Reforming the Duke

by Keira Montclair

  “You are too kind. This is one of Ardleigh’s favorite shades so I wear it often. Just promise me you will guard your heart, Sara. Do be careful. I want you to find the same happiness I’ve found.”

  “I’m not a foolish chit in my first Season. I promise to be careful, but I can’t deny I have strong feelings for him.”

  Phoebe smiled a little at that. “How could you not? He is so handsome. Every female in the realm wants to catch his eye, and you’re the only one who has managed to do so.” With that encouraging comment, she turned and opened the door so they could descend to the foyer. “I suspect Ardleigh awaits us. We should go down.”

  Ardleigh stood at the foot of the ornate stairway. He smiled as he gazed up at his wife. When she reached the bottom step, he leaned over and gave her a kiss. “You look lovely tonight, my dear. My favorite color.”

  “Thank you, Ardleigh. Is the carriage ready yet?”

  “Ready and waiting. We should hurry along. You know how the line is at the opera.” The butler opened the door for them, attentive as ever, as Sara put on her gloves, one easily and one carefully. While her arm was much better and she’d stopped wearing the sling, her fingers still pained her. Only one of the fingers, it turned out, had actually been broken. The other injury was just a sprain and was healing faster.

  They heard the thunder of hooves before the pair of matched grays reached the entrance.

  “What the devil?” Ardleigh turned to gawk at the interruption. “What is Brentwood doing?”

  They all hurried out of the foyer to have a look. The ducal carriage had pulled in behind the Ardleigh carriage. Once it came to a stop, Philip stepped out and bowed. His attire tonight reminded her of the night they’d danced together. The night they’d done more together. She had to admit that memory had become one of her favorites. He was so regal when he was in full dress. His cravat was always just so, and his coat was black this evening. His blue waistcoat and dark hair were arresting together, bringing more attention to his blue eyes.

  “Ladies, you are both stunning tonight.” Philip’s blue eyes danced as he took them in, his eyes lingering on the green dress. “I’m afraid I could not wait.”

  Sara and Phoebe both curtsied as he approached. He brushed his fingers on Phoebe’s gloved hand and then reached for Sara’s good hand and tucked it through his arm. She could feel his warmth through his jacket.

  The duke smiled at her, a smile full of promises, and turned to his friend. “Ardleigh,” he said, raising an eyebrow, “you don’t mind if we follow you?”

  “Of course not, Brentwood, but it really wasn’t necessary.”

  Philip’s gaze locked on Sara’s again. “To me, it was necessary. Shall we go, Lady Downey?”

  She turned and smiled at Phoebe. “Do you mind, Phoebe?”

  “Of course not, go and we’ll see you there.” Her friend kissed her cheek and waved her off, giving her a saucy wink as she stepped away.

  Philip escorted her to the carriage. After his footman opened the door, he wrapped his hands around Sara’s waist and lifted her into the carriage.

  “Oh!” Sara placed one hand on his broad shoulders, guarding her other arm, and gazed into his eyes. When she was this close to him, she became totally unnerved. The pounding of her heart threatened to burst through her chest. She was surprised when he sat next to her instead of across from her.

  At a loss for words, she cleared her throat to fill the silence. “This was unnecessary, Your Grace, I would have been happy in the Ardleigh carriage.” She peered at him from under her lashes, feeling his leg pressed against her, the contact burning into her. Why did this man upset her senses so?

  “I wanted a few moments alone with you, Sara. Please call me ‘Philip’ when we are alone.” He reached for her chin and brushed a quick kiss across her lips.

  He tasted of brandy: sweet, soft. Oh, how she loved his kisses. She watched as he reached across the seat for a small package.

  “I wanted to give you this.” He held a black velvet case toward her. “I didn’t want an audience.” He opened it and held it up for her inspection.

  Inside sat the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. Resplendent with emeralds and small diamonds, she couldn’t even imagine the value of such a piece. She couldn’t stop herself from removing her glove and fingering the cool gems. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.

