Ravaging the Duke Page 4

  "It is. I could stay for hours here reading," she replied.

  "I hope you won't be too disappointed then when you see my lake."

  "I'm sure I won't be."

  They walked to the water's edge and stood and looked in silence. It was serene and lovely with just the two of them. All alone. Together.

  "Margaret?"

  "Yes?"

  His arms found their way around her, and he held her close. Then he lowered his mouth over hers and kissed her. Much to his surprise, she opened to him as he slid his tongue between her moist lips. They kissed as though they'd been kissing for years; her hands got lost in his hair. He moved his hands down to grip her closer.

  "Margaret," he whispered hoarsely as the kiss ended.

  "I'm right here," she replied, staring up at him. She could feel the bulge of his erection through the layers of fabric.

  He regained his wits and took her hand, leading her towards the gazebo.

  Once they stepped inside, he led her to a bench. He needed to speak with her now while they were alone. With the hustle and bustle of upcoming soirees and events, they might not have so perfect a time.

  He took her gloved hand in his. "Margaret, I would like to ask you a question. You need not answer me now if you find you need to think on it."

  "Very well. Ask me anything." Margaret's throat was dry in anticipation of what was about to happen.

  "I know we've only known each other a very short period of time, but I should very much like to offer you marriage, Miss Douglas."

  She nodded, smiling. "I don't have to think it over, Wexwood. My answer is yes."

  "It is?"

  "Yes, of course. It will solve a lot for both of us. I know eventually we'll find the same deep love your sister and her duke have. I'm accepting your offer of marriage."

  "You are sure? My family's peril and the financial problems of my dukedom don't bother you?"

  She sighed and took his hand. "Yes, I am sure. As far as the dukedom's problems, they weren't of your making. I believe together, we can bring it back to what it once was. My dowry shall help, but together, our hard work will make it happen."

  "Thank you. I was afraid I was acting too fast, but with all the balls and events, I had to take advantage of whatever time alone we might have."

  "I don't think we will have much problem being alone, do you? I foresee many rides and picnics. Just the two of us."

  Alec had to hold himself back. He needed to be patient, though he didn't think Margaret was the shy type who would want to wait for their wedding night. If she did, he'd respect her wishes.

  He bent over and kissed her again. "Yes, I do," he whispered through their kiss.

  He hauled her onto his lap. His hand wandered down her skirts. To his surprise, she didn't try to stop him. Instead, she parted her legs, allowing him access. He trailed his kiss down her neck as he lifted her skirts with one hand.

  "Do you like this?" he asked as he kissed the top of her ivory breast.

  Margaret moaned.

  His hand parted the silky hair as she threw her head back. He caressed her slowly, in small circles, coaxing her before he thrust a finger inside her. A gasp escaped Margaret's lips. Her hips began to move in time with him, her hands tightening on his forearms as he brought her closer.

  "Wexwood," she moaned.

  "Alec," he whispered as he continued his ministrations.

  "Alec."

  "Margaret, look at me as you take your pleasure."

  Her eyelids fluttered open as she went off into a world she'd never known.

  His cock was harder than he ever remembered it being. He wanted her. Now. But this would have to be enough for now. When he did take her, it would be in Somerset. In his bed by the sea.

  "Alec, what just happened?" Margaret had heard of the pleasures men could bring a woman, but she had never experienced anything as wonderful as this.

  "Just a taste of what's to come on our wedding night."

  "It best better hurry up then." She laughed. "If it's as wonderful as that just was, I may never want to leave our bed, sir."

  He chuckled. "It will be. I promise. Now we need to decide how and when we're going to marry."

  "You don't think it'd be too obvious if we did it while we're here?"

  "I can arrange for a special license if you wish. That's not a problem. Are you or your mother going to want a big wedding?"

  "My mother knows I'm not keen on large weddings. Something smaller, perhaps in Norwood's drawing room?"

  "Yes, I think something like that would be perfect."

  "When we get back to the house, we'll tell my mother and Norwood if he's there. We can set a date if you'd like. Say in a fortnight?"

  "That sounds perfect."

  "What about your family?" she asked, stroking his cheek with her gloved hand.

  "Eleanor will be happy with whatever we decide. Mother as well. I'll send word to her and have her come visit. We'll tell her once she arrives."

  "That would be wonderful."

  "It will be. It will all be perfect, my darling."

  "I know it will be. My mother and Norwood will be delighted."

  She hopped off the bench and glided over to a table which had a picnic basket on top. Alec watched with delight as Margaret opened the basket and began to pull out plates and various food items.

  "What's this?" she exclaimed.

  "Go on, open it. I thought you might be hungry."

  Alec watched with delight as Margaret opened the basket and began to pull out plates and various food items.

  "How wonderful!"

  He laughed and walked over to join her. "I take it this meets with your approval?"

