Ravaging the Duke Read online

  "There is that, and I do apologize for the inconvenience."

  She shook her head and smiled at him. "It's fine. Really."

  He pulled the geldings reins over the animal's neck and handed them to Margaret.

  "What do you think of the view?"

  "It's gorgeous. Does your estate or Norwood's have anything like this?"

  "Yes, though not at my estate in Somerset. Somerset has magnificent views of the sea."

  "I'm excited to see some more of England."

  "You'll enjoy the ride to Kent then. Especially this time of year."

  "I'm sure I will, though riding in a carriage for hours is not my notion of fun."

  He smiled. "You'd rather ride?"

  "Yes. I've always preferred riding over a long carriage ride. I don't mind in the city or for short journeys. I don't think you get a complete view of the countryside from the confines of a carriage."

  "True, but riding in the rain is not recommended, either. Especially for the fairer sex."

  She laughed. It was delicate, but not forced like so many young women he'd met. "I keep forgetting about all the rain you get here. I'm sure I'll muddle through it all. Trust me, my mother will most certainly not allow me to ride in the rain."

  "Why is that?" he asked. He already knew the answer but wanted to hear her reaction.

  "Because it's not ladylike, though I'm not a fragile piece of porcelain, Your Grace."

  He shook his head. "No, you are anything but fragile. But you'll do what's right to appease your mother."

  "Yes, I try to appease her."

  "You're a remarkable young woman. I like that."

  Chapter Four

  Margaret followed her mother out of the modiste’s shop, their hands weighed down by packages. They'd spent the better part of the afternoon there looking at fashion plates, fabric, and being fit for new gowns.

  The Duchess of Evermont graciously set up the appointment for them, knowing they'd need gowns for the balls and soirees they would be invited to in Kent.

  She and her mother had come away with gowns for the duke and duchess's upcoming ball in Kent along with other items both she and her mother desperately needed. Despite having brought most of their wardrobes, what they had was from Boston and not up to date with London fashion.

  As she handed the packages off to a waiting footman, Margaret happened to glance across the street at a bookstore she'd seen earlier. She held her breath as a gentleman exited the shop. The Duke of Wexford. He carried a small package under one arm. She was unsure what she was to do.

  Wexwood glanced up and right at her. He smiled then walked across the busy street to where she still stood.

  "Ms. Douglas, this certainly is a nice surprise."

  "It is, Your Grace. My mother and I just finished up at your sister's dressmaker."

  "She is quite good from what I understand," he said. Shifting the package in his arm, he had a mischievous grin. "I purchased some new reading material to take to Kent."

  "A good idea. I'm not sure my cousin has a well stocked library there."

  "I'm sure," he replied, hesitating. "When do you leave?"

  "Day after tomorrow. I'm most anxious to go. See new things. And you?"

  "I'm also hoping to leave day after tomorrow. I'm taking some pieces from the art emporium with me, so I'll be busy with making sure they're all ready."

  "Then I look forward to seeing you in Kent, Your Grace."

  Alec looked flustered. "If you have time tomorrow, I'd love to take you to the emporium. That is, if your mother would enjoy such an outing."

  "Why don't we ask her? It would be a wonderful way to distract her. I'm afraid she's going to have herself a case of nerves or a headache worrying about being prepared for the journey."

  They walked the short distance to the earl's waiting carriage. Her mother stood by the open door, waiting on her. The duke explained his offer to her mother. To her chagrin, her mother's answer was not what she expected.

  "As much as I'm sure it would be a fascinating time, I'm afraid we'll have to decline. Since we'll be spending the summer at Norwood's Kent estate, we have much to do to get ready."

  "Another time then. I'll call on you once we've all arrived in Kent."

  Margaret curtsied. "Your Grace, while my mother may not be able to accept your offer, I would love to see your art gallery."

  "Would eleven be too early?" Wexwood asked.

  "Not at all. I look forward to it."

