The Illegitimate Duke

by Sophie Barnes

  “No.” Gabriella’s initial surprise seemed to vanish. “Sarah did mention it but I had forgotten.” She gave a sly smile. “It is not exactly fashionable, but since turbans are in vogue—”

  “I will not be wearing a turban!”

  “Very well.” She linked her arm with Juliette’s and led her toward the parlor. “Mama raves about them, but frankly, I find them hideous.”

  “Besides, my hair will grow back in no time at all.”

  “Of course it will,” Gabriella agreed in the most unconvinced voice ever.

  Juliette grinned in response. The only thing that mattered to her was how Florian saw her. And there was no doubt in her mind that he found her beautiful no matter what.

  “There is something I need to be absolutely certain about before I allow you to marry my sister,” Raphe said while pouring two glasses of brandy. He handed one to Florian and gestured for him to take a seat.

  Apprehension nipped at Florian’s neck but he shrugged it aside, telling himself he was able to answer anything Huntley asked him. “I love her, if that is your concern.” Ordinarily, he would never have shared such feelings so openly, but where Juliette was concerned, he felt compelled to give them free rein. His affection for her had grown so vast that containing it was no longer possible.

  Huntley eyed him while taking a seat behind his desk. “It is not. The distress you showed when her life was in danger has left no doubt in my mind that your feelings for her are profound. What worries me is her reputation.”

  Florian understood. “Marrying me will not be enough to save it.” Not when his own social standing had been torn to shreds.

  “I feel as though I have spent most of my life trying to protect her only to fail for the silliest of reasons, because of a social class that places appearance above all else.” Huntley took a sip of his brandy. “Juliette’s well-being has been in my hands since she was five years old. I cared for her and worried over her, even though I was just a child myself. And since her constitution was always weak, she caused me greater concern than Amelia, who was always so much stronger.”

  “And yet Juliette has been doing much better since moving to Mayfair.”

  “Undoubtedly.” Huntley swirled his tumbler while studying Florian with forthright pensiveness. “I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you did in order to save her.”

  A knock at the door was swiftly followed by the arrival of Huntley’s valet who came to deliver the cravat Gabriella had requested. Helping Florian don it, the valet tied the length of fabric with expert flair and stepped back to examine his work. With a quick nod, he gave his approval and took his leave.

  As soon as he was gone, Raphe said, “I want your assurance that you will treat Juliette as your equal and that you won’t ever keep secrets from her again. I know that legally a wife belongs to her husband and has few rights, but when it comes to my sister—”

  “I promise,” Florian told him. “I will never force my will on her and I will always be completely forthright.”

  Huntley nodded and set his glass down. “In that case, if she wishes to marry you as much as you wish to marry her, you have my blessing.”

  A sigh of relief swept through Florian’s body. He expelled a breath, even as he realized it would not be quite so simple. “As far as her reputation goes, there is little I can do besides trying to salvage my own. But if I can convince Society that it was wrong to believe what the papers have written, then perhaps I have a chance of regaining my reputation and hers by association.”

  Huntley met his gaze with interest. “How would you accomplish such a thing?”

  “By asking Armswell to deny the story and insist I am his actual son.” He’d not yet had a chance to speak with the viscount after everything he’d learned about his dealings with Bartholomew. It wasn’t a conversation he looked forward to having, but it was a necessary one, under the circumstances.

  Huntley nodded. “In the meantime, I will talk to Coventry. Perhaps the two of us can help by reminding everyone of what an excellent physician you are.”

  “I appreciate your support, Huntley.” Florian set his empty glass aside. “Now, if you do not mind, I would like to speak with Juliette in private.”

  Huntley grinned. “I will allow it. The parlor is at your disposal, as long as you leave the door slightly open.”

  When Florian entered the parlor and his gaze met Juliette’s, she felt her entire body relax. It was as if his increased nearness helped restore harmony to her soul. And to her own fanciful way of thinking, she imagined her spirit stretching toward his from across the room and pulling him closer until he’d reached the sofa on which she sat.

  “Gabriella.” Raphe’s voice intruded from the doorway. “Might I have a moment of your time?”

  As if propelled into motion by her husband’s words, Gabriella stood. “Of course.” She gave Juliette a quick nod before leaving the room.

  The briefest pause followed before Florian lowered himself to the vacant spot beside Juliette and reached for her hand. He swallowed audibly while brushing his fingers gently over hers. A frown creased his brow, and his eyes, those stunning blue eyes, were more reserved than she’d ever seen them. A knot squeezed her heart as awareness crept in, alerting her to his apprehensiveness. Hoping to ease it, she offered a smile and placed her free hand over his, trapping it there while meeting his gaze with every bit of warmth, gratitude and devotion she felt for this man who had come to mean everything to her.

  “Juliette.” The sound of her name on his lips was like tonic. “So much has happened these past few weeks I scarcely know where to begin.”

  “May I suggest the part where you officially ask for my hand in marriage?” Blood trembled in her veins, pulsing with enthusiastic expectation.

  His characteristic severity shattered, giving way to an unexpected grin. “I do not plan on proposing more than once in this lifetime, so I prefer not to rush it.”

