The Duke's Love

by Stephanie Maddux

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  PUBLISHED BY:

  EHaven Publishing

  The Duke's Love

  Copyright © 2010 by Stephanie Maddux

  This e-book is license for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Please leave feedback! I am looking for more ways to improve in my writing and story line ideas. If you have comments and ideas, feel free to share. I am always open to suggestions. You will find a link to my website at the end of the book. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  All characters in the book have no existence outside my imagination. They have no relation to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author and all incidents are pure invention.

  This is a newly revised edition. I changed many things about the story that fans wished were different. I hope you enjoy!

  Cover art: Carol Green

  Editor: Frankie Sutton

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  Acknowledgements:

  Thank you to my husband for loving his crazy wife every day. You are a good Elephant.

  To my children who love their crazy mommy, I love you guys too.

  Thank you to Carol Green for the beautiful Cover art.

  Thank you to Frankie Sutton for being an awesome editor, mentor, and friend.

  The Duke's Love

  By

  Stephanie Maddux

  Chapter One

  Although Ana had managed to leave the ball undetected, here she was just a bit later, stranded, and alone in her carriage. Well over a hundred guests were in attendance, all crammed in a small room. It was easy to sneak out, since no one had paid much attention to her. The ball was just one of the many that started the season, and Lady Stanton had started in style, at least with the ball she had just left.

  The driver had been going at a rapid pace, when the wheel became stuck in one of the many mud holes in the streets of London, and the carriage refused to budge. Ronald, the driver, attempted to push the carriage out of the muck, but he couldn’t dislodge it. At least, she wasn’t injured when the carriage jolted to a stop. However, the streets of London were not where a lady should be alone at night. They were dangerous, especially at night, and even though Ana knew this, she could not summon up enough energy to care.

  She had grown weary of living in London; it was boring and bothersome, just like the ball she had just left. She peered out the window. There was a dim light flickering in the distance, but it was dark, and she could barely see anything other than unlit town homes. For once the streets were clear and the air was somewhat diluted. The stench of the city wasn’t as thick at night as it was in the daytime hours.

  Well, there was nothing to do, but settle back and wait for her driver to return from fetching help. Ana pulled her legs up under her ball gown and leaned against the side of the carriage, intending to rest while she waited. She was having a hard time trying to get comfortable in her lavender ball gown, the fluff, and lace, scratching her skin. Her eyes had just closed, when she thought she could hear a carriage approach from the distance. She knew that her driver had not been gone long enough to find help.

  It was also too early in the night for it to be any of the other guests from the ball. After all, it was hours from being over. She could hear the carriage getting closer, so she pulled the thick velvet curtain aside to peer outside, but it was too dark and difficult to see. Suddenly, the carriage stopped beside her, she waited for the customary polite knock on the door. However, the light courteous tap did not happen. Instead, the carriage door was jerked open with vicious force. Even through the darkness, Ana had no problem identifying the man who stood in front of her with an angry scowling face.

  “What the hell do you think you are doing here by yourself in the middle the night, and with no protection? Are you just going to sit there and ignore me? Of course you are. You have always been quite good at doing so, haven’t you?”

  The anger was evident with each word that came out of his mouth. Oh, how she remembered that mouth. He spoke each word with a hatred that he obviously felt toward her. She felt the lash of his words strike her, reminding herself that she deserved every one of them. Of all the people in the world to stop, why him? He was the very last person she ever wanted to see again. Jake Trent, the Duke of Ashbury, was standing in the door of her carriage, angry and frowning.

  “Your Grace? What are you doing in London? I thought…I thought you left for Scotland?"

  Suddenly, she felt vulnerable, so she tightened her wrap around her shoulders, as if she could shield herself from his view and her feelings.

  “You would like that, wouldn’t you, to never see me again? Do you honestly think so little of me, my Lady?” He asked, his eyes intense as he watched her every move.

  Looking up at him, she ached to explain what had happened two years ago, but she knew that he wouldn’t listen, nor would he care. Therefore, she said nothing.

  She loved him as much as any person could love another. He was the only person who knew everything about her. Well, almost everything. It was truly a shame that she could not say the same about him. He was always a mystery, keeping to himself, ensuring no one got too close, including her. Unable to think of an answer, she just stared at him, wondering if fate was trying to tell her something.

  Finally, she spoke up and said, “You may leave, for I have no wish for anyone to find me alone with you in my carriage.”

  “Ana, you may not care for me anymore, but I will not leave you stranded and alone. If you prefer, I will not speak again. Nonetheless, I will wait until your driver is back, and only then will I leave.”

  The Duke of Ashbury bounded into her coach and took the seat across from hers. She turned from him and stared out the window into the darkness, not seeing anything, but not really knowing what to say. Ana could feel him watching her.

