My Divinely Decadent Duke

by Sandra Masters

  The governess returned, frog noises permeating the room while the children and Cassandra leaped a step or two. A lovely mess of children and Cassandra bullfrogged in circles.

  “Thank you, Miss Dutton. I’ll leave you to your students and will attend my affairs.” Cassandra returned to her own room.

  A servant knocked on her door and entered. “Your Grace, his Grace had to leave for an appointment, but he wanted to inform you he would see you at supper time and hopes you aren’t ill.”

  “I appreciate his inquiry, but as you can see, I’m fine. I will tell him so myself this evening.”

  He closed the door.

  Cassandra looked about the room she’d come to love. The bright sunshine, the view of the ocean, the sound of waves, the canopied bed, her French desk and the ormolu moldings. She paced back and forth. “I mustn’t do this. There is no time for regrets. I have beautiful memories to sustain me.” Each time she hoped her circumstances changed for the better, in reality, they got worse. “I mustn’t look back.”

  It was all about goodbyes.

  Goodbye to her parents who passed away.

  Goodbye to her brothers who sent her off to finishing school at the age of twelve.

  Goodbye to the life she’d thought she’d have with her fiancé who jilted her.

  And now, the hardest goodbye of all—to Althorn, the man she loved with every inch of her being, the father of her child.

  Her hands grasped her stomach. She’d protect their baby.

  She rang the bell pull and when the servant appeared, she spoke with assurance. “Kindly go to the luggage room, and bring the large trunk up here. I have need of it.”

  The attendant excused himself and went about his errand.

  Cassandra left the room to attend to her duties. The dowager was in the breakfast room sipping tea and ate crumpets with coddled cream. “Good morning, Cassandra. I find that my speech has returned in earnest.”

  “Good morning, Mother Madelaine. It pleases me to hear the lilt in your voice. I’d like to converse with you, if I may. I’ll close the door.”

  After she did, “This is difficult for me. I have come to cherish and love you as if you were my very own mama. I’ve missed her, and you have taken her place. I’m aware of the affection you have for me and the children and ever grateful for your acceptance.”

  “Have some mint tea, my dear. You are disturbed? Share your burden with me.”

  She patted the chair next to her, and Cassandra went to sit.

  “As you know, our marriage was one of convenience for your son and me. I’ve always known the day would come when he would dispense of my services. While he hasn’t yet released me, I feel I must depart this lovely home and you.”

  Lady Madelaine placed her hand in Cassandra’s. “I would ask why? I see the love in your eyes you have for my son. He is a changed man. He no longer carouses in the evenings. He spends his time on his estate management and in Parliament. What you have done for him is remarkable. Yet I do not see happiness on your face today. What has happened? He hasn’t hurt you, has he?”

  “No, not in a physical sense. I’m torn apart. I am the keeper of the household in the day. At night, Gordon seeks me out for my other conjugal duties. I’m in love with a man who does not love me. I’m a possession—not a wife.” She stood, cheeks burned, turned her back, and faced the breakfast buffet of eggs, meats and—ham.

  The smell of a salty hock hit her like a rock. She was about to cast up her accounts.

  She lunged from the room to a balcony where dry heaves overtook her. Cassandra inhaled the fresh ocean air, and the morning sickness lessened. She turned as Lady Madelaine walked toward her.

  “My dear, are you in a family way? Come, let’s sit out here until it passes.”

  Cassandra nodded.

  “I can’t tell you how blessed I’ve been since you’ve entered our lives. And now, this is the best present of all. Is Gordon unhappy at your condition? Is that your plight?”

  She took her handkerchief and rubbed it gently across Cassandra’s lips.

  Cassandra cast her eyes downward. “He doesn’t know. It never occurred to me it could happen. He won’t be happy about this obligation. Can’t you see, Mother Madelaine? He’ll regard it as an albatross around his neck. As an attempt to further leg shackle him. I promised him I would never do that.”

  “I do believe you misjudge how he feels for you, dear Cassandra. Do not act in haste. Why did you summon for luggage? I saw the servant bring the trunk to your room. Please be sensible.”