  Beatrice nodded her approval, though it was obvious to all she was not pleased with her daughter's defiance.

  "Margaret would love to see your place of business, Your Grace," her mother replied.

  "Until then, ladies. I need to be off to the art emporium."

  He understood what was going on with her mother and was quite gracious about the entire matter. He bowed to them both, turned, and walked off to a ducal carriage waiting across the street.

  "Mother," Margaret fussed quietly. "Did you have to be so rude?"

  "I wasn't rude, my dear. Though you and Wexwood may have an understanding, I think it better if you don't act so eager. I thought it better if you waited until we're in Kent where he won't have so many distractions with his business. But you may go."

  She sighed and settled back into her seat. "I simply enjoy being in his company and want to learn more about him. There is no understanding as you so eloquently say. "

  "I know you do, but men like the mystery and chase," she replied with a knowing smile.

  Most men might. Wexwood was a different matter entirely. Though he hadn't made an offer yet, Margaret expected it to be forthcoming while in Kent. She imagined he'd use his sister's ball to make an announcement. She didn't see Wexwood taking too kindly to other men vying for her attention at the ball or afterwards. Not after the incident with that obnoxious Sussex. There were sure to be callers after the ball. Wexwood seemed to be like most men; once they had their sights on a woman, they didn't want anyone else in the way.

  "Most men may, Mother. I'm not sure Wexwood is one of them. He's been through such an awful lot since his father's death. I'm not sure playing the games of polite society is something he wants to endure right now. He's already had one woman disappear from his life."

  "That's where you're different. Show him you're interested Margaret, that you care, just don't be too enthusiastic. Leave some mystery for the wedding and marriage."

  "I'm trying, but we've had very limited opportunities to talk or spend time with each other."

  "You shall. In Kent. I foresee a lot of changes for both of you happening there," she replied, smiling before turning and looking out the carriage window.

  Margaret arched an eyebrow. "You mean some of the rules of polite society don't apply outside of London?"

  The older woman turned back around to look at her daughter. "You are American, Margaret. You can't be expected to remember all the rules in such a short amount of time."

  She giggled. "You're right, and there are so many."

  "Perhaps you and Wexwood will have time for some riding."

  "That would be nice. He knows I love to ride and that I'm most anxious to see some of the English countryside."

  She nodded. "Simply allow things to progress naturally. You'll see I'm right."

  Margaret sunk back against the carriage seat. Her mother was right. Being outside of London would allow for more freedom of movement. There wouldn't be the ton watching her every move. But accompanying Wexwood to the art gallery would also give them time to get to know each other without the prying eyes of her mother. She'd get to see a different side of the man she hoped she was to marry.

  A few minutes later, the carriage pulled up in front of Norwood's London townhome. Margaret smiled to herself. Things were coming along quite nicely. Yes, getting out of London for the fresh air of the country was going to be quite beneficial.

  ***

  The following morning, the sun was out. White puffy clouds dotted the blue sky as Wex
wood descended his carriage in front of Norwood's London home. He'd been surprised at the spirit Margaret had shown in openly defying her mother in front of him. Margaret was a spirited young woman, one who knew what she wanted out of life. While her mother might be perfectly agreeable going through the steps of polite society, Margaret was headstrong. She went after what she wanted. As an outsider, this was a bold move, but one he didn't see as a future problem. If anything, she would make a fine duchess.

  The butler led him to the drawing room. Too anxious to sit, he walked across the room to look out at the roses in Norwood's garden. Though he wasn't really looking at them or anything else. His thoughts were on Margaret. His financial need might be behind his motivation to find a wife, but Margaret fascinated him. Never had he met a woman like her.

  He heard the sound of a door opening and turned around. Norwood appeared.

  "My cousin will be down in a few minutes. I was on my way out and thought I'd come and wish you well. Not that you need it. Margaret seems quite taken with you."

  "She is?"

