Ravaging the Duke Page 2

  "Are you always so agreeable?" She smiled at him, her emerald eyes drawing him into her spell.

  "Yes, most of the time. One of the good things about being a duke." He winked at her.

  ***

  Her mother was quite obviously anxious to have her daughter's future secured. Though they may not do things the same in America, he felt the older woman apprehensive when it came to her daughter's marital future.

  As there were no male relatives to speak to regarding marriage to the young woman, Alec knew it would fall to his old friend to assist them through any negotiations. Monty would handle that quite well. First, however, he needed to court the young woman for a brief but suitable amount of time. He'd have to start out slow, but it seemed to him with just this one encounter, she was open to his interest.

  Tomorrow evening would be the theater. While in her company, he'd ask her again to go for a ride in the park. Her mother, of course, could attend as chaperone and would probably enjoy such an outing. If the weather was right, he might even be able to walk with her and talk with her alone while her mother looked on.

  Chapter Three

  "I think you should wear your green to the theater this evening," her mother said, bringing Margaret out of her thoughts.

  "Yes, I thought that would be perfect."

  "We can't afford to wait to put you through a season, Margaret. Nor can we overstay our welcome with Norwood."

  Margaret sighed. She'd heard this so many times since they'd left America it made her want to scream. The money her mother had been left from the sale of the family home wouldn't last forever. Her father's brother had seen to that, taking his fair share as a commission. She needed to marry so her mother would be taken care of as well.

  "Yes, Mother. I know what I must do. I'm sure Wexwood and I will be able to work through the rest." That is, if he were truly interested. Tomorrow would give them a better chance to talk. Tonight was all about being introduced to friends of Norwood's.

  "You're a good daughter, Margaret. Your father would be proud of you for the way you handle matters I can't fathom."

  Her mother was right. She'd never been schooled in anything but what young ladies were required to know to catch a husband. While Margaret had been schooled in the same things, she'd also been thirsty for learning. Reading, learning things that shouldn't interest a young woman. Her father had taught her business matters so she'd be able to understand things like how her money should be used. What to look for in a man who was after nothing but her money. She'd turned down enough of them in America before her father had died. She had a good feeling about the duke.

  "Mother, why don't you wear your lavender dress instead of the gray? You're out of mourning. I think a splash of color is just what you need."

  "You don't think it's too soon?"

  "No, Mother, I don't. I think it past time you got back to life. Who knows, we may have a wedding to plan."

  The glee in her mother's eyes said it all. This long journey and starting over was exactly what they both needed. Margaret was determined to see her mother happy again. As for herself, she had no doubt she would be happy. Anything had to be better than what they'd left behind.

  "I'm going to dress. I'll come for you in an hour. Will that give you enough time, Mother?"

  "Yes, my dear. Unless you want to keep the duke waiting."

  Margaret smiled and left her mother. Her own room was next door to her mother's, so the walk wasn't far. She found her ladies maid, Lily, laying out the hunter green gown rather than the emerald. She panicked.

  "I thought I made myself clear on which gown I wanted to wear, Lily. The emerald gown, not this one."

  "Yes, my lady. My mistake." The young woman picked up the dress off the bed.

  Margaret quickly took the dress from her. "I'll tend to this one. You go find me the emerald dress, and hurry. I haven't all night."

  She watched the young woman scurry across the room to the dressing chamber. She hadn't meant to react as she had. Margaret carefully folded the dark green dress in her arms. She would put it in her trunk, the one she kept under the bed. She should have done it when they first arrived in London, but she hadn't known her cousin would have maids for them both. The dress was a very special one. One not to be handled by just anyone.

  Quietly, Margaret pulled the small trunk out from underneath the bed. She opened the trunk and carefully placed the dark green dress inside. She would feign that the dress didn't fit correctly or some nonsense the young girl would understand and say she put it up until she could find time to have it refitted.

  An hour later, she quietly knocked on her mother's door. It was time to go to the theater. She wondered what Wexwood would think. It was so impossible to tell with men exactly what they were thinking.

  Her mother came to the door. "You look lovely as always, my dear. Are you ready to see your duke?"

  "Yes, but he's not my duke."

  "Stop chattering, my dear. I'm sure Wexwood would not have extended this invitation if he were not interested in you."

  "I have Norwood to thank for arranging our meeting."

  "You are family, no matter how distant. In the end, that's all that matters," her mother replied.

  "Then let's not keep the gentlemen waiting." Margaret lifted her skirts and walked across the room to the door.

  ***

  Her heart beat wildly as she entered the drawing room behind her mother. Margaret looked around the large room. It was a nice enough room, but the dark burgundies and greens against the dark oak paneling made the room quite dreary on a gray London day.

  Norwood and his mother were seated next to the fireplace. Norwood stood as they entered the room. Her cousin was of muscular build, which told of his love of the outdoors. She had noted the same in Wexwood.

  "Please, join us, ladies," Norwood said as she followed her mother deeper into the drawing room.

  "I understand the theater is outstanding," her mother said as she sat down. Her mother always had liked this aspect of English life.