  “Oh, Philip, it’s lovely. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

  “Do you like it, sweetness?” He held her gaze as he asked the question, his eyes full of hope. How could she turn him down?

  But she must.

  “Philip, I love it, but I cannot accept this. It’s inappropriate. It’s too much,” Sara stammered.

  “Nonsense. I insist, Sara. I won’t take no for an answer this time.” He turned her shoulders. “Here, let me see it on you, please.”

  His fingers caressed her neck as he fixed the clasp. He reached down and brushed a trail of kisses along her shoulder. She shivered instantly and swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. Words were not forthcoming as he set her back to admire the effect.

  “I’m sorry, but clearly this was meant for your skin. The emeralds match your eyes. You are the reason I purchased this necklace. It reminded me of your eyes.” Philip brushed her cheek with his thumb.

  He was so gentle with her. Why? What did this mean? She was so confused by this gesture. She reached up and rubbed her fingers across the cool gems. This necklace meant something different than the other, didn’t it? Or was she reading him wrong again?

  “Sara, I apologize for my coarseness before. I was a desperate man. I wanted to keep you in my townhouse, hidden away from everyone. I wanted you all to myself, but when I came upon your shop the other day…when I saw what had happened…I realized I want more. Can we start anew? You helped me to realize that I would like to start my life fresh.” He paused for a moment, his eyes contemplative, then added, “I saw Caroline this week. I hope I never see her again. My feelings for her were shallow. It’s time for me to move on. I would like to spend more time with you. Will you allow me that pleasure? Can you forgive me?”

  Sara could not help but think of Phoebe’s warning. What if Philip wasn’t ready to love again? What if the ice in which he’d encased his heart never fully melted? And yet, her heart would only allow her one answer. Reaching down to touch his hand, she said, “I would like that, Philip. I forgive you. Let’s start fresh and see where this takes us.” She smiled as she nodded in agreement. “I will accept this necklace as long as you agree not to give me any more jewels. This is beautiful and I will treasure it, but it’s enough. Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed him full on the mouth.

  It felt like the beginning of something beautiful.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Philip slipped his hands around Sara’s tiny waist and lifted her down from the carriage. He turned her toward the entrance, where a throng of people awaited the opera. The footman at the door beckoned him to the side and ushered him past the crowd. Philip placed his hand on Sara’s waist and kept her in front of him slightly to the right. He wanted to protect her injured arm from being jostled.

  Of course, they drew quite a bit of attention, as he had expected, but he was astounded at his own protectiveness.

  Decorum stated she should be on his arm, but he needed to protect her arm. He could tell it still pained her from the way she tensed every time it was jostled. She moved back into him whenever it happened, and he quite liked her there. The closer she was to him, the happier he felt.

  A slow realization struck him as they made their way through the lobby. Men were staring at her, the look in their eyes familiar. Men had thrown lustful glances Caroline’s way too, of course, and she’d reveled in it. He had even seen her bend over to give a handsome man a better view of her bosom. It hadn’t bothered him overly much, but he hated the way these men were gawking at Sara. She was indeed ravishing, but must they stare at her so?

  Sara to
ok it in stride. Her posture was regal, her smile beautiful. She continued on as if quite unaware of the stir they were causing, although he suspected she noticed she was the center of attention. Glancing about the theater, Philip was struck by the way the ladies of the ton were regarding Sara. He’d expected some of them might mistreat her, especially after the regrettable scene Miranda had made many weeks past, but these ladies clearly admired her. It struck him that perhaps they’d learned what he himself had discovered. Lady Sara Downey was a woman of character, a young woman who’d shown remarkable strength and perseverance these last months. Everyone in town knew of the attack at her shop. Few people could weather such a storm with grace, but grace was effortless for Sara. She was a true genteel lady, and the ton was finally recognizing it. He smiled in response.

  Lady Applebey passed by and said, “I have not seen you this happy in a while, Your Grace. She is lovely.”

  He nodded to Lady Applebey and leaned down and whispered into Sara’s ear, “Just keep moving, Sara. We are almost there.” He continued to guide her lightly toward the entrances to the boxes.

