Duke of fire

by Monroe, Jennifer

  However, when her eyes fell to the flame on the candle, she was reminded of the rumors. Then she laughed as she pushed aside the silly ideas that invaded her mind. She had to learn to trust the man who paid her wages, for he had yet to prove even a single rumor correct. She had never been a person to allow the words of others to decide the truth about another, and she was not going to start now.

  As sleep overtook her, she wondered what the morning, and their short excursion, would bring, and if she should be afraid.

  Chapter Eight

  Jane slipped the white gloves over each hand. Although they were not yet ragged, the cloth had become well-worn and she would need to replace them soon. They were nothing like a woman of the ton would wear, but she was not such a woman, so they would be acceptable for this outing.

  She gave herself one last look in the mirror and sighed. She had debated what she should wear and had finally chosen the blue dress again. Of course, she did not choose that particular dress to impress the man. It was her best dress and she would be in the company of a Duke. Was it not proper she wear her best dress in which to be seen while in the company a man of his standing? At least, that was her rationale.

  After their carriage ride, Jane planned to visit her cousin. The thought of seeing Anne and the conversations they would have brought a smile to her face. She had so much she wished to share with Anne, but she also had to adhere to the promise she had made to the Duke; she would not share that which was personal to him.

  As she made her way down the hall, she passed several servants, as well as the Duke’s valet, Duncan. A clean-shaven, scrawny man who raised his nose in the air as if everyone besides the Duke was beneath him, the man made no indication he had even noticed her, but he did tend to be distracted most of the time. As a matter of fact, few looked her way, all preoccupied with their own duties to take notice of her passing. However, she did see the slight glances her way from time to time, but it was public knowledge that she would be accompanying the Duke and Samuel today. Their tongues would wag despite what she might tell them, so she ignored their surreptitious glances and instead decided to enjoy the day.

  When she arrived at the front door, the Duke and Samuel were both waiting for her. They each wore a dark-blue coat and tan breeches with a white ruffled shirt, Samuel doing his best to imitate his father in every way. Although Jane had taken a brush to Samuel’s hair, the dark waves had begun to curl once again on top of his head and now appeared as if he had not touched a comb or brush in weeks.

  “Miss Harcourt,” the Duke said with a bow. Jane could not help but notice the way his broad chest stretched the coat tight or how his breeches fit snuggly on his legs.

  Samuel did his best to imitate his father, giving her a less confident bow than his father.

  Jane took her skirts in hand and dropped into a deep curtsy. “Your Grace,” she said before dropping into yet another curtsy. “Young Master.”

  Samuel made an attempt to stifle his giggles as Jenkins opened the door for the trio. The Duke gave her a smile and put his hand forth to allow her to be the first to pass through the front door. Outside sat a carriage adorned with the family crest on the door, much more elegant than the one that had taken her to Anne’s to collect her belongings. Stained a deep brown, the carriage could have carried six people quite comfortably and had lush cushions with matching curtains that were drawn closed. This did not surprise Jane, for she knew this first step would be difficult enough for the Duke without the worry of someone seeing him. Well, at least he was making an attempt to leave his property, that was enough for the time being.

  When the Duke took his seat across from her, she gave her a wide smile. Perhaps it was the excitement of leaving for a ride, or the thought of seeing Anne when they completed their excursion, but whatever the case, her cheeks burned and her breath caught in her throat. It certainly could not be the smile the Duke had for her.

  The carriage lurched into motion and Samuel giggled in delight as he pulled back the curtain to look outside. It occurred to Jane that not only was this the Duke’s first outing in many years, it was also Samuel’s first. How sad that a boy his age was confined to the property and not allowed to explore beyond its lines. Granted, the lands on which sat Wellesley Manor were quite large, but to see so much more would be of great benefit to such a young boy.

  “I do believe we could not have picked a better day for an outing,” the duke said with a smile. Jane gave a polite nod. “The weather is perfect, and I believe the roads will give us no trouble despite the rain the past few days.”

  “I believe you are right, Your Grace,” Jane replied with a glance out the window. “Notice how the birds are out, glad to enjoy it as much as we.”

  At the end of the drive, the carriage turned right onto the main road and the Duke took a sharp intake of breath. Although his posture was typically stiff, now it appeared to be rigid, unbendable. Samuel, however, only moved closer to the window and pressed his face to the glass to look out at the fields as they passed.

  Jane had a desire to ease the Duke’s mind, for his face was flushed and his hands grasped the handle on the inside of the door. “Are you enjoying the scenery, Your Grace?” Jane asked in an attempt to get him to look out the window and to ease his mind. However, his breathing had become hurried and the fear on his face worried her.

  “Samuel, I believe that if you were to sit here, that would make it easier for you to look out either side you prefer,” Jane said. Samuel readily agreed and wobbled when he stood to change places with her.

  “Look at that tree!” Samuel shouted. “There is the biggest nest I have ever seen. Might we come and see what kind of bird lives there?” He gave Jane such an excited look she could only agree.