  "It is," the dowager countess agreed. "Wexwood has a box. He's invited us to see the play from there. There is a wonderful adaption of a Shakespearean play which is all the rage."

  The theater was magnificent as she and her mother walked through with her cousin and his mother. People dressed in their finery. Margaret noted she had chosen perfectly when she picked the emerald gown to wear. She could see both men and women looking their way, wondering exactly who they were. They would find out soon enough once they saw them enter the Duke of Wexwood's private box.

  As they entered, Margaret made sure her mother stayed close. They were in uncharted territory. Most of the people here would be of the aristocracy. Norwood had told them both that on the carriage ride over. He would introduce them, then as a guest of the duke, they would be seated in the box to watch the play.

  However his mother, her aunt Sarah, led her mother to a couple of older women talking to one side. It made Margaret pleased to see her aunt had taken her mother under her wing. Both being widows, they had much in common. The dowager countess wore a silver and white gown that complimented her pale skin.

  As they entered the box, Wexwood excused himself for a moment to greet some guests. He was standing to one side speaking to a handsome couple as another couple looked on.

  "His sister and her husband, the Duke and Duchess of Evermont," Norwood whispered.

  "She's beautiful, and I can see the family resemblance."

  "Come, let us greet them. Evermont has a box, so I'm sure they will be leaving soon to join their guests."

  The trio walked over to the three. Margaret felt Wexwood's eyes on her as his sister bent over to whisper something in his ear. The duchess smiled as they approached.

  Margaret felt herself shake as introductions were made. She silently hoped she remembered to do everything as she'd been instructed when being introduced to aristocracy. Especially a duke and duchess.

  The duchess made her feel immediate
ly at ease as she spoke with Margaret. Her cousin had been right; she was a delightful woman and cared about all in her presence.

  "I told my brother he needs to make sure Norwood takes you to his estate in Kent. The duke and I plan to have our summer ball in a fortnight and we'd be delighted for you both to attend."

  "Thank you, Your Grace," Margaret replied. "Norwood mentioned just this afternoon that he wished to leave for the country in a few days."

  "Good. It's settled then. If you haven't time for gowns to be made, I can recommend my modiste. She keeps a supply of dresses on hand for just such occasions."

  "That would be most gracious, Your Grace, as there simply won't be enough time to have gowns made at such short notice. Mother and I haven't had an opportunity to have anything new made yet."

  "Very well. I'll send word to her, and the two of you can make plans to visit her tomorrow morning."

  The sound of a gong pulled everyone's attention away from their conversations.

  "I'm afraid we need to go. Evermont has invited several business associates from the continent. I look forward to seeing you in Kent."

  They murmured their replies and watched as the couple disappeared into the hall. Wexwood was at her side, escorting her to the front of the box and a chair. Margaret noted that her cousin was doing the same with their mother.

  Wexwood sat down beside her. His wavy black hair was complemented by a neatly kept beard. His clothing was immaculate and well-tailored. "I'm so glad you came. This is the first time I've used the family box since my father died."

  "Really? It's a gorgeous theater. I would love to come here regularly to see the performances."

  "You're in for a treat tonight. A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

  "And one I've never seen performed before," she replied, smiling.

  Margaret sat up, watching every word said by the performers. She was enthralled by it all. Certainly there'd been theater in Boston, but it was nothing like this, and it certainly wasn't performed in a building as elegant as this.

  She glanced over at her mother, who was peering at the stage through opera glasses. It made her feel good to see her mother enjoying herself. The past few years had taken a visible toll on her. Unexpected matters showing themselves at a time when she should have been allowed to grieve. Her uncle, Thaddeus, had made sure of that. Part of the reason for Margaret to insist to her mother that they'd be better off leaving earlier than planned for England. Her father had made his wishes known, and she saw to it they were followed. No matter what his brother thought or said.

  "Are you not enjoying yourself?" she heard Wexwood whisper. She caught the faint smell of the wintergreen soap he used. It would be something she would forever associate with him. Intoxicating.

  She turned towards him after glancing at the stage. "Yes, immensely. I am just happy to see my mother enjoying herself for the first time in a long time."

  "Ah, then this was a good idea?"

  She smiled at him and whispered, "Yes. Thank you."

  He smiled back, and the pair resumed watching the remainder of the play. Margaret was quite sure he was winning her heart, if that was possible in such a short time. He was courteous and kind beyond a fault in spite of his own problems. She was sure they'd get along well as they got to know each other better. Her father would approve.

  The play seemed to go by quicker than Margaret was aware, because the next thing she knew, it was intermission. The second half flew by, and it was sadly time to leave. She'd never seen a better performance of Shakespeare.

  "Thank you for inviting Margaret and me, Your Grace. The play is unlike any I've seen before. It was enthralling."

  "You're most welcome, Mrs. Douglas.”

  Norwood had made sure business acquaintances showed up and took his time so that his mother, aunt, and cousin in particular might have Wexwood escort them home.

  As Wexwood's carriage drew up to the front of Norwood's home, the conversation moved around to the following afternoon. He wanted to spend time with Margaret, but knew he had to include her mother in such outings.

  "I was wondering if you ladies would enjoy a ride in the park tomorrow afternoon? I would bring my landau, if the weather permits, to make it more enjoyable."

