingers continued to lightly tease her flesh. Moaning, she shuddered and ended the kiss.

  “You feel good,” she murmured, leaving a trail of kisses from his jawline to his ear.

  “You do, too,” he whispered in a raspy voice, thinking there was nothing more wonderful than a lady’s body.

  She nudged his fingers out of her and motioned for him to lie down on the rug. He did as instructed and smiled as she pulled his robe open, exposing his erection. She turned so she was facing away from him and straddled him. Intrigued, he lifted her robe, pleased by the view of her backside as she guided him into her body.

  He loved the initial contact as he entered her, loved how her flesh surrounded him with its moist warmth and drew him deeper into her. He murmured his appreciation and held onto her hips as she rocked them back and forth. The position required her to do everything, something that left her in complete control, something he certainly didn’t mind. His body tightened as he felt the familiar tension building up inside him. When he finally reached the peak, he cried out and released his seed. She waited until he relaxed before she got off of him and turned to face him. With a smile, she gave him a lingering kiss.

  He sighed in contentment and pulled her into his arms. “Now that’s worth coming to your bedchamber for.”

  She giggled and nudged him in the side. “Don’t forget to read the book.”

  “I won’t. I’ll start it in a few minutes.”

  “All right.”

  “You should stop worrying, Anna. You’re much too nervous about London. Everything will be fine.”

  After a few minutes, he kissed the top of her head and helped her to her feet. He adjusted his robe and led her over to the desk. “I’ll start reading the book, and you can sit on my lap and keep me company.”

  Without waiting for her response, he set her on his lap, wrapped his arm around her waist, and picked up the book. She settled against him, and he started reading.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Two weeks later, Anna sat in the drawing room of her London townhouse. She’d never been more grateful for the calming presence Appleton provided. While Jason changed into new clothes so they could go to the museum, she drank tea, grateful she had a chance to talk to her friend. She looked over at Appleton as he dusted off the piano.

  “You don’t think anyone will suspect Jason’s not the duke, do you?” she quietly asked, mindful to listen for footsteps in case someone was on their way to the drawing room.

  “I doubt it, Your Grace.” Appleton turned his caring eyes in her direction but wiped off the keys. “He looks just like the duke, and now he can read and write fluently. He can play chess and knows everything the duke did. He’s prepared for this.”

  She nodded and took a sip of tea. It’d be
en quite the process to teach him everything he needed to know, but since they found him in the forest, they’d dutifully tended to the task and now they would see if their efforts had been in vain or not. She prayed their efforts hadn’t been in vain. It was one thing for Lord Mason to be suspicious, but if others were as well, then what would stop Lord Mason from investigating further? Whatever might be said of Lord Mason, she wouldn’t accuse him of being a fool.

  “You should enjoy yourself while you’re here,” Appleton finally said.

  “Yes, I know,” she whispered.

  She wished she could follow his advice. She really did. For once in her life as a duchess, she was happy. Truly and completely happy. It was too good to be true. Nothing this good could last forever, could it? She placed her empty cup down and rose to her feet. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her dress and put her hat on. She studied her reflection in the mirror. No one would suspect how anxious she was, which was good. As long as she kept her feelings beneath the surface, no one should question things.

  She tied the ribbon under her chin and adjusted the hat so it was comfortable. “I suppose the only way to get over my fear is to go outside and face the people my first husband knew.”

  He paused and straightened up, and she caught sight of his concerned expression. “The only way you’re going to feel better is if you do the same things you always did while in London.”

  “Wish me luck?”

  He offered her a tender smile. “All the luck to you and your husband.”

  She could do this. Jason could do this. Appleton was right. They couldn’t have done anything else to prepare Jason for London. He knew all the etiquette rules. All she could do now was hope other people would believe he was her first husband. She gave Appleton a tentative smile before she left the drawing room. She was ready to head up the staircase leading to their bedchambers when she saw Jason bounding down the steps.

  “It’s a lovely day to go out, isn’t it?” Jason asked when he reached her.