The Illegitimate Duke

by Sophie Barnes

  “Amelia won’t be venturing back into Society until she’s delivered her baby, but her husband is just over there.” Huntley nodded toward the other side of the room. “As for Juliette . . .” He glanced about. “I’m not sure where she’s gotten to.”

  “Well, perhaps I should go and greet Coventry then.” Florian stepped back. “It’s been a while since I saw him last and I would like to know how his wife is faring.” He took his leave while his brother said something about heading off to the game room.

  Following the periphery of the ballroom, Florian made his way toward a spot where he would be able to cross the floor without too many people blocking his way. But when he reached the French doors leading out to the terrace, he paused. All thought of reaching Coventry fled his mind the moment he spotted a lonely figure staring out at the garden below.

  Juliette.

  He reached for the handle and pushed the door open, drawn to her in a way he couldn’t begin to explain. All he knew was that she was there, a welcome reprieve from all his responsibilities and the chance he needed to simply get away and take a moment for himself.

  Chapter 2

  Juliette heard him coming before he reached her side, the slow tread of approaching footsteps clicking against the stone tiles. Inhaling deeply, she turned toward him, ready to take her leave if it was an unwelcome intruder. But it wasn’t. It was the very same man who’d prompted her to flee the ballroom.

  Florian, the new heir to the Duke of Redding.

  Steeling herself, she waited for her nerves to respond in the same riotous way they had earlier and was thankful to find them completely calm and collected.

  “My lord,” she said by way of greeting, then pushed out a breath and shrugged one shoulder. “Forgive me, but I’ve no clue about how to address you.”

  He gazed down at her with all the solemnity in the world. “Florian will do. I have no title yet.”

  “I see.” He came to stand beside her, his hip leaning firmly against the balustrade in a way that highlighted the length of his legs. Juliette forced her gaze away from that part of his body and looked him in the eye. “How did it all come about? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”

  A pause followed and she felt his stare, the unflinching mask of gravity he wore, not revealing a single thought. And then the edge of his mouth twitched and he moved so he could look out across the garden. “My mother’s brother has no children, so with no one to inherit, he asked the king to elevate him to duke. As a favor.”

  “And this made it possible for him to name his successor?”

  “Precisely.” He glanced her way. “A Special Remainder has been put in place to allow for it.”

  She nodded, considered him a moment and finally asked, “Then why the glum expression?”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Perhaps because of the burdens attached to it, the plural estates I shall have to manage and the attendance expected of me in Parliament. Or maybe it’s because becoming duke means the loss of my uncle.”

  Juliette’s heart stuttered a little in response to the fierceness with which he spoke. “I’m sorry,” she said, not knowing how else to respond.

  She’d never expected Florian to offer a glimpse of his heart. The idea of him mourning anyone had never entered her head. He just didn’t seem like the sort who would be too bothered, one way or the other, which of course was a very harsh judgment of character on her part. Fleetingly, she thought about reaching out, of offering some means of comfort if only with the touch of her hand. But then she decided against it, aware of the impropriety and the fact he would likely demand to know what on earth she was doing.

  “It is what it is,” he said as if speaking to himself more than to her. His features eased a little on a slow exhalation and his eyes seemed to focus more fully on her face. “You look more”—he hesitated as if searching for the right word—“at home amidst the ton than when I last saw you.”

  “Really?”

  “There’s no doubt you’ve adjusted to your new way of life. It suits you.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “Is that a compliment?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “And here I was, convinced you couldn’t be charming.”

  His lips moved ever so slightly, but he did not smile. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, my lady. I merely made an observation.”

  “And consequently ruined the moment,” she said with a sigh that was meant to convey exasperation.

  He tilted his head, regarding her as though she belonged on display in some strange museum for rare artifacts. “You also seem bolder.” His eyes pinned her in place, and she suddenly felt it again, that fluttery pulse and shortness of breath. “In fact, I dare say you’re quite transformed from the girl I met last Season. You’ve bloomed, Lady Juliette.” The barest hint of a smile did tug at his lips just then and she found herself transfixed. “I’m sure you have your fair share of admirers already.”

  Of all the conversations she’d ever expected to have with this man, this was certainly not one of them. In fact, to her dismay, it almost felt as though he was flirting with her, which couldn’t possibly be true. Could it?

  Swallowing, she tried to ignore the twisting of her stomach and the weakening of her knees. “The Earl of Yates has shown some interest,” she said and immediately wondered if that was actually true since he hadn’t really suggested a courtship.

  “He would make an excellent match.” A shadow crossed Florian’s face, concealing his features.

  “I disagree,” Juliette said without thinking. She caught herself, but it was too late. The comment was already out there. “I mean . . . he’s a likeable man, enjoyable company and—”

  “Always polite.”

  “Hmmm. . . .” Juliette considered the way he spoke. “As much as I appreciate politeness, I think blatant honesty has its merits as well.” Heavens, now she was flirting with him!

  “An interesting notion.” He leaned forward slightly, just enough for her to catch a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. “So then, if I were to launch into an in-depth explanation of a surgical procedure I plan on conducting tomorrow, would you honestly tell me to change the subject and spare you the boredom?”

