by Jolie Cain
Indeed, I assure you I keep myself quite busy.”
“Assemblies and charities! Really. You know that’s not what I mean. Oh, you’re just being difficult.”
“Plus, I always look forward to your visits,” the lady continued, ignoring her friend’s outburst.
“But now that I’ve married, I shan’t get to visit you as often as I used to, you said that yourself. Oh, how can I be happy when I know you’re so very lonely?” Caroline’s voice turned cajoling.
“Well, I was planning on getting a pup. Would that make you feel better than a cat?”
Caroline giggled. “You are too bad, really. A pup?”
“Yes, you know. Perhaps a sweet-faced little mutt. So when I go on my long rambles, I have some company? And you can picture him curled at my feet on cold winter nights as I sit doing my needlework. There. I’ve solved the problem and didn’t even need a man to do it.”
They both broke into laughter again, and Richard’s own mouth curled up.
“Anyway,” Caroline’s friend continued, “I think it’s time you got back to your company. They’re probably all wondering where you’ve disappeared to.”
“Oh, posh. Most of them are probably still abed.” A long-suffering sigh reached Richard’s ears. “But I suppose I should go down and at least put in an appearance in case a few have begun to stir. I can’t believe I let Stephen talk me into this house party. Still, I’m glad we got the chance to spend some time together. Perhaps we could do this every morning while you’re here. I do miss you dreadfully, you know?”
“Me, too.”
Richard could hear the women’s movements as they rose to their feet and, fearing he would be caught eavesdropping, he dashed down the hall. He hadn’t a hope of reaching the stairwell, though, so he turned about halfway down and began strolling leisurely back the way he had come. When the ladies emerged, it appeared he had just arrived and was heading in their direction.
“Ah, Caroline. There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for Stephen. Do you know where he is? We were supposed to go riding this morning.”
“Good morning, Richard. Yes, I believe his new stallion Cesar has a swollen fetlock.
One of the stable lads came to fetch him a while ago. He went down to the stables to check on him.”
“That’s a shame. I guess that means the ride is cancelled.”
He turned to look curiously at Caroline’s companion. She was, indeed, quite a frumpish sight. Thick spectacles perched on the end of a small nose, quite concealing the color of her eyes. Her dark hair was tightly pulled back from her face, though here and there a few curls had escaped to frame her face. Her head was covered by a hideously ugly cap, and her dress was an unflattering dull beige that made her skin look sallow and unattractive. It hung on her like a potato sack, completely concealing any womanly curves. It was quite an effective disguise. It was no wonder the other men had not seen through it. If he himself had not overheard the conversation between the two friends, he probably would also have overlooked what he had begun to suspect was a hidden jewel.
Caroline noticed the focus of his attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t think you two have met before. Lilith, Lady Morely, may I present His Grace, the Duke of Carlisle?”
“Your Grace.” She bobbed a curtsy, and he reached to take her hand in his.
“A pleasure, my lady.” Then he bent and dropped a brief kiss to the back of her hand, lingering perhaps a moment longer than was appropriate. She gave him a startled look, and he thought he saw her eyes narrow suspiciously, though it was hard to tell through the thick lenses. What an intriguing little minx. He could barely hide his grin.
* * * *
That afternoon found the duke in the billiard room with his friend having a relaxing game. As he stood to one side waiting on his turn, he decided to do a little prodding to see what he could find out about the utterly unusual Lady Morely.
“I saw your wife earlier today having a nice coze with her friend from Melksham.”
Stephen darted a glance over his shoulder before turning back to take his shot.
“Indeed. Caroline was thrilled that Lily was able to join us this week. They don’t get together as much as they like.”
“How do they know one another? They just don’t look…quite compatible.”
Stephen cursed over his missed shot and then crossed over to where his glass of whiskey sat on a nearby table. After taking a drink, he grinned. “Looks can be deceiving, old man.”
So Stephen knew the truth of the matter. “Indeed. I found the lady’s disguise a trifle overdone.”
His friend burst into laughter. “I should have known if anyone could see through her little charade, it would be you.”
He grinned somewhat sheepishly, knowing that if he hadn’t overheard that very private conversation earlier, he would probably still be completely oblivious to the lady’s charms. Now the need to see her without the costume she’d wrapped herself in was gnawing at him. “Tell me, how long has Caroline known the lady?”
“They were in school together before Lily married. She was Lilith Raleigh, daughter of Sir Philip Bassingame before she wed Lord Morely.”
“Ah, yes. The dearly departed. Seems an odd match, even for the peerage. The man had to be a lot older than his bride.” Richard took his shot and then stood back to chalk his cue as Stephen studied the table.
“It was criminal is what it was. Word was that Lily’s father’s pockets were to let. He had a wicked gambling problem.” He walked around to take position and sank his ball with a quiet thunk. “Sold the girl to old Morely, according to the rumor mill. There was a forty year age difference. A shame, really.”
Richard vaguely remembered Edgar Laughton, Lord Morely. He recalled a corpulent, self-righteous man who wore his title as if it gave him leave to crush everyone who he didn’t deem good ton. It must have galled him enormously to not have an heir to pass on his title and lands. At least he had provided for his widow.
