My Divinely Decadent Duke

by Sandra Masters

  “You’re a clever woman. Would gold half-crowns suit your purpose?”

  She took her own napkin and patted at the cherry juice that trickled at the corner of her mouth, with a sly smile, nodded.

  “Consider it done.” He finished the last piece of Neapolitan cake. “I do like most things Italian.”

  “Would you humor us, Althorn, and call Chester and Cook to us. You may give them the coins yourself. Cook will see to the compliments.”

  He called for Chester and gave instructions to provide him coins and summon staff.

  Soon they entered the room. He dispensed the half-crowns and instructed the cook to compliment the staff at the behest of his lady wife. Unaccustomed to such treatment, cook curtsied and thanked their Graces profusely.

  “Perhaps I misunderstood you, my dear. You mentioned while you continue to reside here. Is there something you wish to impart to me?”

  “Not at the moment. This conversation is for later when we’re alone.”

  She arose. “Althorn, I feel your mother tires. I will see her to her room and have Anna tend to her. Kindly excuse me.”

  He nodded, and rose to kiss his mother a good night.

  The duke summoned Chester. “Kindly have a bowl of cherries and the Charlotte Russe delivered to my chambers at once. Oh, add slices of the cake.”

  Chester nodded and went on his way.

  Cassandra and the dowager ascended the steps giggling at the success of the night. Now at the dowager’s room, she left instructions for her care, but Lady Madelaine wanted Cassandra to wait a moment while she penned a note.

  Dearest Cassandra:

  Thank you for this wonderful evening. I was good, wasn’t I? Soon I’ll talk up a storm. Why did you not ask him for full gold sovereigns for your needs? He would gladly give you the world if you asked.

  “I don’t need sovereigns, Mother Madelaine. I don’t want the world. All I want is him and his love. Just a little independence will suit me fine. Now, I too, bid you good night, sweet lady.”

  Another note was written. Why do you not spend time with him in the dining room. I believe he waits for you.

  She tilted her head and held the woman’s eyes. “If he wants me, he’ll have to come and get me as is appropriate, my lady.” Cassandra walked to the door and closed it, leaned against the panel, and was pleased, though tired. Exhausted at the many emotions she’d encountered. So many. Almost too many.

  The tension, sexual and otherwise, took its effect on her sensibilities. She reclined in a chair and rested her head.

  Cassandra must have dozed and did not awaken, until a tap came on her door. There was a second tap. She rose, went to the door and opened it, still dressed in her finery.

  Althorn walked in. “Anna informed me when she went to attend you for the evening you were fast asleep in your chair. She worried that you weren’t prepared for bed.” He took her hand, “I informed her I would attend to you tonight. You will agree to come with me?”

  At least it was a question and not a command. “It’s midnight. Am I to turn into a kitchen maid?” She stretched and aligned her arms together and raised them above her head to relax them. “Does my beautiful gown turn into rags?”

  “It looks too good on you to turn into anything but golden finery,” he joked. He went to her armoire, removed her wrapper and threw it over his arm. “Come, love. I would worship you this evening.”

  Althorn led her through the corridor to his open chamber door, then closed it. She sat on the settee, her usual place when they chatted. He poured her a small portion of the lighter brandy and two fingers of cognac for his own glass.

  They rested the glasses on the table at their knees. He took both her hands, turned them up, and lavished each palm with his lips. “How do I ever thank you for the goodness that’s in you? You’re the epitome of kindness and compassion. Also one of the most beautiful and desirable women I’ve ever known.” He laughed, “If I weren’t already married to you, I would ask you to honor me and accept my pledge.”

  She didn’t want his gratitude. She wanted—no needed—his declaration. Love and gratitude may not have been cousins, but they were related. Why couldn’t he understand?

  “Beauty fleets, Gordon. Goodness remains forever. Be mindful.” The shiny silver dome on the table caught her attention. “We are not to eat again, are we? I don’t think I could sup another meal.”

