An Unlikely Duchess Read online

  “Edward,” she began in a conciliatory tone, “you know that I would not ask you to do anything you do not want to do. If you have set your mind against Lady Caroline, then we will explain to the Carringtons at the end of our visit and go our separate ways. I am certain they would not hold you to the contract.”

  “My visit is ending today, Mother.”

  “What?”

  “I will not remain here any longer, knowing what is expected of me and knowing that I will be disappointing these excellent people at the end of it all. I have no wish to hurt anybody’s feelings and it will do no good to stay and prolong the inevitable.”

  “Well, of course dear, if that is what you wish.”

  There was a somewhat awkward silence. Edward was brooding and the dowager was contemplating the best way to phrase her next questions.

  “Lady Rebecca seems to be a lovely young lady.”

  Edward’s head snapped up and the mention of that lady and the dowager felt a spurt of triumph. She knew her son better than he thought.

  “Yes, she does,” was the curt reply.

  “And how beautiful she is.”

  A grunt this time.

  “Her voice was so wonderful to listen to.”

  A cough.

  “I did not get a chance to speak with her for long. Is she a pleasant gel? She certainly seems to be.”

  “How should I know?” Edward asked quickly. Too quickly?

  “Why, you spent so long speaking to her, dearest. I thought you would have formed some sort of opinion.”

  Edward spluttered for a moment or two, most unlike him, before finally answering;

  “What makes you think I spoke to her for long?”

  Was that a blush?

  “She told you of the contract did she not? I assumed you had conversed for a while beforehand, or did she accost you in the hallway and blurt it out?”

  The dowager found herself rather enjoying this. It wasn’t every day her unshakeable son was shaken!

  “Well, yes we spoke for — that is to say, we didn’t. There was some conversation. Brief. Well, not very brief. Long enough for it to have come up in the course of the conversation at least.”

  The dowager smiled knowingly as Edward’s rambling came to a halt.

  “I see,” she offered mildly.

  Edward jumped up from his seat.

  “This is ridiculous,” he blurted. “Can I not enjoy a pleasant meal without being interrogated in this fashion?”

  “You haven’t eaten dear,” his mother answered mildly.

  “I am not hungry,” he answered sullenly. “I am going for an early morning ride. To clear my head. It isn’t unclear, I just — want to.”

  With that, he bowed and turned on his heel, marching from the room as though highly insulted.

  How very interesting, the dowager smiled. It was a great shame he had fixed on leaving. She would have liked to see how he interacted with the lovely Lady Rebecca.

  ****

  Edward stomped from the house and toward the stables.

  He knew he had acted childishly and had thus created problems for himself. His mother was bound to be curious about his unusual reaction to the mere mention of Lady Rebecca’s name.

  It did not help matters that he’d gotten no sleep last night thinking about the girl sleeping mere feet from him.

  Even if his mind tried to forget her, his body had different ideas and he’d spent the night tossing and turning and in a fit of frustration that did little to alleviate his foul humour.

  Calling for one of Ranford’s stallions, Edward muttered a few choice curses to himself while he waited for the horse to be readied.

  His consolation was that he would be leaving shortly and would be able to put this whole sorry mess behind him.

  He was quite sure that Lady Caroline would be married off within the year. As soon as she was given a Season she was sure to be snapped up. She was beautiful, pleasant and possessed a huge dowry, smart enough, too, not to be taken in by fortune hunters and rakes he would warrant. Yes, she would do just fine.

  As will Lady Rebecca, whispered that damnable voice that would not shut up last night. Blast it! He did not want to think about her marrying. Belonging to another. Sharing another’s bed. The thought made him feel murderous.

  How would she fair during a Season? She would be the toast of the ton, no doubt about it. Her beauty alone would have men falling to their knees. She was sure to be a firm favourite with the other debutantes too, if only because they could not resist a whiff of scandal.

  And she would be scandalous. Gloriously so. Town would be as obsessed with her as he was beginning to be.

  He almost groaned aloud as he thought of the type of trouble she could get herself into.

  Rebecca may be a little wild but she was still an innocent and he could well imagine her being taken in by the rakes who would see her as a challenge.

  His blood boiled as he thought about her being compromised. Certainly those types of men would appeal to her reckless character. She would be ruined before her first ball!

  He needed to calm down. There had been no mention of her even having a Season. And when she did, it would not be his problem.

  He would just make sure he wasn’t there to witness half the ton falling in love with her. It wasn’t that he cared, he just… did not want to be there.

  He had spent time enough last night with his mind occupied by that lady. He would dwell on these thoughts no longer.

  As soon as he cleared the grounds he set his horse on a gallop towards the woods planning to explore some of the beautiful estate before he left it.

  The animal was obviously glad of the exercise and Edward gave him his head as they raced towards the trees.

  When they reached the edge, Edward slowed the horse down and began a steady walk through the canopy of trees.

