ALSOBYMARIAHSTONE
DUKESANDSECRETS(REGENCYROMANCE)
Whenthe Duke BoughtaWife (Prequel)
AllDuke andBothered
HerRake Fiancé
ProjectDuke
BettingAgainstthe Scoundrel
Boxset
Dukes andSecrets -The Complete Series
CALLEDBYAHIGHLANDERSERIES(TIMETRAVEL):
Sìneag(FREEshortstory)
Highlander’s Captive
Highlander’s Secret
Highlander’s Heart
Highlander’s Love
Highlander’s Christmas (novella)
Highlander’s Desire
Highlander’s Vow
Highlander’s Bride
Highlander’s Protector
Highlander’s Claim Highlander’s Destiny
Christmas Reunion
Boxsets
CalledbyaHighlanderBooks 1-4(ClanCambel)
CalledbyaHighlanderBooks 5-7(ClanMackenzie)
CalledbyaHighlanderBooks 8-10(ClanMacDonald)
CALLEDBYAVIKINGSERIES(TIMETRAVEL):
Viking’s Temptation(prequel) grabforfree!
Viking’s Desire
Viking’s Claim
Viking’s Bride
Viking’s Love
Viking’s Captive
Boxset
CalledbyaViking-The Complete Series
Age ofWolves
Age ofIce
Age ofFire
Boxset
Fated-The Complete Series
CALLEDBYAPIRATESERIES(TIMETRAVEL):
Treasure
Pleasure
ACHRISTMASREGENCYROMANCE:
Prince
Pirate’s
Pirate’s
HerChristmas
To Dezi... who loves peonies and who inspired me to write about dukes.
August1812
“Iwillbedyoutonight”
Thebaronet’svoicewasrough,commanding,andstern,andEmmasqueezedherfoldedhandssotightherknuckleshurt.
DeterminationhardenedherhusbandSirJasperBardsley’spuffyfaceinthesemidarknessofthecarriage,thebrightlightof thewarmdaynever reachinghisfeatures.Thefloor oftheshabbycarriagerattledanddippedunder her feet,thenroseagain sharply,makingEmma’s stomachdrop andcausinga momentaryonslaughtofnausea. The upholsteryonthe ceilingwas torn andhanging,sheep’swoolprotrudedfromholesintheseats,andthebrownpaintonthedoorwaschipped.
“I’mnotfeelingwell,”shesaid.
Itwastrue Thethoughtofhavingherhusbandofoneyeartouchherintimatelyorotherwisemadeherfeelill
“Let me guess.” He crossed his arms over his round stomach and stretched his thin, buckskin-covered legs until his fashionableridingbootstouchedthebenchshesaton “Youhaveyourcourses?”
Sheinhaledsharply,worrymakingherchestriseandfallquickly.Whenhadsheusedthatexcusepreviously?Couldithave beenamonthago?
“Ido,”shesaid
Hisbootshitthefloorwithathump,andheleanedforward,restinghiselbowsonhisknees.Hisexpressionwasmenacing. “Mydear,yousaidthesamethingjusttwoweeksago”
He’dcaughther.Theybothknewherexcusesforrefusinghimintoherbedthepastsixmonthswerejustthat…excuses.
Asasmallgirl,theeldestdaughterofapoorbutperfectlyrespectablegentleman,shehaddreamedaboutahappymarriage She didn’tneeda richmanor a manwitha title.All she wantedwas a home full ofchildrenwitha husbandshe lovedand respected.
Instead,she’dmarriedSirJasperBardsley
“Ineedanheir,Emma,”hesaid.“Youmustgivemeone.Thatis your duty as mywife.Andsofar,youhave notbeena goodone Youdisobey,disrespect,anddefyme The entire weekwe spentatCross Manor,younever paidme a momentof attention,andyetyouhappilychattedwitheverypersoninSirLionell’scompany.”
Helpless frustrationboiled inEmma’s stomach The walls ofthe carriage shrankaround her, and itfelttiny Like a dark prisoncellwithnowayout.Herchestconstrictedasshestruggledtobreathe.
Cravingair,andneedingamomenttocomposeherself,shelookedoutofthewindow.Theywerepassingthroughasmall village witha livelymarketsquare called Clovham Cows, goats, horses, chickens, geese, and evendogs were beingsold Boothswereburstingwithvegetablesandotherproduce.
Inaboutfourmorehours,she’dbebackintheprisonofherdomesticlifeinBardsleyHouse,andshe’dbeabletowashthe grimeoftheroadoffherselftogetherwiththehumiliationshe’dexperiencedthewholeweektheyhadspentatthehouseparty atCrossManor.
“Youarenotagreathusband, either,SirJasper,”shesaidwithoutlookingathim. Hescoffed.“Thatissounfair.Igiveeverythingtoyou.Youhaveagoodhouse,anincome,andIamtheonesuggestingyou renewyourwardrobeaccordingtothelatestLondonfashion”
She glared at him, feeling her chest heave, barely able to contain her anger. Of course she’d refused renewing her wardrobe He was happyto frivolouslyspend moneyonhis clothes while their estate crumbled around themfromlackof funds.Shegraspedtheedgeoftheupholsteredbench,herfingernailsscrapingthefrayingtextile.
“Thatmeansyouwanttoparademewithmybreastsoutthereforeveryonetosee.” “Whynot?LadyKinleadoesit,andyouhavealmostasprettyabosomasshedoes.” Emma’scheeksblazed.Shehadneverfeltassmallandinsignificantinherlife.
ShehadalottosayaboutLadyKinlea,aprettyandelegantmemberoffashionableLondonsociety,whohadthreebeautiful childrenEmma had adored. LadyKinlea couldn’tstop flirtingwithSir Jasper, rightinfrontofher ownhusband and Emma.
ThoughwhyLadyKinleawouldwantSirJasper’sattention,Emmahadnonotion.
“Womentell eachother things theydon’ttell men,”hesaid.“Iaskedyoutomakefriends withher andfindoutthelatest London gossip so that I can make useful connections and invest wisely Instead, you ran around with her children You embarrassedme.”
Emmastoppedagasp “Iembarrassed you?”
Justthreedaysago,EmmahadseenadisheveledandflusteredSirJasperandLadyKinlealeavingarosebush.Shewasn’t surprisedSirJasperhadalover Heprobablyhadmorethanone Butshedidn’tfeelastabofjealousy Orapinchofhurt On the contrary,she was lightwithrelief.Ifhe foundhis satisfactionelsewhere,chances were he wouldn’tbother her for some time.
ButSirJasperignoredherquestion Hisround,perfectlyshavedcheeksreddenedwithanger,hissmallgrayeyesglistening withmalice.“Willyouletmeintoyourbedtonight,madam?Yesorno?”
She’dbedamnedifshelethimevertouchher Shelookedoutofthewindow again Inthemidstofcropstubble,farmers andtheir childrenworkedthefields,collectingthehayandthrowingitontostacks.Occasional bushes andtrees splitfields. Sheepandcowsgrazedonpastures,andthescentofmanureandfreshlycutgrassreachedEmma Shewouldhappilygiveup herstationandworkinthosefieldstoescapeherbruteofahusband.
She’dmarriedhimtohelpherfamily,ofcourse.Herpapa’ssmallestatebroughtbarelyenoughincometomakeendsmeet, andnoneofthefourdaughtershadmuchofadowrytospeakof WhenSirJasperBardsleyexpressedhisinterestinEmmaat oneofthecountryballs,despiteherpoorprospects,Emmasawhopebloominhermama’sandpapa’seyesforthefirsttimein years Quiteunusually,insteadofexpectingadowry,SirJasperhadofferedherfatherownershipofsomeofhislands,which wouldbringincomeandbettermarriageprospectstohersisters.
Howcouldsherefusesuchanoffer,evenifitmeantgivingupherdreamsofmarryingforlove?
Whenwould another gentlemanwitha good name make anoffer thatwould actuallyadd income instead ofdemandinga dowry?
Butone year later, she cringed atthe thoughtofher husband’s touch, and her father was yetto see the deeds to the land owedtohim.Sheknewnowthatheneverwould…
Her husband expected her to cower To submit To lethimdictate everythingabouther Legally, as a wife, she was his property.
Only,she’dneverlethimcrushher,nevershowhimthehurthiswordscaused. Therefore,shesmiled.“AsItoldyou,Ihavemycourses.Youcannotbedmetonight.”
She saw the exactmomentSir Jasper snapped. He snarled ina helpless rage. His teethbared, thenhe stared outofthe window
“Eventheylookhappierthanyoumakeme,”hesaid,andEmmafollowedhisgaze.Theywereapproachingapigstywhere aswineherdandhiswifewerechattingastheyshoveledmanureoutofthehogpen
Sir Jasper kept talking. “You are a bad wife. You fail to do your duty obey and make your husband happy. You’re ungrateful.You’realso,nodoubt,frigid.Whyelsewouldyoudenysomethingsomanywomenaremorethanhappytoindulge inwithme?Ibetahundredpoundsyouwouldcometovalueyourhusbandifyoutriedthatlife!”Hepointedatthecoupleand grewsilent,hiseyesalight.
“Infact,thatiswhatyouneed,”hesaidwithaspitefulgrin “Alesson”
Withhiswalkingstick,heknockedonthewallbehindEmma,andthecarriagestoppedrightinfrontofthepigsty. Emma’sstomachchurnedwithnerves “Whatevercanyoumean,SirJasper?” Hegotoutandthrewoverhisshoulder,“Comewithme.” Heheadedtowardstheswineherdandhiswife.
Withasinkingfeelinginherstomach,Emmafollowedhim Shehadnoreasontobealarmed,notyet Thegrasswassoft underhershoesasshewalked,andshelaidherhandoverherbonnetasastrong,coolbreezeblew,bringingapungentstinkof pigsandmanure Shesuppressedagag
Anunassumingdwellinghousewithwallsofroughstoneandathatchedroofstoodafew feetaway,withsmallwindows andaweather-battereddoor Therewasawoodenshedtwentyorsofeetawaynexttoanotherstonebuildingwithalargegate, clearlyforanimals.Thewholefarmwassurroundedbyawoodenfence.Thegruntingandoinkingoftwodozenpigswasloud intheair.
As she approached Sir Jasper, he talked to the couple Theywere bothintheir forties, and their tired, weathered faces weredarkfrombeingexposedtothesunandhaddirtysmudges.Thewoman’scapwasoldandpatched,andher uncombed, grayishhairwasblownaboutbythewind
“Howmuchwouldyoulikeforyourclothes?”askedSirJasper.
“Whydoyouneedtheir ”startedEmma,butSirJasperinterruptedher. “Wouldtwopenniesbesufficient?”SirJasperasked.
Twopennieswouldbuythemtwopintsofmilk.Thatcouldn’tbeallthatthoseclotheswereworth.SirJasperwasamiser.
“Begyourpardon,mylord,whateverfor?”askedtheman,scratchinghisunevenbeard. Emmaclaspedatherneck.SirJasperhadsaidsomethingaboutalesson…andnowhewantedtobuytheirclothes,stinking ofmanureandcakedindirt
“ItisforthemarketinClovham,”saidSirJasper.“WejustpasseditbyandIsawtheysellcattle.”SirJasperlookedher overandgrinnednastily “DotheyholdtotheoldEnglishtraditionandsellwivesthere,too?” AchillranthroughEmma’slimbs.
“Sometimes,”saidtheswineherd,narrowinghiseyesinconfusion “Thefarmfolkdoes Threeyearsago,thecowherdsold hiswifetotheblacksmith.He’dbeenunhappywithherandfoundhersinningwiththeblacksmith.Thechildrenstayedwiththe cowherd,ofcourse.”
AlookoftriumphhadSirJasperstraighteninghisshouldersashelookedather “Excellent LadyBardsley,youdon’tfind yourhappinesswithme.Perhapsyou’llfinditwithablacksmith.”
