UNCOMMON DUKE, AN

by BENSON, LAURIE

  Prinny let out a snort before pouring the remaining contents of the champagne bottle into his glass.

  Gabriel rubbed his eyes. He needed to return home where he didn’t have to deal with anyone who was irrational. At least at home his life was predictable.

  * * *

  When Olivia entered the nursery that morning, she found Nicholas restless in his lessons with his new tutor. All he wanted to talk about was his ride through Hyde Park on his new pony. He told her how his father had taken them onto Rotten Row where he saw numerous well-dressed gentlemen out for their morning rides. He wanted to know when he would be old enough to wear a beaver hat of his own.

  He was growing up.

  For the first time, she noticed the little dimples that kissed the knuckles of his hands were disappearing. And Gabriel might be considering sending him away to school—or, worse yet, Nicholas would ask to go.

  Olivia’s heart sank with the weight of how much she would miss him.

  * * *

  For the remainder of the morning she thought about how wonderful it felt to hold her nephew. By the afternoon she desperately wanted another child to cuddle and love.

  But in order to have that child, she would have to ask her husband to come to her bed.

  And she would be forced to endure his company.

  Five years ago she told him she could never bear to feel his touch again. If she wanted this, she would have to lower herself to go back on her word to him.

  This wasn’t something she could tell his secretary to pass on to him when he next saw Gabriel. Mr James would have an apoplexy on the spot. It also wasn’t something she could pass along to her maid. Colette would be setting out Olivia’s thinnest nightrail and placing rose petals on her bed before he would have even agreed to her request.

  Perhaps she should write him a note.

  After many drafts, some ridiculous and some obscene, Olivia decided to simply request a meeting. If she could focus her appeal on the need for another child they could avoid discussing how the child would get there.

  And maybe that would help scrape the image of naked bodies and intimate conversations from her brain.

  * * *

  It was four in the afternoon when Olivia received word from Colette that Gabriel was available to see her. Standing outside the massive door to his private study, she pressed her hand against her stomach. What if Gabriel did not want another child? Or, suppose he no longer found her desirable enough to bed? She would never be able to face him again.

  The answers she needed would not be found in the hall. She raised her chin, knowing she would regret it for the rest of her days if she didn’t ask him for this. Her courageous side rallied, her knock echoed off the oak panel.

  The deep rumble of his voice was audible from within as he bid her to enter. Her heart began to pound and she glanced down, praying it wasn’t visible through the gauzy fichu tucked into her dress. She rubbed her sweaty palms down her skirt and turned the handle. Upon entering the impressive room, she spotted Mr James standing before Gabriel’s desk awaiting a document her husband was sealing. Once the paper was in his hand, Mr James turned to face her and bowed. He appeared nervous, but she found that whenever Mr James was in the same room with Olivia and Gabriel, he always seemed as if he couldn’t wait to leave.

  ‘Good day, Mr James,’ she said, smiling congenially.

  He greeted her with a pleasant reply before excusing himself. The click when the door closed reverberated around Gabriel’s private sanctuary. There was no turning back.

  For the first time in years, they were alone. Suddenly the generously sized room felt much too small and she was certain he could hear her uneven breathing from across the room.

  They stood there staring at each other for what felt like an eternity. Then Gabriel moved out from behind his desk. Her heart hiccupped. He painted a handsome picture with his perfect posture and his fit frame impeccably encased in an expertly fitted Delft-blue tailcoat with a champagne-coloured embroidered waistcoat underneath. Buff trousers and highly polished top boots covered his muscular legs and his light brown hair looked slightly tousled, as if he had been running his hand through it as he worked at his desk.

  At his suggestion, they took a seat in the two chairs placed in front of one of the long windows that overlooked the street. As he fixed an expectant gaze on her, she silently debated how to begin.

  ‘I suppose you’re wondering what it is I wish to discuss with you?’

  He sat completely still, the picture of civility and physical perfection. ‘I have some idea.’

  ‘You do?’ she asked, unable to hide her surprise. Had his mother spoken to him as well? From his sober expression it did not appear he was going to be amiable to her request.

  ‘This is regarding last evening, is it not?’

  Olivia’s heart was jumping in her chest. ‘It is. I have thought about this quite a bit and believe it is our duty.’

  Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. ‘The duty lies with me. I will see to it. I expect it to be an exasperating task, but I agree it must be done.’

  Did he really say making love to her would be exasperating?

  ‘I assure you, I will find absolutely no pleasure in the task,’ she replied drily.

  ‘That is why it’s best done quickly.’ At the clopping sound of horses riding by, Gabriel shifted his attention out the window. ‘It’s a logical request to make. I suppose it was inevitable.’

  Inevitable and exasperating—this is how he described bedding her! It took enormous restraint not to rail at him. The point was to have another child. If she had to endure this insufferable man to do so, she needed to disguise her anger. She refused to let him see that his words had any effect on her. In that, she could be in complete control.

  She stood rather abruptly, needing to get away before she did something rash—such as kick him in the only area of his that she needed.