“How did he die?”
“Fell dead while riding around his estate on horseback. Heart gave out, I believe.”
“And his widow has been on her own ever since?”
Stephen propped himself against the side of the billiard table. “Yes. They never went out much in society, according to Caroline. He preferred to keep her at home, secluded on their estate in Northampshire. He would occasionally come up to town, but no one ever saw Lily.” His jaw firmed. “Caroline says that he mistreated his wife, and I believe her.
Apparently he blamed her for their lack of an heir.”
Richard frowned. “He beat her?” He took a sip of his own drink.
Stephen shrugged. “No one knows for sure. And Lily isn’t talking. I think she prefers to put the whole thing behind her. Why the interest? I wouldn’t think she was quite your type.”
“I wouldn’t have thought so either. But turns out we were both wrong.”
Stephen got a serious look on his face. “Carlisle, you know I love you like a brother.
But if you’re thinking of adding her to your list of conquests, I urge you against such an endeavor. She’s not one of your lightskirts. I wouldn’t have her hurt. My wife would never forgive me if I didn’t look out for her. Especially while she is under my roof.”
“She’s hardly a starry-eyed innocent in need of your protection, Stephen. She’s an experienced widow of two years and, from what I understand, quite able to take care of herself. In fact, I believe she prides herself on her ability to make her own decisions.”
“You seem to have learned an awful lot about her in a very short time. How is that possible?”
“I have my ways, my friend.” He winked at Stephen who just laughed and shook his head. “And I’m certain that she would resent your trying to warn me off her this way.”
“Probably,” he acknowledged with a wry grin. “But she is a good friend of Caro’s so I feel it is my duty to look after her.”
“You think she’s unable to prot
ect herself?”
Stephen chuckled. “Not at all. In fact, perhaps it’s you to whom I should be delivering a warning.”
“Ha. You think a lot of Lady Morely, then?”
“Yes, I do. From everything I’ve learned of her, both from Caroline and others, I think the lady has had a damnable time of it. She has finally found a measure of contentment, and I would not have that disrupted by a chance encounter with you. If your only intention is to toy with the lady and move on, perhaps you should seek out another.”
“Perhaps the lady would not appreciate your protection. Perhaps she might find my attentions…enjoyable. After all,” Richard couldn’t resist, “you’re not the only one with talents in the boudoir.”
Stephen’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and it was all Richard could do not to laugh in his face, but his friend merely nodded. “It is true that the lady might be ripe for an affaire de coeur. And it is certainly not my place to interfere in something so personal. As you said, she is a grown woman and knows her own mind. I just don’t want to see her heartbroken and deserted once the thrill of the chase wears off for you. You’re not exactly known for lengthy entanglements. Or are you thinking of finally getting leg shackled? Now that I think about it, Lily would probably make you a very lovely duchess. She’s intelligent, practical, and quite personable when you get to know her. She knows how to manage a large home and is an experienced hostess, to boot.”
Richard smiled. “I must admit that seeing your marital bliss has almost changed my mind about marriage…”
Stephen shook his head. “Almost?”
“Indeed, almost. Unfortunately, as my mother keeps telling me, I am not getting any younger. I am five-and-thirty, Stephen. It’s time I set up my nursery. I need an heir. So, yes, I am contemplating putting my neck in the parson’s mousetrap.”
The expression on his friend’s face was priceless. “Egads, man. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Quite. I have been ‘looking ‘round’ as my mother calls it for a likely bride. And I have to tell you, my friend, the pickings are very slim indeed. Whey-faced young chits scarce out of the schoolroom who can’t hold an intelligent conversation on anything other than bonnets and dressmakers. Or daring merry widows whose bedroom antics have fueled the gossips for years. I shudder to think what my son would be like with such for a mother. I was beginning to think that you had found the last acceptable candidate in your Caroline, and then, as if a gift from fate, I meet the oh-so-intriguing Lady Morely. There is something quite different about the lady. I haven’t been quite so fascinated by a female in a long time. I think she just might make an acceptable candidate.”
“You need to be aware that she is not eager to marry again.” Stephen offered the warning. “In fact, I’ve heard her tell Caroline that she is adamantly against it.”
“Yes. I am aware of that. But I have a plan to persuade her otherwise.”
“A plan? What is it?”
“Why, I plan to seduce her into marrying me, of course. What else?”
Stephen choked back a laugh. “I still can’t believe you’re considering marrying her.
You haven’t even seen her without her…” his hand gestured over his own body,
“costume. I’m surprised you’d want to exert yourself without some more concrete proof that the lady is worth it.”
“You’ve seen her without it?”
Stephen smiled. “Yes.”
“Do you think she’s worth the effort?”
“Oh, absolutely. No doubt about it. Though she’s not a diamond of the first water, by any means. Still, the lady does have something…unique to offer.”
He sank the last billiard ball and grinned in satisfaction. “That’s what I thought.
She’s perfect.”
Chapter Two
Lily stood near her friend and smiled as Caroline introduced her to yet another eligible gentleman. Obviously the morning’s conversation had done little good in discouraging Caro’s determination to find Lily a man. Dinner had ended a short time before, and Lily was counting the minutes until she could make her exit without causing comment. She just had to keep smiling and make polite conversation for another half hour or so before she could plead a headache and escape to her room.