Themouthsoftheswineherdandhiswifefellopen Emma’sskintingled,andcoldhithercore Themostunladylikebark oflaughterescapedherthroat.“Youarenotserious,SirJasper.”
“Iassureyou,Iam”
Sheheldthegazeofhispallid,rodent-likeeyes.Shesawitthen.Thebluff.Thefearbehindhistriumphandcontempt.He’d neverreallysellher.Hewasabaronet,notapeer,buthistitlewashereditary.Heneededher,aproperlyraisedgentleman’s daughter,togivehimanheir
Histhreatwasempty.Hesimplywantedtoteachheralesson.Itwasquiteaneffectivemethod,shethought,asherstomach sankwithworry “Verywell,SirJasper Sellmetoablacksmith,then”
Sir Jasper nodded, and then everything was a blur. The woman, who introduced herself as Harriet, led Emma and Sir Jaspertothehouse.
“Wouldyoulikesomethingclean,mylady?”Harrietasked,eyeinghersideways.
“No,”SirJasperansweredforher.“Iwanthertosmellasfoulasyoudo.”
Emmachangedinsidethehouse,theunderdressandthedressandapronfeelingdustyandhardagainstherskin,thesmellof pig’s manure clinging to her so that she struggled to inhale fully. For a complete disguise, Sir Jasper donned Freddie the farmer’sclothes
StandinginfrontofFreddie’shorseandcart,whichSirJasperhadrentedsothattheymightarrivetoClovhamlikeareal farmerandhiswife,heputaropearoundEmma’sneck.
“Tradition,”hesaid,tyingthenoose.“Awifemustbeledforsalelikecattle.Servesyouright.”
Her chemise itched. It was too short for her height, and her bare ankles were exposed. The rope scratched her neck, a suffocatingreminderofherhusband’sownershipoverher
Theeviltriumphonhisfacemadebileriseinherstomach.“ThiswillshowyouwhatanexcellenthusbandIhavebeen.Try thelifeofarealswineherd’swife,LadyBardsley”
Lookingsatisfied ather humiliation, Sir Jasper told her to hop onto the cart, thensatonthe driver’s seatand drove her to Clovham. When he stopped near the market square, he jumped off the cart and came to fetch her. As he helped her to descend,alookofexcitementwasaddedtohistriumphantexpression
Hepulledherafterhimbytherope.“SirJasper,wouldyoufinallystop?”sheasked. Withoutreplying,hetuggedharder,andshepracticallyfellforward
Theywalkedamongafewboothswithbundlesofherbs,jarsofhoney,jams,andjellies,aswellascandles,cakesofsoap, andbeeswax Othermerchantsplacedcrateswithcarrots,parsnips,potatoes,cabbages,fish,freshgame,andmeatrightonthe dirt-packedgroundofthemarketplace.Therewerealsocowsandsheepanddonkeysforsale.Themarketwasbysurrounded by neat stone cottages with white-paned windows where various shops tempted townsfolk and those who had come from nearbyfarms and villages;ribbons, hats, and gloves could be seenthroughthe glass, as well as fabrics, porcelaincups and plates,andothergoods.
Thesquarewasloudwithmerchantscalling,peoplenegotiating,laughing,chatting Sheepbleated,cowsmooed,donkeys brayed. Itsmelled like manure, herbs and vegetables, and fish. As Emma walked, her stomachsqueezed as curious glances landedonher Somepeoplesteppedasideasshepassedby,theirfaceswincingindisgust Nowonder Shestank
Anemptycartstood inthe middle ofthe square, and Sir Jasper climbed onto itand pulled Emma up behind him. They stoodtallerthaneveryoneelse,forthewholemarkettosee.
SirJasperturnedtoherandsaid,“Sayyouwilltakemebacktoyourbed,andallthiswillbeover”
Shestraightenedherback.Sherefusedtobecoercedintosexualrelationswithanyone,evenherhusband.
Whenshesaidnothing,hefilledhislungswithairandyelled,“Wifesale!Wifesale!Biddingstartsatonepenny Forthe costofapintofmilkyoucanhaveher!”
Embarrassmentheatedhercheeksasdozensofpairsofmaleeyeslandedonher.Andthenitturnedtocoldhorrorwhena crowdofbutchers,farmers,herdsmen,fishermen,andlaborersgatheredaroundthecart,interestedandagitated.
Andthebidsbegan.
“Wifesale!Wifesale!”
Sebastian Rockliffe, Duke of Loxchester, sipped cordial from a cup as he stood next to the tavern where he and his company, two Seatonbrothers, had stopped for lunchand refreshments ontheir wayto London. He looked around the busy marketsquare,butcouldn’tseethestrangeauctionthatappearedtobeunderway.
His bestfriend, Lord PrestonSeaton, cocked a single darkeyebrow, craninghis neckto see pastthe boothsellingwax candles.
“Spencer,anyinterest?”heaskedhisolderbrother,theDukeofGrandhampton,aglimmerofhumorinhisblackeyes ThedukeglaredatPreston.Bothbrothersweretall,dark-haired,andolive-skinnedaftertheirdeceasedmother,whowasa Spanish heiress with blood ties to the Spanish royal family Grandhampton, who enjoyed regular boxing, was bigger and bulkierthanPreston,whopreferredfencing.
“Ihaven’tyetfallensolowastoneedingtobuyawife,haveI?”Grandhamptonsaid,foldinghismassivearmsacrosshis chest “Besides,Ialreadyhavesomeoneinmind,andyouknowit”
Preston’shumordisappearedandhissmoothlyshavenjaw worked.“IamawareofyourinterestinMissBeckett.Thatis exactlywhyIasked Atleastafarmer’swifewouldn’tbeafortunehunter”
“MissBeckettisnotafortunehunter,”saidGrandhamptonthroughgrittedteeth. Sebastianknewthisargumenthadbeengoingonforseveralmonths.LordRichard,theiryoungerbrother,wouldhavefound a wayto dissipate the heated discussion, but Sebastianhad no capacityfor it. He had his ownconflict to resolve backin London.
Beinganonlychildandtheheirtohisfather’stitle,hewasboundbyobligation
HismotherhadsummonedhimtoLondon,eventhoughthewholetonhadleftthecapitalforautumnandwinter.Thereason forhissummonsmadehisstomachchurnandhisentirebeingfillwithdread Marriage.
Bothbrotherswerenowclenchingtheirfists,eyeslocked.
“WifesaleisanoldEnglishtradition,”saidSebastianinapatheticattempttoquelltheglaringduel.“Whydon’twegoand seeit?”
“Quite,”saidGrandhampton,takingadeepbreath,“abarbaricnotion”
Prestonraisedbotheyebrows.“Howisitdifferentfromwhatourkinddoes?Thepriceisagentleman’snameandwealth. Thehighestbidderwins”
ThiswaswhySebastianhadbeenbestfriendswithPrestonsinceOxford.HelikedPreston’sdirectmanner,andtheywere bothgrumps who had no patience for cheerful chatter and preferred to engage indebaucherywithmore sophisticated ladies thanmostyoungmen
“Likeyou,mypooroldfriend,”saidPreston,lookingatSebastian.“YouwonLadyIsabellaGreene,didn’tyou?” Sebastian’sjawtightened Hiswaistcoatandtailcoatweresuddenlytootightaroundhischest,anditwashardtobreathein thebeautiful,sunlitEnglishday.
“Thatiswhatmymotherwants,yes,”Sebastiansaid
“Donotsoundasifyou’regoingtoyourownexecution,”saidGrandhampton.“Isn’tLadyIsabellaquitepleasant?” Lady Isabella, with her soft, delicate face, bright blue eyes, and blond, shiny curls, was a perfect English lady. The daughter ofthe Earl ofWhitemouth, withwhomSebastian’s deceased father had had anunderstanding There was a dowry attachedtoher,alargeestateinthenorthofEngland.Theonlythinghisfatherhadeverwantedwastoincreasehisestate.
Butthatwasall itwasbetweenthetwofamilies Anunderstanding Papahaddiedtwoyearsago,andnow theimpatient EarlofWhitemouthinsisteditwastimetomakehisdaughteraduchess.
“She’sjustnotforme”
Hisgazewandered,noticingpeopleturningtheirheadstowardsthemarketsquareandmakingtheirwaytothecenterofit. TheboothsclosesttoSebastian,previouslysurroundedbypeople,nowstoodempty.
“Tenpence!”camealoudcryfromthecenterofthesquare.
“Justsayyouwon’tmarryLadyIsabella,”saidPreston.
“Wifesale!”camethevoicefrombehindthebooths “Comeone,comeall,bidsarestillaccepted!”
“Itdoesn’tsolveit,”saidSebastian.“Mamawillneverstoparrangingmarriagesforme.Shewillkeepdrillinganddrilling until Igive in And inthe meanwhile, I’mexpected to attend balls and bow and talkpolitelyand dance quadrilles, butGod forbidwithoneladytwice,andtoleratethematchmakingmamaswhoareeagertopresenttheireligibledaughterstome.This willnotenduntilIhaveawife”
PrestonandGrandhamptonlookedathimwithempathy.Suchanimportantdecisionasthechoiceofabridewastakenout ofhis control socompletely.Hewas agentleman,andifheagreedtomarryIsabella,he’dnever gobackonhis word,even thoughshewascompletelywrongforhim
“Twoandtwentypence!”cameacryfrombehindthebooth.
Heneededadistraction Andthepitifulglancesfromthetwomendidn’thelp
“I’dliketoseeawifesale,”hesaid.“Howaboutit?”
“Come on, brother,” said Preston to Grandhampton “Perhaps you’ll find a wife to your satisfaction and forget Miss Beckett.”
Grandhampton’ssquarejawtightened.Hegaveashortnod,hismouthstraighteningindispleasure.“Onlyifyoustoptalking abouther”
Thethreeofthemlefttheircupsonthesmall roundtableandwalkedtowardsthecenterofthemarketsquare,turningthe cornerofthenextbooth
Sebastianwas gettingcurious now. People were agitated, laughing, yelling. He could hear insults thrownatthe wife in question.
“Forthosebreasts,fiveandtwentypence!”
Havingpassedthebooth,Sebastiancouldnowseethecrowdgatheredaroundacartinthemiddleofthesquare.Ontopof thecartstoodafarmerandhiswife Thecloserhecame,thebetterhesawthatthefarmerwasasagitatedasthecrowdaround him,hiswideeyesquicklydartingbetweenthebidders,pointingatwhoeverofferedthebidandrepeatingit.Hehadamanic grinonhisface
WhenSebastianandhistwofriendsstoppedabouttenfeetaway,hecouldseethewoman.Shestoodnexttoherhusband,a noose around her neck, hands clutched together ontop ofher poorlyfitting, homespundress, whichwas clearlysewnfor a shorterwoman.Herankleswereexposed,andthebustwastootightoverhergenerousbosom.
Andherface…proudandcalm,asthoughshedidn’tthinkanythingofit.Hersoft,pinklipswereslightlycurledinthehint ofasmile,buttherewasnotraceofhumorinherbiggreeneyes Shelookedaspaleasacloud
Helikedher.He’dseenprettywomeninhislife he’dbeddedquiteafew ofthem.MostLondonnobleladies,andeven theexpensivewhoreshe’dvisitedinElysiumandother gentlemen’sclubs,weregentleandexquisiteandfeminine,charming and excellentsocialites. She was pretty, too. Striking, actually, ifhe disregarded the dirtyclothes ofanunidentifiable color. Withherbig,innocenteyes,andherlips,fullandsensual,andyetstubbornlyandunyieldinglyshut.
Sebastiansteppedforward,unabletolookawayfromher Whywouldherhusbandsellheratanauction? Grandhamptonaddressedawomanwatchingthesale.“Excuseme,howdothesewifesalesworkexactly?”
Thewomancurtsied “Beggingyourpardon,mylord Themanwillsellhiswifetothehighestbidder Butshemustsayyes, orthesalewillnotcontinue.”
