A Duke of Her Own

by Lorraine Heath

  He shifted his attention to Jenny, where it should have remained all along. My apologies. That was an entirely inappropriate comment for me to make in the presence of a lady as delicate as you.

  I have an older brother with whom Im very close, Your Grace. Im well aware that men prefer women without clothing.

  Still, it has been my experience that a man is better off not voicing his preference.

  It seems we are prone constantly to disagree, Your Grace. How is a woman to know what a man prefers if he is not confident enough to share his preferenceseven if it is a mere whispering in her ear?

  Her suggestive voice, her flirtatious smile should have had his body tightening in response. Instead, he found himself put off by her brashness, could not envision leaning near and whispering anything of a seductive nature to her. She was too easily conquered, not a challenge in the least.

  Louisa, however, looked properly appalled by the direction of the conversation. He met her gaze only to have her quickly avert it, once again seeming to find solace along the banks of the river. He wondered if shed ever been kissed. If a gentleman had ever whispered his longings near her ear. And if he had, what exactly had he said? Had he whispered memorized poetry, or had the words come from his heart?

  I believe youve made your chaperone uncomfortable, he said.

  Nonsense, Louisa answered quickly. Im paying no heed at all to your conversation.

  She grimaced just as Jenny said, If that were true, you wouldnt have known what he said.

  Jenny then proceeded to laugh as though she thought everything were great fun, while Louisa looked over at her charge apologetically, and even with the lacy parasol casting a shadow over her face, Hawk could tell that she was blushing profusely. He wondered if the blush ran the length of her body.

  Im sorry, Louisa said. It is a bit difficult not to hear when the boat is so small.

  No need to apologize, Jenny said. Honestly, I suspect it must be rather uncomfortable for you to watch us skirt around the mating rituals. And I suppose you know all the ways to evade ones chaperone so one can test the depths of a mans passions.

  Hawk watched in fascination as Lady Louisas blush darkened.

  I cant say that Ive spent any time evading a chaperone, Louisa said.

  You cant say or you wont say? Jenny challenged.

  Allow me to be clearer. I have spent no time evading chaperones.

  I believe quite strongly that every woman should evade a chaperone at least once in her youth. How else is she to experience a kiss?

  Louisas gaze slammed into his. Her blush deepened even more as her gaze dipped, and he wondered if she was studying his mouth, curious as to what his kiss might be like. Then he cursed himself for giving a care about her thoughts. How was it that she managed so easily to distract him from his purpose?

  Suddenly she looked away, and said on a sigh as soft as a summer breeze, Im amazed by the lovely weather were having this afternoon. We could not be more fortunate.

  Jenny laughed. Are you attempting to change the subject?

  Quite.

  Jenny laughed again. Louisa gave her an impish smile that made Hawk feel as though hed taken a swift kick to the gut and almost caused him to release his hold on the oars. He imagined Louisa nestled up against his body, curled against his side as they lay beneath silk sheets that would serve to cool the heat of their fevered skin.

  Once, if he could have her but once, this fascination with her would desert him. It was because she was unobtainable and untouchable that his attention kept shifting to her.

  Is there anything in these waters that will snap at my fingers? Jenny asked.

  He shifted his gaze to her. They seemed effectively to have moved off the topic of kisses and evading chaperones. Thank goodness. No, your fingers will be quite safe.

  An image of nibbling on Louisas fingers popped into his head. He thought of her holding the book in the library, how slender her fingers were, how rounded her nails. He thought of them digging into his backside as she squirmed beneath him

  Shifting on the bench, he began rowing in earnest while Jenny slowly, seductively removed a glove. If Louisa wasnt here, he would have taken that bared hand, pressed it to his lips, circled his tongue over her knuckles

  He would have trailed his mouth across her wrist, along her forearm. He would have kissed the inside of her elbow, inhaled the perfume she would have placed there. He would have slowly journeyed along the inside of her arm, stopping only when he reached her shoulder. He would have nibbled on the sensitive skin at the base of her neck, heard her sharp intake of breath, shifted his gaze up to meet hers, stared into her cornflower blue eyes

  Damnation. Louisa again, worming her way into his fantasies. It was Jenny dangling her bare hand over the side of the boat. It was Jennys fingers tripping over the current. Jennys green eyes that he should envision gazing into.

  Why could Jenny Rose not have a hideous, old, and unsightly chaperone? Why did she have a chaperone who was playing havoc with his fantasies, his desires, his yearnings? Why did her chaperone continually distract him?

  Louisa was aware of each stroke of the oars, each bunching and relaxing of the muscles in Hawkhursts forearms. The mans form had been sculpted as though by the godssimply to torment women with his perfection. Even turning her head and focusing on the greenery along the banks did her little good, because her peripheral vision was exceptionally irritating, taking note of Hawkhurst almost as though she were facing him. Shed actually considered turning completing around, presenting him with her backbut she feared the rudeness of that gesture. After all, he was a duke.

  Not to mention a friend of her brothers.

  And it appeared he had Jennys complete interest. Why else would the young woman be hinting at escaping her chaperone for a moment of privacy in order to have an illicit kiss?