  Biting back the teasing retort that tempted, Juliette forced herself into silence even as her stomach tightened and her heart beat more rapidly than ever before.

  “You are like a ray of sunshine spreading light on a dreary world.” As far as beginnings went, Juliette had to concede that this was an excellent one. She held her breath while he continued. “Becoming a husband was never something to which I aspired. Until I met you.” His hand squeezed hers. “Your kindness, your dedication to ensuring the well-being of those around you and your devotion when pursuing your goals is incredibly admirable. You made your way past defenses no other woman has ever managed to scale. You burrowed your way inside my chest and took up residence in my heart.” Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her brow with so much reverence, an emotional tear spilled from her eye. “You have become my entire world, Juliette. I have never felt as lost as I did when your life was threatened.”

  “Florian.” She could scarcely reply she was so overcome by the beauty of his declaration.

  “Now that you are healthy and safe and here for me to see and touch, I feel restored, as though the part of me that was missing has been returned.” He flattened his hand against her cheek and swiped away the fallen tear with his thumb. “To lose you again is unthinkable. Marry me, Juliette. Be mine and let me be yours. Love me as I shall love you, until my dying breath.”

  Unable to speak on account of the painful lump that had wedged itself in her throat, Juliette could only think of one way to convey her answer. Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a kiss wrought from endless depths of affection. It was hungry but sweet, an aching portrayal of true devotion wrapped up in yearning.

  Winding her arms around his neck, she shifted closer until their thighs touched. His hand stroked over her back, holding her to him while he followed her down the steep path of desire, catching momentum as he deepened the kiss until thoughts of all else were whisked from her mind.

  It wasn’t until his teeth nipped her earlobe and sent several sparks dancing o
ver her skin that she recalled time and place. “Yes.” She was finally able to offer a verbal response to his question. “Yes, I will marry you, Florian. Nothing in the world would make me happier than spending the rest of my life with you.”

  His mouth captured hers once again, stealing her breath until she felt dizzy. She was almost in his lap he’d pulled her so close, the joy she found in his ardor making her giggle even as she did her best to keep up with his kisses.

  “I love you, Juliette.” Pulling back, he met her gaze with unwavering sincerity. “And I promise you that I will always strive to make you happy and that you will never regret your decision to be my wife.”

  “I have never looked forward to anything as much as I do my wedding day.” She gave him her best smile, the one that conveyed how much she longed to be his. “Do you think a special license might be possible?”

  “I hope so.” Unwinding his arms from around her waist, he took her hands in his and lowered his gaze to that intimate point of contact. “My intention is to call on the archbishop immediately after visiting Armswell.”

  “You do not sound pleased about having to speak with him, Florian.” She could hear it in the dry crispness of his voice. “Have the two of you had a falling-out?”

  He winced. “No. It has merely come to my attention that he is to blame for all that has happened. And since that is the case, I mean to ask him to right the wrong he has done my mother and me, even you by association.”

  Unsure of what exactly Armswell was guilty of, Juliette shook her head. “How will you accomplish that?”

  “By insisting he tell the newspapers they were wrong and by publicly renouncing the idea of me being Bartholomew’s son.” Florian withdrew his hands and raked his fingers through his hair, scattering copper and gold in every direction. “I do not care how many lies the viscount has to tell to convince everyone that I am his blood, but he will do it or so help me I shall—”

  “Florian.” She did not like seeing him like this, so consumed by anger it seemed to turn his face to stone while pushing all light from his eyes. “Threatening Armswell is not the answer.” She stood and walked to the window, looking out on the street for a moment before turning to face him. “What does it matter what people think of us as long as we have each other?”

  He expelled a defeated sigh and came toward her. “It may be of great importance one day to our children.”

  This was not something she had considered. She bit her lip and did so now. “You are right. It might. Unless we manage to defeat the stigma we have both fallen prey to by then. There is time, Florian. Years, in fact, for us to regain our positions. And let’s not forget your impressive title. It means something, no matter whose son you are.”

  “Very well.” His hand reached out and drew her into his arms. Holding her close, he pressed his mouth to hers in a slow and reverent kiss. “I must confront Armswell, though, for my own peace of mind, but I will make no demands. You and I will do what we can to improve Society’s opinion of us. And if we fail—”

  “We still have each other, our dignity and the love and support of two other dukes and duchesses.”

  Thoughtfulness puckered his brow. “Our connections are quite impressive.”

  “They are certainly better than what most people can hope for.” Rising up onto her toes, she kissed him with adoration before leaning back and meeting his gaze. “Perhaps we can go on an extended wedding trip right away. I might not care what people think of me, but I would like to look respectable when I make my first public appearance as your wife.”

  “Of course. Now that I am out of work there is nothing keeping me in London. We may go wherever we please, Juliette. To Paris or Rome, if you like.”

  “Or we could simply enjoy a peaceful visit to a countryside cottage in the Lake District.”

  “Quiet walks and picnics sound like the perfect remedy for what we have been through.”

  She grinned up at him, and in that moment her heart overflowed with warmth and tenderness. “I could not agree with you more, Florian. Now be on your way, so you can return here as quickly as possible. I find that I am increasingly impatient to become your wife.”