“Whatabouttherope?”askedSebastian
The woman looked over the three of them, wide-eyed. Clearly, they did not belong among the crowd of farmers, blacksmiths,manuallaborers,merchants,millers,andanimalherders.“Theropeisjustsomethingfolkdoes,”shesaid.“She’s hisproperty Likethatgoatoverthere”
Sebastiannoddedandthankedthewoman,lookingatthewifebeingsoldwithmoreattention.Whowouldshegoto?Would sheagree?Andifnot,whatwouldhappentoher?
“Threefarthingsandthreeshillings!”cameanotherloudoffer.“Forthepairofthosetits!” Sebastianfrowned Hedidn’tlikeanyonetalkingaboutherlikethat
“You’rebetteroffgoingtotheGoldenSheep!Thewhorestherewon’twrinkletheirnoseslikeshedoes!” “Ah,whocares,she’lljustbeanexpensivewhore.Payonceandkeepfuckingheroverandover!” Sebastiannarrowedhiseyesonthefarmer Someonehadjustinsultedhiswife Asahusband,heshoulddefendherhonor Anymomentnow.WhywasSebastian’sbloodboilingwithanger andhisfistsclenchingwhenthatwomanhadnothingtodo withhim?Herhusbandonlythrewacrookedsmileatherandlookedaroundthecrowd
“Threeshillingsandthreefarthings!”thefarmerannouncedloudly.“Anyoneelse?Whowantstobuythisfinewoman?” “Perhapsifyouturnherandshowusherarse!”boomedanothervoice,andthecrowderuptedinlaughter. Thewoman’sfacegrewasredasabeetroot.Butherhusbandchuckled,satisfiedandvictorious. Thatwasit.Sebastianpushedthroughthecrowd,shoulderingthebystanders.
“Seb!”Prestoncalledafterhim.“Whereareyougoing?”
Sebastianignoredhis bestfriendandkeptgoing.Whenhe stoodinfrontofthe cart,he saw how prettythe wife actually was,withherhighcheekbonesanddimplesatthesidesofhermouth Thesightofherbigeyesglisteningwithunshedtearshad hischestcontractingwithpityforher.Nowomandeservedthis,farmerornot.
Heturnedaroundandraisedbotharms “Silence!”heroared,andthecrowdshutup Dozensofpairsofeyeswatchedhim,withfrowns,curiosity,confusion.Hewasclearlyalord.Whatdidhewantinvolving himselfwiththefarmer’swife?
Indeed. Whatthe devil had come over him? He wasn’ttypicallyone callingfor attention. He avoided companyunless it wastheSeatons,whores,orsometimesMamawhenshedidn’tpesterhim.
Andyet,theattentionofallthesepeoplewasonhim Helookedoverhisshoulderatthewoman,andhiseyeslockedwith hers,wideandglistening.Somethingpinchedathisheart.
Heturnedtothecrowd “Thereisnoneedtoinsultthewoman Shedidnothingtodeserveanyofyourfoulcomments” “Why,Lord,doyouwanttobuyher,then?”askedsomeonewithachuckle. Heopenedhismouthtosayno,ofcoursehedidn’t
Butthewordssimplywouldnotcomeout.
Whatifhecouldbuyher?Theideasentlightnessthroughhisentirebody.IfhereturnedtoLondonwithherandtoldMama andeveryoneinthetonthattheywerealreadymarried,hewouldn’thavetomarryIsabella He’dhavecontroloverhislife.He’dhavethefinalsayoverwhathecoulddo.
Nothis mother Notthe Earl andCountess ofWhitemouth,andnotthe swarms marriage-martmamas swarmingover him likewasps.
Thiswomanwasafarmer.Shedidn’tknow theton.Shewouldn’tbother him.He’dcometoaneasyagreementwithher. She’denjoybeingaduchess thesecurity,themoney,theclothes.Shewouldn’tneedtoworkanotherdayinherlife. Thiswouldbeascandal,nodoubt.Butshewouldn’tcareabouttheopinionofabunchofLondonsnobs.She’dbelivingin Mayfair She’dhaveacook,abutler,footmen,andalady’smaid She’dhavegownsmadebythebestmodisteintown Andhecouldn’tcarelesswhatLondonthought.Actually,he’denjoyrubbingitintheir faces.Adukemarriedafarmer’s wife,rejectingalltheeligiblenobleladies Hismusclesquiveredwithahotelation Hefeltawake,light,andyoung Wasthiswhatfreedomfeltlike?
He’dbeabletokeeplivinghislifethewayhewanted.Noonewouldbotherhimaboutmarriageanymore.
“Yes!”hecalledoutloudly,andasurprisedmutterwentthroughthecrowd.“Idowanttobuyher.”
He turned to the farmer, whose amused smile was completelywashed fromhis face. Infact, he stared atSebastianwith concern
“Fifteenhundredpounds,”Sebastiansaidtohim,andaloudgaspwentthroughthemarketsquare. Thefarmerblinked,nodoubtinshock Sebastian’sbidequaledtheaverageyearlyincomeofalandedgentleman SomeoneclaspedSebastian’sshoulder.“Whatthedevilareyoudoing?”Prestongrowledintohisear.“Youcannotmakea jestoutofthis.”
“Iamquiteserious,”saidSebastian Lightnessswirledinhisstomach,makinghimfeel weightless.Thewomanbreathedhard.Themaskofastoicbeautyfell off,andshelookedbothsurprisedandhopeful
The farmer didn’treplyfor a while, thenhe turned to her. “For thatamountofmoney, Idon’tcare ifyougetsold to the devilhimself Isayyes!”
Sebastiannodded.Nowthewomanstillneededtoagree.
He stared at her. The whole square did. It was so quiet, he could hear his ownpulse drumminginhis ears. Achicken squawkedandasheepbleated
Thewoman’sgreeneyesneverlefthis.Hefeltlikehewasmadeofwaxandthesunshonestraightathim,heatinghimfrom inside,makinghismusclesmeltanddroop
Hefoundhimselfwishingshesaidyes.Helikedtheideaoftakingherbythehand,leadinghertohiscarriage,andshoving herintohismama’sface
Momentstickedby,andshedidn’tmove.Itseemedshedidn’tevenbreathe.
She’dsayno.Ofcourseshe’dsayno.Shewouldn’tleavewithastrangerwhoboughther. Wouldshe?
Ayearmusthavepassedbeforeshefinallyopenedhermouth.
Inhersweet,melodicvoice,shesaidasingleword:“Yes”
Andhowthreeletterswouldmakesomethingburstwithanoddsortofjoyinhisbody,hedidn’tknow.
ThemostgorgeousmanEmmahadeverseenremovedthenoosefromherneck.Hisfingersbrushedherskinbrieflyashedid, sendinga thrill throughher The scratchy, itchyhell that had rubbed her neckfor hours was finallygone and the air was a blessedreliefonherskin.
Thevoices,laughing,birdsong,andanimalsoundsinthemarketsquarebecameamuffled,gurglingriverofsoundaround her Shestoodinfrontofsomeoneshecoulddescribeonlyashersavior,andeventhroughthestenchofherclothes,shecould smellhim agoodsoapandthescentofshavingfoam.
He’dsavedher,notonlyfromthosemeninsultingherlikeshewasacommonwhore,butalsofromSirJasper Thatmustbe whyshe’dsaidyes.
Everythingaroundher was a blur ofthe reds,browns,andblues ofclothingas the crowddissolved,goingonwiththeir activities.
Andevenamongallthat,shecouldn’tlookawayfromhisbeautifuleyes.Thereoughttobesomesortofaruleintheworld againsthavingmenlikehimroamfree high-cheekbonedandwithamaneofthickhairthecolorofoldgold Hewastowering over her, broad-shouldered and more muscular thananygentlemanhad the rightto be. His features were starkand chiseled, witha classic Romannose, a square jaw, and a broad mouthwithsensual lips Long, thickeyebrows furrowed above his pretty,surprisinglylong-lashedeyesthecolorofamberinthesun.Havingthemstareatherwiththatintensityfeltlikelicking thefirsthoneyoftheyear.Fresh.Delicious.Decadent.
Whenheofferedher hiselbow,likeatruegentleman,shestaredatitwithoutunderstandingatfirst.Itmustbetheshock. This odd numbness inher limbs, like she wasn’tstandingonthe ground atall butfloatinginthe air, meltingunder his gaze. That,alongwiththetinglingalloverherbody Andthestrangesensationthataholehadbeencutrightthroughhermiddle Theshockwasnotjustfromthenotionthatsomeonewouldpayafortuneforher.
Butthatshehadsaidyes
ShehadbelievedallalongthateitherSirJasperorshewouldstopitatanyminute.
Andyet,therewassomethingabouttheideaofleavingSirJasper.Andgoingwiththishandsomemanwithanintensestare thatbroughtchillsdownherbodymadeexcitementspreadthroughherinwarmtingles.
Theman,however,clearlydidn’tshareherenthusiasmnorhertingles.Hisfrownshouldhavetoldhereverything. “I’mtheDukeofLoxchester,”hesaid
Hewasaduke!Sheswallowedhard,lickingherlips.Adukehadboughtheratanauction.Anewwaveofshockaddedto herpreviousone
She’djustexchangedSirJasperforaduke!Hewasthefirstoneshe’devermet.Andshewasdressedinthis?Shesmelled likeapigstyandlookedlikeafarmer’swife.
So whywouldadukebuysomeonelikeher?
“Whatisyourname?”heaskedsoftly.
Throughherdry,parchedthroatshesaid,“Emma”NotLadyBardsley,likesheshouldhave JustEmma,likeaswineherd’s wife,indeed.
His eyebrow cocked and he continued to offer her his elbow Nearby, a manas tall and muscular as him, butwithmuch darkerhair,lingeredwithaterriblefrown.“Well,Emma,”thedukesaid.“Ileftyourhusbandmysteward’saddresstoarrange payment.Wouldyoupleasecomewithme?Ibelieveyou’renowmine.”
Asshewrappedherhandthroughhisbentelbow andtheybeganwalking,thewordsthunderedinherhead You’re now mine…
WhythatwouldmakeherkneesweakthewaySirJaspernevercould,shedidn’tknow
ThentheDukeofLoxchesterstoppedtointroducehertotheDukeofGrandhampton,alarge,tallmanofincrediblebeauty, andhisbrotherLordPrestonSeaton,whohadfollowedthemfromtheauction Itmusthavebeenhershock,becauseshebarely rememberedtheirreactionsexceptfortheirwideeyesandtheirtensemanners.Theymustbeinshock,too.
Theonlyonewhoappearedtobeunaffectedwashernewhusband.
TheDukeofLoxchester.
Andthen,minutes,orperhapsyears,later,sheandthedukewerealoneinhiscarriage.
Thecarriagewassomuchbiggerandricherthananythingshe’deverseen Realleathercoveredtheseats,whichweresoft likevelvetunderthetipsofherfingers.
Therumbleoftheroadunderthewheelsandthehoovesoffourfreshhorsespowerfullytuggingthecarriageweremuffled Thewallsoftheduke’scarriagewerecoveredindarkvelvetwiththepatternsofgoldenbirdsdrinkingfromliliesandvines. There were two gas lamps secured above eachof the seats Despite it beinglate August, warmers under their feet gave a pleasantheat.ItwassuchastarkcontrasttoSirJasper’soldcarriage,whichfeltlikeitwasabouttofallapart.AndunlikeSir Jasper’scarriage,thisonesmelledfreshanddelicious…likevanillaandsandalwood exoticsreservedfortheverywealthy andsomethingmalethatonecouldneverbuy Thiswasaworldshe’dneverimaginedshewouldenter
ThesecondcarriagewiththeDukeofGrandhamptonandhisbrotherdrovesomewhereaheadofthem.