  ‘The sooner we attend to this, the better. I will see to it this evening.’ He stood and walked her to the door, unaware how perilously close he was to having his head knocked into it.

  * * *

  The moment Olivia left his study Gabriel was able to breathe normally. Being close to her always left him restless, as if his body were fighting the knowledge that he was better off without her.

  After pouring himself a glass of brandy, he returned to his desk and put his feet up. Their meeting had gone better than he’d anticipated. He knew only something of great importance would compel her to request an audience.

  He considered various scenarios before recalling last night. It was no surprise she wanted to address it. He was impressed she thought they should do it together. However talking with Andrew about what was improper to say to Nicholas fell solely on his shoulders. He would be the one to explain to his brother that it was not appropriate for a boy of five to call his horse Casanova. Nicholas would be Winterbourne some day. He needed to begin learning now what it meant to embody the respectable title.

  Yes, a talk with his brother was in order. It also gave him the opportunity to hear how the interrogation was progressing.

  Chapter Three

  As the melodic sounds of the orchestra filled the crowded ballroom of Devonshire House, Olivia stepped through the movements of the quadrille without hearing a single note. Since her conversation with Gabriel, she wondered if she had made the right decision in approaching him about having another child. Oh, she still desperately wanted another child, but after his reaction to her request, she wasn’t certain she could bear to be in his company long enough to conceive one.

  He had been horrid—and his comments continued to pierce her heart.

  I expect it to be an exasperating task, but it must be done.

  The sooner we attend to this, the better.

  If she had any hope
of having another child, she needed to lock away her contempt for him. Maybe then the thought of Gabriel touching her wouldn’t make her want to injure his manhood—permanently. She would never conceive a child if she did that.

  ‘I hope it is not my company that has caused that expression to darken your lovely face,’ commented Comte Antoine Janvier.

  Pulling her attention back to her dance partner, Olivia smiled apologetically. ‘Of course not, I fear I am not very good company this evening.’

  With a few final steps the quadrille ended.

  ‘Perhaps a glass of champagne shall lift your spirits,’ he said, escorting her off the crowded dance floor towards one of the many drawing rooms.

  As they crossed the threshold, he took two glasses from a passing footman and handed one to Olivia. She took a long drink and he arched a dark brow.

  ‘Shall I fetch another, or would you care for mine?’ he asked, tilting his glass towards her.

  The warmth of a blush rose up Olivia’s neck and she turned away. Her gaze settled on the portrait of the previous Duchess of Devonshire. ‘Forgive me,’ she said, returning her attention to her friend. ‘You are being very kind, considering I have not been an ideal companion.’

  He gave a careless wave of his hand. ‘It would be tiresome if you were always plein de vie.’

  Olivia grinned. ‘I wasn’t aware you thought I was full of life.’

  ‘There is a sense you find enjoyment in your surroundings, but I suppose you can be as selective as you wish with the entertainments you attend since you are the Duchess of Winterbourne.’

  ‘Yes, there are advantages to the title.’ Being married to her husband was not one of them.

  ‘I notice you and His Grace rarely accept the same invitations.’

  Their friendship was still new. If he wanted to know how wide the rift was between her and Gabriel, Olivia was certain any of the gossips in attendance would be happy to recount the tale of what had driven them apart. It was something she never discussed with anyone, except Victoria. ‘His Parliamentary affairs keep him busy into the evening. Oh, look, more champagne.’ Olivia didn’t wait for Janvier to procure her another glass. She took one off the tray of a passing footman and replaced it with her empty one.

  A low chuckle escaped Janvier’s lips before he took a sip from his glass. ‘Not something you wish to discuss. I understand. Let us change the subject. Tell me, have you heard Mrs Siddons may return to the stage soon?’

  ‘I have.’

  ‘Do you suppose you will attend one of her performances?’

  ‘It would be a shame to leave my box at the theatre empty for such an anticipated return. I don’t suppose you are an admirer of hers?’ she asked with an amused smile.

  ‘What kind of man would I be if I were not?’

  ‘Would you care to join me on opening night?’

  Janvier leaned forward, placing his lips close to her ear. ‘I would like nothing better.’

  His warm breath fanned her neck and an uncomfortable shiver travelled down her spine. Pretending she had an itch, Olivia stepped back and scratched her left shoulder.

  He studied her over the rim of his glass. ‘But the royal box would probably be occupied opening night. That would mean there would be such a crush. You would not mind?’

  She gave a slight shrug. ‘A crush is no bother, if the entertainment is worthy.’

  Janvier’s dark eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘Then I would be honoured to join you.’ He scanned the salmon-coloured room. ‘I am surprised your Regent is not here this evening.’

  ‘Georgiana told me the poor man is suffering from the gout again. If it is as severe as last time, it would not surprise me if he missed Mrs Siddons’s performances altogether.’

  * * *

  By the time she arrived home, Olivia was certain she had drunk enough champagne that she could endure Gabriel’s presence in order to have another child. He said he would come to her tonight. Now, she was ready for him.

