The Duke's Love

by Stephanie Maddux

  Wisely, some of the men kept silent upon hearing the revealing statement. It did not matter, as long as these men knew to stay silent if they knew what was best for them.

  Jake did not bother to respond, he just ordered another drink, hoping to forget about the whole incident that had happened earlier at the theater. All the other men exchanged their own female troubles. Jordan was beside him and both of them drank and wagered a huge amount throughout the night. Jake lost a huge sum of money, but Jordan gained some. The games continued into the early morning hours. By the time they were done, they were foxed. Both men had a hard time climbing into the carriage. This was splendid. He was numb and could not feel anything. This came as a huge relief, which was his last thought before drifting off into sweet bliss.

  Sarah had gone home last night furious with herself and with everyone around her. She fell asleep wondering why she was even bothering, when it was clear, Jake was not interested in her. She woke up late in the morning and had decided she deserved this chance, it was owed to her, and she was not going to stop until she reached her goal.

  Sarah wanted Jake Trent, the Duke of Ashbury, no matter what. After the hell he put her through, she deserved him. Jake was gone so long, she was afraid he had left. She had recognized the exact moment he had spotted Lady Ana Carmichael across the way and was preoccupied from that moment on. Jordan went with her to see what was detaining him and that is when they came upon them in the hallway. The hallway of the theater! Of all places to be humiliated, it was inexcusable. His behavior afterwards was no better. Jake rushed out the first chance he got. His rude manners and boorish behavior outraged her.

  If Jake wanted her after all this time, then she would take him. She would be a Duchess and no one would ever again dare to slight her. She would have the world at her feet and everything she ever wanted. Finally, she would get back at all the people who made fun of her and talked about her behind her back. If Jake thought she would allow him to associate with that harpy, he had another thing coming. She would not stand for it. She had waited too long for marriage not to have a title with money along with it. Now it is in her grasp, and she was not about to let anyone interfere with her plans, no matter what it took to accomplish them.

  “Hurry up! I have never known a more useless maid. You are too slow,” Sarah snapped. The maid, whatever her name was, was useless! What a fumbling idiot.

  The maid paled and started stuttering. “I’m sorry miss. I’m trying to hurry,” she said, trying to appease her.

  Sarah was frustrated, so she waved her hand and dismissed her. She was in a hurry and she knew she could be ready faster by putting herself together. In hopes of running into her Duke, she would get dressed and go for a stroll around Hyde Park.

  Surely if she threw herself at him, he would take the bait. He is a man, they only want one thing, or at least that was what her mother constantly reminded her of, and for once, she agreed with her mother. It was obvious it was what Ana had done to catch Jake in the first place. If all else failed to get him to offer for her, she would just make sure they were found in a compromising situation. Then he would be forced to marry her. Sarah smiled to herself, satisfied she would get what was due her, and in whatever way she planned it.

  She finished getting herself together and went downstairs for a quick breakfast. Her mother was gone for the day, which was a good thing. Otherwise, she would want to tag along, and she hated when her mother shadowed her. Her father was in his study working, which was even better, because he probably would not let her leave the house in the gown she was wearing. It was a deep shade of blue and the bodice was cut very low, showing a generous amount of her bosom. She could just leave a note and slip out before anyone could stop her.

  Chapter Four

  The Duchess Lady Katherine stepped into her eldest son’s townhouse and grimaced. The smell of stale alcohol and burnt tobacco greeted her. She walked into the study and found both her sons passed out and slumped over. She went over and pushed Jake out of the chair. He landed on the floor with a loud thud.

  “What the hell?” He grumbled as he awoke.

  “Get up and wash up. We need to have a talk. Get your brother up as well. I will be waiting. I’ll give you an hour to make yourself presentable,” Katherine smothered her chuckle as her son stumbled to get up, muttering the whole time. Jake went over and shook his brother out of his drunkenness.

  She watched with amusement. She had an idea as to why Jake was in this state. The rumors had reached her ears from several of her friends who found it necessary to pay calls on her in hopes of digging out more gossip from her. How she wished people would just mind their own business. It hurt a mother to know everyone was talking about a child she loved so dearly. She wanted grandchildren to fill her home and she wanted daughters-in-law to come visiting. Most of all, she wanted her children to settle down and be happy. However, she was not going to get any of that until her sons were married.

  Jake was the eldest and the heir, so he was her first project. It was not going to happen on the road Jake was traveling on presently. Jake would never admit it, but he had also changed. He was not the easygoing fun loving son, she once knew. He was guarded and kept to himself, always brooding and being angry. It was a silent anger that was just simmering below the surface, waiting to explode. Jordan was following his example, and she did not like where they were heading. When Jake had brought Ana home to her to announce the happy news, she had not approved of the girl. It was because she believed the girl did not have the proper pedigree and background that a future Duchess should have. Lady Katherine was ashamed of how she had treated the girl, especially since she felt personally responsible for her son’s anguish, although Jake would never admit such feelings.