  “I-I…will now request he give me the nanny cottage he promised as per our agreement. I believe myself and the children will be happy there. All my life, dear lady, I have sought refuge, a place of peace and security where I wouldn’t be turned out. I found it here with you and your son. I cannot live with a man who acts like he loves me, but does not say the words I need to hear.” She clutched Lady Madelaine’s hand. “It’d be better not to see him at all. I love him so much.”

  “There. There, my dearest girl.”

  “I know you think I’m silly, but I long for assurance from him. I don’t want someone who’ll provide for me, buy me expensive gowns, uses me for his pleasure and mine, but will not commit his heart. I’d rather be alone. When I see him, my heart beat spirals. If he’s not near, then maybe I can quell my love and it won’t hurt so much.”

  “Why do you not tell him all these things?”

  “I cannot beg him to love me. It’s unthinkable. It’s pitiful. It’s awful. All I have ever wanted was a family to love me. I found that joy here with you.”

  “Shush, child. I would ask that you desist in this. It is bad for the babe you carry. You must not upset yourself. We will think of something. All is not lost.”

  “Mother Madelaine, a request from you, please?” Cassandra pleaded.

  “What is it?” the matron placed her hand on her daughter-in-law’s shoulder.

  “Do not tell him about the baby.”

  “It is a difficult request, because he should know. It’s his child, too.”

  “Not just yet, Mother. A day or two will not affect anything.”

  “I will think about it, Cassandra. I should like to rest now. Let us both retire to our rooms and nap. Come, child. “

  They ascended the stair case in relative silence. At the top of the second floor, Cassandra escorted the dowager to her room, and saw to her comfort.

  When she entered her room and saw the mahogany trunk, she threw herself on the bed and cried woefully. Her throat knotted. She didn’t know which was worse, the pain in her throat or the rendering of her heart.

  It was too late to turn back. It was her decision, not his. Best for all this way. Sweet heaven, I’m lost.

  Chapter Thirty

  Gordon read a note that his mother wished to see him when convenient. A few hours later, he entered her suite, dressed for dinner. He found her seated in a French chair of tone-on-tone silk. He went to greet her. “You wished to see me, Mother? You do look attractive in blue silk.”

  Her smile was a soft one. “Please sit opposite me. You cannot imagine how good it is to have the ability to speak. Cassandra has explained to me my type of head injury wasn’t as severe as a stroke, and after the swelling was reduced, the blood dissipates. I do believe the word she used was occludes. With repetitious speech exercises, that is why my recovery has been expedited.”

  “Cassandra is a remarkable woman, Mother. We owe her much. Every day I marvel at how efficient she is, not to mention she has a beautiful countenance. She’s been an angel with regard to your care. It pleases me to see you back to your ways.”

  He settled himself in the chair, crossed his legs and waited for the reason for his summons.

  “I have a need to tell you Cassandra is packed and intends to leave for the nanny cottage. She’s requested the staff clean and prepare for her arrival tomorrow.”

  “Surely you joke. What have I done?” He face frowned and his eyes narrowe
d and lent him a stern expression.

  “I would speculate, Gordon, it’s more what you haven’t done…or said. Men are such dolts, and you are no different than your father. I practically had to strike him on the head with a sledge hammer before he proposed to me. In fact, I encouraged another gentleman to court me to make him jealous. It worked.”

  “Mother, you deviate. Is she not happy here? I have showered her in jewels, gowns, coins, all she could need. Why isn’t it enough?” He arose and paced. “I’ll go in right now and dress her down.”

  “No, you won’t,” the dowager was quick to add. “Cassandra is not in her room. She’s in the kitchen with Cook.”

  It then occurred to him Cassandra mentioned that, in any crisis in her life, she found solace in the kitchen.

  “Then tell me why, Mother? I’ve given all of me to her. Most of all, I’ve been faithful. Is it possible she didn’t notice?”

