“Have a seat.” James gestured with one hand as he strode to the sideboard. Lifting a crystal decanter, he spoke over his shoulder. “I find it better to discuss matters over a glass of brandy. Would you agree?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Giles lowered his tall frame into a cushioned seat of fine padded leather.
James opened a glass door and retrieved a pair of beakers. After pouring a generous portion into both, he handed one to Giles. Then he stepped around behind the desk. His features held no expression—curiosity or otherwise.
“All right, Giles. What do you have on your mind?” Direct and to the point.
“First, James, let me thank you for your generosity. You have made me feel most welcome in your home.” As soon as he could, he wanted to dispense with decorum and get to the heart of the matter. Carmichael presented himself as a no nonsense sort of man.
“Glad to hear it. Hope Alex is not giving you any trouble.”
Being a self-possessed man, nothing much surprised Giles. He’d learned from experience to keep his mouth shut. However, this took him aback, for James hit dead center on the subject uppermost in his mind.
“Actually, she is the reason I’ve asked for a private audience.”
“Pestering you, is she? I thought as much.” James leaned back in his chair. “She’s my daughter. I know her.”
Giles studied the amber liquid in his glass as he contemplated James words. “I will admit she followed me around, but we’ve become friends.”
“Friends? I think the girl fancies you. Being a man of nobility among other things.”
This time, Giles nearly did cough in astonishment. How astute.
“Cornelia has filled the girl’s head with England’s aristocracy, parties and balls. She spins yarns and praises the English customs, making them appear grand and romantic. Alex soaks up Cornelia’s stories like a sponge dropped into a pan of water.”
“Yes, I overlooked, for a moment, Cornelia lives in England.” A point in his favor. After all, being Alex’s aunt, she could be an ally.
“Loves it there. I’ve asked her to live with me here, but she won’t leave England. My dear sister refuses to reside in a country which she considers barbaric.” James gave a bark of laughter. “England has her share of cut-throats and aristocratic ne’er-do-wells. Glad to leave all that behind me.”
“Yes, you’ve made quite a life for yourself here. A grand plantation. A lovely wife, a fine family. I envy you.”
“A strange statement, coming from a duke.” He raised a brow and placed one hand on his desk. “I know while you’re in America you prefer not to use your title. But you are a highly titled lord of the realm. Why would you envy me?”
“Your family.” Giles took a hefty drink. “I am at a point in my life where I am ready to settle down. As you pointed out, my title demands a certain way of life. To carry on my lineage, I require a wife and must produce an heir.”
James’ gaze bore right through him.
“I am more than fond of Alex. I would ask your permission to court your daughter. As you mentioned, I believe she has taken a fancy to me, and I have developed a tendre for her as well. I have several estates, and the ancestral castle. Investments in a profitable shipping line, dabbling in thoroughbreds. I do not make a habit of boasting my wealth—actually not at all—but to give you an idea, I am a wealthy man without my dukedom holdings. So you see, I am able to provide for her, give her everything she could possibly want.”
Giles studied the man’s closed face. James gave no outward sign of his thoughts. At least he wasn’t shouting.
Silence stretched for long moments, before he rose and sauntered over to the window. Giles felt like a lad waiting to receive his comeuppance.
“You have given me a great deal to think about.”
“My intentions are most honorable. With your permission, after a proper amount of time, I plan to ask Alex to be my wife.” May as well get it out there. Let her father know he had more than courtship in mind.
Another moment stretched in time. James nodded his head as if he’d made a decision. Whether he approved the idea or had just plotted Giles’ demise, he uttered not a word, but returned to his chair.
“I find honesty is the best approach to any matter.”
“I would expect no less,” Every muscle in his body tensed.
“Very well. Please, hear me out.”
Those words did not bode well for his cause. The man seemed to hold Giles in high regard, but at the moment he looked like the bearer of bad news. Definitely not in Giles’ favor.
James reached to a carved box on the corner of his desk. Opening the lid, he held the small chest out toward Giles. “A smoke for a serious discussion.”
With years of masking his feelings, Giles had perfected the art. He called on those days of perseverance to aid him now. Lifting a cheroot from the chest, he lit the end. He watched the tobacco fire red as he inhaled, then leaned back, propping an ankle over his opposite knee.
“I appreciate your intentions,” James began. “However, I must ask some questions and express my opinion on a few things.”
“Of course.”
“Alex is my only daughter. I love her very much.” James lit his cigar and tossed the flaming stick into a glass bowl.
And you would more than likely kill me if you knew I’d already touched her.
Giles was not a rogue. Even when he’d come close to throwing away his heritage, he’d always been a man of honor. Morals. Principles. As his father would say, ‘One makes their own bed and must lie in it.’ The damage done, he was more than willing to lie in the bed of his own making—with Alex.
“An attribute, sir. Your love for your family.”