  "You know, according to your ton's rules, if we'd been caught a few minutes ago, I would have been declared ruined, and you would have been forced to marry me," she replied sweetly. "But yes, yes I love this. It was a wonderful surprise."

  "They'd probably think merely going for a ride together or having a picnic reason enough. But we already agreed to marry."

  "I'm sure that wouldn't matter to some of those women," she replied.

  "You're quite right, it wouldn't."

  They sat and ate, both of them content with the decision they had made. To marry. Margaret knew she needed to speak with him about some matters that would sooner or later come follow her to London. Her uncle. There was no doubt the man would think she and her mother had taken what he thought was rightfully his, but they hadn't. The money from the sale of the house was her mother's. Her father had put it into writing. It was simply the other things, hidden in her dress, that he might object to her having. No matter; they'd belonged to her father and, between her dowry and the money, should never be a problem.

  "I heard you speak of time pieces. You mentioned something of having a Peter Henlein original."

  "Yes, though the gallery has had no real buyers yet. I would love to own it, but alas, it isn't meant to be. Not yet."

  "What if I bought it and gave it to as a wedding present?" she said, picking up a piece of cheese. "I do have some money of my own apart from my dowry."

  "You don't need to do that."

  "Of course I do. The piece obviously hasn't sold because the person wishing to purchase wasn't the right one. It's meant to be in your collection."

  "My collection is not large. Three pieces."

  Margaret nodded. "Now it'll be four, and this one will be the highlight of it all."

  He smiled and slid his hand across the table, taking hers in his. "I think we're going to get along splendidly."

  "Then you'll accept my gift?"

  "I'd be honored to, Margaret."

  "Thank you."

  "May I ask you a question?" She asked softly.

  "Of course."

  "Why do you have an estate in Kent and one in Surry. I know they're not too far from each other. And why does your mother stay in Surry?"

  "It's just the way things were done I suppose. One of my ancestors built the one in
Surry. The one in Kent was a gift from a king to another of my great great grandfathers. My mother has always preferred Surry for some reason."

  "Why not allow your mother to live in the main house if you prefer Kent over it?"

  "That's not a bad idea. I should speak with her about it when I see her. Somerset, though, is my favorite. I plan to take you there once we're married."

  "It sounds like the perfect place. I can't wait."

  "Eleanor's husband is having his family's home rebuilt. It's near Wexwood Manor."

  "What happened to it?"

  "Fire. I'm not sure of the circumstances; it happened many years ago. It's something Evermont has always wanted to do."

  "That's awful," she replied. Margaret eyed him with fascination. They needed to get started on their ride. Too much time idle might prove to lead to another encounter like earlier. "If you're ready, why don't you show me some more of Norwood's estate."

  "That's a good idea." He helped her gather everything and put it back into the basket. "Perhaps tomorrow, we could ride on my estate. I'd love to show you the house."

  "I'd like that." She took his arm and let him lead her to where the horses still stood patiently.

  Alec carefully helped Margaret mount the mare. Once she was comfortably seated, he ran his hand up under her skirt. Her skin was soft even through her stockings.

  "Keep that up, sir, and we won't be getting any riding done."

  "I know. I simply can't believe you're real sometimes. You're too good to be true, a dream come true."

  "You're helping me, Alec, and I'm helping you."

  "How am I helping you?" he asked, looking up at her.

  "You'll find out soon enough." She smiled down at him and suddenly urged the mare on, leaving Alec watching her.

  He bolted over to his gelding and mounted, pressing the animal to pick up speed and follow the one woman who made him feel like a man. A real man as opposed to one who'd been beaten down by his father's horrible doings. He'd forgotten how to laugh or even how to smile until recently. He had Margaret to thank for that.

  It took him a few minutes to catch up to her, but when he did, she laughed. It was a delightful sound. Not even Rebecca laughed much, especially after his father's murder. The scandal surrounding his father and, by default, him was something she obviously didn't want to be associated with.

  Margaret, on the other hand, wasn't bothered by any of it. She didn't feel it was his fault. Just because his father had done such horrid things, Alec wasn't to blame and shouldn't have such a stigma attached to him. This marriage might be one of convenience, but Alec felt that it was going to turn into far more than that.

  After another hour of riding through the estate, Alec led them back to the house. With any luck, Norwood and her mother would be there so they might tell them their news. He would need to tell Eleanor as well. Then he had to secure a special license. It shouldn't be hard. A cousin of his worked with a bishop in the church. He'd send word to him and find out where he might find the man.

  ***

  Margaret rode alongside Alec as he took her through her cousin's vast country estate. The day had been perfect. He'd formally asked her to marry him and they'd shared some very intimate moments in the gazebo. If the pleasure he'd shown her was any indication of what their time in the marriage bed would be like—well she couldn't wait.

  "Where will we go after the wedding?" she asked quietly as the house came into view.