Theworldshrankaroundher Thecountrysidepassingbyinthetwowindowswasnothingbutanillustrationinabook All thatexistedwerethefourcarriagewallsandtherattlingfloorunderher,andthisman,longandmuscularandaspresentasa tigerinacage
Hisscent,thebulgeofhisthighmusclesunderthebuckskinsthatstretchedovereveryridge.Herwholebeingtingledwith nerves,themeaningofherlifeunravelingintotheunknown.Anditwasn’tjusthim.
Thepigfarmer’swife’sclothes,roughandcoarseandtooshortandtootight,smelledlikeanimalsandlikeadifferentlife
Asthecarriageshookandbounced,hepickedupanewspaperfromtheseat.Oncetherewasawallofpaperbetweenthem, hesaid,“Youwilldofine”
Couldhehavebeenanymoredismissiveofher?Yes,shewasdressedpoorly…sowhat?He’dboughtherforsomereason shedidn’tknow.
Arrogant aristocrats. Arrogant, good-looking aristocrats! Where were his manners? Even though he thought she wasworkingclass,hecouldn’tjustbehaveasthoughshewasanobjecthewassatisfiedwithpurchasing.
Sheneededtoknowmore Shestraightenedhershoulders “Whatareyourintentionswithme,Duke?”
Heloweredhisnewspaper,andhiseyesnarrowedonherwithsuspicion.Hisamberstarebroughtwarmthintoherwhole body “Forgiveme,yousoundtooeducatedforaswineherd’swife Whyisthat?”
Shegulped.Wasthatagoodthingor not?MakinganattemptataBedfordshireaccent,shesaid,“Musthavepickeditup frommymother.Shewasalady’smaid.”
He frowned, lookingher over witha grunt that sent anger throughher, and returned to his paper. She studied the long, masculinefingersholdingthepaper,themuscularcrossedlegsstretchedacrossthesmallspacebetweentheiroppositeseats.
Shewouldn’ttakehimignoringherlikethat No Thiswasherlife,andsheneededtoknowwhathehadinmind
“Whatdo youwantwithme, Your Grace?” she asked. “Agood-looking, richmanlike yousurelydoesn’tneed to buya wife Can’tyouhaveanywomanyouwant?”
Heloweredhisnewspaper,hisambereyesasdarkaschestnuts,watchingher.“LikeIsaid,youwilldofine.”
“Forwhat,mylord?”
“ForwhatIhaveinmind”
Sherolledhereyes.“Andwhat’sthat?”
“Toputyouinsilksandthelatestfashionsandtellthewholetonyou’remywife”
Withthat,hereopenedhisnewspaperandburiedhisnoseinitasthoughshedidn’texist.
Thecharmhe’dhadoverherevaporated Hecouldn’tbethegallantprotectorshe’dthoughthewas Hehadboughtherfor hisownpurposes,whatevertheywere.Theyhadnothingtodowithhimbeingkindtoherorhisvalor.Hewasasarrogantand selfishasanyaristocrat.Hemaybeevenworsethanherhusband.
Shecouldn’tseehisfacebehindthedoublesheetofpaper Itwasperfectlyironed,likeanygentleman’s,anditwaslikea slapinherface.Shedeservedmorethanthat.Swineherd’swifeornot,shehadtherighttoknowwhathehadplannedforher.
Andifhewasgoingtoignoreherlikethat,asthoughshewereapieceoffurniturehehadjustpurchased,she’dannoyhim She’ddiginformationoutofhimwhateverittook.Afterall,thiswasherfuture,anditwasquiteunfairthathewasnotgiving hertheinformationthatwoulddefineherwholelife
Sheliftedherselffromtheseatandshiftedherbottomtotheoppositeseatandplumpedherselfrightnexttohim.Hisprofile waslikeaRomanstatueagainstthebackdropofthesunlitwindow.
“Butwhydoyouneed me forthat?Toputsomeoneinsilksandthelatestfashionsandtellthewholetonshe’syourwife, youdon’tneedaswineherd’swife.”
Frombehindthenewspapercamealazy,coldreply “Ifailtoseewhyitconcernsyou Pleaseletmereadinpeace” Shescoffed.Quiteunladylike.Perfectforafarmer’swife.“Itconcernsmebecauseit’smylife.”
Heloweredthenewspapertohislapandlookedather,hisamberglareassharpasshards.“Pleasereturntotheopposite seat,madam.”
“Notuntilyoutellmethewholetruth.Andwhereareyourmanners?”
“Mymanners?”Hisupperlipcrawledtohisnose.“Mymannersarebeingsuffocatedbyyourhorrendousstink.”
Ah!Finally,she’dgottenhimwithsomething.She’drousedsomesortoffeelingfromthecold,unyieldingduke.Pig’sshit thatwaswhathadhimreact!Asmileblossomedonherlips
Givinghima wee bit of a break, she returned to the opposite seat and looked out the window. Theydrove throughthe woodsnow,treesandbushespassingby
Completelyuninterestedinthelandscapeoutside,thedukeopenedhisnewspaperagain.“Pleaserefrainfromspeakingto meagainuntilwearriveandyouhavebathed”
“No,” she said. “I will not let youscare me withyour gorgeous, handsome demeanor until youtell me your reasonfor buyingme.Whatifyou’reamurderer?”
Heraisedhisbrowsatheroverthenewspaper “YouthinkI’dtellyouifIwereamurderer?”
“No,Isupposenot.”
“Well,I’mnotone I’malsotryingnottobreathetoomuch”
Shewasnottryingtobreathe,either.Shehidhersmile.“Sotellme,then.Why?”
Hiseyesbecamesomurderousshewonderedifhe’dliedjustnow “Youwillbedressedinthebestdresses Youwillbe feddishesyou’venever tried.Youwill sleepinafeather bed.Youwill besafe,protected,and,Idaresay,bathed.Whatyou willnotdoisgetintomybusiness.”
“YourGrace,DukeofCheerfulton,aren’tyou?”shesaid “Youseemlikeagoodmanwithyourmanners,butdeepdown, youdespiseeveryonethat’sbeneathyourrank,don’tyou?”
Hejerkedhisheadupasthoughtosaysomethingbutstoppedhimself Hisjawmusclesjumpedupanddown “Justtellmewhy!”sheyelled.
“Iamverymuchstartingtoregretbuyingyou,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Andunderstandwhyyourhusbandcouldn’t tolerateadaymorebeingmarriedtoyou!You’readevilinawoman’sform,aren’tyou?”
Like Sir Jasper’s words,these jabbedher inthe chest.Sir Jasper bickered,criticizedher,andtriedtocontrol her.He’d eventoldhersheateherbreakfastwrong One does not butter the toast with such a thick layer It’s unladylike and will make you fat.
Butjustas withSir Jasper,she wouldn’tgive himthe satisfaction Andjustas withSir Jasper,she’dbe fine Somehow, everythingwouldbeallrightaslongasshemaintainedapositiveattitude.Shesquaredhershoulders.
Until she couldfinda waytoescape himwithoutreturningtoSir Jasper,she neededtolethimknow the boundaries she wouldnotpermithimtocross.
“Donotdaretohopeyouwilllaywithmeasmyhusband,”shesaid. Hisdarkeningeyestraveledoverherbody
“Ineedyoutobemywifeineveryway,Duchess.Itmaytaketimetoendyourmarriageandtolegallymarryyou,butwe willtelleveryonewe’realreadywed Intheeyesofsociety,youwillbemywife AndIexpectyoutobe ineveryway” Itsoundedlikeanothercage.Everymarriagewasaprison.She’dalwaysbeahusband’sproperty. Helookedherupanddown.
Sheswallowedhard Thewayheaffectedherwasincredible Adark,dangerousdesireboiledinherstomach No.Thatwaswrong.Whatshewantedwasnotahusband.NotanotherjailorlikeSirJasper.
Whatshewantedwastogetaway Nowthatshehadescapedherhorriblemarriage,shedidn’twanttogoback Butshe’d needtogetawayfromtheduke,too.Theyweren’treallymarried.Theyhadn’tsignedachurchregister.Sellingawifewasjust asillytradition
AssoonasshewasinLondon,she’drunaway.Shewantedtobefreeandstrongandindependentsothatnoonecouldhurt herormanipulateherlikeSirJasperhad.
But,justfornow,sheneededtokeeppretendingtobeaswineherd’swife Surely,adukewouldn’twanttobedaswineherd’swife.
Shenarrowedhereyes “Whatareyounottellingme?”
Hisfacehardenedintoagrimexpression.“Mymotherwillnotfinditagreeable.” “ButIamnotyourtrueduchess,amI?Youboughtme We’renotwed”
Heleanedhisheadbackagainsttheglimmeringwallofthecarriage.“Notyet.” “Thenletmego,YourGrace,”shepleaded,realizingheraccentwasslippingbackintoaneducatedone,butnotcaring.“I justwanttogetawayfrommyhusband IwillserveyouasyourservantuntilIrepayyoumyprice” Therewasnowapainedandadangerouslookonhisface.“Iboughtyou,andyousaidyes.There’snorunningawayfrom menow,wife”
Itwas alreadydarkwhenthe carriage stopped ina small yard infrontofa grand house. While the duke climbed outofthe carriageontheotherside,oneofthefootmenopenedthedoorforher
She climbed downandlooked around. Throughthe tall, wroughtironfence, she could see a townsquare onall sides of whichwereterracedhousesandseveralmansions,allilluminatedwithgaslamps.Noneofthemwereasgrandasthisone.
Gaslampsflankedthewidestairsleadinguptoalargeporticowithfourcolumnsthreestorieshighsupportingatriangular roofstructurewithGreekstatuesontop.Themansionwasperfectlysymmetrical,anditspannedtheentirelengthofthesquare. Grandroundedwindowswerelitonthegroundfloor,andshecouldseeacurtainshiftasafiguremoved
The courtyard in front of the house had perfectly cut grass on both sides of the semicircle driveway. And rosebushes bloomedalongthelengthofthemansion
ThismansioncouldfitfiveofBardsleyHouse,amodestredbrick,two-storycottagewithaleakingroof,sinkingwooden floor,andcrumblingbrickwork.Bedfordshire…asuddenwaveofhomesickness hither.Shehadnoclothes,noluggagewith her Couldshehaveimaginedthismorningwhenshe’dpackedtoreturnhomethatshe’dneverarrivethere,andinsteadwould cometoLondon,acityshe’dnevervisitedbefore,andtoaduke’smansion?
The butler andother servants hurrieddownthe stairs toline upbefore the duke,whonoddedtoEmma andstretchedhis armoutinasilentinvitation.Sheswallowedunderquestioningglancesfromtheservants.
“MayIintroduce,”hesaid,“theDuchessofLoxchester.Mynewwife.”
The servants widened their eyes, but at least there were no open mouths. He introduced the butler, Standen, and the housekeeper,Mrs.Eastbrook.
“WelcometoLongtonPlace,YourGrace,”saidStanden
“Mrs.Eastbrook,pleaseputtheduchessinthebedchamberadjacenttomineandassignheralady’smaid.Pleaseensurethe duchessgetscleanedupbeforedinner Findhersuitableclothing,perhapsfrommymother’swardrobe,untilthemodistecanbe engaged.”
Clean,freshclothes…Emmapracticallysaggedinrelief.Shecouldstillsmellherownstinkandwonderedhowtheduke hadtoleratedittheentirewayhere.
Andthroughall that,Emma couldn’tshake the feelingshe was dreaming.Thatthis couldnotbe real.One simplywasn’t boughtbyaduke Andtheycouldnotbemarried,notlegally,evenifhehadjustintroducedherashisduchess
Whatdidshegetherselfinto?Andhowwouldshegetoutofthis?