The look of blind panic on the men’s faces as they realized that Caroline was trying her hand at matchmaking almost caused her to laugh out loud. They were obviously horrified at the thought of being coupled with such a dowd as her current appearance projected, but Caroline soldiered on. Lily had to give her credit for sheer fortitude.
As she pretended to listen to Caroline chatter on to Lord Something-or-Other about a ball they’d both attended in London recently, the hair on the back of Lily’s neck stood up.
It felt as if someone were watching her. Surreptitiously she moved her glasses to the tip of her nose so she could see clearly and glanced around the crowded drawing room. She spotted no one who seemed to be aware of her at all until her gaze clashed with a dark brown one across the room. It was the Duke of Carlisle, whom she had met that morning outside Caroline’s private sitting room.
His bold stare raked over her before coming back to meet her gaze with a challenging one of his own. He quirked an eyebrow, and she raised her chin, determined to stare him down. Odious fellow. One side of his mouth lifted in amusement. What was he staring at? And what did he find so entertaining?
She’d deliberately dressed this evening in a manner designed to make her fade into the woodwork, her dress a dull brown and another of those caps that Caroline detested covered her black curls. She was certain she’d done nothing to attract his attention. Yet she knew without a shadow of a doubt that for some reason she had managed to do exactly that. Her eyes narrowed, and his mouth kicked up into a full-fledged grin that she had to admit made him even more attractive, if that was humanly possible. He lifted his glass in a silent toast to her before taking a sip.
Oh, yes, Caroline had been right about that, at least. The duke was an absolutely delicious specimen of masculine perfection. Taller than most of the men in the room, he had a broad-shouldered athletic build without being brawny. He wore a well-cut jacket of dark blue worsted over tight-fitting tan breeches with an air of casual elegance.
Combined with dark hair and darker eyes and a face that was all sharp angles and planes, he was a man difficult to overlook and practically impossible to ignore. But ignore him she would.
Deliberately turning her back to him, she joined in the conversation between Caroline and her current candidate for Lily’s attention. Only a few moments passed before she felt someone standing next to her. A quick glance out of the corner of her eye confirmed her suspicion that the duke had joined them.
“Caroline, you’re looking absolutely ravishing this evening.” The duke lifted his hostess’s hand to drop a light kiss on it. “Lady Morley.” He nodded.
“Your Grace.” She shifted her body slightly to the right in an effort to put some distance between herself and the duke, but he subtly shifted with her. She shot him an annoyed glance, but he just smiled innocently.
He turned to the gentleman. “And Williams. How is your father these days? Still hard at work drafting that Education Reform bill?”
The man Caroline had been speaking to answered, and Lily let the conversation flow around her without paying much attention. She must be imagining that the duke had joined their group because of her, she assured herself. As a connoisseur of beautiful women, she was positive he would find nothing noteworthy in her current mode of dress.
No, he had simply joined them to pay his respects to Caroline, as was proper.
“Would you care to take a stroll through the gardens, Lady Morely? You look a trifle warm.” The low rumble of his voice startled her, and her eyes widened in panic as she met Caro’s delighted gaze.
“I don’t think…”
“Oh, but you must, Lily,” her friend, the traitor, urged unashamedly. “His Grace can show you the new water feat
ure we’ve added since your last visit. It is simply divine.”
Lily wanted to strangle her.
“It would be my pleasure,” the duke murmured. “If you’ll excuse us.” With that, the hateful man drew her arm through his and began strolling towards the open French doors and onto the back verandah, leaving Lily no alternative but to go with him or dig in her heels and cause a scene.
She went quietly until they had left the room but balked at the top of the steps leading down into the garden, for some reason quite desperate to get away from him.
“Really, Your Grace. This isn’t necessary. I’m quite sure that there are other ladies here more deserving of your kind attentions. I can’t imagine why you would invite me for a stroll.”
He smiled slightly, his dark eyes studying her so closely she felt a blush rising to her cheeks. She was hyper-aware of his body near hers, of the subtle odor of some expensively masculine cologne combined with a wilder scent that she was sure belonged to the duke alone. She never reacted this way to any gentleman, no matter how attractive.
It was unnerving. “Well, the truth is, my lady, that I wished to have a private conversation with you, and I thought that a stroll through the gardens might provide the perfect…venue. I’d rather not have prying ears around to overhear.”
She was startled. “A private conversation? What on earth could you need to speak with me about, sir? We’ve never even met before today.”
“Please.” He nodded toward the steps and urged her forward, continuing down and onto one of the garden paths to join the few other couples who had decided to take advantage of the pleasant night air. They’d strolled for a few moments in silence, with Lily feeling more and more confused. They had moved deeper into the garden before he spoke again. “It’s true that we are only new acquaintances, but I feel that I know you very well. Stephen and Caroline speak of you quite often, you know. It’s surprising we haven’t met before now, considering your close friendship with Caroline and mine with Stephen.”
“I don’t leave my home often, Your Grace.”