  “Of course we will come,” she replied. However, the majority of her attention was on the Duke. She had to do something to ease his anxiety, but she was unsure as to how. She knew it was not a fear of the movement of the carriage that had him gripping the handle so tightly his knuckles turned white. Even with the curtains drawn on their side of the carriage, she knew he struggled with the fact that someone might see his face. Perhaps going too far from his home during this first outing was a mistake. No man, however, let alone a man of title, would ever admit to such fear, and Jane knew that any words she would say to console him would only embarrass him more than aid him.

  Yet, there was something she could do. With little movement, she eased her hand under the one which lay trembling at his side. At first, the hand was stiff and unyielding, but after a short time it began to close around hers.

  When the Duke turned toward her, Jane felt her breath catch as he gave her a single nod. Although he spoke no words, he did not need to, for the grateful look he gave spoke volumes. The feel of his hand in hers sent a bolt of exhilaration through her and for the first time in many years, she felt a peace she had long forgotten. It was as if all the troubles of the world had abandoned her, and somehow the Duke of Fire had taken them all away.

  Neither spoke a word as the carriage continued its trek down the road. From time to time, Samuel exclaimed about one thing or another but he took no notice of the hands clasped between them.

  And although it was silly and unbecoming of her to do so, she imagined for a moment what life would be living with this man in a capacity more than a governess. Learning more about him and enjoying his touch and the security it provided. For though she had meant to provide him with a sense of confidence by offering her hand, in all reality it was she who had received the enjoyment.

  Yet, dreams such as those were like the ones she had had as a child. There was never a chest of gold hidden away in the trunk of a tree waiting to be found, and she knew that dreams such as the love of a Duke for a woman such as she never did come true, for they were left to children to believe as much as silly women with unrealistic fantasies for their lives. Regardless, she held the hand and gave the man comfort, reveling in his nearness. Even though it would not last forever.

>   ***

  The carriage came to a stop, and Samuel bolted through the door and ran a short distance away, going straight to a large tree, his hand moving over the bark as if it held great fascination for him.

  “Father,” he said in an excited tone, “might I look around for a while?”

  “Yes, you may,” replied his father. “However, you must remain where I am able to see you.”

  Promising he would, Samuel walked over to another tree, once again inspecting the rough bark.

  Jane shook her head and laughed.

  “And what do you find so humorous, Miss Harcourt?” the Duke asked, though is tone held amusement.

  “Arthur, the son of the Earl, was the same,” she replied as she watched Samuel flit from tree to tree like some small bird. “He always wished to explore or look for animals. I see now that all young boys seek adventure when they can.”

  “I must admit that it is true. When I was his age, I, too, took every opportunity to leave the confines of my house and explore my family’s land.” He let out a sigh. “I never knew I would one day find the same enjoyment doing it as an adult.”

  Jane nodded, understanding what he meant by the words. “I am happy that you came out today, Your Grace,” she said. “I know Samuel is enjoying it and I presume you are, as well?”

  The Duke said nothing for several moments, the only sounds the laughter of Samuel as he moved around the small expanse of woods. It was a beautiful spot where they had stopped with numerous trees that surrounded a large patch of deep green grass that the sun had yet to turn brown.

  She wondered if she had spoken out of turn and was relieved when the Duke spoke.

  “Although we are not far from my estate, I must admit it feels as though I am far away.” He turned toward her. “Miss Harcourt, I speak no lies. I did consider your words all week, and they became a great encouragement to me.”

  Jane could not stop the smile that spread on her lips, and her heart went out to the man who stood before her.

  “I wish there was a way to repay your kindness.”

  She laughed before she could catch herself. “Your Grace, there is no need. I am glad to see you out here. Knowing that our outing has brought you joy is more than enough payment for me.”

  The Duke smiled. “You truly are a wonderful woman. You have brought a light to the life of both Samuel and me.”

  Without warning, Jane’s heart soared. For a moment, she imagined the man putting his arms around her and pulling him against his broad chest to hold her close. If he moved to do so, she knew she would be unable to stop him. Not because he was stronger than she, but because she would not wish to stop him.

  “I must admit that I feel the same. The fact that you have allowed me into your home has been a great honor, but to work with a child as bright and intelligent as Samuel is wonderful.”

  Several feet away, Samuel’s voice came to them and they let out a small laugh. The boy was having a conversation with one of the trees.

  “I have been thinking,” the Duke said. “In the short time you have been with us, you have become more than just a servant. You have become an important part of our family, not only for Samuel but for myself, as well.” He once again turned toward her, and she wondered if she would melt into the grass from the steadiness of his gaze. “I would like you to address me by my Christian name, which is Michael.”

  All breath left Jane’s lungs. To be asked to do something so intimate made her unsure, but he was a Duke. Could she stop herself from doing his bidding? Would she want to?

  “Thank you, Your…that is, Michael,” she said. The use of his given name rolled off her tongue easier than she had expected, even though she had almost used his title instead. “I feel honored that you would allow me to do so.” Her face was afire and she wondered if there was a stream nearby where she could simply jump in and cool herself before she smoldered to ash. Then it occurred to her that she had not returned the honor. How would her name sound from his lips? “If I am to use your Christian name, then perhaps you should use mine, as well.”