Inside the mansionwas a large hall lit withgas lamps and candles Agrand chandelier hungfromthe tall ceiling, light sparkling as it was reflected by the crystals. Large landscape paintings decorated bright turquoise-green walls. Mahogany sideboardshadgildedmetalmountsoflionfacesandthelegshadpaw-shapedfeet.Vasesofredrosesstoodonthesideboards, givingtheroomapleasantfloweryscent
The duke had beensilent for most of the journey. She had tried to talkto him, but he had beenbroodingand grumpily repliedwithhmms
AsMrs.Eastbrookandthreemaidsledherupagrandstaircasewithagildedrailingwithleavesandflowers,theypassed morebeautifulpaintings,nodoubtofpreviousDukesandDuchessesofLoxchester Emma’schesttightened,hermiddlesank, and,justaswithSirJasperinthatpoorbrickcottagebackinBedfordshire,shefelttrapped. Only,inagoldencagethistime.
Shewasledtoalovelybedroomwithpalelilacwallpapermadeofsilk,withpatternsofleavesandbirdsandflowers A mahoganybedwithalilacandgoldencanopystoodagainstoneofthewalls.Violetsilkcurtainswithfringesdecoratedthree large windows The fireplace had a black grate with intricately wrought ornaments of vines Coal crackled softly inside, makingtheroomwonderfullywarm.Therewasamahoganywardrobe,achestofdrawers,anelegantdeskandachair.Asoft Axminstercarpetcoveredthefloor
Thebedroomwasaslargeasherwholedrawingroombackhome.
Shehatedhow muchshelikedit.How muchshecravedtoliebackinthatundoubtedlysoftbedandlistentothequietof
thislargehouseandknowthatshewassafeandfree.
Somethingshehadwantedsodesperatelyeversinceshe’dmarriedSirJasper.
Somethingshewouldneverbe
ThemaidshurriedtogiveheraspongebathasMrs.Eastbrookexplainedthatdinnerwasabouttobeservedandtherewas notimeforaproperbath ShepromisedEmmawouldhaveoneafterdinnerandleft
Removingthe swineherd’s wife’s clothes feltdivine. So did washingoffthe grime. Another maid broughtina beautiful dress ofa gentle white silkwitha layer oftransparentgauze The bodice, whichended justbelow the bust, had tinypearls sewnontotheembroideredpatternsofvinesandflowers.Theskirtwasgatheredunderthebustandwaslightandfloaty.
She’dneverwornorseensuchapretty,andnodoubtexpensive,dress.Whenthemaidputiton,itwasn’tquitehersize a littletoolargeinthebustandtooshort,butthemaidquicklyadjusteditrightonher
“It’sHerGrace’slastyear’sgown,”saidthemaidthroughtightlipsthatheldaneedle,“soshesaidyoucanhaveit,Your Grace”
After the maid combed and arranged her hair, Mrs. Eastbrook knocked on the door and came in, asking her to come downstairsasthedukeandtheduchesswereawaitingherpresence
Shetrulydidn’twantto.Hismotherwouldneverbepleasedaboutthis.Andseeingthegrumpydukeonceagain,tryingto clawthereasonforhisactionsoutofhim,feltlikeastruggle,andshewasexhausted.
Butmaybeshe’dfinallylearnthetruthandfindawayout
AsshedescendedthestairsfollowingMrs.Eastbrook,thedukestoodnexttoashorter,elegant,andbeautifulwomaninher fifties,whoglaredatEmmawithdisapproval Theduke’seyeswidened,hismouthopeninginsurprise Herkneesweakened underhisdark,smolderinggazeasheslowlylookedheroverfromheadtotoe.Whenshereachedthefloor,thedukeoffered herhishandandshetookit,theheatofhisbodyscaldinghereventhroughherglove.
“Mama,” he said, turning towards his mother, “allow me to present my new wife. Lady Emma Rockliffe, Duchess of Loxchester.”
Emmametthestern,ambereyesoftheduchess ShecouldseewhereSebastiangothisgoodlooksfrom Herhairwaspale gold, a mixture ofwhite and blond, and she had highcheekbones and few wrinkles. Her mouthstraightened into a line, and Emma held her breath Would the dowager duchess acknowledge her or not? It would be clear inthe order of precedence leadingintothediningroom.
Theduchesscockedoneeyebrow.“Idonotknowwhereyoucamefromandhowyoumanagedtostealmyson.Butbecause of you, Sebastianrefused a veryeligible matchwithanearl’s daughter and a proper lady. Amatchthat had beenarranged betweenhislatefatherandthelady’sfather,whowerefriends.Andnow…”
Emmaopenedhermouthtocontradicther,tosayshe’dneverintendedtobreakanymatches,buttheduchessdidn’tallow hertospeak.
“IwillnevercallyouYourGrace,IwillnevercallyouDuchess,becauseIrefusetoallowmysontobeentangledwitha swineherd’sdaughter.”
Daughter?Isthatwhatthedukehadtoldher?Ofcourse,shesupposed,hecouldn’tsayEmmahadahusband.
Butthedukeshookhishead “Mother,donotdaretotalktotheduchessinthisfashion Whoareyoutoteachanyoneabout morals?”
Theduchesspursedherlips,andwithoutsparinganotherglancetoEmma,walkedtothediningroom
As theyfollowedher andtooktheir places,Emma’s mindraced,planninghow toact.She couldn’tstayhere.She didn’t knowwhatthedukewasplayingat,butitwascleartoherthatshewasonlyapawninhisgames Sheneededtoleaveandhide sothatSirJasperwouldn’tfindher.Shewasaneducatedwomanandcouldlookforagoverness’spostsomewherefaraway wherenooneknewher.
Thefirstcoursewasbrought,Frenchchestnutsoup Throughthetensesilence,utensilsclankedagainstthechina Whenit wascleared,thenextcoursewasbrought asaladandcheesewereputinfrontofher.
“I’msurprisedafarmer’sdaughterknowshowtoeatproperly,”saidtheduchess,eyeinghercoolly “Mama,whereareyourmanners?”saidtheduke.
“IsupposetheyleftthebuildingthemomentIlearnedofyourescapade”
Thedukeappearedtobesuppressingasmugsmile.“Please.”
“Whatdoyouintend,mydear?”Theduchessleanedforward,seekingEmma’sgaze.“Youarenotseriouslyintendingtobe aduchess?Youwereneverpreparedforit Youwerepreparedforalifeofanimalhusbandry,tocookandtocleanandtoraise children.Nottodanceinballroomsandleadconversationswithdiplomatsandnoblemen.”
Emmastraightenedhershoulders Shedidn’tcaretobeintimidated,nordidshethinktheduchesshadanyrighttojudgeher, evenifshethoughtshewasasimplewoman.
“Idoknowmannersbecausemymotherwasalady’smaid.AlthoughI’mnotsurehowthat’sanyofyourconcern,northe reasonyoursonchoseme.Hadyounotbulliedhimtomarrysomeonehedidnotwant,hewouldnothavefelttheneedtodo somethingdrastic.”
Shefelttheduke’shotgazeonherandmethiseyes.Theyweresurprisedandwarmandfullofrespect.No,thatwasnotat allwhatshewanted.Sheneededhimtodespiseher.Togetridofher.Tolethergo.Nottobeinterestedinher.
Theduchess’seyesnarrowedather “Itspeaks Andquiteeloquently Couldalady’smaidreallyteachafarmer’sdaughter tospeaksowell?”
Emmadidn’tletherselflowerhergazeorcower “I’magoodimitator”
Theduchesssighed,pickedupher fork,andstabbedapieceofcheese.Thensheleanedtothedukeandsaid,“Iseeitis uselesstotryandconvincehertoleaveyou ButyouandIwillhaveaproperconversation Iwillnotletyoukeepher Thisis ascandal!”
Asmirkspreadacrosstheduke’slips,andheneverstoppedwatchingEmma.“Ascandal.Yes,Isupposeso.”
Aftertwoexcruciatinghours,theeveningwasover,andEmmawasallowedtogoupstairs Whenthedoorclosedbehind her,she saggedagainstitwithrelief.She hadn’teventastedthe foodonher plate.There was a bathtubwaitingfor her with steamingwater
Therewasaknockatthedoorbehindher.“Thebathisready,YourGrace,”sheheardthemaid’svoice.“MayIhelpyou?”
Themaidcamein,helpedhertoundressandslideintothebathtub Sheaskedthemaidtoleave,andfinally,blessedly,she wasaloneanditwasquiet.Shelistenedtothefirecracklingandletherbodymeltinthehotwater,layingherheadagainstthe backofthetub.
There were footsteps frombehind the mahoganydoor thatconnected her and the duke’s bedrooms, thenthe door swung open.Shesatup,drawingherkneestoherchestandhuggingherself,staringatthefigureintheopeneddoor.
Hisfeetandhismuscularchestpeekingfrombeneathadressinggown,thedukestoodgazingather,heatinhisambereyes
Sebastianslowlymadehiswayclosertothenaked,wetwomaninthebathtubstaringathimwithwideeyes.
Asfarashewasconcerned,hehadawifenow,andaveryprettyone
“Goodevening,Duchess,”hesaid,slowlywalkingtowardsher.
“Pleaseleave,”shesaid.
Hestoppedinfrontofthebathtubandleanedhishipagainstit “WhyshouldI?”
Indeed, why? Whenshe’d come downearlier, she was all grace and silks, no traces ofgrime and pigexcrement. She’d takenhisbreathaway Herheadhadbeenfreeofthatridiculouscapthatmadeherappeartenyearsolder,andherthickbrown hair had beendone ina fashionable updo thatwould nothave beenoutofplace inthe poshestLondonballrooms. The farm clothes thathad looked like a burlap sackaround her were gone And intheir place was a dress thatmade her looklike a GreekgoddessdescendingfromOlympus…Hedidn’tevencarethatitwasalittletooshortattheankles;itdidn’tdoanything tohidethelengthofherbeautifullegs.Besidesthat,ithadfitherfigureperfectly.Ithighlightedhergenerousbosomwiththat tinylittlefoldbetweenherbreaststhatdrovehimmad Thewayherbodymovedunderthatfloatyskirt,whichdemonstratedin aquitedecadentwayherroundhipsandthinwaist.
Heavens,howcouldapieceofperfectlyacceptablesocialclothingbesorevealing?Soarousing?
Or was it just she who brought this burning into his blood. Into the very center of him. He didn’t remember any other womanhavingthiseffect.Notintheton.Notinbrothels.Notinthecountryhouseparties.
Shewasjustafarmer’swife.
Howcouldshebeso…delicious?Sodesirable?
Andespeciallynow,withherskinbareandglistening,herhairstillintheupdobutalreadydampandcurlinguparoundher face.Hecravedtotraceherdelicatefacewithaknuckle.
Itwasn’tjustherbeauty,though Shehadannoyedhiminthecarriagewithherconstantchirping,buthelikedthatshewas solively,sostrong.Shewasgenerouswithhersmiles,andnotevenagrumpydukenorhisgrumpymamaintimidatedher.On thecontrary,shelookedateverythingwithwideeyesandadmiration.Therewassomuchspiritinher,itmadehimfeelalittle morealivejustbeingnexttoher.
“You’reminenow,”hesaid.“Iboughtyou.”
HowdifferentshewasfromLadyIsabella
AsprettyandasperfectasLadyIsabellawas,Sebastiancouldcountthetimesthey’dtalkedonhisfingers.Andeverytime Sebastianhad the most suffocatingfeelingof boredom Theywere like oil and water She cared about appearances About bloodlines.Aboutreputation. Hedidnot.