  “No. Probably not.”

  His eyes held hers until she was forced to look away for fear of revealing the blush she could feel creeping over her skin, in spite of the darkness. He huffed out a breath and leaned back. “I must confess I’m disappointed to hear it.”

  “Why?” When he looked at her again, she said, “Did it ever occur to you that I might find such conversation appealing?”

  His lips parted and she allowed herself a moment to savor his astonishment.

  The door opened behind them and voices filled the air. A group of people spilled out onto the terrace with Florian’s brother, Mr. Lowell, bringing up the rear. He came toward them at a brisk pace, inclining his head to acknowledge her presence.

  “Lady Juliette,” he said and reached for her hand. Kissing the air above her knuckles, he straightened himself and smiled. “I see my brother is keeping excellent company this evening.”

  “Thank you, Lowell. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” She’d gotten to know the well-renowned rake through Amelia and Coventry, with whom he maintained a tight friendship.

  “Oh, indeed, the pleasure is all mine,” Lowell said, at which point it sounded as though Florian might have muttered something beneath his breath. Whether or not that was true, Lowell glanced his way. “Supper is about to be served.” He returned his attention to Juliette and smiled broadly while offering her his arm. “Shall we go in together?”

  Florian scowled at his brother. His jaw tightened, allowing shadows to play across the contours of his cheekbones. A second passed and then he gave a tight nod. “By all means. After you.”

  Juliette linked her arm with Lowell’s and allowed him to guide her back into the sparkling light. He was just as handsome as Florian and definitely more charismatic. And yet, he didn’t prov
oke the slightest emotion in her whereas Florian . . . his absence by her side made her feel slightly empty inside.

  It didn’t make any sense.

  Chapter 3

  A tingly sensation assailed Juliette when Florian took his seat beside her. Especially when he leaned to his left and their shoulders brushed against each other. Destabilized, she sucked in a breath and tried to force her bouncing heart into a steadier rhythm. He was just her physician; for her to respond to him in any other capacity than as his patient and possibly his acquaintance was beyond illogical.

  “Is it just me, or does Lady Gilbrecht appear to be courting Mr. Haywood?” Lowell whispered close to her ear, prompting Juliette to choke on the spoonful of soup she’d just taken.

  Florian leaned closer and patted her back. “Have some wine,” he suggested.

  She drank half a glass, thanked Florian for his help and turned to Lowell. “I didn’t realize a lady could court a gentleman.”

  Lowell gave her a look—the sort that seemed to sympathize with her naïveté. “She’s a widow and he’s a rake. Of course she can, and is, if those batting eyelashes are any indication.”

  “But, they’re in public,” Juliette muttered, a little appalled by the thought of such blatant flirtation going on around them.

  Lowell grinned. “That won’t stop a seduction if the couple’s determined enough. I’m sure there are several feet toeing their way up various legs underneath all these tables.” He lowered his voice. “Or hands straying to places they shouldn’t be straying.”

  Having just taken another spoonful of soup, Juliette coughed again, and Florian patted her back, handing her the wine. He leaned past her and spoke to his brother. “What are you telling her, Henry?”

  “Nothing too outrageous,” Lowell replied.

  “Judging from her shocked reaction, I very much doubt that.” Florian patted Juliette’s back once more for good measure. “I must apologize for my brother, my lady. I believe he has an unfortunate inclination for impropriety.”

  At Juliette’s left, she heard Lowell say, “There’s something to be said for knowing how to have a bit of fun, Florian. You needn’t be so stuffy all the time.”

  “Have some more wine,” Florian said.

  “There’s no need,” Juliette told him. Her throat had cleared and she was able to breathe again without choking. “Really, I am not as delicate as most people think.”

  Florian knitted his brow. “I wasn’t suggesting you were, but there are subjects one does not discuss with an innocent young lady such as yourself. Lowell crossed a line, I believe.”

  Juliette knew he was right and yet she didn’t want his domineering righteousness to win over his brother’s easygoing joie de vivre. Because it was like two opposing forces, each needing the other for the sake of creating perfect harmony. “It was a joke. You could try it one day,” she said, not knowing where on earth her words were coming from.

  His frown deepened and he removed his gaze from hers, seemingly concentrating on the soup before him. “Jokes aren’t really my forte.”

  The gravity with which he said it was like a stab to her chest. “I’m sorry,” she hastened to say, “I did not mean to offend or imply anything, I just . . .” She struggled to find the right words without making things worse. “You don’t look happy.”

  His head turned slowly toward hers, catching her gaze in a riotous blend of emotion. “Happy?” The word sounded silly when he said it. “If only I had time for such frivolity, but the truth of it is that every time I catch a glimmer of it, life interferes and snuffs it out.” His jaw tightened, as did his voice. “Most days bring pain and suffering to my doorstep, my lady. My efforts to fight death are often futile, many of my patients poor and destitute. The things I have seen have led to despair and anger. It troubles me to see how easily the class to which I belong wastes its money on meaningless and ridiculous things when it could be put to much better use by helping those in need.”

