My Divinely Decadent Duke

by Sandra Masters

  “I thought Madame Lisande handled the situation with grace. It’s apparent she likes you, Cassandra.”

  “I should not care, cousin. Our agreement was he could do whatever he chose with his body as long as he didn’t flaunt his escapades in public.” She whispered under breath, “We aren’t yet married.”

  Samantha held her hand. “Dearest, Althorn is a flawed man, but he doesn’t strike me as unkind. If your relationship with him is to progress, it might be best to ask about it in a nonchalant way. Whatever answer he gives you, you should accept…and move on. Again, I urge you to wage a subtle war with him. Use all your wiles. You do have them, especially on balconies,” she joked and patted her cousin’s hand in mischief. “Now children, to the museum,” she said, and off they went on their way.

  Cassandra attempted a small smile, but her heart was heavy with concern. How many times would he see this other woman? Would there be secret trysts? Why did she submit to this torture?

  It is what it is, and God tested her.

  She muddled through the museum visit and lunch. The trip back to Brighton seemed longer than it should. The children were exhausted, Samantha and Cassandra were quiet a good part of the time. She regaled her cousin with stories and incidents, but Cassandra’s mind was elsewhere with the duke.

  Had she lost the war before it even began?

  Chapter Eighteen

  One Week Later in Brighton

  The villa was large in and of itself, and the tiered balcony gardens that led to the beach were in pristine condition.

  The ducal coach arrived with Cassandra, her brother’s family, and Alicia. Chester conducted the soon-to-be Duchess to her room on the second floor master quarters down a long corridor on the opposite side of the duke’s bedchambers. Lady Madelaine’s rooms were on the right, and the children’s nursery was to the left of her small bedroom.

  She looked at the majordomo with an unspoken question.

  “His Grace’s quarters consists of two separate chambers and are at the far end of the opposite corridor.” He pointed to the closed door. “He is dressed and awaits a summons, my lady.” Chester bowed and left her in the room.

  Cassandra gazed at the tapestry draped four-poster bed, at the hand painted vanity and stool. Her escritoire had been transported from the Inn and ready for her use. A three-paned Cheval mirror occupied a corner. Two large armoires stood as sentinels against the wall. The room’s balcony overlooked the tiered gardens and ocean with a wondrous view.

  The maids unpacked her luggage. Her dresses and gowns were placed in the wardrobe closets. Her lingerie included the infamous chemise and black rose-budded corset, and resided in a hand painted chest of drawers emblazoned with a full size blue peacock. Cassandra completed her toilette prior to her arrival. The maid whose name she didn’t yet know would assist.

  A knock sounded at the door. Cassandra opened it to find a pretty servant who curtsied and spoke. “I am Anna, your maid, my lady. May I assist you into your gown?”

  Cassandra stepped aside and closed the door. “Yes, thank you. Was it you who put my clothes away? It was kind of you.”

  “Yes, my lady. They are such pretty gowns. May I say you look radiant this morning? Your hair is aglow with fresh orange blossoms. It’s such a lovely scent. The duke has assigned me as your personal maid. I will assist you at all times. I reside on the third floor.”

  Cassandra took the wedding gown from the armoire and handed it to the girl. She had given the dress purchased for her wedding to the bounder Viscount to a local parish church to sell at auction to benefit poor orphans.

  “Shall we?” she asked with a shaky voice and even shakier hand. It was too late to back out now.

  Dressed in a concoction of froth, tulle, and chiffon in an opalescent color, her gown looked luminescent in ivory, pearl, and white hues with touches of gold threads that caught the color of her hair. Flushed cheeks and slightly rouged lips centered her sweetheart face. She had no excitement, but anxiety held her captive. Would Althorn become enchanted when he saw her?

  There was another tap at the door and the maid went to answer it. Lady Madelaine entered with a box in her hands. Cassandra rose and curtsied to the dowager, whose smile was one of a much-desired welcome.

  She mouthed the words, For you, Lady Madelaine’s finger pointed to Cassandra. From me. Her hand pointed to her heart.