ShetalkedaboutwhatflowersandfabricswerefashionablethisSeason How manydebutanteshadenteredthemarriage mart.Theextentofthisorthatgentleman’sfortune. Hedidnot
Shegossiped,justlikehermother. Hedidnot
Butthiswoman…
The wayshe haddefendedhimagainsthis ownmother,the wayshe didn’tletMama intimidate her showedhimshe had moregritthanhehadbelieved
He sat onthe edge ofthe bathtub, his hand dippinginto the warmwater next to her leg. The air was a little damp and smelledoflavendersoap Itwasherbalandsweet,likeher Heraisedhishandandletwaterdropletsdriponhernakedknee androlldownherskin.Suchapretty,glisteningknee.Shewasflushed perhapsfromtheheator,hehoped,fromhispresence. “Thatdoesn’tmeanyouhavetheright ”shebegan,buthedidn’tletherfinish “Andyousaidyes,”hesaid.“Yestobemine.Youagreed.” “YourGrace…”
She had such gorgeous, big eyes. Long eyelashes, high cheekbones. Those lips, dark and full and sensual. Aseductive imageappearedinhishead,ofherwhiteteethbitingherlowerlipasshemoanedinpleasure…pleasurehe’dbringher.
Herolledhissleevestohiselbows,andhereyesdroppedtohisforearms,wideningfarther Shemustlikewhatshesaw; herlipspartedjustalittle.
Perhaps she neededa little encouragement Alittle care He couldgive her that He knew well how tosoothe womenin distress,howtomakethemfeelsafe.
Hejustneededtoplaywithheralittle Makesuresheknewshewassafeandthathe’dtakeagoodcareofher Hedippedhishandintothebathtubtohissleeve.Shegaspedandshiftedaway.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Onecornerofhismouthroseinamusement.“I’msearching.”
He moved his hand alongthe bottomofthe darktub, water splashingsoftly He gentlybrushed his knuckles againsther thigh,andshejerked.
“Duke!”shecriedout
Ah.Helikedthisgame.Acrookedsmiletuggedathislips,buthehidit.Hedippedhisarmevendeeperandfeltacakeof soapatthebottomofthetub Hepickeditupandtooktheseaspongefromalittleplateattachedtothebathtub
Very slowly, he moved the soap against the sponge, foaming it. Apleasant scent of lavender and orange oil filled his nostrils.Herthighsweredark,roundsilhouettesunderthewater.Heitchedtofeelthemwrappedaroundhiswaist.
“Youcannotbeavirgin,madam,”hesaidashekeptrubbingthesoapagainstthespongeoverandover “Youweremarried already.AndItoldyouthisisarealmarriageforme,ineveryway.Whynotenjoythis?”
Sheopenedhermouth,butnowordscame Good Shehadnoobjections
Hechuckledandlaidthesoapontheplate,thenleanedoverandlazilydraggedthespongeupherankletowardsherknee. Hereyelashesfluttered,hereyesdarkening,hermouthopeningslightly.Ah.Shelikedit.
Helikedit,too.Desirebroughtbloodtohiscockashewatchedherchestrisingandfallingquickly.Hecouldseethepretty littledipbetweenherbreasts.Hershoulderswereroundanddelicate.Thesoftlineofhercollarbonesolovely.Herneckwas elegant Howhewishedtorunhistongueupthatneck,lickingdropletsofwateroff,inhalingherclean,femininescent Howhe longedtosinkbothofhishandsdownintothesoapywaterandslidethemalonghercurves,whichwereblurryinthecloudy water
“Youlikemytouch,”hesaidasheslowlybrushedthespongefromherkneeanddownthesideofherthigh.“Icansee.If youlikethis,you’llloveitwhenItouchyouinalltherightplaces.”
Sheswallowedhard,herbreathacceleratingevenmore.“You’remistaken,I’msimplycold.”
“Cold?”Hesmirkedasheremovedthespongeandfoameditagain.Thenhestoodupandwalkedbehindher.Heleaned downandranthespongeover her feminineshoulders,hisother handslowlymassagingthemashewent Suchsoftskin She wasn’tmuscularforapigfarmer’swife.Notthatheknew,butweren’tfarmfolksupposedtobestrongandsturdyfromallthe manualwork?
“You’renotcold,Duchess,”hesaid.“You’reabouttogetvery,veryhot.”
He dipped the sponge into the water, rinsingthe soap out. As he squeezed water fromthe sponge onto her shoulders, he imaginedpullingheroutofthebathandpickingherup,havingherwetlegswraparoundhiswaist Desirelickedathiscock, bringingheatandhardeninghimalmostbeyondbearing.
Hesteppedinfrontofher,leaneddown,handsbracedoneitheredgeofthetub,andkissedher Shetastedlikeshelooked Sweet.Forbidden.Sodelicious,hedidn’tthinkhe’deverbeabletostop.
Ashedippedhistongueintohermouth,strokinghertongue,hefelthermeltandsagintohislips Asmall,sensualwhimper escapedherthroat,settinghisbloodtoboil.Ah,theminx.Shewantedhimlikehewantedher.Hecravedtoexploreher,tosee ifshewasassoftandsmoothdownthere,ifherbreastsfeltasamazingastherestofherskin.
He’dneverwantedawomanlikehewantedher Hiserectionthrobbedandstoodready
Heglidedhishanddownhercheek,downherneck,andfartherdown…Butoncehishandreachedherchest,sheshivered andfrozeandpulledaway,wideeyesblinkingfast
Hepulledback,too,stillaroused,stillwantingher.Buthewasn’tgoingtotakeanythingshewasn’twillingtogive. “Whatwouldittakeforyoutoletmego?”sheasked,hervoicefirm He pulled in a long breath. He felt anger grazing against his nerves. Why was she so eager to leave? Was he so disagreeabletoher?“IdonotknowthatIwanttoletyougo,Duchess.Ipromisenottohurtyouandnottodoanythingagainst yourwill Iwantyou You’remywife,andIwanttolayyouonthatbedandmakeyoumineandbringyouyourrelease”She blinkedatthat,hercheeksreddeningtothecolorofripeapples.Good.“Overandover,madam.ButIwill notforceyounor willIaskagain SayjustonewordandIwillretreat”
Shestraightenedhershouldersandraisedherchin.“Doretreat,Duke.”
He stepped backand nodded, his erectionstill stubbornlyliftinghis robe. Her fear…her concern… She behaved like a virgineventhoughsheclearlywasn’tone.
Thenherememberedherhusband…andthewayhehadlookedatherwithsuchmalice.Athoughtstruckhimdead.“Wait…
didthebastardhurtyou?Yourformerhusband?”
Sheshookherhead.“No.Notlikethat.”
“Howthen?”
Shereleasedaquick,shakybreathandpressedoutasmile.“Heshouldn’tbeanyofyourconcern,YourGrace.AsIsaid,I willgladlyworkoffthepriceyoupaidorleaveyourhomeandnotbotheryouagain”
Hischesttightened,andhisstomachtwisted.Heunderstoodherwishtoprotectherbody.Buthewaswillingtogiveher,a womanofalowerclass,thebestlife Hethoughthewouldrescueher Helpher Andyet,despitehisstatusandhismoney,hecouldn’tevenconvinceawomanwhoneededhim,tostaywithhim. Ofcourseshewouldn’twanttostaywithhim.Whywouldshe?
Hewastheproductofamarriagethatwasfullofresentmentandlies Hismamaandpapahaddespisedeachother They hadbothbeenunfaithfulanddidn’thideit.
Andwhatwasworse,itwasallhisfault Hewasthereasonfortheirunhappiness
Well,hestillneededher,nomatterhowmuchshedespisedhim.“Notbothermeagain?”Hescoffed.“We’llseeaboutthat. Wehaveaballtoattendinafewdays,andIintendtobringyouasmynewwifeandintroduceyoutoLadyIsabellaandallof politesociety.Beready.”
Thelookofshockonherfacedidn’tstophim.Hecouldn’tbearlookingatheramomentlonger. Hehurriedoutofherbedchamberfasterthanifhewaschasedbywilddogs Andallhecouldthinkwas,whatwaswrong withhim?
Evenaswineherd’swifewouldratherbepoorandwithamanwhotreatedherbadlythanmarriedtohim Butwhatdidheexpect?Justlikehisfather,he’dmakehiswifeunhappy,andsoonerorlatershe’dbedriventoescape.
The nextday, the modiste, Madame Dubois, who was, apparently, the most expensive and sought-after modiste inMayfair, camewithaswarmofhelpersandmanagedtomaketwogownsthatveryday Shealsopromisedtohavefivemoredelivered intwodays’time.
Ifshewassosoughtafter,Emmawondered,howhadSebastianconvincedhertoputasideherothercommitmentsandmake sevengownsforanewclient?Coulditsimplybeamatterofmoney?Emmacouldn’tdenyhowgenerousSebastianwas Or, perhaps itwas notgenerosityso muchas his desire to flaunthis new wife to the ton. The duchess had mentioned a matchthathadfallenapartbecauseofher Perhaps,itwastheLadyIsabellamentionedlastnightthathewantedtoshowheroff to.
Poorwoman Thatmustbequitehardforher,ifherwholelifeshe’dbelievedSebastianwouldbeherhusband,andnow suddenly,hewasmarriedandshe’dseehimparadingaroundwithanotherwoman…
Thenextfew dayspassedinpreparations,standinginfrontofthemirrorasthemodisteandherladiesmeasured,pinned, cut,andsewed Whenshewasn’tbusywiththemodiste,shewenttothelibraryandread Forthefirsttimeinherlife,shehad nohousechorestoattendto,nogardentotakecareof,nodinnerstosupervise,noclothestomend,andnogueststoentertain.
Mostofthewomanlychoresthatshehaddoneatherpapa’shomeaswellasatSirJasper’sshecoulddowithout
But she missed her flower garden, even if peonies would never grow there. Growing peonies was something her grandmama had taughther, and theyreminded her ofthe kind womanwho had passed a few years before Emma’s marriage. TheybloomedsowellbackatSherbournePlacewhereshe’dgrownup.ButtheyhadwitheredanddiedatBardsleyHouseas thoughthesoilitselfwaspoisonous.
Inthe evenings, she descended inher new gowns for verytense dinners, withthe Duchess ofLoxchester notspeakinga wordtoEmma notevenlookingather andthedukenoteventryingtostartapoliteconversationbutjustglaringathisfood asheate
And thenthe nights… For the pastthree nights, the duke had come to her, dashingand handsome and broad-shouldered, amber eyes glowing in the candlelight, repeating his offer. To bed her, to bring her pleasure, to make her his true wife. Rememberingthesweetagonyhistouchhadbroughther inthebathtub,partofher wantedtosayyes.Andeachnight,itwas harderandhardertosayno.
Butshedid
Whenthe nightofthe ball finallyarrived,she was dressedina pastel,golden-greengownthatstreameddownher body. Her green eyes shone brightly, her cheeks rosy, her complexion looking attractive and healthy The maid, Erin, created an elaboratehairdowithliliesofthesamegolden-greencolor.
Whenadozenwomenstoodaroundher,frozenandmesmerized,Emmacouldn’trecognizethegoddessinthemirror.That womanbelongedinagrandhouseandwithitsmaster Withalightnessinherstomach,sheknewthatshehadneverinherlife lookedorfeltsobeautiful.Shedescendedthestairs,whilethedukestoodinthehall,waitingforher.Themomenthelooked up, the brooding frown evaporated from his face Instead, his eyes widened in admiration as he slowly looked her over, seeminglynotmissinganydetail.Hismouthopenedslightlyinsurprise,andtherewas,perhaps,evenprideinhisexpression. Hisdarkening,ambereyesstoleherbreathaway
SirJasperhadneverlookedatherthisway.
She’dlikedseeingtheduke’sgruffexteriordisappearinthoseraremomentswhenheletdownhisguardandwasplayful withher Andshesawthemanbehindthesurlywallnow,whenhestoodinsurpriseandinawe,clearlypleased,notawrinkle betweenhisgorgeous,thickeyebrows.
Andthethoughtthatshecoulddothathadheatrushtoherface
For a briefmoment, while she descended the stairs towards him, she allowed herselfa tinyhope. She imagined thatthe duketrulywasherhusbandandshewashiswife,andthattheadmirationinhiseyeswaslove Thedukeinherheadwasone shecouldfallinlovewith.
Thenshe reached him, and he offered her his arm. As she slid her armthroughhis crooked elbow, the touchofhimfelt
solid,warm,andsoright.