  It took Juliette a moment to process his cynical tone and the frank response he’d delivered. But rather than shy away from it as she might have done last year when she was still getting used to her new circumstances, she straightened her spine and prepared for battle.

  “You have good reason to be frustrated, and yet I think you should count your blessings instead of complaining.” His expression hardened and he looked ready to disagree, but she didn’t give him the chance. “Whenever you want a reprieve, you can have it. My siblings and I did not have that kind of luxury. Every day was an ongoing struggle for survival. We starved, as did our friends, leaving my brother with no choice but to accept help from Carlton Guthrie.” Her voice quivered at the memory of what that had meant for Raphe. “That man owned him, Florian. He ruled his life, insisting he fight to pay back his debt, and still we barely had enough to make ends meet.

  “When my youngest sister, Bethany, got sick, we couldn’t afford a physician or medicine. I watched her die, her body carried away on a cart to God knows where because we had no money to spend on a funeral.” She heaved a shuddering breath as the memories came flooding back. “Do you have any idea how often I wished to be whisked away from it all? To be someone else for simply one hour?”

  “Lady Juliette, I—”

  “This opulence you hate so much is a welcome escape from the hardships of life, Florian. It doesn’t mean the people here are ignorant or that they don’t care. It simply means they choose not to do so tonight, because life will be hard enough again tomorrow when this is all over.” Her annoyance with him had increased, pouring through her in waves and demanding she speak her mind. “You have an advantage, the rare opportunity to do more than most and to make an actual difference and yet you choose to cast a shadow over everyone else’s enjoyment with your brooding scowls and lack of enthusiasm.”

  A nerve ticked at the edge of his jaw and Juliette finally ceased with her lecture. Blinking, she considered the manner in which she’d just cut him down to size and immediately thought of apologizing, but then she decided against it. He’d said he valued honesty rather than empty platitudes, so there he had it. She’d served it to him on a platter.

  “Were you serious when you said you’d be interested in hearing about my work?”

  Caught off guard by his question and how he’d apparently chosen to ignore everything she’d just said, she gave him an absent nod. “It’s certainly better than having to talk about who each debutante hopes to marry or which young lady might face potential ruin.”

  He snorted in a way that hinted at a grin. “You don’t like gossip?”

  “No,” she told him without even having to think. “I despise it.” When he arched a brow she said, “It’s usually malicious. Additionally, it’s hardly any business of mine what other people choose to do with their lives.”

  Dropping his gaze, he ate another mouthful of soup, appearing to hide the beginnings of a smile behind the spoon. Encouraged, Juliette chuckled lightly to herself and ate some more soup as well. This conversation between them had probably been the most unpredictable one she’d ever had, and something about that thrilled her. She set her spoon aside and dabbed her mouth with her napkin while trying to think of a way to engage him further. It wouldn’t be easy since he was now discussing something with the man who was seated to his right.

  Biding her time, Juliette decided to address the subject Florian had brought up twice already this evening. The moment she got her chance, she asked, “Did you see a lot of patients today before coming here?”

  His glass faltered on its way to his mouth, the note of surprise widening his eyes as he darted a look in her direction, impossible to deny. He took a quick sip of his wine. “I um . . .” He cleared his throat and proceeded with greater certainty. “There were a few. One will require the removal of a kidney stone.”

  “Really?” She tried to think of what might be involved. “So you will have to cut this person open and extract it?”

  “No, no. Nothing that drastic.” He stared
at her for a long hard moment before continuing. “There’s a way for me to do it without having to use a scalpel.”

  Juliette pondered that comment and the vagueness of it while thinking back on some of the medical texts she’d managed to read in the past and the diagrams she’d seen of the human body. Realization suddenly hit. “Oh! You can go in through . . . there . . .” She felt her cheeks flush but refused to let it deter her. “And . . .” She couldn’t quite figure out the rest.

  “There’s a special tool I use for crushing the stones,” Florian explained. “It allows the patient to eliminate smaller pieces on their own and without excessive amounts of pain. Especially with the recent discovery of morphine.”

  “Morphine?”

  He nodded. “It’s not officially on the market yet, but when a German colleague of mine informed me of his development of it a couple of years ago, I knew I had to try it. The results are truly incredible.”

  “Better than laudanum?”

  “Without a doubt, even though they’re both derived from opium.”

  “Really?”

  “The difference is in the way they’re produced. And with morphine, I can operate on my patients without them feeling pain.”

  Fascinated, Juliette turned her face more fully toward his, allowing her to catch a glimpse of excitement in Florian’s deep blue eyes. “That’s astonishing,” she murmured, momentarily lost in the depth of his gaze and the passion with which he was speaking. “It’s amazing to think of the discoveries being made. The tool you mentioned for extracting the kidney stones is remarkable. I wonder who invented such a thing.”

  “I can tell you.” Hesitance crept its way along his voice and he carefully added, “If you like.”

  Genuinely riveted by the extent of his knowledge and eager for him to share it with her, Juliette quickly nodded. “When we were living in St. Giles, my brother was determined to ensure our education. He always felt that if we were well-read, we stood a better chance at improving our prospects.”