  "Trust me, she wouldn't have defied her mother to go on a tour of the art gallery if she wasn't."

  Alec smiled and nodded. "Yes, but after thinking it over, it didn't shock me that she did it. She was raised differently. Her father evidently didn't believe in making her into a fragile porcelain doll. He made sure she could survive in a man's world."

  "He did indeed."

  "Tell me, did you ever meet her father?"

  "No. Not that I remember. When he took aunt Beatrice to America, I was quite young."

  The sound of a woman's skirts caused both men to look toward the door.

  "I don't know if finding the two of you talking and smiling is a good thing or not," she said with a grin.

  "I assure you it was all good," Norwood replied.

  Alec neared Margaret, taking her hand in his. He bowed and kissed the back of her gloved hand. "Are you ready?"

  "Yes. I've never seen the inner workings of an art gallery. It must be fascinating."

  "There's a lot of things that go on behind the gallery before the paintings or other pieces are displayed."

  She turned her attention to her cousin, who was watching them. "Norwood, would you care to join us?"

  "No, I'm afraid I have business I must attend to before we leave for Kent. Enjoy yourselves, and I'll see you later."

  "Thank you. I'm sure we will."

  "We should be going as well," Alec said.

  Chapter Five

  Flowers and more flowers greeted them upon their arrival in Kent. Margaret smiled to herself. Not only was Wexwood trying to woo her, he was trying to win her mother over as well. There were vases of assorted blooms, some Margaret hadn't seen before. It was quite impressive. She quietly wondered if he'd arrived in Kent or if he'd merely sent word and had the flowers delivered in time for her arrival.

  Whichever the case, Margaret felt her heart growing a little fonder of the duke. Why, he'd even remembered her love of roses. Her favorite flower. The array of colors certainly dressed up the room. The day had become overcast, and rain was no doubt on its way. Even her mother was brought out of the melancholy that still hit her from time to time.

  "Your father used to do the same when he was courting me. Nothing so elaborate. Wild flowers and some flowers he'd stolen from someone's garden. He's a keeper, Margaret."

  "I believe you're right. He obviously went to a lot of trouble to make sure these were here to greet me."

  "Indeed. I'm sure he'll be talking to Norwood about marriage before you know it."

  "He has to ask me first, Mama."

  "But you've talked about it, haven't you?"

  She nodded. "The subject has been brought up. I think I mentioned that."

  "You have. I pray Wexwood doesn't squander your dowry on his own gains. I hope he leaves something for you and the children you will have together. "

  "He won't. My dowry will simply help him along until some of his business ventures pay off."

  "Pity his family has had to endure what they have. All at the hand of a man who couldn't stay away from cards. Norwood assured me that Wexwood has absolutely no interest in gaming. I certainly hope he's right."

  "He is. This situation with his father forced him to grow up quickly. He was put in an impossible situation. One he shouldn't have had to endure."

  "He's handled himself well, though I dare say he's a tad bit stuffy."

  "Stuffy?"

  "Yes, he acts like an old man. Perhaps you can make him laugh again."

  "I will try my best, Mama."

  Chapter Six

  Three days later, Margaret was standing in the great hall of her cousin's country home with the Duke of Wexwood. He'd come to take her for a ride, just like her mother said he would.

  He looked ruggedly handsome from the ride over. His dark hair was tousled by the wind as the duke preferred to ride without a hat on his estate. She quietly wondered what else he did here that he would not do elsewhere.

  "My mother sends her regards. She'll see you when we return."

  "She's not ill is she?" he inquired.

  "Since the voyage across the ocean, she doesn't seem to travel as well. She gets hit with melancholy from time to time. New surroundings seem to bring it on."

  "I'm sorry to hear that. I look forward to seeing her another time then," he replied.

  He always knew exactly the right things to say in situations such as this. Margaret knew her mother wasn't that tired. She was simply giving them some time alone to get to know each other better.

  She nodded. "You said in your letter you would bring a horse for me to ride."