“Goodevening,Duchess,”hesaid,hisvoicelowandraspy.Itfeltlikeacaressagainstherskin.
“Good evening, Duke,” she said, lost for a moment in the warmth of his amber eyes, feeling like she was floating, weightless.
Whentheyclimbedintothecarriage,hewasstill all mannersandgrace,buthebecamecoldanddistantagain Hedidn’t evenlookather.Andwhentheyenteredtheballroom,herhandwrappedaroundhiselbow,herbreathwasstolenonceagain. She’dbeentoballsbefore,organizedbytheneighbors,orwhenshevisitedherauntanduncleinYork
Butneverthis.Theroomwasgrandandlong.Vineswithflowerscrawledoverthecolumnsshootingtwofloorshigh.Low, sparklingchandeliers withwhatseemed like hundreds ofcandles illuminated the room. Ladies inthe mostgorgeous gowns, fashionable gentlemen dressed in tailcoats and breeches Everything glistened, sparkled, moved Feathers and flowers in ladies’hair.Diamondsandjewelryonthenecks,ears,andwristssparkled.Musicsoundedfromalittleorchestraoftenpeople seatedonastageattheothersideoftheroom
CouplesalreadymovedintwolonglinesinanEnglishcountrydance.Otherstalked,drankwineandchampagne,walked around the room Somethingsqueezed inEmma’s stomach Could she ever have imagined someone like her would one day attendaballlikethis?
“Mamaisalreadysomewherehere,”hesaidtoher.“Shewantedtoarriveearlier.Ah,IseePrestonandtheSeatons.” Heraisedhisarminagreeting,andledEmmatothegroupoffivepeople
SherecognizedSpencer,theDukeofGrandhampton,andhisbrotherPrestonSeaton.
Ayoungladywithauburnhairandblueeyesstoodwiththem,andtheDukeofLoxchesterintroducedherasLadyCalliope Seaton, their sister. The two Seaton brothers stared at her, eyes round, mouths open in shock, probably not expecting the farmer’swifetheythoughttheyhadmet,tolooklikethis.Therewasonemoretallman,auburnhairedandashandsomeasthe DukeofGrandhamptonandhisbrother,butwithasofterexpression.TheDukeofLoxchesterintroducedhimasLordRichard Seaton.
Aladyinherseventies,dressedinanold-fashioneddress,hersilvery-grayhairdoneinanelegantupdo,studiedherwith bigblueeyes.
“My,my,”saidtheDukeofGrandhamptonwiththeraiseofoneelegant,darkeyebrow,lookingherover “Iwouldn’thave recognizedyouhaditnotbeenforyoucomingwithLoxchester.”
“Quiteamakeover,”saidLordPrestonSeaton,givingSebastianalonglookwithhiseyebrowsraised.
“Youcouldn’tlookprettier,YourGrace!”saidLadyCalliopewithabrightsmile.Emmalikedherrightawayandreturned thesmile.LadyCalliopeseemedalittleoutofplaceinthisgrandballroom,despitebeingdressedlikeshebelonged.Perhaps, itwashershyness,ortheshineinhersharp,intelligenteyes
“YourGrace?”askedtheolderlady.“Didyoufindyourselfanewduchess?”
Sebastiannodded “Emma,”hesaidtoher,andsheshudderedattheonslaughtofwarmthfromhearinghergivennameon hislips.“LetmeintroducetoyoutheDuchessofGrandhampton.SheisthegrandmotheroftheSeatons.”Henoddedtotheold lady.
“Howareyouadjusting,Duchess?”askedLadyCalliope “Adjustingfromwhat?”askedRichard.
“Mywifeusedtoliveonahogfarm,”saidSebastian Silencefellonthefivepeople,andEmmafroze,waitingfortheirreaction.“Ah!”Chuckledtheduchess.“Youdidcleanup ratherwell,YourGrace Iwouldhaveneversaid!”
Thatmusthave beenone ofthe easiestreceptions she could have. She doubted her introductions would become easier. Theytalkedsomemore.TheDuchessandLadyCalliopeweresurprisinglykindtoherandaskedherquestionsaboutherlife, towhichsherepliedwithgenericanswers,notwillingtolieanymorethanshehadto Afterall,shetrulyknewnothingabout pigs.
Thethreebrotherswerequitedifferent,really TheDukeofGrandhamptonandLordPrestonbickeredalot,aboutnothing Lord Richard made jokes and attempted to dissipate the tension. Lady Calliope was calm, sweet, and very smart. A wallflower,perhaps,uninterestedinsocializing,dancing,andbeingthecenterofattention
PeoplegaveEmmaoddlooks,anddespitethewarmreceptionoftheSeatons,shefeltquiteoutofplace.Butsheignored the looks and held her head high. She wondered if the odd looks were the Duchess of Loxchester’s doing. Had she told everyonethathersonhadmarriedafarmer’sdaughter?AsSebastian’sfriends,theSeatonsknew tokeepthisquietunlesshe toldthemnotto,andtheonlypersoninLondonbesidesthemthatknew,washismama.
“Let’smakerounds,”hesaidtoher,offeringherhishand “I’dliketogreetsomepeople” “Mustyou?”sheasked.
“You’reshowingyourselfveryeducatedfor ahogfarmer’swife,Your Grace,”hesaidashewalkedpastsomegueststo whomhenoddedhello.“IfIhadn’tseenyoubeingsoldbyone,Imayhavethoughtyouwerelying.”
Coldcreptthroughher.Whatwouldhappenifheknewhewasright?“Itoldyou.Iamobservantandgoodatcopying.”
“Isuppose. Lookatthemall,” he grumbled as theywalked. “How Idespise the rules and the gossip and how important reputations are for the ladies butnotas muchfor the gentlemen. Inever wanted the responsibilityofbeingthe duke and just wanteveryonetoleavemebe”
Shelookedathissternprofileandsmiled.“It’snotsobad,Duke.Ifyouwanttorubmeintheirnoses,you’resucceeding. Theyalldespiseme Lookaroundyou”Shebeamed “It’sworking”
Henodded,lookingaround,catchingtheoddgazes.Butthatdidn’tseemtopleasehim.“Why,does itnotgiveyousome satisfaction?Areyounotgettingwhatyouwanted?”
“No.Idonotlikethattheylookatyouso.”
Heatspread throughher. Somethinginhis voice made her feel safe and reminded her ofthe manwho had protected her againstacrowdofinsult-throwingmenwhenherhusbandhadstoodtheregleeful
Clearly,hehadakindnessinhim,buthedidn’tliketoshowit.
Duringtheir conversation,the middle ofthe ballroomclearedandcouples linedup The musicians onthe balconybegan playingacountrydance.EmmanoticedLadyCalliopestandingbythewall asthoughhidingfrompotential suitors,talkingto hergrandmama TheDukeofGrandhamptondancedwithaprettyladywithbrownhairandgray-blueeyeswhogavehimthe mostradiantsmile,andhesmiledback,lookingashappyasanadolescentboyinlove.
Seeinghimlikethatmadeherthinkshe’dneverseentheDukeofLoxchestersmile.Heglared,frowned,barked,orspoketo herinamostseductivevoice
Butheneversmiled.
Theywerepushedclosertoalargecolumnbytheguestswhoformedacircleandwatchedthedancingcouples “Whydoyoualwaysglowerasthoughastormcloudsitsaboveyourhead?”
Heglaredather.“Doyouthinkitisyoureternaloptimismthatledyoutosayyestobesoldasawifetoatotalstranger? Andhowisitworkingoutforyou?”
Shechuckled.“IlikeitmorethanIwanttoadmit.”
He stopped walkingand looked into her eyes, and she drowned inthatintense amber gaze Music, chatter, and laughter around her faded away. The place where her hand was hooked throughhis elbow senttingles all over her body. She should havekepthersilence,notadmittedthatshewasenjoyingherself
“YourGrace,”saidavoice,andashadowappearednexttothem.
Themagicwas broken,andEmmalookedawaytoseethatthereweretwoladies standingbeforethem.Theolder ofthe twohadbigicy-blueeyesandblondhairstreakedwithsilver.Theotherlookedlikeayoungerversion,withshinyblondhair and quite strikingblue eyes. She was prettyand graceful inher pristine white gownthatflowed over her willowy, feminine body
Sebastiannodded.“LadyWhitemouth,”hesaidtotheolderlady.“LadyIsabella.”
Emmastilled Isabella thisbeautifulladywassupposedtomarryhim Shefeltlikepullingherhandoutofthecurvein his arm,as thoughshe hadbeencaughtred-handed.LadyIsabella stoodwitha cool expression,staringsomewhere between EmmaandSebastian.LadyWhitemouth’seyebrowsweredrawnup,herupperliprisinginaslightmaskofdisgust.
“Thisismynewwife,theDuchessofLoxchester”
Isabellalookedpale.Herfaceremainedapolitemask,buthurtglossedhereyes.
The countess nodded, her tight lips pale “I suppose I had thought it would be my daughter on your arm Not another woman.”
Emmadidremoveherhandthen,hercheeksblazinghot
“There was never a promise nor a proposal, LadyWhitemouth. Ididn’tbreakmyword, and Iapologize ifthere was a misunderstanding.ButI’mmarriednow,andIwishLadyIsabellaeveryhappiness.”LadyIsabellablinked.
“Asdowe,Duke IsupposeI’mjustsurprisedtherewasnothinginthepapers That’sall Onewonderswhytherewassuch ahurrytomarry…”
“As to the papers, there was no chance to make an announcement We married just two days ago Our love was too powerfultobrookdelays.”
Thecountessraisedhereyebrowsevenfarther “Andyourfamily,Duchess?”sheasked “Howwereyouintroducedtothe duke?”
“Herfamilyraisespigs,”saidtheduke. LadyWhitemouth’sbosomheavedheavilyasshegasped “Pigfarmers?”shedemanded.“Mostunusual!I’veneverheardapeerdosuchathing!” “Well” anexpressionofsmugsatisfactionlithisface “nowapeerdidit” “TarnishingthegoodLoxchestertitle!Scandalous…”whisperedLadyWhitemouth.“Doesyourmamaknow,Duke?” “Shedoes.”
“Doessheapprove?” “Shedoesnot.”
Emmabitherlowerlip.Theliesatheavyinherchest,makingherpalmssweat.Shewasagentleman’sdaughter,raisedon strongmoralprinciples.Shedidn’tlie.Shedidn’thidehertrueidentity.
She was doing it to break free, she told herself To escape the prison of marriage Including this golden one, with the duke…eventually.
Besides,noonepresentknewwhoshetrulywas,andthisscandalwouldn’tgetbacktoherfamily Fornow…
While LadyWhitemouthand LadyIsabella exchanged a few more remarks, the dance ended, and a new line ofdancers filledthespace.LadyIsabellaexcusedherself,sayingshewasengagedfor thedance,andbothladieswalkedaway,leaving Emmabreathingeasier.
But as the music started againand ladies and gentlemenbegandancing, there was a sharp movement fromthe group of peoplestandingnearby,andamanturnedaround.Emmaswallowedagasp.ItwasSirLionellCross,whomSirJasperandshe hadvisitedatCrossManor HehadsaidhewasgoingtoLondonrightafterthehousepartyfinished Andherehewas,asifher verythoughtshadconjuredhim.
“Ah,LadyBardsley!”heexclaimed “Goodday!”
“SirLionell…”shemumbled.Sweatbrokethroughtheskinofherback.
“Howdoyoucometobehere?”heaskeddrunkenly.“IneverknewyouandSirJasperfrequentedLondonsociety.”
Openingandclosinghermouth,unabletofindanywords,shethrew aglanceattheduke HeglaredatSirLionellwitha furiousconfusion.
“Wait ”SirLionellhiccupped “Iheardasillyrumor thatcannotbetrue,canit?SomethingaboutSirJaspersellingyou atanauction?”