  Louisa was grateful for the wide brim of her straw hat that shaded her eyes as well as the parasol. She hoped both darkened her face enough that the numerous blushes shed felt making their way up her neck and into her cheeks had not been visible to the duke. What would he make of a woman so easily embarrassed?

  She and Jenny were complete opposites, and Louisa felt rather boring sitting in the same boat with her. Again, she couldnt help but wonder if it was more than her impoverished state that had kept gentlemen callers away.

  Occasionally her gaze shifted to a gentleman in another boat. None had the dukes virility; none seemed to have his determination to reach the end of the river. She smiled at that thought. Of course he had no intention of rowing until he reached rivers end, but he was putting his all into the effort, as though he sought to escape something.

  Or perhaps he was simply showing off. She doubted any man could keep up with him. Hed mentioned sports, which had surprised her. Shed assumed his life of debauchery would leave little time for sporting pleasures, and yet she couldnt deny that he had a very healthy bronzed tint to his skin. She wanted to ask after his interests, but she was not the one with whom he should be conversing.

  As a chaperone, she should be invisible, a role for which shed apparently been preparing all her life. To be present, but unnoticed. To be available if needed, to be disregarded if not.

  Unlike Hawkhurst, who would be noticed even if he dressed in clothing that matched his surroundings. He was not a man to be overlooked. He stood out. Even here on the Thames, with others in similar boats, wearing similar shirts, trousers, and straw hats. While most continued to wear their jackets, Jenny sat on Hawkhurstsa bit of cushioning hed said with a grina gentlemanly gesture Louisa would not have expected of him.

  But she didnt quite trust it. He was seeking to woo the American heiressno doubt at any cost, even if it meant creating a false perception of him as a man and potential husband. While Mrs. Rose wouldnt look beyond his title, Louisa was certain that Jenny would.

  She couldnt help but respect the girl for that bit of wisdom. She had little doubt that Jenny was worthy of a duke, would make an exceptional d
uchess.

  But she sincerely hoped that she wouldnt settle for this duke. Although for the life of her, she was no longer certain why she thought it would be a horrible thing to be married to Hawkhurst.

  And that worried her even more, because how could she properly advise Jenny when Louisa was losing her own perspective on what a suitable man should be?

  Chapter 10

  T he two outings with Hawkhurst had signaled the start of a whirlwind of activities that seemed to know no end: gentleman callers in the afternoon, theater and concerts and dinners in the evenings. Always Jenny and Kate ushered Louisa into their wardrobe room and insisted that she select something different to wear.

  That morning Louisa stood in the confectioners shop, studying all the varied offerings in the display case, trying to decide which she should select. It was the first time in days that shed worn her own clothing in public, something that had been worn on more than one occasion. She drew comfort from the familiar.

  And dearly appreciated that she had a few hours to herself.

  Last night Louisa had accompanied Jenny to a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duke of Pemburton had been Jennys escort. Louisa had always thought highly of the duke, had actually encouraged Jenny to welcome his suit. By evenings end, Louisa had decided that marriage to Pemburton would bore Jenny to tears and leave her permanently bent over as she strived to hear the mans mumbling conversations. Why could he not speak clearly, succinctly, and a bit more loudly?

  He was only forty for goodness sakes.

  It seemed no one had succeeded in catching Jennys fancy to such a degree that he was all she spoke of. Much to Louisas chagrin, Jenny spoke of Hawkhurst the mostnot so much Jennys interest in the duke, but her perception that the duke was interested in Louisa. Ludicrous ramblings.

  Upon arriving home last night, Jenny had declared that she intended to sleep in. Kate had begun reading a new novel and didnt want to be disturbed this morning. Which left Louisa to do entirely as she pleased.

  And what made matters even more exciting was that Mr. Rose had given Louisa her first months salary. She was practically a woman of independent means. It was an incredibly heady sensation: to have money that was hers to spend on anything she wished.

  She contemplated paying her brother a visit, giving him half her money, but, damnation, shed worked hard for it, swallowed her pride, earned the right to clutch the money in her little hands. Or hear it jingling in her purse as it were.

  Shed never before experienced such a sense of accomplishment. It was intoxicating. Had her almost giddy. She wanted to skip across a park as she had when she was a child. She wanted to sing, dance, and purchase new slippers.

  On the other hand, she thought it would be prudent to retain as many of her coins as possible, but the appeal of spending just a bit was overwhelming. Mr. Rose had told her that the carriage was hers to use, and so shed had the driver take her to a nearby section of shops. Shed told him that shed rent a hansom to return her to the Rose residence. Shed spent the morning peering in shop windows until the urge to spend became too great. Then shed ducked into this sweet shop, determined to make at least one small purchase.

  And now she was overwhelmed by the varied selections. She couldnt remember the last time shed visited a sweet shop. With her father, when she was much younger, she supposed. Hed had a weakness for sour cherry drops, while shed simply adored toffee. When poverty visited, one was required to sacrifice the pleasures of extravagance. Louisa had gone a good long while without the taste of sweets upon her tongue. She hardly knew how to end her hiatus: to go with her favorite or to sample something shed never before experienced. She leaned nearer to the glass case, studying the various assorted colors. Four for a penny. Perhaps she would have two toffee and then

  Attempting to sweeten your temperament? a low voice asked near her ear.