  “Well, Philip, so this is my replacement.”

  The familiar voice made his blood go cold. He turned and glared into Caroline’s eyes. How dare she interrupt them?

  She wore a slinky dress, toeing the rules of respectability, and stood arm in arm with a viscount of questionable ethics.

  “I see you have found another friend, Caroline. I wish you happiness.” He nodded with a smirk to her escort.

  Rather than introduce him to her escort, as decorum dictated, Caroline glared at Sara and said, “Aren’t you Lord Downey’s widow? That explains a few things to me. Beware of the man you’ve chosen. He is quite boring in the boudoir, if you understand my meaning. But I see you know what he’s worth. He must have given you that necklace. It looks like his taste.” She chuckled as she stared into Sara’s eyes.

  Sara blushed but held her head high. “Pardon me, but our relationship is none of your concern.”

  Her eyes never wavered from Caroline’s, and Philip could not have been prouder of her. He tightened his grip on Sara’s waist and tugged her closer. “Caroline, you wanted your freedom, you have it. Please be on your way.” As he guided Sara away from her, he could hear his ex-wife prattling on. Talking about him and Sara. But he found he didn’t care at all. She was a relic of his past, nothing more.

  He leaned into Sara and whispered, “You handled yourself well. Please don’t allow her to disturb you.”

  She glanced back at him. “We are creating quite a stir, Your Grace.”

  Philip raised one eyebrow as he ushered her into his box. “It’s of no concern to me. I’m more worried about you. Are you all right? Is your arm causing you much pain? I apologize for the crowd.”

  “I’m fine, Your Grace, thank you.”

  Sara noticed the box was almost completely full. She had expected it to be large, of course, but she had not anticipated there would be so many people. Phoebe and Ardleigh had already arrived. When she glanced past them, she was surprised to see both Philip’s mother and his sister, Emma. Both ladies stood to greet them.

  Sara quickly curtsied to his mother. “Good evening, Your Grace, it is lovely to see you again. Lady Emma, it is wonderful to see you as well.”

  Emma took her hand and squeezed it, nearly dancing in place with excitement. “Oh, Lady Downey,” she said. “I was so happy Philip, I mean, His Grace invited us tonight, especially when I found out you would be here. I’m wearing your gown! Or rather the one you made me. I’ve had so many compliments on it already. I think it’s my favorite. This is the most beautiful shade of blue, I believe. Or do you think a pastel shade would have looked better?”

  The dowager gave her daughter a quick tug. “Emma, please, you will wear everyone’s ears out the way you prattle on. Please, allow the lady a chance to breathe.”

  Mary St. James leaned over to embrace Sara. The position brought her close to Sara’s ear, and she leaned in and whispered, “I am so sorry for all of your troubles. Please trust that we shall help you in any way we can. You can trust my son as well.”

  Sara’s eyes misted as she thanked the duchess. Philip’s mother was so wonderful—she was all the things she had imagined her own mother to be. Overcome with emotion, she was barely able to manage a quick “thank you.”

  Philip leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Please, Mother, I would like to get Lady Downey seated. It was a bit busier than I anticipated. Perhaps we should have gotten here earlier. I fear her arm must be bothering her from all the jostling she suffered on our way here.”

  “I assure you, I am fine, Your Grace.” He showed her to her seat, next to Phoebe and Ardleigh, and she quickly got settled.

  Phoebe leaned over and exclaimed, “Sara, that necklace!”

  Sara blushed as she fingered the gems. “Yes, is it not stunning? A gift from the duke tonight. He wouldn’t allow me to refuse it.”

  “As you shouldn’t,” the duchess cut in. Philip sat between Sara and his sister, and the dowager duchess was next to Emma, in the preeminent seat in the box. “It appears to have been made just for you, Lady Downey. It is quite beautiful with your green eyes.” Smiling with something that looked like satisfaction, she turned to address her son. “Philip, you do have exquisite taste.”