  Cassandra nodded and repeated the words in sound. “Thank you, your Grace.” She took the white velvet box and opened the latch. A necklace of pearls and earrings to match with diamond drops caught the sunlight.

  “Oh, no, Lady Madelaine, I cannot accept such a gift. It is too wonderful.” A tear escaped.

  The Dowager handed the box back to her. She motioned to the maid who took the jewelry and placed the necklace around her throat. The earbobs were handed to Cassandra to affix.

  Lady Madelaine drew her soon to be daughter-in-law to the mirror to see for herself. Time moved so swiftly Cassandra couldn’t believe the marriage was to take place. She gave the dowager a heartfelt embrace that was returned warmly by the elderly woman. The caress lingered longer than usual. Cassandra needed the dose of reality.

  Anna explained to Cassandra that there was a door to the nursery where another servant was dressing the children. She opened the door. Alicia and Alfie plodded through in their white attire. Alicia wore a long gown of white tulle with a wide white satin band, her blonde hair pulled back into a flowered tiara. Alfie was in a white tailcoat with an embroidered vest and long trousers.

  “Auntie, I practiced how to walk so I wouldn’t trip. I am not to look on either side of me, but to stay in the front and go to the pew when directed. It will be difficult, I know, not to smile at everyone. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Yes, my dear. I know you will do well. As will Alfie when he offers the pillow with the rings. The best man will nod to you and then you will lift it up. Do you remember how we did it?” Her mind was a-jumble of thoughts at how many things could go wrong, but the children were precious and anxious, so she held high hopes. Cassandra shooed away the tinge of sadness and bit her lip. “You will sit next to your father and Felicity. All will be fine,” she reassured them and patted their heads.

  The sound of the wedding march pealed. The dowager moved to the stairs, followed by the children.

  Cassandra lifted her skirt and glided down. Her tiny waist was accentuated with a triple strand of gold braid and gathered together by a V-clasp between her small waist and her thighs reminiscent of a Grecian priestess. Satin slippers covered her feet and her gloves glimmered in the sunlight.

  Her brother waited at the bottom of the steps and proceeded to walk her down the short aisle of the chapel to the altar. Cassandra was proud of the children and their behavior. It was a testament to all of them.

  ****

  The duke, impeccably dressed for the afternoon affair in a dark blue swallowtail coat, waited with his best man and good friend, Tomas Martinez, to the right of the altar.

  He intended to keep emotion out of the ceremony since it was a temporary happenstance and it would end. Best to not let the family get involved and fall in love with Cassandra.

  She’d be too easy to love.

  That would present another difficulty. His mother was already besotted with her. His dog and the puppies followed her everywhere they could.

  When the earl removed her veil and was asked who gave the bride away, Montgomery replied for all to hear, “I do.”

  He handed her to the duke who grasped her gloved hand. He kissed it gently, lingered much too long, as he whispered, “I have never seen a more beautiful bride.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, your Grace. You look resplendent, and remind me of Apollo, the Greek God.”

  “Is it now Apollo who comes from the heavens to rescue you?” he asked jovially. “Tell me, how many gods admire you?”

  “I would hope, all of them, but I have interpreted the gypsy fortuneteller’s prediction to be a Prince among men. Y
ou are a suitable candidate.” She winked at him and took the arm he offered.

  “I promise you I will kill any other man or deity who comes to claim you from me. You should take that comment to heart.”

  “Poor choice of words, your Grace. I do not think you will ever let me forget about the arrangement.” Her eyes sparkled.

  “Cassandra, I wish…I was worthy of a priceless jewel like you.” He looked away and anchored his gaze on the minister.

  She removed her gloves and handed them to Alicia, who took them so they could exchange rings.

  The marriage ceremony proceeded and soon they were declared man and wife.

  “You may kiss your wife, your Grace,” said the minister with a smile on his face.

  Cassandra turned to him, held his gaze. He cupped her face and kissed her long, hard, and eagerly.