“Alex is young. I know by English standards she is of a marriageable age. But she is only seventeen. Very impressionable.”
Eighteen in another month, but he saw no need to point out her age to her father.
“I understand. I treated her like a child, at first. She is a responsible woman for her age.”
“We are talking about my daughter, are we not?” James gave a grin. “Responsible?”
James didn’t need to remind him. Visualizing those breeches caressing her curvaceous bottom, his loins stirred. He shifted in the chair, uncomfortable for the first time since closing the study door.
“I’ve seen the change in her. She’s been wearing dresses and the like. I thought Cornelia’s influence had taken root. Now I see you may have been the one to bring about the transformation.”
Is this the honesty part?
James Carmichael did not dawdle or drag his feet. He spoke his mind and said what he thought straight out. The man sitting across from him sure seemed to be taking a long time getting to the matter Giles sensed lurked just behind his teeth.
“Even Sam and Ben remarked on her appearance. They might tease her and give her a hard time, but they spoil her.”
“I’ve noticed. The bond between each member of your family is in full view for all to see.” A little ache of resentment trickled in his soul. He’d never had a loving family. No siblings. With a dominating father and a mother’s love taken from him at an early age, only bitterness cloaked him in his youth.
“We are close. You would take Alex away from her family?”
The crux of the matter.
“Only if she wants to go. I promise to take care of her. And she would have a family member there. Your sister would help Alex get settled into the scheme of things.”
“Hmmm.” His heavy sigh did not sound encouraging.
“I have a ship. She could visit, and you could come to England to visit her. I would never keep her from her family, or force her to do anything she would not willingly want to do.”
And he wouldn’t. He suddenly realized
he would move heaven and earth to give her anything she desired.
“What if you take her to England and she doesn’t like it there?” James leaned forward, bracing his arms on his large oak desk, his dark eyes piercing. “What if she cannot be without her family?”
God forbid that should happen.
When had he become so infatuated with the girl?
“Alex seems like a very spirited girl. She has a craving for adventure. Her aunt would be close by. I would assure they visit frequently. I hope Alex would make her home with me in England. But should she choose to leave, I would bring her back to you.”
A pang stung his beating heart.
“Then I must save you the trouble. Alex may think she is grown up, but she has lived a sheltered life. Cornelia has filled her head with exciting stories, but when it comes right down to the bone, she won’t leave her family. I don’t think she’d survive without us.”
Then his beating heart stopped. His arm hovered, the brandy inches from his lips.
“At first, she’d be excited,” James continued. “Marrying a duke would be grand. Traveling to England would be grand. She’s mentioned going back with Cornelia. But I’m afraid it’s the novelty, the exploration. Embarking on a new adventure. As time passes, when the newness wears off, she will miss her family—her life here.”
“I know I am asking a lot.” Giles stared into intense brown eyes, recognizing the man’s concern. But he did care for Alex, and he would protect her with his life. Now to give her father the assurance he needed.
“I can understand you will miss your daughter. I give you my word as a gentleman, I will keep Alex safe. I will provide her with furnishings she is accustomed to. I can give her anything she desires. I will protect her with my very life.”
“I have no doubt about your intentions or your honor. I trust you would do exactly as you promise. But, what will her life be like? She’ll be a duchess. I know I’m repeating myself when I say this sounds exciting. But what will Alex do? How will the ton treat her?”
“They will bloody well treat her with the respect she deserves,” Giles said with abrasive force. At his outburst, he realized his calm facade was disappearing fast. An urchin with chocolate eyes—glowing in passion, radiant with desire, gleaming with love—had stolen his composure. He hadn’t been able to keep a disciplined thought in his bloody brain since meeting the chit.
“The ton can be cruel. Alex does not do well following rules. A spirited girl, her impulsive actions are not thought out. Only weeks ago she wore breeches and those of her age taunted her. She has a temper. I love Alex, but I know my daughter. She is rebellious, stubborn, tenacious, at times unmanageable. She would be under scrutiny. Her position would require her to behave a certain way. The first matron who spouted nonsense or insults would receive a tongue lashing. Alex would disgrace you.”
“Alex would and always will come first,” Giles said with resolve. “She will be my wife. She will be above reproach.”
“I would not have her spirit crushed.”
Giles’ voice dropped to a whisper. “Neither would I.” Little snippets of doubt began to invade. Alex loved her family and they doted on her. Could he take her away from them? Would the move crush her spirit? With the brandy in one hand and his cigar in the other, he wondered if either vice would improve his disposition. He expressed a solution for every argument—but one. Her spirit. The one thing he loved about her the most.
“For now, I am not in favor of this match. I like you. I think you would be a good husband to my daughter—in a few years.”
His chest constricted. He hadn’t realized until this moment how much he wanted James to agree to the match. He cared more for Alex than he’d realized.