  He walked to the window and saw a willowy scarf wrapped around Cassandra’s head battle the ocean breeze.

  “With my recovery, she expects you to dismiss her and arrange for her separate space. It’s hard for such a strong-minded woman to accept rejection, therefore, she’s chosen to leave before you terminate her services.”

  “No. That was before…” This was a delicate matter a gentleman didn’t discuss with his mother.

  “Before what?” she asked at his apparent discomfiture.

  “Before I…she…we—” He couldn’t continue.

  “Consummated the marriage? Is that what you wish to impart? It’s part of the process and I am aware of that, Gordon. I do remember how my two sons were conceived.” She removed her lace handkerchief from her sleeve and held it in her hand.

  “Mother, you are too modern for these times.”

  “Your father used to say that about me all the time. He rather liked how I shocked him.” She laughed. “The woman is in love with you. It’s plain to see. You, on the other hand, are not, shall we say, romantic enough?”

  “I beg your pardon, Madam. I am a rake who knows how to seduce a woman with words.” He went back to the window and watched Cassandra standing tall and still. Did she wait for the god of the ocean to come to her? Damnation. Why did she need Neptune when she had him?

  “Perhaps the words you choose to seduce, as you refer to them, are not the ones she desires to hear. Has it ever occurred to you she needs to know how much you care for her?”

  “I do more than words, Mother. I show her. I wish this conversation to end and will not discuss it further. If she wishes to leave, she may do so. That is my last word on the subject.”

  The dowager stood. “My last words on the subject are that you are an idiot. The woman carries my grandchild. For an intelligent man, you are in danger of the loss of her love. All she wants is to hear three little words from you. Can you guess what they are?” She pointed a finger at him, her face contorted.

  “I can guess, Mother. They have never been in my litany of words with other women.”

  “Cassandra isn’t like other women. She’s soon to be the mother of your child, my grandchild.”

  Restless and out of sorts, he pulled on his lace cuffs, one at a time. “Did I hear you correctly? My wife expects a babe?” He exhaled and sat, shoulders down, head in his hands.

  “Your child. You heard me. Perhaps she wants you to miss her and beg her return. Whatever it is that will make it better, Gordon. I hope you will not let manly pride stand in your way. Good women are hard to find these days. Cassandra is the best of the best.”

  “I can see that, Mother.” He covered his mouth with his hand.

  “It’s true you’ve given her security, money, clothes, jewels—those material items aren’t as important to her as the secure knowledge you love her. You’ve cheated her of that joy. You cannot treat her in the same way you have your paramours who were with you for what they could get. Shame on you, son. You may have lost her for good.”

  “I do believe you’ve spoken too much, Mother. Why would she not tell me such glorious news? Yet she told you? Did she think I wouldn’t revel in the joyous news? Perhaps I’m a fool.”

  “I can vouch for that. We should go down to supper. You aren’t supposed to know about the baby. I gave my word I wouldn’t tell you. May God forgive me betraying her confidence.”

  “How can I know such news and not mention it? First, I don’t want her to go on horseback rides.”

  “Cassandra doesn’t like to ride.”

  “Nor should she over exert herself with strenuous duties.”

  “Then you should get her assistance, so she can rest. She is inundated with duties.”

  “Yes. I’ll do that tomorrow. What reason would I give if I can’t mention our child?” he asked. “I’ll think of something for the moment.”

  He turned to his mother, “Nor should she stare at the sea without a proper warm pelisse and a wool scarf.”

  “Then you should be more attentive when you’re here. I’m sure after she is gone, you may mention your child. Expectant mothers are sometimes unreasonable.”

  “When is the babe to be born?” he asked.

  “In six months time, we believe.” Cassandra isn’t quite sure when the baby was conceived. She can only guess.”

  “She will have to see a medical expert. Damnation, that’s why she was unwell last night.” He didn’t delineate further. That’s why she wouldn’t stay with him in his bed. He wasn’t sure if it was evening sickness or morning sickness or whatever the medical profession chose to call the malady. “I will have the physician attend us.”