  He saw she looked up through long velvet lashes as he walked her to the back of the chapel where they received felicitations from the few invited guests. Tongues would wag, no doubt. The ton had little better to do than spin tales of intrigue, deceit, and scandal. Their speedy wedding could prompt rumors of her increasing. He knew the truth would fell them. Time would soon erase that bit of folderol.

  “Come, let us join the family.” She greeted her small family.

  The duke excused himself for a moment.

  Samantha held both Cassandra’s hands, and spoke in a whisper, “You look so happy and beautiful, my dear. Althorn is good for you. Remember always, he is a proud man.”

  She gave her dearest cousin and friend an all-wise gaze as Samantha fanned herself. “Cassandra, it’s obvious you love him desperately. You’ve won a pyrrhic victory. Now it’s time to win the war.”

  “Samantha, I don’t wish to wage battle, but he doesn’t love me. Althorn has made that abundantly clear. I’ve heard it said he tells every woman he’s seduced he is madly in love with her.”

  “Who told you that?” her cousin asked with a small frown.

  “I overhead him say so to friends as they joked.”

  “Posh, that’s just men and their braggadocio ways. Don’t believe it. Now you give idle gossip a hold on you. He agreed to your proposal and married you. This is rare for a man of his repute. You either want him for the rest of your life or you don’t know him at all. This was a man ready to make concessions to you. I do believe he loves you, but for whatever reason, he will not admit it. You will find out soon enough. When you do, follow your heart and not your head. Do not make the same mistake I did where I almost lost my Reginald. Now, where did your rogue go?”

  “To check on the puppies. The children talk about little else but the puppies they will have. By the way, do your children need any puppies?”

  “No, the stables are full of healthy ones at Ravensmere.”

  The duke came upon them. “Dr. Sebastian is my mother’s physician. He visits us from time to time. I asked him to look in on Clayo and the puppies. Not that there’s any reason to check them, but he is here, and I thought to take advantage.” He laughed. The duke dashed off to find the doctor and left the women alone for a moment. “You two make such a lovely couple.” Samantha took Cassandra’s hand and walked along to an unoccupied settee. “At times, your husband is just a boy at heart.”

  Cassandra sighed and gazed at his broad back. He led the physician to check on the animals.

  He soon returned with a smile on his face, then it stilled when he noticed she brushed away a tear. “Why do you cry, Cassandra? Has something upset you?”

  “No. I’ve never been happier. I do not want the day to end.” When she realized she might sound too sentimental and frighten him to withdraw from her, she added, “I am aware of the terms of our marriage. Have no fear, Althorn.” She turned away, her heart heavy.

  They and the guests went to the larger dining room and had a brief repast with champagne. When everyone departed, Lady Madelaine went to rest in her chambers. The maids put the children to sleep.

  The formal sitting room overlooked the lush gardens. Cassandra and the duke were now alone.

  “Care for a cordial, Cassandra? It’s been a long day. I confess though, it’s nice to have the house quiet.” He arose to get glasses from the side boy.

  Nervous, she twirled her handkerchief, and whispered, “Yes, I can hear the waves through the French doors. It’s a sound that soothes savage beasts.”

  He poured for them and handed her the drink. “I thought the cliché was worded differently…and was to soothe savage breasts.”

  “Perhaps. You would remember it that way.”

  His hand went to his chin. “You were a perfect bride, Cassandra—beautiful and innocent.” He took a deep gulp. “And so shall you shall remain. It’s a temptation I cannot afford.”

  Why must he always remind me of our situation? Sweet heaven.

  The duke removed his pocket watch, checked it against the mantel clock, and said, “I’ll walk you to your rooms. If there is anything you require, let Chester know and it will be accomplished.”

  He extended his hand and she accepted. They walked up the circular staircase together. She went to the right of the corridor to her door, conscious of him at her back. Cassandra wasn’t sure what to expect. Would he come in? Did he expect something of her not part of the arrangement?

  The duke opened her door. “Is everything to your satisfaction? My mother thought you would like something more feminine than my masculine chamber.”