  As the orchestra started, Emma leaned around Philip, beaming with excitement. “Do you like the opera, Lady Downey? I love it. It’s so romantic.”

  “I shall let you know, but I’m sure it will be wonderful. I haven’t been in a long time.” She smiled at Philip. “I’m excited to share this with you.”

  She glanced at the crowd in the seats below them, marveling again at the size of the crowd. Rarely had she been around this many people. But her attention was quickly engaged by the performers. She found herself in awe—the costumes, the lighting, the arias. She couldn’t help but smile at Philip every so often.

  Of course, the best part of the night was being close to the duke. When she did lock gazes with him, she was amazed at the warmth in his eyes. He didn’t try to hide his concern for her in front of his family and friends. During the intermissions, he made sure to include her in the conversation, and he was ever so attentive. She’d never seen him so relaxed or affable.

  A trifle belatedly, his brothers showed up. They didn’t admit to where they had been, but she was pleased to see the natural affection between the brothers. Philip’s ice was gone, melted for the night at least, and she’d never been happier.

  ***

  Even though it was spring, the nights were still cool. Sara huddled close to Philip as they awaited the ducal carriage. The duchess and Emma were still with them, but he’d sent his brothers ahead to find their carriage and their footmen. The Ardleighs had moved off to await their own carriage.

  “Philip, I don’t understand what the problem is tonight. Why is everything moving so slowly?” the duchess asked. Quite some time had passed, and there was still no sign of Graham, Adam, or Ben. Many other members of the ton had gathered outside, awaiting their carriages too. Sara found she didn’t mind at all. The air was a little crisp, but Philip was beside her, they were with his lovely family, and they’d had a most splendid night.

  “I’m not sure, Mother,” he said softly, glancing at Sara as if to gauge her mood. She smiled at him and he continued, “There seems to be some commotion going on down the block that is holding everything up. I sent Graham in one direction and Ben and Adam in the other. One of them should return soon, no doubt.”

  Emma beamed as she stared, quite openly, at the crowd gathered in front of the theater. “I don’t care, Mother. This allows us the chance to look at everyone. I like to see if I can guess which ladies are wearing Lady Downey’s designs. I think that red satin gown must be yours, is it not?” Emma pointed to a beautiful lady across the street from them.

  “Yes, you are correct.”

  Emma clapped her hands together and continued searching for anot
her gown she guessed to be her creation.

  Philip glanced around him and said, “That one. It has to be yours.”

  “It is, but how could you tell?” She had to wonder how a man would see her designs.

  “Your work stands out among the others. I have to agree that you have an unusual talent.”

  “And that one in dark blue must be yours, also,” Emma added, her eyes widened.

  “Yes, it is mine, Lady Emma. I so enjoyed creating it for her, she is…oh!”

  That scent…it could only come from one person. The person she’d thought she no longer need worry about. Sara swiveled around quickly, grabbing Philip’s lapel.

  “What?” He searched her face, sheer terror etched there. “What is it, Sara?”

  “He’s here.” She buried her face into his chest.

  “What’s wrong, Philip?”

  The duchess had posed the question, but Philip’s attention was completely on Sara. “Who? What are you talking about? Where?” He leaned down close while still casting his eyes about their surroundings.

  “Stinky. I can smell him.” Her voice broke, but she forced herself to keep talking. “Philip, he’s here.” She frantically searched the faces around her. “I don’t see him, but I smell him.” She tightened her grip on him. “Please don’t let him touch me!”

  Philip’s gaze searched the area. “Sara, I don’t see anyone unusual here. There’s no one dirty or inappropriately dressed. I don’t see anyone who would fit his description. Are you sure?” He leaned down into her ear as he tugged her in closer. “I won’t let him touch you, Sara. I am here.” He rubbed her back to console her.

  “Now, tell me again what he looks like,” he instructed.

  Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. She had to get herself under control. The last thing she wanted was for the dowager duchess to think she had lost her faculties. Although the smell was so distinct, so horribly familiar, she could be wrong. She could be imagining it.