  Shortly he passed by a lone man making his way out of the cluster of trees. From his attire, Edward guessed that he was a farmer and he was surprised to find him walking here at this hour. Surely there was work to be done for the farmers at this time. That was certainly the case with Edward’s own tenant farmers.

  The man shot him a thunderous look, which surprised him. He had never cared much for propriety, at least not the sort that made others feel inferior to him but open hostility was not something he was used to.

  Edward pulled the horse to a stop and bid the man good morning. His curiosity was piqued.

  Rather than return the greeting however, the man merely growled, “The lady don’t want to be disturbed. Leave her alone,” then turned on his heel and continued on.

  What an odd character. Which lady? Edward hadn’t intended to follow the path the farmer had come from but now he was curious and wanted to know who the farmer had been referring to.

  He must remember to enquire as to whom that was. Edward hadn’t liked him. There was something altogether menacing about him.

  He made his way down the path, which sloped downwards before bending to the left. He allowed his mind to wander once again to Lady Rebecca. He was exhausted from fighting it, to be frank, and nobody was privy to his thoughts so he might as well get it out of the way before he had to see her later today.

  He was brought up short, by the most extraordinary sight in front of him. Half a woman’s body. Dangling over a wall. What in the blazes?

  His blood began to stir as he took in the scene. He would recognise that body anywhere since it had kept him from sleep and all sensible thought since yesterday afternoon.

  Lady Rebecca!

  Once again in a dangerous and totally scandalous situation. His gaze swept the scene in front of him and his body jumped to the type of attention that was decidedly uncomfortable when seated on a damned horse.

  How did she manage these things? She was wiggling rather deliciously, presumably trying to get down from the wall. What she was doing up there in the first place, he had no idea.

  He was fast learning the futility of guessin
g anything when it came to the hoyden.

  He was torn once again between anxiety for her safety and amusement at the sight of a grown woman hanging off a wall.

  His eyes took in the shapely ankles and calves scandalously exposed by her position. Dear God! Thank the heavens he was leaving. He could not stand to be around such temptation for very much longer.

  Although, he’d certainly miss the views.

  Deciding that he’d done enough leering, Edward cleared his throat to offer his assistance.

  He needed to get her off that wall and away from him as fast as possible.

  For both their sakes.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Lady Rebecca,” Edward called, jumping from the horse and moving slowly toward her.

  Rebecca froze in the act of wriggling which disappointed him, since it had been so entertaining to watch. He could watch her all day.

  There was a beat of silence before he heard an audible sigh of defeat.

  “Good morning, your grace,” her voice floated toward him.

  His face broke out in a grin. He could not help it. Was she really going to adhere to social niceties when she was halfway over a wall?

  “Good morning, my lady,” he answered politely.

  Another silence. He should not drag it out but he really was enjoying himself.

  “Lovely day, is it not?” she asked conversationally.

  Edward could not help it; he gave a shout of laughter as he stepped closer.

  “I wonder if I may be of assistance Lady Rebecca.”

  “Oh no, that is quite alright, thank you.”

  “Do you plan to stay here then?”

  “Er – well, no.”

  “And can you get yourself down?”

  This time the sigh was followed by a very unladylike curse that had Edward laughing in silent amusement.

  “No, your grace” she answered in a small voice.

  “Then, I will assist you, yes?”

  “Oh very well then. Yes.”

  “Now, that is not very gracious, my lady.”

  He could imagine the thunderous expression on her face, but since he could not see the top half of her body he could not confirm it.

  “My apologies, your grace,” she sounded as if her teeth were clenched, “I would be eternally grateful if you would be so kind as to assist me.”

  “I would be honoured,” he answered, smiling. He’d seen flashes of that temper the night before. She was hot headed, no doubt about it. And he was hot blooded. The combination was as dangerous as it was intriguing.

  He was still smiling at her predicament as he tethered the horse and moved back to where she balanced.

  He sobered greatly however, when he neared her. The only possible way to do this would be to climb up and lift her into his arms. He wasn’t sure he could handle holding her body again without completely losing his mind.

  But it was either that or leave her hanging there.

  He cleared his throat nervously.

  “Lady Rebecca, I believe I shall have to climb up and lift you from the wall. Is that — would that be acceptable to you?”

  “Your grace,” she answered from over the wall, “I am hanging upside down over a garden wall. I hardly think now is the time to worry about my delicate sensibilities.”

  He snorted with laughter. “Perhaps not.”

  “It is not funny,” she bit out angrily.

  “Of course not, I apologise.”

  Rebecca remained silent for a moment before answering. “I suppose it is rather funny,” she conceded.

  “A little, yes.”

  Her sudden burst of laughter filled the air and made him smile in response.

  She was the only woman he’d ever met who would laugh at herself. Of course, she was also the only woman he’d ever met who would climb statues and walls and get stuck on both!

  “Let us begin.”

  Rebecca’s face flamed as she felt the duke climb up behind her and suddenly all traces of amusement left her. The air between them seemed to crackle with tension once again.

  How was it possible that she had humiliated herself so utterly and completely twice in as many days in front of this man?