Good God. What if there were a babe? He’d taken her virginity.
“Come now.” James shot him a quizzical look. “It can’t be as bad as all that. By the look on your face, one would think you’ve lost your best friend.”
Chapter 19
How did one break one’s heart? Giles’ blood froze at the cruel thought.
He stood by the window staring at a blue sky. Instead of enjoying a beautiful, sunny day, he agonized in a hell of his own making. Clamping down on his wayward thoughts, he sighed heavily and hoped he did the right thing. His belly clenched thinking of the event about to transpire in the next few moments. The confrontation with Alex.
If he followed through, her heart would shatter like glass. He knew this as surely as he knew sinners burned for eternity, for did not his own heart break?
For a time he dared to dream. God had given him a taste of heaven only to throw him back into the bowels of hell. How could he have expected Alex to share his world? A fool indeed to even think such matters. His nobility predicted his life. Shaped his life. Demanded he live his life accordingly. Years of rebellion had proven nothing. Other than he return to the very existence from which he’d fled. His duty, responsibility. Obligation.
Aristocracy be dammed. Why had life been so cruel as to saddle him with a title? And why had he been reared to honor the task and all his title imposed?
When his ship sailed to America, he’d feared months of boredom. Look where that thinking landed him. A young sprite with chocolate eyes had melted his heart. If he’d known foolhardy events would have led to this day, this moment, the deception he was about to perform, he would have taken the first ship back to England.
No matter now.
It was done. Alex’s father had made it perfectly clear he would not allow his daughter to suffer the hardships of being a duchess. Unable to survive in a world a thousand miles away without her family. He’d convinced Giles what she thought of as love would fade. She was just too young. Excitement of the unknown, the enthusiasm of a young mind, a mettle worthy of her brothers—all as a result of her family’s love and affection.
According to James, his daughter’s courage and bravery stemmed from being spoiled, but her brothers watched over her. No amount of explanation on Giles’ part could persuade the man that he, Giles, would give her the life she deserved. He would protect her as well, beyond the measure of her blasted brothers. And yes, he had grown more than fond of her.
In the end, he’d relented.
Alex could not live in his world. And he could not remain in hers.
The door to the drawing room opened, and swiftly closed. The back of his neck tingled. Without turning he knew Alex stood behind him.
Comrades praised him for his serenity, his composure. Years of secret missions had taught him patience. Given him nerves of steel. Ballocks of iron. His serene, relaxed manner had earned him great respect. Well known for his tranquility in a crises, he’d been given a leadership role.
The task before him once again demanded a tight rein on his strength of will.
Masking his emotions yet again, he turned. His treacherous heart jolted.
Sensible words failed him. The beautiful woman standing there took his breath.
Lovely.
His gut tightened as the image of her face submersed in ecstasy flashed into his mind. God save him.
As Alex darted toward him, his arms opened of their own will. She landed against his chest. God, she felt too good in his arms. His jaw tensed.
Damnation.
“Oh, Giles. I don’t know how you managed, but I’m so thankful.”
“Thankful?”
“For this time alone.” She pulled back to meet his gaze. “How in the world did you manage this private meeting? When Father told me—”
“Alex.” Giles loosened her hold and captured her fingers. “I must speak with you.”
He studied her features. Wheat colored hair elucidating the sun’s reflection. Big, brown eyes with amber sparkles. Plush lips promising heaven here on earth. Every feature, so endearing to him that his
heart wrenched. Whatever he wanted to savor, today would be their last day together.
“Oh dear. Something must be terribly wrong to put such a hard look on your face.”
“Forgive me, but I know of no other way than to be forward. I am not a man to mince words.”
“My love, what is it?” Imploring eyes with a hint of apprehension stared at him.
My love.
Good God. There it is. Surely, there must have been a time in his life he’d felt this uneasy, yet he could not imagine when.
“I have much to say to you. Please sit down.” He guided her to the sofa.
“Giles, you’re making me very nervous. I’m not sure I want to sit.”
“Please.” He gestured.
“All right. You’re not going to pace, are you? Will you sit with me?”
Her nervous chatter had again reminded him of her age.
“I need to speak with you regarding several matters.” He cleared his throat.
“Please don’t tell me you have regrets.” Distress filled her pleading gaze.
Would he ever get used to her outspokenness? He had no choice. Sitting beside her, he lifted her hand and stroked his thumb over her fingers. “I have no regret of my feelings for you.”
Her shoulders drooped with her sigh of relief.
“I have no regrets you expressed your—”Dare I use the word love?—“feelings for me.” He lifted her hands and kissed the back of her knuckles. “I will treasure those moments forever.”
Although one corner of her mouth wilted, her smile speared his heart. Her eyes still held a bit of distress.
“Alex, I’ve been here for an extended amount of time. I have duties and a home in England which I’ve neglected for far too long.”
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