  Jerking upright, she twisted around and glared at the man who stood there, grinning foolishly as though hed made some grand joke. He wore a frock coat, a gray waistcoat and gloves, and dark gray tie. She couldnt deny that regardless of what he wore, he was a man who drew a ladys eye. Hawkhurst.

  Lady Louisa. He glanced around. Wheres Miss Jenny?

  Still abed.

  So they sent you to fetch some sweets?

  She angled her chin slightly. No, actually, Im here shopping for myself. I couldnt decide between the toffee or the fruit confections.

  I see the dilemma.

  Did he really? she wondered. Hed never struck her as a man with a sweet tooth.

  Your Grace! the clerk behind the counter said enthusiastically as he bustled over. Here for your weekly purchase I assume?

  Well, it seemed Louisa had judged Hawkhursts fondness for sweets unfairly.

  Indeed, but please see to Lady Louisas needs first.

  Of course, Your Grace. The clerk turned his attention to her. What will it be, my lady?

  She nibbled on her lower lip and decided on a compromise: something familiar, something new, and something remembered. Two toffees, a pear drop, and a sour cherry.

  Very good. And what will be your pleasure, Your Grace? The usual?

  Yes, please, a dozen brandy balls.

  Louisa rolled her eyes and muttered. I should have known.

  Should have known what precisely? Hawkhurst asked.

  That you would ask for something with a bit of wickedness in it.

  Theyre rather tasty. Ill let you try one.

  No, thank you.

  They wont make you drunk. Even if you eat a hundred. I tried once.

  She stared at him in astonishment. Surely, you jest. A hundred at one time?

  One right after the other. He leaned near. I was all of fourteen and made myself quite ill.

  Was that when you decided to sample my fathers liquor? she asked, a brow arched. Although his skin was swarthy, she thought she detected a blush working its way along his strong jaw line.

  You always did come upon us at the most inopportune moments, he said, his voice low, as though he was imparting secrets.

  Her stomach quivered, and she didnt want to think about all the women he may have spoken to, in the dark, using that voice.

  The clerk brought over their two small sacks.

  Put the ladys purchase on my account, Hawkhurst said, much to Louisas astonishment. She was fairly certain that his financial situation mirrored her brothers.

  Thats very kind of you, but quite unnecessary, she said. Im in possession of my own funds.

  Please, I must insist.

  She thought about arguing, but she didnt wish to make a public spectacle of herself. Nor did she wish to cause him embarrassment. She sensed his purchasing her sweets was more of an issue of pride, not because he cared enough for her to want to give her a gift. Besides, others were coming into the shop, and she didnt want rumors to begin circulating. Thank you, Your Grace, thats most generous of you.

  Think nothing of it.

  He followed her out of the shop and glanced around again. Are you alone?

  Yes. Im a chaperone, so I require no company. Its quite liberating.

  I admit to finding it rather odd that a single woman of marriageable age is gallivanting around the town without benefit of protection.

  How you find it does not concern me. It was amazing how he could so easily prick her temper. In an effort to make amends, she held up her small sack. Thank you again.

  I must confess to having no willpower when it comes to sweets. A park is nearby. Will you join me while I indulge in enjoying at least one brandy ball before I head home?

  Im not sure that would be appropriate.

  Yet you believe it appropriate to be walking about London unescorted?

  I wont get into mischief unescorted.

  Nor will you if I escort you. I shall be the perfect gentlemen.

  She refused to acknowledge the disappointment that hit her with that declaration. Finding himself alone with Jenny, he would no doubt strive to take advantage and be less than a perfect
gentleman, delivering the kiss of passion that she required.

  Besides, he continued, were out in public. Youre completely safe. And I wish to ask you some questions about Miss Jenny Rose.

  What sort of questions?

  The questions of an interested man.

  Shed known he was interested, of course. She considered denying him the opportunity to seek her counsel, but spending time with him at the opera and on the river had served to give her doubts regarding her original opinion of him. Besides, she knew Jenny had enjoyed his company much more so than shed enjoyed the company of Pemburton. And Hawkhurst was a duke, which would please Jennys mother immeasurably.

  I suppose I could spare a few moments, she said.

  Afterward, Ill be more than happy to provide you with a ride home. My carriage is nearby.

  I can rent a hansom.

  He arched a brow. You have the ability to rent a hansom and to pay for your own sweets?

  She couldnt prevent a self-satisfied smile from spreading across her face. Ive been given my wages for the month. Oh, Hawkhurst, I have the means to provide for myself.

  You dont say?

  I do say, and its most addictive, she said. He began walking, and she fell into step beside him. I can understand why someone would seek employment. The receiving of money for services gives one such a sense of accomplishment. I can hardly wait until next month, when I will receive another five pounds.

  Good God, theyre paying you five pounds a month?

  She couldnt resist a triumphant nod. Indeed. And I shall receive a bonus on the day that each girl marries.