  When she dared a glance at him, she realized that he looked more handsome now, than he did two years ago. His dark brown hair was cut short, and his green eyes were staring at her intently. She had forgotten how tall he was. At six and a half feet, with his legs taking up the space in the small carriage, it was hard not to notice. The chiseled features of his face made him look rugged. There was no other word to describe him; he was handsome. She remembered his firm muscled body lying alongside hers, and she thanked god that it was dark, so he could not see her suddenly blush at her thoughts.

  “I’m to be married, didn’t you know? After all, you are the toast of the season and all. I would have thought you would have been told.” His sarcastic words stung her.

  “Really? I had no idea that you had found a woman who was willing to marry you. Oh how I pity what her life will be like with you. Since you are betrothed, then you really should leave. After all, someone might see us alone. Then, god forbid, I'd be the one marrying you.” She hoped her jealousy would not show in her voice.

  The atmosphere in the carriage was becoming thick with suppressed tension. Jake was shifting restlessly in the seat, even checking his pocket watch several times. Ana kept wishing that her driver would hurry and return. He had been gone for over an hour now, and she was growing increasingly uncomfortable in Jake’s presence. This was the first time she had seen Jake, since the day she had walked away from him. Even though she had no choice in her decision, she often looked back on it sadly. After she left, Jake had immediately left for Scotland and had been there ever since. Although, she had tried not to think of him in that time, she could not help herself.

  The Duke of Ashbury had just arrived in London the night before and he was returning home from his brother’s residence. The only reason he had returned to London was to find a bride. His mother had reminded him that it was pa
st time for him to do his duty and provide an heir. Now, look what had happened. He finds his ex-fiancée alone and stranded in the cold.

  Jake stared at the woman across from him. Ana Carmichael, daughter of an Earl. Earlier, when he spotted the disabled coach, he recognized immediately the Earl’s crest on the side. He had thought about not stopping, since he knew how extremely independent and stubborn she was. In fact, that is what he had loved about her. Even before opening the door, he knew that he would find her alone, with neither chaperon, nor maid to keep her company. There had been no doubt that he would wait for help to return before he left. After all, he was a gentleman.

  His thoughts went back two years, when she literally, ran into him in an overcrowded ballroom. He fell in love with her on sight. She was classically beautiful. What had charmed him the most was her innocence and refreshing nature. He courted her, wanted to marry her, and he had actually proposed. In his mind, everything about them being together was wonderful. However, when she broke off the engagement, it had all changed. It was still unbelievable to him. Why would she change her mind so abruptly? He thought they were in love and it wasn’t as if he had nothing to offer. He was a Duke and an extremely wealthy one. Everything she could possible want, he could give her, including love.

  Unmarried women and their mothers were all trying to make a match with him, but he had fallen in love with the one woman who didn’t want him. Having never understood her reasons, he had felt rejected, so he had lashed out in anger. He had truly thought she was the one. Even though he gave his heart to her, what did he have to show for it now? Nothing, except bitter memories. From what he could see, Ana had not changed at all in the past two years; she was still as lovely as ever. He had always loved her blonde hair, which seemed to cascade endlessly down her back when she wore it down. Her face was small and round and those dark blue eyes sparkled when she was angry, much as they were now. She had been the perfect fit for him.

  In an attempt to forget her, he had gone to his estate in Scotland. He had hoped that in the two years that he had been gone; she would have married and left London. Then he wouldn’t have to face her again.

  He knew she hated it in the city. Like him, she hated the smell and grime of the city. The city was overpopulated and was dark and dingy. Just maneuvering around the streets and walkways was difficult, because of all the people. She liked the countryside where it was open and light, and filled with the beauty of nature. Managing to deal with his surprise at finding her here, still unmarried, had been difficult, but learning that every eligible man sought her, filled him with a burning curiosity and jealousy. His anger was more with himself than with her, because she was still able to bring out the feelings he had worked so hard to bury. Of all the women he had ever known, she was the only one that had and still could pierce through his thick armor. He felt disgusted that he was even thinking such thoughts.

  He was in no mood to deal with Ana right now, or for that matter, any other female. A lesson he had learned the hard way was that they were all trouble. He was twenty-nine years old; at twenty-three, Ana had been the only woman that had his heart. He had no wish to repeat the experience.

  “Tell me, my Lady, why are you still unmarried? I suppose there are no gentlemen worthy of you?” He blurted out the question. Even though he asked the question in bitterness, he really wanted to know. However, she just sat in stony silence, ignoring him.

  “Where the devil did your driver go? I don’t have all night. He should be horse-whipped and then dismissed for leaving you alone or leaving you at all and he’s been gone too damn long.” Jake was getting frustrated. By now, the driver should have been back and he wanted to go home. More importantly, he wanted to get away from her, and then preferably never see her again.

  Ana was about to answer his question, when the driver poked his head in the door.

  “I couldn’t find help, my lady. I’m sorry.”

  Jake spoke up and offered to return them home, although it was spoken as more of a command. As much as he wished he could just leave, short of her walking home, he saw no other choice. She nodded her approval, albeit reluctantly. The three of them climbed into his carriage and they were off in a matter of seconds.