  She could only imagine what must have appeared in front of his eyes when he rounded the corner.

  At least he did not seem disapproving, which was a relief. If anything, it sounded like he was thoroughly enjoying himself, damn the man. Of course, now he was also standing at the wall with his large body pressed shockingly against hers.

  Her heart pounded. If anyone was to happen by she would be utterly ruined. So why did she not care?

  “My lady,” his voice was low, a mere whisper that tickled her neck. Rebecca shivered in reaction. Oh God, she needed to get away from him. She had promised herself last night that she would do her utmost to avoid him.

  And yet, here she was completely at his mercy and filled with a longing so strong it made her want to weep.

  “I need to wrap my arm around your waist and lift you down. Do you understand?” His voice was hoarse and gravelly and tearing her nerves to shreds. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  She felt him lean over and grasp her tightly around the waist. Surely he did not expect to be able to lift her whole body weight with one arm?

  She was just about to ask him what he intended to do when she felt herself lifted bodily from the wall. His strong arm held her in a vice-like grip. She was pulled back tightly against his chest as he began the short descent down the wall.

  She felt solid ground beneath her feet but made no move to turn or even to leave the cocoon of his arm. Truthfully, she did not trust herself to move, to even breathe.

  Something beyond her ability to understand was happening to her.

  And though she believed him when he said he did not intend to wed her sister, it did not matter. Her sister would be bitterly disappointed. As would her parents. His mother too, probably.

  Plus, he had given no indication that he felt anything for her. It had been a mere kiss. She was sure that he had kissed countless women before her. Even if the thought made her want to stomp on his foot, it was still true. It must be. He was the most eligible man in the peerage for goodness sake!

  This entire thing was a complete mess and she needed to distance herself from it. And him. Hide away until she could escape to London, get herself married and forget these ridiculous notions.

  Rebecca started when his hands reached up to grasp her shoulders. He turned her to face him.

  “Are you well?” he asked, concern was stamped across his face as his eyes raked over her.

  Not trusting herself to speak, she merely nodded, unable to tear her eyes from him.

  “Rebecca,” he groaned, sounding as though he were in pain. “Do not look at me like that. I only have so much control.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you are remembering our kiss. Like you wish for me to kiss you again.”

  She gasped at his bluntness.

  “I am not,” she insisted albeit in a whisper.

  “Oh but you are. Those eyes, eyes a man could drown in, they give you away.”

  Good lord the man was far too charming, far too irresistible.

  “You are mistaken, your grace.”

  He hadn’t released her and she’d made no attempt to move away. Funny how the grip of one man could strike abject fear into her heart but this man’s touch felt like coming home.

  “Let’s see then, shall we?”

  Rebecca froze, torn between a desire so strong she could weep and complete panic. Had she not promised herself that she would stay away from him? Had she not told herself over and over of that to harbour dreams about him was futile? Yet here she was, about to be kissed and unable to do anything about it.

  She had almost convinced herself that last night had been a fluke. That her reaction had been down to the fact that it had been her first kiss. She knew now, that she was very much mistaken. If anything, she wanted hi
m even more.

  His lips descended slowly toward hers and Rebecca closed her eyes in anticipation.

  “My lady!”

  The shout broke through the haze of longing surrounding them and Rebecca stumbled back, away from his touch.

  Once again they stared at each other, neither knowing quite what to say.

  “Rebecca,” Edward started to speak but she stopped him with a delicate hand raised.

  “Please. Do not.”

  “We cannot just—”

  “My lady,” the voice was nearer now and within seconds Martin’s head had appeared over the wall.

  “You scared the wits out of us, my lady,” he scolded but his grin was firmly in place.

  Rebecca smiled in response.

  “Ah, but how many times have I had the wits scared out of me, young man? It is only fitting that I should get my own back one day.”

  “Mam says to come up to the house. She is back from the village.” Martin blatantly ignored the duke’s presence which gave Rebecca much amusement. She wondered if he’d ever been ignored before and decided that it was very doubtful.

  “I shall come directly.”

  Martin whistled tunelessly as he made his way back up the garden path to the small cottage where Mrs. O’Dwyer awaited their arrival.

  The silence was thick with everything that was unsaid between them.

  Rebecca decided the best way to handle it was to ignore it and hope that it went away. This was a method that, admittedly, had never worked in the past. But the alternative was to spend more time in his presence and, honestly, she wasn’t sure how long she could bear that.

  “Right then. My thanks again, your grace, for your assistance. Good day to you.”

  She turned to leave but he sidestepped swiftly and rather neatly blocked her way.

  “Allow me to escort you, my lady.”

  She eyed him sceptically.

  “Up a garden path?”

  “The idea may seem silly but you forget, I’ve seen, twice now, what you get up to when left to your own devices. My conscience will not allow me to leave you unattended. Even if it is only up a garden path.”

  She hadn’t liked that, Edward thought with amusement, as her eyes narrowed menacingly. He was reminded again of the kitten trying to be fierce.