  “Nay. It’s not a meal, just a dessert I thought we would put to good use.”

  “Good use?” she gazed at him, head tilted.

  He removed the silver cover.

  She stared at the bowl of ripe cherries, the Charlotte Russe, and the Neapolitan slivers of cake.

  “You knew exactly what you did to me tonight, did you not, when you placed the plump cherry in your mouth after dinner? You also were aware I couldn’t mention the salacious intent in front of my mother, you minx.”

  “Moi? Your Grace.” She slid her hand to her throat, a sensual smile pouted her lips.

  “Oui. Tu,” he responded in the same language. “It dribbled down your cheek, and I wanted to taste it from your ever luscious lips.”

  “What a pity on your part that you didn’t.”

  “Would you like to try again?” His voice was so seductive, she wanted to bottle it and sell it as an aphrodisiac or whatever merchants did to entice buyers.

  “And stain my beautiful gown? I should say not.”

  “You have two choices, dear Madam. Ruin your gown, or allow me to disrobe you.”

  “Exactly how much money do you have you can afford such extravagances…for a frugal man?” Cassandra turned her back for him to unlace her.

  “Enough money so you don’t have to worry about coins from me. I give them to you gladly.”

  “Help me. The gown is too tight anyway, but I do favor it. I will inform the modiste it needs modification.”

  He worked at her laces and soon it was on the floor along with all her undergarments and slips.

  She looked at him and the gown on the floor, her body seemed aglow, no on fire. She didn’t move an inch.

  He connected with her unspoken message, picked up the garment and placed the dress on a chair. He handed her the wrapper. She thanked him, arose and cinched it loosely around her waist. Her black silk stockings and heeled slippers spoke volumes. Cassandra, reclined seductively in the corner of the settee, spoke not a word because all she wanted from him was in her hungry eyes. She threw off her slippers, and her pointed foot slid up his thigh to his groin and rested there, for a moment. She pressed it against his manhood and circled it with her toes and smiled wickedly because she knew it sent him over the moon.

  “Gordon, you have too many clothes on. I should like to play a game with you. You’ve stripped me. I’d like to undress you—of everything. And when you’re naked, perhaps you will feel vulnerable as I do.”

  “I sense anger within you. What have I done?” His voice was anxious.

  “It’s not anger, Althorn. It is insecurity. Please, let us talk no more. Let me into your world.”

  “I don’t remember a time when you weren’t in it, Cassandra.”

  “Truly?” she asked in amazement.

  “Truly.”

  “Oh, my.” Her world and her resolve to not love him so much just fell apart.

  He threw off his jacket and stood before her.

  “Strip me bare,” he affirmed. “I am yours to command after…”

  “After what?” she asked.

  “I show you what we can do with the desserts.”

  “No, I’d like to strip you first.” It was a demand on her part.

  She took her time and removed every inch of his clothes, stockings, shoes until he was naked as the day he was born. “I want to touch your tattoo. Only you could wear it that well.”

  A wicked smiled lit her face. “Show me about the desserts?” she demanded after her hand caressed his right shoulder arm with the Lion crest.

  “It does require, my lady, t
hat you remove your wrapper.”

  He was the most gorgeous specimen of masculinity she’d ever seen. Not that she’d seen even one…except for a few peeks at her brothers when she was younger. But every body part was smaller then. She stifled a grin.

  “Oh.” She drew him nearer to her, and the wrapper slipped to the floor.

  When they were both nude, he held her in his arms and nestled his head in her hair. “My beautiful wife, do you know how I treasure you?”

  “No.”

  “Let me tell you in ways not known to most.” He handed her two cherries. “Place them in your mouth. I’ve had the stems and pits removed.”

  She did as he instructed.

  “Now let us exchange them and when the juices run down our mouths, let’s kiss them away.”

  The juices from hers ran down her cheeks and settled on her breasts.

  It was an invitation for him to lave at her, and she relished every lick.

  While he was gentle, she startled when he suckled her breasts. Lost in the moment, he didn’t pay attention except for the want and unbearable need of her.