  The two stared at each other for several moments, neither speaking. The smells of nature wafted around them, and the sounds were muted in her ears. Although she had discounted any notion of romance in her life, for the first time, Jane began to wonder if love could be in store for her after all.

  Chapter Nine

  Michael watched as Jane stepped through the open gate and turned to close it behind her. She gave them a wave and then walked toward the small cottage at the end of the short drive. The woman’s beauty was unmatched, her skin flawless, her gray eyes alluring. She had awoken desires Michael had long thought gone, not just with her looks, but also with her words. She had a kindness about her and her voice was soothing. Her smile brought a light into an otherwise dark world to which Michael thought himself accustomed.

  As if she knew he was thinking of her, she turned one last time and smiled at him. He hid himself behind the curtain, of course, but she must have known he would be watching her walk away.

  Earlier, fear like none he had ever known gripped him as the carriage made its way out the front gate of his estate. His worry was for the chance meeting of someone he knew, or even for someone he did not know. He could almost hear the whispers coming from their carriages, disgust at his face, curiosity for the beast within. And during that storm, the kindest gesture came to him as Jane placed her hand beneath his. At first, he refused to allow his weakness to show, for any woman who saw his fear would believe less of him. He also did not wish to give the woman any false ideas. However, he found himself allowing his hand to close around hers, and although there had been no contact by skin—her gloves kept that from happening—it did not matter, for the peace she transferred to him soothed his very soul. It was as if she held a secret about strength and generosity that she was willing to share with him.

  His mind drifted further as the carriage made a turn to head back home. Standing beside the woman in the small clearing as Samuel played had relaxed Michael further. Somehow, with her by his side, he felt the madness that plagued him dissipate, leaving behind a calm he had not felt in many years. It was as if the man he had been before that fateful day so many years ago had returned, and despite the fact that more than likely he would return to hiding when the madman returned, he would enjoy it while it lasted.

  Then he smiled. A lady such as she—she did not come from title or wealth, but she was a lady nonetheless—added a much-needed light in not only his life, but in the life of his son.

  “I wish Miss Harcourt would return tonight,” Samuel said with a sigh, breaking Michael from his thoughts.

  “Is that so?”

  Samuel nodded sadly. “She makes me happy,” he said. Then he sat up straight and looked ahead. “And she is a good teacher.”

  Michael chuckled. “That she is,” he replied.

  The carriage turned onto the road that led to their house. Although he did not want to admit it to his son, he was going to miss Jane, as well, even if she was only away for one night. He let out a small laugh. He would fool no one but himself if he thought she was more than just a governess. The more he thought on how quickly they had grown close, the more surprised he was with himself. However, he knew in his heart it was right. He would have her join them for every meal, as if she were a part of the family, for that was how he saw her, a member of their family. To allow the woman to call him by his given name was ludicrous, but it felt right and moved in the direction he wished to take. No, in the direction he needed to take. He longed to love again, to have a wife and a mother for Samuel.

  Yet, he knew that a woman as beautiful as she could never fall in love with a man who was as scarred as he. He was revolting to most but especially to himself. He knew in his heart that she was not a woman who could be bought or who would be influenced by title or position, for if she were, she would not have spurned the Earl’s advances. Many women were set up with apartments by their employers when they became mor
e than servants, and she could easily have used that to get what she wanted. However, she had left instead, without a reference and without severance. She had not told him any of this, but he had ways of learning these things.

  No, Jane was one who would marry only for love, and he found himself jealous for the man who would win her heart.

  “Your Grace,” the driver said, startling Michael back to the present. The carriage had stopped in front of Wellesley Manor, and the door was already open. With a nod, Michael exited the carriage and was shocked to see his brother Robert waiting at the top of the steps.

  “Robert. What brings you to my home today?” Michael said as he climbed the stairs.

  Robert wore a sour look and grimaced at Samuel. “You should go to your room. Your father and I have some things to discuss.”

  Samuel gave his uncle a puzzled look and then turned to Michael, who gave him an encouraging nod. The boy bounded through the front door but glanced back before disappearing up the stairs.

  Once the boy was gone, Robert turned back to Michael. “We had a meeting scheduled at two,” he snapped. “I have other things I could be doing without wasting my time here waiting on you to return from who knows where.”

  Michael searched his brain for any memory of a meeting for today with Robert, or anyone else for that matter, and found none. “There was no meeting scheduled for today,” he said. A feeling of frantic alarm poured over him, covering as thoroughly as any hot oil dumped over him from a murder hole could have. And it burned just as hot in his mind.

  His brother took no note of his agitation, however. “I told you on my return from London that I would be here at two. Do you not remember?” It was then that he realized how he had spoken, for he reached out a hand and placed on Michael’s shoulder. “Worry not, Brother. It is of no consequence.”

  “But it is,” Michael whispered, the magic of the day now gone as the reality of his madness returned. When he looked into Robert’s eyes, he saw the pain reflected, all caused by the malady Michael carried.