  With one final kiss he stepped back and gave a quick bow. “When I see you again, I will have a vicar with me.” Upon which he strode from the room leaving Juliette behind with a fluttering heart.

  Chapter 28

  When Florian arrived at Armswell House, he took a moment to study the façade that held so many turbulent memories, of a father who’d always seemed reluctant to offer affection, even though he had no such qualms when it came to Lowell. Growing up, Florian had always thought it related to Lowell being the firstborn heir. It wasn’t until his sixteenth year that he’d learned the truth.

  Florian climbed the steps and steeled himself for the conflict waiting on the opposite side of the front door. The butler granted him entry, as expected, and directed him through to Armswell’s study.

  The viscount looked up from the ledgers spread out on the desk before him and set his spectacles aside. “Florian!” He stood and gestured for Florian to have a seat across from him. “I was not expecting to see you so soon. With everything that has been going on, I thought you would be too busy for family visits.”

  Florian crossed to the proffered chair and lowered himself down onto the plush velvet cushion. “This is not a social call,” he said while doing his best to sound cordial. “My coming here has everything to do with what has transpired.”

  Armswell gave a swift nod. “Yes.” He nodded again, then turned and went to the sideboard. “Brandy?”

  “No, thank you. I prefer to keep a level head for this conversation.”

  Armswell grabbed the nearest decanter and poured a quick drink, spilling some of it on his way back to his chair. He sat and took a long sip. “We were very sorry to hear about Lady Juliette’s illness, but it is our understanding that she is much improved now?”

  Word really did spread like a virus. “Yes. She has recovered from her bout with typhus.”

  Armswell expelled a breath. “What a relief.” He set his glass aside and seemed to relax his posture. “The papers were most unkind about her lengthy quarantine in your home without chaperone, but your mother and I believe you did what was best.”

  “I did not come here to discuss Lady Juliette’s health with you or to inform you of our intention to wed.” Armswell’s eyebrows rose and he prepared to speak, but Florian cut him off. “The reason I am here is because Lady Juliette was kidnapped this morning by Bartholomew. Her life was threatened because I failed to meet the demands of a man who would never have paid our family any mind, if it had not been for you.”

  Armswell’s jaw tightened before going slack. Admirably, he did not avert his gaze but held Florian’s with visible determination. “You are right. I was young and stupid and have struggled with my conscience over what I did many times over.”

  “Does Mama know?”

  He shook his head. “No. She told you the truth. At least her version of it but I . . . I was too ashamed to tell her or anyone else that I had squandered my fortune. Foolishly, I allowed my cowardice to determine my actions and begged a loan from Bartholomew.”

  “And then refused to pay it back.”

  “Had I done so, I would have been no better off than before he gave me the necessary funds. I needed time to secure a steady income but he would not allow that.”

  Disgust churned in Florian’s belly. “So you whored away your wife instead.”

  “Not willingly!” Wild insistence sparked in Armswell’s eyes. “Damn it, Florian. The bastard took Lowell and demanded your mother’s compliance!”

  “Something he would not have done if you had not sought his help in the first place.” Contempt had long since weeded out all sympathy. “Instead, Mama lost her pride, her dignity, her reputation, now that the truth is out. Have you even considered what people will think of her?”

  “Of course I have. Which is why I have visited
every paper that printed the damn story and demanded a retraction with an apology included.”

  “Really?” Florian had to admit he had not expected the viscount to do so.

  “Of course.” He expelled a deep breath and folded his arms on the table. “In spite of what you may think, I love your mother a great deal. Allowing the world to think the worst of her, because of something I am to blame for, is not an option.”

  “So you lied for her?”

  A quick nod confirmed this. “The retraction and apology will be printed tomorrow.”

  Which was excellent news. And yet . . . “You should also make a public statement at the next social function, preferably with one of the journalists backing you up, if that’s possible.”

  Armswell nodded. “I think I can handle that.”

  Florian didn’t return the smile Armswell offered. Instead, he gave a curt nod. “Thank you.” He stood and went to the door.

  “I do not know if you can ever forgive me for the choices I made, but I want you to know that I am glad something good came out of it.” When Florian turned with a raised eyebrow, Armswell said, “Had your mother not gone to him, you would not have been born and the world would have lacked an extraordinary man and physician.”

  Unsure if such a trade was worth the cost, Florian chose not to comment, turning away instead and leaving Armswell House in favor of grasping his future with every bit of strength he possessed.

  An hour later, he was admitted into the archbishop’s chambers and one hour after that, he was back at Huntley House with a special license, Henry, and a vicar agreeable enough to perform a service on short notice.

  It felt like a dream. Dressed in her best muslin gown and with a wide length of stunning silk gauze draped over her head, Juliette repeated the words the vicar spoke and then listened with tears in her eyes while Florian did the same. Behind them stood Raphe, Gabriella, Coventry, Amelia and Lowell, all bearing witness to their heartfelt exchange of vows.

  Florian kept his eyes trained on Juliette the entire time, just as she kept her gaze on him when it was her turn to speak.