Theliecrumbledandfellaroundher.Herkneeswobbledandbileroseinherstomach. Shewascaught.
“Lady Bardsley?”askedtheduke.“You’renotaswineherd’swife?”
TheDukeofGrandhamptonappearednexttothem,alllargeandconfidentandimposing “What’sgoingon?”heaskedwith afrown,lookingsharplyamongthethreeofthem.
SirLionellchuckledwithacrookedsmile “Iwishshewereaswineherd’swife,YourGrace,andtrulyupforauction I’d buyhermyself.Lookather!I’vedreamedaboutyou,LadyBardsley…” Sebastianthrewdaggerswithhisgaze.
“Sir,Ikindlydemandthatyoushutyourmouth,”saidtheDukeofGrandhampton. EmmawishedverymuchthatSirLionellwould andnotjustbecausehewasexposingherbutforhisownsake.Sebastian hadmentionedtheDukeofGrandhamptonboxedregularlyinsomesortofaboxingclubinthebadpartsofLondon
“Andnow a duke boughtyou?” Sir Lionell keptgoing.“Ha!Didn’tknow we cannow purchase gentlemen’s wives also. Howmuchforher,YourGrace?IamunmarriedandIfindyourwayofgettingwivesmuchmoreconvenientthancourtingand proposingandsuch.”
Horror creptup Emma’s spine. Now the duke knew. He knew she’d lied to him. Despite her mortification, a partofher realizedthismustbegoodbecausehewouldthrowherout Butinsteadofshowingdisappointment,Sebastian’sfacewaslivid.
“Youhaveoffendedmywife’shonor,sir,”Sebastiansaidcoldly “Idemandsa ” Withaloud,drunkenhiccup,SirLionellfelltoEmma’sfeet.
Sebastian and the Duke of Grandhampton stared at her Their gazes were physical things on her skin And yet, it was Sebastian’sopinionthatmatteredtoherthemost.
“You’realady?”askedherhusband.“Isthattrue?”
Thiswasit Shehadmadeamistake Nowherrealnamewasoutthere Sheshouldhaveleftearlier Sheshouldhavebeen moreinsistent.
Wouldshebeabletofindevenagovernesspostnowthatherreputationwouldbedestroyed? Sebastianwasright.Sheshouldhavethoughtthroughagreeingtomarryastrangerbetter.
“Excuseme,”shesaid “Isuddenlyhaveaheadache”
Shehurriedfromtheballroom,hearingSebastiancallhernameasheranafterher.
“You’reLadyBardsley…Whydidyoulietome?”theDukeofLoxchesterdemanded. Hisfacewasascoldasstoneintheyellow glow ofthecarriage’sgaslampsabovetheir heads Therattleofthewheels against the cobblestones was loud in Emma’s ears, but it did not drown out the roar of anger inside of her, or lessen the heavinessofherhumiliation.
“Youwantedmetobeaswineherd’swife,didn’tyou?”shesaid Hisjawwasset,hisnostrilsflared.“Whywereyoudressedlikeoneifyou’realady?” “Itwasmyhusband’swaytopunishmeformydisobedience” “Ah!Icancertainlyseeyourdisobedience.”
Shockmixedwithhurtstabbedthroughher “Excuseme?”
He leanedhis elbows againsthis knees,his eyebrows drawn.“He musthave hada true reasontotryandgetridofyou. You’realiar.”
Hercheeksflushedwithembarrassment Thedisdaininhisvoice,hissharpwords Aliar?Hehadnoideahowshehated pretendingthewayshehadto.Alltoescapethemarriagethathadfeltlikeaprison. Onlytolandinanotherone withhim Andhowcouldshehavethoughtthedukewasdifferent?Hewasn’t. Shemustleavenow.Surely,nowthathethoughtsolittleofher,hewouldn’twantheranymore.“Please,letmego.” Hiseyebrowsdreweventightertogether,andtwolinesformedaroundhismouthinapainedexpression.“Iwillnot.Itold you,you’reminenow.”
Thewallsofthecarriageshrankaroundherlikeacage Itwashardtobreathe “Why?Iamaliar I’mnotaswineherd’s wifeasyouthoughtIwas.WhatuseamItoyounow?Idonotwanttobemarriedatall.” Heleanedbackagainsttheseatandgroaned “Fortonight,youcertainlyare” Tearsburnedhereyes,andsheknewifshesaidanotherword,she’dcrybeforehim.Andshecouldn’t.Shewouldn’tshow himherweakness.Therestofthetriphometheyspentinsilence,andallshethoughtaboutwashowshecouldescape. Whenshewasinherroom,shethrewherselfonthebed.Sherefusedtocry,eveniftearsburnedhereyesandherchestfelt so tight she may suffocate. Instead, Emma stood up and began pacing to calm herself. She went to the dressing table but couldn’tevensitdown Sheclutchedattheedgeofitastearswonandviolentsobsshookherbody
Shedidn’tknow how muchtimepassedwhensomeoneknockedandthedoor opened.Emmahastilywipedher tears and lookedoverhershoulder ItwastheDuchessofLoxchester
“Whathappened?”sheaskedasshefrozeintheopendoorway.Herdiamondssparkledinthecandlelight.“Isawyouand Sebastianleavetheballsoquickly.Areyoufinallycomingtoyoursenses?”
Emmashookherheadandtookadeepbreathin “Forgiveme Youwereright Ishouldnotbehere AndIdonotwantto be.”
Theduchessnodded,sighed,entered,andsoftlyclosedthedoor behindher ShecametoEmmaandlookedintoher eyes withsadness.“He’llneverfallinlovewithyou.Sebastianisthesortofmanthatwillneverallowhimselftolove.”Bitterly, sheadded,“HisfatherandIgavehimapoorexample”
He’dneverallowhimselftolove.Thatshouldn’tmattertoher.He’djustshownherhewasjustlikeSirJasper,andhestill wouldn’tletherleavethisgoldencage.Andwhyohwhydidthethoughtofleavingmakeherstomachtwistpainfully?
“So,whywait?”theduchesssaidwithasadsmile “Leavenow,dear Youtriedthefairy-talelife,butyouandhesimply don’tbelong.Itwascleartome,astoyou,nodoubt,thatthiswouldn’tlast.Don’twaitanotherminute.”
Thensheturnedaroundandleft
Whydidhestill wanthertostay?He’dtoldhershewasaliar.He’dtoldherSirJasperwasrighttohavesoldher.And nowhisownmotherhadtoldherhedidn’thavetheabilitytolove
Andstill,thatglimpseofhopeforlovethatshe’dseenwithhim…Howsillyofher.
Itwashernaive,childishdreamthatSirJasperhadshattered.Thedreamofahappymarriage.Shestilllongedforlove,but
sheshouldjustacceptthatitwouldneverbe.NotwithSirJasper.Notwiththeduke.
Thatwas it, Emma decided. The duchess was right. She was going, eventhoughpartofher feltstrangelysorryto leave Sebastian ShedressedinthedaygownthatMadameDuboishadmadeforher Shehadnopossessions,butsheneededmoney to escape. She felttoo ashamed to go to her family. Her reputationwas damaged now, butalso, she had agreed to the sale knowingSirJasperwouldn’tgiveherfamilytheincometheywereentitledtoinhermarriagesettlementiftheywerenolonger married.Eventhoughthelandsthatwerepromisedtoher father werealreadysold,Sir Jasper mighthavebeenconvincedto offerthemsomeotherincomeinstead,especiallyifshe’dgivenhimwhathewanted
Butthatwas inthe pastnow. She needed to starta new life. Perhaps she’d go to Scotland or to Canada and become a governess.Herreputationwouldn’tbeaproblemthere she’dcomeupwithanewname.
SirJasperwouldneverfindher Sebastianwouldn’tcareto
Shameburnedheratthethoughtofstealingsomething.Butwhatelsecouldshedo?Andthenonceshe’dstarttogetsome wages,she’dbegSebastian’sforgivenessandwouldpayhimback
Butfirst,sheneededtorun.
Sebastianpaced,staringatthedoorbetweenhisandEmma’sbedrooms
He felthorrible aboutthe fightinthe carriage andhow he’dbehavedtowards her.Itmusthave beenawful for her tobe marriedtoSirJasper.
Herememberednowthestrangedetailsoftheirappearancehe’dignoredatClovham Themanhadacleanlyshavedchin and fashionable sideburns, and no dirt, no darkcircles under his eyes, or weathered skinonhis smug, arrogant face. Lady Bardsleydidnothunchorhide Herbackwasstraightandhershouldersdown Awhitecapcoveredherdarkcurlsthatwere quitebeautifullyarranged.And,ofcourse,shespokelikealady,notbecausehermotherwasalady’smaidandshewasgood atimitating Thatwassuchaweakexplanation
Sebastiangrowled.Heshouldhavequestionedallthat.Itwasallrightinfrontofhisnose.
Butthataside,whataprigwasSirJasper.Therewasnoexcuseforamantopunishhiswifebyhumiliatingherandselling her Toanyone…
Thewholethingremindedhimofhischildhood
Theonlytimehe’dreceivedanyattentionfromhisparentswaswhenhedidsomethingwrong.Whenhedidthingsright,no one acknowledged him. Butwhenhe rebelled and made trouble ranawayfromhis governor, broke and damaged things Mother stayedwithhimlonger.Andeventhoughshe chastisedhim,she atleastacknowledgedhis existence.His father said thingslike“You’relikeapunishmentfromGod”and“WhyhaveIbeensaddledwithsuchaterribleheir?”Andseveraltimes, he’dslappedSebastian
AndalthoughithadmadeSebastianfeelseen,ithadalsomadehimfeeldespised. He’d made themso unhappyhe’d driventhemto cheatoneachother Theywere always annoyed because ofhis unruly, childishbehavior.Theirangerwithhimwasslowlydestroyingtheirrelationship.
Andtheneverythingexplodedonedaywhenhewaseightyearsold.Theeventhedidn’twanttorememberbecausehewas ashamedofhisactions.Ofhisstupidity. Itwasallhisfault.
Andnow,hehadbehavedlikehispapatowardsEmma,madeherfeel horribleaboutherself Butheneverwantedherto feelthatway.
Heneededtotellherthat Heopenedthedoorbetweentheirbedrooms “Forgiveme ”hestarted,butstoppedinsilence,staringattheemptyroom. Wherewasshe?Hisstomachdropped.He’dseenhercomeupstairsaftertheyreturned. Heranallthewaydownstairs,tothekitchens “Standen!”heyelledfromthestairs “Standen!”
Theplainwallsofthebasementflashedbyashehurried.Therewasascrapingofthechairsintheservants’hallaspeople jumpedtotheirfeet
Astonished,Standenappearedinthehall.“YourGrace?” “Where’smywife?”
“Jackdroveher.Shewasinquiteahurry.”
“Damnation!”Sebastiancursed.“Forgiveme,Standen.PleasetellOlivertoprepareacarriageforme.”
“Verygood,YourGrace”
Sebastiannoddedandranbackupstairs.Hurriedfootstepssounded,andhismother appearedinher dressinggown.“Ah! Sebastian!Where’sMrs.Eastbrook?Oneofthemaidsmustbeathief!I’mmissingmypreciousjewelrybox,theonewiththe mother-of-pearlcover It’svery,veryimportanttome!”
Sheclutchedherhandsindistress,panicdistortingherfeatures.
“Whyisasimplejewelryboxsoimportanttoyou,Mama?I’veneverseenyousodistressedinyourlife” “Where’sMrs.Eastbrook?”shecried.
Buthecouldn’tbringhimselftocareaboutamissingjewelrybox Hefeltlikehecouldn’tbreathewithoutEmmanearby He’dknownherforlessthanoneweek,andyetwithouther,itfeltlikethelighthadgoneoutandhewasindarkness. Ignoringhismother,heranoutthefrontdoor,readytohurryafterhiswifethemomentthecarriagewasready.