  Now, she had a plan. Katherine had decided at the last minute to throw a house party at the Ashbury estate in the country. A weekend should be enough time for Jake to decide what he wanted. It would also help to reintroduce him back into the cream of society. She would invite several matchmaking mamas, their daughters and of course, several eligible gentlemen as well. Maybe she would get lucky and get Jordan to settle down at the same time. For now, though, her focus was on getting Jake and Ana in the same room together, which would be a hard feat to accomplish in such a short time.

  Right now, she had other matters to attend. She knew it was last minute and many people would have to cancel other plans in order to attend. However, she also knew they would change them for the chance to attend one of her parties, especially since it would be the first one after her mourning period. She missed her husband dearly. He had died too soon and she had been picking up the pieces of her life ever since. For the first time in a year, she felt she was finally overcoming the loss. It was time to get up and live again, even if it almost killed her to do so.

  About an hour later, Jake and Jordan came downstairs. Jake was suffering with a pounding headache, nausea and he was not in the mood to listen to his mother’s lectures. In fact, what he really needed was to go back upstairs and sleep. He heard Jordan stumbling behind him and was a little pleased to know he was not the only one suffering. Since their mother was still there, it must be important.

  “What do you want, mother dearest? You can see we are not the best of company right now,” Jake said as he slouched down in the chair. He was a little ashamed about speaking to her like that, but he figured he had good reasons. He looked over at Jordan and saw he had his head in his hands.

  “Good god, Mother, what is so important it couldn’t wait?” Jordan bit out.

  “We are having a weekend house party at Ashbury estate.” Katherine waited a few seconds before she added, “This weekend. The invitations have already been handed out and I expect the two of you there as well,” she stated with a forced smile.

  “Why do we have to go?” Jake asked with his expression clear. Jake didn‘t have time to placate his mother.

  “I want the two of you there. We haven’t had much time together since your father
died, and since you have finally come home, I thought now would be a perfect time to reacquaint ourselves.” She looked at Jake and frowned a little, “Surely you won’t deny me this. It’s no big event, just a couple of friends to make it easy,” she said.

  "Why this weekend? Couldn’t you have given us more time?” Jordan asked.

  “Well, I have actually had this planned and just decided to invite the two of you along. It’s not like you have anything better to do, do you?” She asked hesitantly.

  “Who will be in attendance?” Jake asked.

  “There will be just some old friends, the Duke and Duchess of Bainbridge, the Earl of Worthington, and some other friends,” Katherine answered a little too fast.

  “I would like to invite Lord Hubert and Lady Felicia Fairchild and their daughter, if I must be in attendance,” Jake said with authority.

  “I suppose I could send the invitation to them as well, but may I ask why? Didn’t you and Miss Fairchild have a falling out?” She asked innocently.

  “Jake wants to marry the chit, can you believe it mother?” Jordan stated before his brother could reply. Jake scowled at him.

  “I would like to explore the option, but it is not official, by any means.” Jake corrected.

  “Whatever you say, but I hope you choose differently,” Jordan stated.

  Jake frowned. He knew his brother never liked Sarah, so he had been glad when he began to court Ana instead and he had never made a secret of that fact.

  “Why did you join us at the theater if you don’t like her?” Jake asked curiously.

  “I knew Ana would be there, and I also knew where she would be sitting. I went for the amusement, and I do believe I found it.” Jordan smiled knowing he would pay for it later.

  “You bastard,” Jake spoke between his clenched teeth. “You could have told me.”

  “No. I think not. You had already issued the invitation to Sarah and her mother, so there was no backing out of it.” Jordan laughed.

  “Now, the two of you will behave. So, it is settled, I will see you there, yes?” Katherine already had her answer and now she would have to go plot, plan and prepare with time working against her.

  “Three days from now we will leave, and you will be expected to act with your best behavior until then,” she smiled as she looked at the two and turned to leave.

  “Mother, it is nice to see you out of your mourning clothes,” Jordan said unexpectantly.

  “Yes. Well, I will see you both soon,” she replied and walked away before her sons could see how much the comment affected her.

  Ana woke up after having very little sleep. While slow, the morning had proved successful. She met with her solicitor and got all her business needs dealt with. She was going through her correspondence with Eliza. The first letter in her pile was from her aunt in America. They had finally received the news. They grieved the loss of her parents. They were returning to London and would be giving their daughter a season. Ana was thrilled and she was looking forward to introducing her cousin into society. She was also looking forward to spending some time with actual family members and getting to know them. Her eyes misted as she realized she would have family around her again soon. She was looking forward to it.

  The second letter caught her eye. It had elegant handwriting, which she knew well. It was from the Duchess of Ashbury. She ripped it open, nervous about what she was about to read. After a few moments, she was shocked by what she had received. Eliza came over, read over her shoulder, and smothered a laugh. Ana looked up and frowned at Eliza.

  “Why would she send this to me? Surely it is a mistake.” Ana looked back down at the letter and could not believe what she was reading. It was an invitation to a house party for the weekend. Her best friend laughed harder at her confused expression.

  “Be careful Ana, you don’t want your face to freeze like that, and besides I’ll be there as well.” Lady Elizabeth was the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bainbridge. Ana was glad they had also been invited. Then she would not feel so out of place. Wait, she was not serious about going, so it would not matter. She kept repeating the thought in her mind.