  “Let’s not allow supper to cool, Son. Remember, you do not know about the child.”

  “I’m not the world’s best actor when it comes to such events, but I will do my best.”

  “See to it. I will stay with her a few days until everyone gets acquainted with their new quarters. It is a fine nanny house, but there’s Cassandra, two children, the dogs…”

  “What dogs?” His tone firmed.

  “Runt and Giant, of course. The children asked me to stay with them because they don’t want to be lonely. They are so precious. They aren’t content about leaving you.”

  “Mother, I’m your son. How dare you conspire with my wife and my children against me?” He shook his head. Had he said my children?

  “I do not engage in a conspiracy against you. Cassandra has no idea of my plans to—”

  “What, Mother? Plans to what?” he insisted.

  “To reconcile the both of you.”

  “I need time to think, and I plan to get drunk tonight alone in my room soon to be abandoned by all those I love.”

  “That wasn’t so hard to say, was it, Gordon? Such a pity it fell on deaf ears.”

  They descended the stairs and walked toward the dining room. He seated his mother and sat at the head of the table fully cognizant of the fact Cassandra’s usual chair near him was unoccupied. She’d elected to sit at the extreme end of the table opposite him—the start of their estrangement. The gauntlet was laid down.

  He instructed the servant to bring him a decanter of cognac. He would need its false courage this night.

  “I was about to wonder about the two of you,” Cassandra broke the silence.

  The servant returned with the decanter and snifter glass.

  “Fill it to the brim,” he ordered, his voice gruff as a storm-filled wintry day on an angry ocean.

  Althorn took a gulp of the liquor, braced his lips, and said, “My mother informed me you desire to enforce the terms of your foolish agreement by your decision to occupy the nanny cottage on my estate tomorrow.”

  “Yes,” she answered, her fingers clutched the spoon in mid-air. “Allow me to remind you it was our business arrangement.”

  He took another deep swig from his glass. “I would venture to refresh your memory. There was a lot more than business between us.” His voice held anger in check—barely.

  “Althorn, not in front of your mother. It’s disrespectful.
” Her face turned a vibrant shade of red.

  “Why not, my dear? She seems to know more about you than I.”

  “You aren’t my confessor, nor are you God. Women do have their secrets,” she shot back.

  “True, yet some secrets are revealed in the light of day.” His eyes stopped at her stomach.

  Her hand fell to her lower body and shielded his view.

  Cassandra looked at Lady Madelaine in question.

  His mother concentrated on the food before her. “The way the two of you conduct your conversation is similar to a championship game of lawn tennis or pugilistic bouts. May we partake of this lovely meal without hurtful remarks?”

  She motioned to a servant for the next course.

  “Yes, Mother. You are correct. My apologies, Cassandra. Should you wish to leave tomorrow, I will not stop you.”

  Much as he would like to drag her upstairs and repeat their business arrangement as he suckled her breasts and penetrated her with his large arousal that ached for her molten warmth, he inhaled a deep breath.

  “Thank you, Althorn. I’ve no wish for rancor between us.” Her eyes lowered to her plate.

  What he wished was that the only thing between them would be at the juncture of her thighs.

  “The King’s final ball is two days hence. I’d appreciate your company. You, too, Mother. You’ve come such a long way in your recovery. Surely, you’ll converse with your old friends?”

  The dowager nodded. “It would be pleasant to be out in society again.”

  “Yes. It will be an end to a grand season here.” Cassandra took a bite of the crusted lamb with mint jelly.

  “An end?” Or so you think. He had significant other plans for both of them.

  “I didn’t pack any ball gowns. I thought I wouldn’t need them,” she whispered softly, and then sipped at a glass of water.

  It was time he schemed, too. “I’ll select a gown for you, if you like. I’ll be proud to have my two duchesses by my side in their jeweled tiaras. Your maid will bring all to you as befits this special occasion. The King’s ball demands no less of us.”

  “Thank you.” A smile curled her lips, her eyes glistened. “I appreciate there is no ill will between us.” She turned her face away.