  He led her to bed where he lay her on the soft sheet. The Charlotte Russe he rubbed on her stomach and lower, and savored every morsel until it was gone. His tongue went to her sacred core and she became undone. Next came the cake, and he laughed as he had her taste it, and they kissed each other with such messy ardent desire.

  Passion overwhelmed her. She didn’t know where she started and he ended. Her thighs parted to receive his thrusts. A moan escaped his lips, when she wrapped her legs around his back. He then entered her slick, moist folds, Cassandra’s receptive body tightened around his hard member and her core pulsated in welcome. He further plunged into her molten womanhood and sought release for them both.

  “Come with me,” he growled.

  He felt her pace quicken to match his. There was no tomorrow, only the moment of their eclipse as he roared in her hair. The orgasm multiplied and the crescendo of their climax together brought them a glimpse at paradise.

  The spasms frenzied them.

  “Oh, Gordon, my love,” she sighed. “More. I want so much more.”

  “Ahhh. It never ends, crashes around me.” He pumped again and again until all his strength disappeared into her along with the ejection of his seed.

  She continued to buck at his every motion and screamed a final release.

  The room grew quiet as their labored breaths relaxed into a normal cadence. They lay in bed for some time without a word spoken, her head on his shoulder, and his arms solidly around her.

  Cassandra arose to leave the warmth of his arms.

  “No. Stay with me until morning.” His words were soft in invitation. She’d never refused his requests.

  “Husband, I beg your indulgence. For some reason, I am unwell. Perhaps it’s all the excitement of this day…and night.

  Concerned, he took her by the shoulders. “Should I summon a physician to attend you?”

  “It won’t be necessary.” She picked up her wrapper and cinched the belt. “All I require is some rest. You’re an ardent, powerful lover. I believe I know what the malady is.”

  Her hair a mass of tangled curls, she finger combed it, turned and kissed him. “I bid you good night.”

  “Wait.” He reached for his robe and slippers. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

  She saw the look in his eyes, his furrowed brow. “I can fend for myself. It’s only down the hall.” Still, he took her arm, opened the door, and walked Cassandra to her room, where she entered.

  “I’ll look in on you in the morning,” he said, concerned.

  “Sweet dreams,” Cassandra whispered, and closed the door.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Cassandra walked to her escritoire and retrieved the calendar book, counted weeks, and realized why the dress was tight and her breasts sore. They’d been married four months. Cassandra was with child!

  Oh, what to do now? Mother Madelaine would recuperate in a matter of weeks, and her services wouldn’t be needed. The expectant birth of a child should be a happy occasion, but it now complicated her life and her security. Cassandra would ask Althorn to secure the cottage for her.

  Secretly, if she couldn’t have him, she wanted his child, a part of him no one could take away. Not quite so, she realized, for any issue of the marriage was the property of her husband, and he could deny her visitation of their child if he so chose. The husband she knew was not a mean-spirited man, yet men were driven to worse actions when it came to their heirs. She steepled her hands in prayer and closed her eyes upward.

  In the morning, she would tell the children they would leave the villa for the cottage. Technically they were still in residence on his estate so in fact, she hadn’t separated from him. There was no other choice available. She would have to couch her comments with great care since Mother Madelaine would be upset. Cassandra would find the proper time to tell her the truth. She loved the dowager too much for her to think ill of her. She worried the dowager might have a relapse. No. They were both strong women. She would speak to Mother Madelaine, the woman she had come to love like the mother she never had and longed for, and tell her all. It was the honest thing to do. That was of prime importance.

  The next morning when Cassandra awakened, she performed her ablutions, checked on the staff, and went to the nursery. “Miss Dutton, I have something of importance to say to the children. I would like to speak to them in private. It won’t be long. Why not go to the kitchen and get some sweet treats for yourself?”

  The governess did as she was told.

  “Children, come to me.” They ran and kissed her.