  "That's quite kind of you to ask, Your Grace. Margaret loves to ride. Perhaps you could bring a couple of horses for the two of you to ride?"

  "Mother, we don't have to. There will be plenty of time for riding in Kent," Margaret replied.

  "You two young people don't need an old woman close by keeping you from talking. I was once young, you know."

  "Madam, you are far from an old woman. I'll bring two horses along in case Miss Margaret changes her mind," Wexwood replied, smiling at the older woman and then Margaret. He glanced at the dowager countess, who smiled at him. "And countess, the invitation is open to you as well."

  "I would love a good turn in the park, Wexwood. Thank you."

  He turned to face Margaret. It was settled. The two older women could keep each other company while he got to know Margaret better.

  "Thank you, Your Grace," Margaret replied. "We look forward to tomorrow afternoon then."

  ***

  Alec breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the glorious blue sky the next day. Big puffy clouds floated along with the gentle breeze. The afternoon would be perfect for a ride with Margaret, and the landau would allow her mother to see the park in all its splendor.

  He also wanted to get to know Margaret better. She was a beautiful, smart young woman and wasn't tainted by the rules of proper society. What made it better was from what little time they'd had to talk, she seemed to be amenable to the idea of marriage.

  Alec had to be sure. Perhaps today's ride would reveal a little more. Once they all arrived in Kent, he planned on making a formal offer for marriage. He was fairly sure she'd accept and knew that once she did, he and her cousin could go through the formalities of her dowry.

  Margaret was wearing a dark green riding habit, her mother a dress of a similar hue. Alec couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was a remarkable beauty. He handed each woman up into the landau, and they began their way to the park.

  Alec pointed various things out to give the women a keen sense on where they were in London. He knew Boston was a large town, but was nothing on the scale or age of London.

  The park was the place where you came to be seen in the summer. Where couples stole kisses while strolling along enjoying their day. Perhaps today would be the day when he could steal his first kiss from Margaret. As her mother would be riding behind them, Alec knew the chances of that happening would most likely have to wait until they were in Kent.

  As the carriage pulled to one side to allow Margaret and Alec to mount their horses, a lone man approached on a bay gelding. As he neared, Alec recognized the rider as Norwood.

  "I thought that was your landau, Wexwood. I apologize for not being at home when you came for them. Got delayed in a meeting. Anyway, I thought aunt Beatrice and my mother would like some company while you and my cousin ride."

  "Thank you, Norwood," Margaret replied. "That's so thoughtful of you, and yes, we'd love your company. You can tell mother all about the park as we ride. She and your mother seem to be enjoying the outing."

  Alec swung his leg over the back of his gelding and gazed at Margaret, who was gathering the reins on the gray gelding he'd brought for her to ride. Their eyes met, and she had an amused look on her face. Norwood wasn't fooling her, either.

  They said nothing as they walked their horses in front of the landau. Alec could tell that Margaret was quite a good horsewoman and quite comfortable when it came to riding.

  He leaned over her way. "Do you feel like a short gallop? There's a path leading down to the lake. We can catch up with my landau on the other side."

  "Lead the way," she replied, smiling at him. Her green eyes had a sparkle to them.

  Alec nodded, feeling himself moved in ways he hadn't thought the lady would stir him. He nee
ded to get some distance before she noticed what she was doing to him and embarrassed them both. Though he was quite sure she was a maiden, he had the distinct feeling Margaret wasn't an innocent one. Not as well read as she was.

  He led her through the other riders, careful not to go too fast. She didn't know her way in the park. She kept up nicely with him, and he could tell by the look on her face that she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

  "Is that the hill that leads to the lake?" she asked, pointing to the hill that crested one side of the lake.

  "Yes."

  "Ah, well, I think I shall beat you to the top," she announced. She clucked her horse past his and up the path leading to the hill.

  Alec smiled at her boldness. He quickly nudged his gelding on. She was a good start ahead of him. He couldn't remember riding with another woman who was so confident on a horse. Not since riding with his sister, Eleanor.

  He held his horse back, letting her enjoy herself. She was keeping the pace lively, but soon Alec decided to close the gap between the two of them. This time, he didn't hold back until he was at her side at the top of the hill.

  She'd stopped and was overlooking the lake. It was one of the more picturesque views to be seen. But suddenly, she was sliding off the side of the gelding. Alec hurried to her as he saw her bend over the front left leg of the animal.

  "He's thrown a shoe, Wexwood," she called out. She picked up the horse's leg and began checking the frog for any bruising.

  Alec quickly dismounted and was at her side. He nodded at her assessment. He smiled to himself at this bold woman who wasn't afraid of horses or afraid to do something as simple as lift the animal's leg to check on the hoof for injury. Most women he knew would wait for the nearest groom or footman, never dirtying their own hands.

  "He has. We'll have to walk."

  "I don't mind. From the looks of it, we're at the lake."

  "Yes. Everyone will be waiting off to the left." He pointed down the hill at a group of carriages parked on the far side of the small lake.

  "It's not that far," she observed. "Besides, it'll give us some time to talk."