  "I wasn't sure what Norwood had available, but I have a mare that I think you'll enjoy riding," he replied. "Shall we get started?"

  "Yes. I've been looking forward to this." She looked up at him and smiled as he followed her out the front door.

  A gray mare stood with a footman, waiting on her. Margaret squealed with delight. The mare reminded her of one of her father's horses. Merry, whom she'd had to leave with her uncle when they left Boston.

  "She's beautiful, Wexwood. What's her name?"

  "Jane," he replied as he motioned to the footman to lead the mare to the mounting block.

  Margaret stroked the mare's soft nose. "We're going to get along just wonderfully."

  She mounted the mare with ease and without help. Her father had taught her that she needed to be able to mount and dismount a horse herself in case she was ever in a precarious situation while alone.

  "Speaking of Norwood, where is he? I haven't seen him since we arrived," Alec inquired as he mounted his bay gelding.

  "I believe he's off seeing to his tenants."

  "Yes, of course."

  She gathered the reins and walked the mare over in Wexwood's direction. "Are you ready, Your Grace?" she asked with a teasing look in her eyes.

  "Yes, let's walk down the drive. There's a path that veers off that'll take us to Norwood's lake."

  She nodded, and the two walked side by side down the gravel covered drive in silence for a few minutes.

  "My cousin did tell me once I was comfortable with my new surroundings I could ride out on my own. If, of course, Mother approves."

  "That's good of him. You're an excellent rider."

  "Where is your estate from here?"

  He smiled. "It runs alongside Norwood's. He pointed to a low rock wall with Rowan trees placed alongside at various intervals. "Mine's on the other side of that wall."

  "Oh. I didn't realize you were that close."

  "The house is a good distance from here, though easy on horseback if you know all the right paths." He grinned.

  "I imagine then the two of you ran wild growing up here."

  "Sadly, not as much as we would have liked. My father preferred his Somerset estate. Norwood and I met again at Eaton and became fast friends."

  He stopped at a wide path leading off the main drive. "Would you like to liven th
ings up a bit? To the tree line?"

  "Yes!" Margaret squealed and promptly nudged her mare past Alec and broke into a gallop.

  Alec grinned broadly at her boldness. He sat and let Margaret get a good start on him before urging his gelding into a gallop. This was going to prove to be a most interesting day indeed.

  Once he caught up with her, they slowed their pace and talked as he led her to the private lake. As they walked the horses, they discussed about a dozen topics. He was interested in her life in America. What it was like there. The country certainly wasn't that old, and he had a keen interest in doing business there at some point in time.

  Margaret was interested in knowing what was actually involved with being a duke. Alec took that as an interest in how a duchess spent her time. She certainly wouldn't be like any other woman in the part. No, she'd be fun. She wasn't afraid of anything and had a zest for life. Something Alec sorely missed in his own life.

  Finally they approached the lake. It was indeed private, shrouded by trees on all sides. There was a gazebo to one side with a statute of a water god standing on a pedestal in the middle of the lake.

  "Oh, this is beautiful, Alec."

  "Yes, it is. I believe Norwood's great grandfather had the lake dug for his bride. He wanted somewhere private the two of them could spend time together."

  "Really? How romantic, and it is very private."

  "Very. Shall we get down and walk to the gazebo?"

  "Yes, I'd like that."

  She patiently waited for Alec to help her off the mare. Though she could have dismounted on her own, she wanted to feel his hands on her waist as he helped her down.

  Once he had her on the ground, he froze, looking intently at her, his arms still on her tiny waist.

  "Let me tie the horses off, and we'll walk to the gazebo," he said.

  Margaret nodded, though she wanted him to kiss her instead. She stood captivated by the statute in the middle of the lake and didn't hear him approach.

  "Shall we?" He offered his arm, which she took with a smile.

  "Let's walk to the shore first. If you don't mind."

  "The place is quite captivating, isn't it?"