  “You know how much I love the both of you, and I wouldn’t keep any secrets from you. Things have happened beyond my control, and we will have to live in a cottage our good duke will provide us. Mother Madelaine progresses well, thanks to the both of you. Please know I am so proud of how you helped her. She cares for you both very much…and for me.”

  She gathered them in her arms, Alfie on her lap and Alicia next to her. “You may not understand when I say that life is complicated, but I will always be there for you. Always. You should have no fear in that regard.”

  “Why must we leave?” asked Alicia.

  “The duke and I have an arrangement that when his mother is recuperated, we will…change homes. It will be on his estate, and we will still visit everyone. Just think, we can have Runt and Giant with us forever. Wouldn’t you like that?”

  Her throat knotted and she found it difficult to speak. It was horrific. Anguish overwhelmed and caught at her stomach like a medieval torture screw.

  “Why do we have to go?” asked Alicia.

  “It is better for all concerned, but I have another surprise for you, but it is a secret. Can you keep a secret?”

  “One we cannot tell anyone?” Alicia asked.

  “Yes, but you can tell in a few weeks’ time.”

  She made a happy fuss. “Auntie is to have a baby. Just think, another beautiful child to join us. Someone we can lavish our love on.” She couldn’t control the tears. Her life was broken. Her heart was ripped apart. Her dreams were trampled on again. Why God? Why do you show me a glint of happiness and security and then take it away? What have I done to deserve this disruption again?

  “Why must Uncle send us away?” Alicia asked with tears in her eyes. “Did we do something wrong?”

  Cassandra wiped away the tears. “No, you did nothing. It’s not that Uncle sends us away. He and I had an agreement. It is now time we lived on our own. He will visit as will Mother Madelaine. Everything will be the same, except we will live in a beautiful cottage. We can grow vegetables and beautiful flowers. The orchard has stone fruit and apple trees. We will make preserves for our bread. Isn’t that wonderful? Auntie Cassandra will crochet blankets for the new baby and all of us. What a wonderful time we will have.”

  “Why do you cry, Auntie Cassandra?” asked Alfie. “It cannot be wonderfu
l if you are sad.”

  Sweet heaven, help me. I grow weary of this endless burden. Take this cross from my shoulders.

  There were no words to tell the children to express her emotions. “Because I…will miss Uncle, too. He has so many responsibilities and has been good to us. We won’t be far away. All will be well.”

  “I don’t want to leave Giant,” Alfie cried.

  “Giant and Runt will come with us. I promise, children.”

  “It’s not the same.” Alicia turned her eyes away.

  “Have I not always taken care of you? You’ll see all will turn out well.”

  “Will you love the new baby more than us?” asked Alicia.

  “Never, ever. I’ll love you all with all I possess. My heart is big enough to love all of you.”

  “Do you love the duke, too?” Alicia persisted.

  “Yes, I do, but he doesn’t love me.” She exhaled at the words that were a stake through her heart. “This is another step in our lives. I shall need all the help I can get. Babies are like puppies and require a great deal of attention. May Auntie ask you to help her?”

  “Yes, we’ll do as we are told. Won’t we, Alfie? Yet I want to cry.” She hid her face in Cassandra’s dress.

  Alfie joined Alicia; their small hands clutched her skirt, droplets of tears streamed down Cassandra’s face. Her hands patted their heads.

  “Alfie, just like a soldier, you will be brave and not cry. Alicia, you will set an example for him. Miss Dutton will soon return, and we don’t want her to think we are weak. Like good soldiers, we’ll march forward and do what has to be done to win the battle.”

  “What battle?” Alfie asked.

  “Life.” Cassandra dried their tears and her own. “Shall we read a book that is funny? One that will make us laugh? Alicia, why don’t you pick something from the shelf?”

  “Yes. It’s about a brave bullfrog that leaps from one lily pad to another and croaks his song of love. We can all say Rib it…Rib it…Rib it together.” Alicia firmed her lips. “We have to drop our voices so we can sound like real frogs.” She gave a performance of a lifetime.