  “I just don’t understand,” Ana frowned.

  “My lady, you have a caller.” Her butler handed her the card, she looked down, and her eyes widened in shock. Eliza took it away from her and saw who was calling.

  “Obviously it’s not a mistake,” she spoke to Ana softly. “Send her in, Samuels.” Eliza directed toward the butler, who went to do her bidding.

  A moment later, the Duchess graced Ana and Eliza with her presence. They both curtsied to her and sat down. Lady Katherine had not changed in the slightest since the last time she had seen her. She was still an elegant woman, holding herself in a regal fashion. How they had managed to avoid each other in the same city was a question she did not want answered. The wrinkles were starting to show, but did not take away from her beauty. Her cheeks were a rosy red and her hair was pulled tight into a bun. She looked fierce and stunning for a woman of her age.

  “Hello, Lady Ana, thank you for receiving me and hello to you as well, Elizabeth.” Her Grace continued, “I wasn’t sure if you would see me or not. I’m sure you understand.” She was a little breathless when she finished speaking. Her face flushed as if she were embarrassed.

  “No, I don’t understand. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to the reason for your visit, and also why I have this in my hands.” Ana knew she was being rude to her Grace, but the woman could still have her shaking in her boots, not that she would ever let it show.

  “Your Grace, It is good to see you. You look lovely in your gown. I am happy to see you out and about,” Eliza spoke up. Ana scowled at Eliza's placating tone.

  “I feel much better. I dare say that the country has done wonders in restoring my constitution. I do hope I will see you and your parents this weekend at the house party,” she directed the question to Eliza.

  “Yes, we will all be there. However, I will be traveling with Ana and therefore will be arriving a little later than my parents.” Eliza looked over at Ana and smiled a little.

  “Ah, well I am so glad to see I am going. I wasn’t aware of that, until just now.” Ana’s tone dripped with sarcasm. The conversation was beginning to annoy her.

  “Lady Ana, I came here today to apologize for my behavior toward you,” Lady Katherine said.

  “Why? I really don’t see the need. I have done just fine without it and I certainly don’t need it now.” Ana did not believe the Duchess for a minute. Ana glanced over at the cough that Eliza did behind her hand.

  “I need to apologize, regardless of whether you accept or not,” Katherine stated. It was a couple of years too late, but Ana did not point it out.

  “Her Grace came here to make things right Ana. Let her say what she needs to say and stop being rude.” Ana knew that Eliza instantly took her Grace’s side in this issue. She was not surprised by her friend’s actions. Eliza had always been the forgiving one.

  “Ana, my dear, I did you a grave injustice when I interfered with yours and my son’s courtship,” she paused and waited for a response. When none came, she continued, “I have never forgiven myself, so I want to repair the damage I caused, but I need your help to do that. I want you to come to the house party and talk some sense into my son.”

  Ana could not believe what she was hearing. Was this woman serious?

  “What makes you think I even want your son? If memory serves me correctly, I believe I was the one who walked away from him. “Why do you think I would I change my mind now?” Ana asked, wondering what this was really about.

  Ana knew Lady Katherine was relieved when she did break the relationship off, because she had actually sent a letter thanking her for coming to her senses. It was the biggest insult she had ever received and she still had the letter to this day.

  “My son is in danger of marrying someone who will never make him happy so I need for you to reconsider. I don’t like Miss Fairchild, and it
has come to my attention that he might be pursuing her,” Katherine pleaded. Ana did not know what to say. On one hand, she did not want to see Jake marry Sarah either, but on the other hand, if that is what would make him happy, then she wanted him happy.

  Ana decided to remind the Duchess of the requirements a wife for her son should have. The offensive letter had detailed those requirements. She went to the bookshelf and pulled out one of her favorite books. She took out the worn letter and silently handed it to Lady Katherine.

  “As you can see, Miss Fairchild has all those requirements for a future Duchess. You are finally getting what you want, so you should be happy," Ana spoke disdainfully.

  “Ana, please understand that I’ve changed, this isn’t me anymore.” It was the only thing the Duchess could think to say, after all, there was no denying that she had written the letter.

  It was possible that Lady Katherine had indeed change, but Ana had avoided the Duchess since the broken engagement, so she could not say one way or the other if she were being sincere. She did know that ever since her own parent’s death, she herself had changed. Ana wanted to believe her, but she needed to see for herself and the only way to see that was to go to that damn house party this weekend!

  “I’ll come to your party, but I will avoid Jake as much as possible. I might even help him in his efforts to court Miss Fairchild,” she said. Ana looked at her Grace and almost pitied her for the havoc she had brought upon herself. “You will not use me to repair your mistakes, your Grace.” Ana took the letter from Lady Katherine’s hands and placed it back in the book. She would always keep it as a reminder of why she and Jake would never suit. With the book and letter in hand, Ana left the room.

  Jake had his valet pack some clothing and other things he might need. This was not what he wanted to do. Damn his mother and her crazy ideas. He was not stupid. He knew what his mother was about. She had probably invited every single female she could find. However, when it came to his mother, he knew it was useless to argue. It was best to just give in gracefully and get it over with.