  Cassandra had the odd notion everything around slowed. Words took longer to say. Sounds needed to be listened to with care. He was too close. The fragrance of his spice and sandalwood cologne filled her senses. The sun was setting; the room grew dim, and cast him in the shadows. Was he a dark vengeful angel or a Greek god come to take her?

  Sweet heaven, wouldn’t that be lovely? Either version would be acceptable as long as it was him.

  She was yanked from her thoughts when he said, “I wish you could see the expression on your face. You look terrified. It’s rather an amusement. Perhaps the words don’t quite signify. I am not an ogre ready to pounce on you.” Instead he gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.

  “A question, my duke. If one of us were to break one of the elements of our arrangement, what would be the consequences?” she dared ask him.

  “Well, it would depend, my dear. If it were unintentional, we would discuss and work out the details. Now if it were intentional, it could present an extreme problem. Is there merit to this interrogation?”

  She saw his frown, the heavy expanse of his breaths and the narrowed brow. “This is the first time since our engagement announcement we have had a chance to speak, but there is gossip and you might wish to know.”

  “Really, you can read all this in the gossip columns?” he asked in amazement. “Shall we sit for a moment on the settee? Kindly continue.” He sat alongside her and crossed his legs.

  “No, there are also other avenues of gossip like at the French modiste, who knows all,” she answered, with embarrassment. “While at her shop in London with my cousin and the children, a beautiful dark haired woman gossiped about a rather large diamond ring on her finger. She stated that you left it on her bedside table the night of the King’s ball. The woman preened and mentioned she looked forward to a long-term relationship with you.”

  A shimmer of surprise crossed his face; his left brow arched. “She was addressed as Lady Fayton.” She bit her lower lip and nibbled on it.

  “Do you feel I’ve broken the terms of our proposal? I never led you to believe I would be celibate? Did I?” His voice raised but not in anger. The words were asked with absolute calm.

  “I believe you might misunderstand. My intent wasn’t to question you, but merely to understand the guidelines…in our arrangement.”

  “In that case, let me be clear. I do not appreciate such inquiries of my whereabouts. Yes. I took Constance to the King’s ball. I believe I spent quite some time as I danced with you and played cards with the King. She invited me to her
home and I accepted. Yes. I left my ring on her bedside table.”

  Cassandra gasped as she devoured the words he spoke. “Althorn—” Her lashes lowered in defense.

  “Do not interrupt, Cassandra. The ring was a farewell gift of little significance. I didn’t fornicate with her.”

  Cassandra gasped at the word.

  “Now let me apprise you this will be the last time you partake in an inquisition of my actions. I didn’t flaunt her in public. At the time, you and I had no arrangement. I cannot help what she thinks or says. It is her prerogative to do as she sees fit.” He stood up and started to pace back and forth. His staccato words flowed in a forthwith manner, hot enough to singe. “We’ve been married for almost nine hours and if this is to work, it is a poor start for both of us.”

  He was angry again. She held her head high in stark defiance and spoke with clarity as she clenched her fists into her gown. “Since this is a business agreement between us, as your business partner, I have the right to ask a simple business question and get an honest answer. I thank you for your explanation. I now consider this matter concluded.”

  The duke smiled. “My, you are an audacious one. You intend to challenge me at every juncture, is that so?”

  “Yes, No, Perhaps, and Maybe, is my answer.” She remembered her cousin’s comment and offered the coyest smile she could muster. One of the orange blossoms in her hair loosened itself as she shook her head in vehemence.

  Whoosh. She blew it out of sight with her breath; not an easy accomplishment. “I am new to this. I promise I will get better at it as we go on.”

  “I see I have a warrior in my midst, dear lady.” He walked to her and plucked an orange blossom from her hair, inhaled its scent, kissed it, and said, “A remembrance of our business arranged marriage of inconvenience.”

  Oh, Gordon, would that those lips be on mine. Sweet Heaven.

  The remark of his did its worst. “I beg you to remind you that you aren’t the only one inconvenienced.” She remembered her cousin’s sound advice and reverted to her feminine side. “We have just done battle. Is there a winner and a loser here?”