  “Where am I to take you?” He asked, although he already knew the answer. At first, he thought she was not going to answer, but then she spoke up.

  “Take me to my townhouse on Bentley Square,” she said.

  Her father had left the townhouse to her in his will. Her parents had died in a carriage accident, shortly after she had left Jake. He had mourned the loss of her father, almost as much as she had. During his and Ana’s courtship, the Earl had become a close friend. Jake had stayed with Ana through her ordeal. He had hoped she would see that she needed him in her time of grief, but as he found out, he had disillusioned himself yet again. None of that mattered anymore since she was in the past. Now, he just needed to get her home.

  They rode in complete silence the whole way, but he didn’t mind. He had his own thoughts and still unanswered questions to keep him company. Why had she left him? Why did she reject the other offers she had received for her hand? He had asked himself those questions at least a hundred times since he began his journey home to London. All the men who offered for her were more than suitable. She was beautiful, intelligent, witty, and an overall good woman. Her reputation was flawless, and she was wealthy in her own right, as well as by her inheritance from her father.

  No, she did not have to marry, but he knew how much she loved children. When they were together, they had often talked of having several. Now, he wondered if she had even thought about him in the last two years. He had certainly thought about her and he hated himself for that. He was not the type of man to pine away for a woman, much less a woman like Ana. Ana, who was too damn independent for her own good, and much too willful and opinionated. She was not at all the type of woman that Jake envisioned as a wife to a Duke, a peer of the realm. Hell, even his mother had agreed! He would find a suitable wife and he was determined that he would have a good marriage. There was no doubt that Ana had already decided that she wanted no part of it.

  The coach came to a stop in front of her town home. “Thank you, your Grace, for escorting us home.” she said stiffly, and then stepped out without another word, and without waiting for him to walk her to the door. Jake allowed her this, and waited until she was safely inside, before he instructed his driver to take him to his own town home, which ironically was only two blocks away. He vowed that he would do whatever it took to forget her. Of course, he would have to start forgetting tomorrow, because tonight was already shot to hell.

  Ana closed the front door behind her and leaned against it. Her palms were sweating and she was flushed. She could not believe he was here in London. Jake had said he was looking for a bride. She wondered if she would ever get that chance again, and if she did, would she ever take it. She shook her head, not believing what she was thinking. She was not stupid; Jake would certainly make every effort to avoid her every chance possible. Ana had never told Jake the real reason why she cried off their betrothal. There was no way he could ever understand. After all, he was a Duke and his family line was impeccable. His family stayed away from scandal, and with her background, it was sure to cause one. If she had married him, and then he found out she was born a bastard child, and could never have children of her own, it would have ruined him.

  She knew how much he wanted children. They had talked about it several times, but she could never bring herself to confide in him about her condition. Hearing him make plans for a little girl or boy almost destroyed her. No good could ever come of Jake knowing.

  Slowly, she walked up the marble staircase, taking in everything that had happened in the last few hours. Ana went up to her room undressed, slipped into bed, and tried to sleep. However, sleep had escaped her. At three in the morning, she was still awake and exhausted from all the tossing and turning. The servants would be up and scurrying about in just a f
ew hours.

  Allie, her beloved cat jumped on the bed and curled up next to her. Jake had given her the cat when he started courting her. She petted her long sleek hair and Allie rewarded her with soft purrs. She glanced around her room that once belonged to her mother. She loved the warmth and feelings the room inspired.

  Ana loved the independence that had been afforded her. She lived in the elegant town home that had once belonged to her parents. Even the décor that her mother had painstakingly picked out remained. Her father’s study had been kept just as it was if he were expected home at any time. Only a few servants remained; a wonderful cook, a lady’s maid and her elderly butler that she had kept on from her parent’s employ. How could she feel alone in her home surrounded by the very people she grew up around?

  However, for the first time since her parent’s death, Ana felt very alone. Her closest relative was her aunt and uncle who lived in America. When Ana’s parents died, she had sent a message to them, but she had not yet received a response. Her uncle had married an American woman and moved to the continent when Ana was a small child. She knew they had a daughter who was a year or two younger than she was, but they had never actually met. Now her uncle was the Earl, and so they were needed back in England. Her parent's estates and finances were still in limbo.

  Jake had never met her uncle, but he got along well with her father. She thought back to when her father had first met Jake. He had liked the Duke tremendously, not just because of his title, but also for his demeanor and character.

  They went hunting together and played chess against each other. Knowing that Jake’s own father had died in the last year, she wondered how he had dealt with it. He had been so upset when her parents died, and she remembered how he had taken care of her after their accident and death. He was gentle and tender with her throughout the ordeal, and it only reinforced her decision about not marrying him. Occasionally, she had pangs of guilt that she had not sent any flowers or a letter when his father had died. The least she should have done was to acknowledge it, especially since Jake had done so much for her when she was in the same situation.