  After sending Colette away, she stretched out on her bed in an excessively large, white-linen nightrail. Her bare feet were cold on top of the blankets, but she reasoned it would be over quickly, and there would be no chance of Gabriel’s scent remaining on her sheets.

  What was taking him so long? He was home. She’d heard his muffled voice along with that of Hodges through the door that connected their rooms over an hour ago. His strong knock made Olivia jump. Bringing her hands to her chest to steady the pounding of her heart, she called for him to enter.

  The door opened slowly and it was difficult to see his expression in the shadows of the room. ‘Why is it so dark in here?’

  ‘I thought you would prefer it this way,’ she replied, relieved her voice did not give away her nervousness.

  Gabriel closed the door behind him and walked further into the room. He was still dressed impeccably for an evening out. Turning this way, then that, he spun in a circle. Finally, he spotted her. ‘Are you well?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Are you not cold?’

  ‘No,’ she lied.

  There was a hesitation, then he cleared his throat. ‘It’s late. Perhaps we should discuss this in the morning.’

  He was leaving? After all this time agonising and waiting for him, he was leaving? How much was she expected to endure? She jumped off the bed and ran to the door, blocking his way. ‘I thought we had an agreement.’

  ‘We do...I mean we did.’

  ‘You’ve changed your mind?’

  Gabriel held up his hands, appearing as if he couldn’t bear to touch her. ‘I simply thought we could do this tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, no, we will do this now or not at all.’ Olivia closed her eyes and prayed he would agree to stay.

  ‘Very well,’ he said, sounding as if he was trying to calm a skittish colt.

  Olivia nodded and walked back to the bed. When she laid back down, she noticed he hadn’t moved from where he stood by the door.

  ‘It will not work with you all the way over there,’ she bit out sarcastically.

  ‘I am fine over here,’ he said with a raspy voice. ‘I can hear you just fine.’

  ‘Well, I do not expect to do any talking so that really should not matter.’

  Gabriel cleared his throat. ‘You are certain you would like me come closer?’

  If he made her explain exactly how this would work, she was bound to strangle him with her sheets. ‘I believe that is how this is done—if memory serves me correctly.’

  He approached the side of her bed. She waited for him to do something, but all he seemed capable of doing was staring at the landscape by Constable that hung behind her.

  Now it was her turn to clear her throat, but this was to get his attention. Once she had it, she motioned to his tailcoat with her finger.

  He nodded and plucked a string off his sleeve. ‘Yes, it’s new. Mr Weston continues to prove himself the finest tailor in London.’

  Resisting the urge to smother him with one of her pillows, Olivia took a deep breath and looked at the idiot she married. ‘Fine, leave it on. Just open your trousers.’

  An odd sound emerged from Gabriel. ‘My what?’

  ‘Trousers.’ Olivia began to slide the hem of her nightrail up her legs. ‘Fear not, I will not look.’

  With her eyes squeezed firmly shut, Olivia missed her husband’s shocked expression that quickly turned to a heated gaze. Abruptly he grabbed her wrist, preventing her from raising the material any higher than the middle of her thighs.

  Refusing to open her eyes, she let out a sigh. ‘Very well, you take the lead.’

  ‘Olivia, what exactly are you doing?’ he asked in a husky voice.

  She threw her forearm over her eyes. ‘I thought you said you wanted to get this over with quickly?’
/>
  He let out a soft laugh and she peered out from behind her arm.

  His face was cast in the shadow of the crackling fire behind him. ‘I thought we were discussing Andrew this afternoon. However, I now believe you were talking about something else entirely.’

  ‘Andrew? Why would you think I was talking about having a child with Andrew?’ She yanked the yards of material over her knees and sat up, tucking her legs under her. Reaching over for one of her numerous pillows, she hit him with it.

  He grabbed it. ‘I thought you wanted me to speak with Andrew regarding his behaviour around Nicholas. What did you think we were discussing?’ He tossed the pillow next to her on the bed.

  Relieved that the room was cast in such low light, Olivia was certain her face was crimson. ‘How could you possibly mistake me wanting to have another child with me wanting you to reprimand your brother?’ she asked with annoyance.

  ‘A child?’ he choked out. ‘Is that what you wanted to discuss? Why didn’t you simply say so?’

  ‘I did!’

  She hit him with another pillow and he caught this one as well.

  ‘No, you did not,’ he said as if he were speaking to someone Nicholas’s age. He tossed this pillow next to the other one. ‘Not once did the word “child” leave your lips.’ He cleared his throat again. ‘You want another one?’

  Olivia was too emotionally spent to say another word, so she simply nodded and closed her eyes.

  ‘You are certain?’

  Again she nodded and this time she met his shadowed gaze.

  He tossed his head back and closed his eyes. She waited. Any dealings they had with one another from now on hinged on this very moment. Her palms began to sweat.

  ‘Slide over,’ he commanded softly.

  She shifted towards the centre of the bed and closed her eyes when he began undressing. Was he as smooth and muscular as he had been years ago? Opening one eye, she peeked. He stood there shirtless, tugging off his trousers. She closed her eye quickly before he caught her. Blast it! He looked as good as he had the day she’d married him.