  "Wexwood Manor in Somerset."

  "I can't wait."

  "Neither can I," he replied. "Are you ready to tell your mother, aunt, and Norwood?"

  "Yes, I am." She pulled the mare to a stop. "Do you think we might be able to find another time to ride?"

  He nodded, smiling. "I thought tomorrow we could ride on my estate. You should learn your way around on it in case you ever want to go riding alone."

  "That's very considerate, Alec."

  He smiled at her. "If you're ready, I see Norwood standing outside."

  "I wonder what he's about."

  "He probably saw us approaching, nothing more."

  The neared the front steps. Margaret dismounted as a groom came to hold the mare. She noted her cousin was trying not to smile as he observed them.

  "Is my mother around?"

  "She's in the drawing room I believe. Last I saw her she was working on some needle work with my mother."

  "Excellent. You must come, too, Norwood. We have some news," Alec said.

  "This news wouldn't happen to involve marriage, would it? As your most immediate male relation, Margaret, Wexwood should speak to me on the subject."

  Margaret rolled her eyes. "That would be fine if these were ordinary circumstances. Since I have good reason to believe the two of you have discussed this matter, I think your request is moot. Don't you, cousin?"

  Norwood burst out laughing. She noted Alec smiling at her. The entire matter was, of course, a formality.

  "Then why don't we go tell your mother the news? I'm sure Wexwood is going to want to inform his sister as well."

  "Yes, let’s," she replied as she passed her cousin and walked into the entrance hall.

  "If I recall, weren't we invited to your brother-in-law and sister's for dinner this evening?"

  "Why, yes, that is this evening," Alec said, glancing at his friend. "You're invited as well, aren't you?"

  "Yes, and I'm looking forward to it."

  Margaret shook her head as she began to walk to the drawing room. "Enough. The two of you sound like two old hens discussing your social calendar."

  Her mother was seated in a chair by the window. Aunt Sarah sat in a similar chair alongside her. Upon seeing them enter, she put down her needlework and watched as they approached her.

  "There you are. Norwood said you'd gone off riding with the duke."

  "Yes, and we have some news."

  The older woman's lips twitched as she tried to keep a smile from curling her lips up. "Is it what I think?"

  "Margaret has agreed to marry me," Alec said.

  The older woman clasp her hands together. "That is wonderful news. I couldn't have picked a better husband for her. Her father would be so happy."

  Alec glanced at Margaret, who was looking at both him and Norwood. "I’m glad you approve, Mother. Would you be opposed if Wexwood and I simply married here? Rather than a huge affair?"

  "I believe, under the circumstances, it would be the thing to do. If that suits Norwood."

  Norwood nodded. "It does, Aunt. Wexwood is planning on getting a special license. They could marry in this room."

  "I'm going to send for my mother. She's at the family estate in Surry. I thought the day after their ball, we could marry," Alec said.

  "It is settled then," Margaret replied. "We can have a small wedding breakfast before we leave for Somerset."

  "Perfect," her mother agreed.

  Sarah rose from her chair and hugged Beatrice. She then walked to Margaret and Wexwood to congratulate them both. "I am so excited for you both. I knew in my heart the two of you were meant to be together."

  "Thank you, Aunt," Margaret whispered.

  Wexwood bowed. "Thank you madam. This means a lot to me."

  "You've found happiness, Wexwood. Everything else will fall into place. You'll see."

  "If you ladies will excuse me, I need to return to my home and send word to my mother. I'll see you both this evening."

  "Yes. I look forward to it," her mother said as Alec took her hand.

  He walked next to Margaret. "I'll see you this evening as well."

  "Until this evening. Thank you for such a wonderful afternoon, Alec."

  "The pleasure was all mine," he replied with a gleam in his eyes.

  He turned to Norwood. "Come, we can discuss some business on our way out."

  Margaret watched as her cousin and soon-to-be husband walked across the large drawing room.

  "You did good, daughter."

  "I'm quite happy with my decis
ion, Mother. I know it's quick, but Alec will make a wonderful husband. I believe we'll get along quite nicely."

  "Oh, of that I am sure," came the reply. The dowager countess was smiling as she sat back down.

  "You already do. I can see it in your eyes, daughter."

  "I hope you're not upset that it won't be a large affair. Alec didn't want to take away from anything his sister is doing, and I agreed. I don't see a reason to wait through all the foolishness." She smiled. "This will also put aside any foolishness uncle Thaddeus may be thinking."

  "A small, intimate wedding, I think, is the better choice. I believe your new beaded ivory gown will be perfect, don't you?"

  "I hadn't had a chance to think of it, but yes, I think you're right."

  "We need to make plans. This will happen before you know it."

  "It will," she replied. "If you will excuse me, Mother, I need to speak with Norwood about something. I'll see you shortly."

  She walked outside the drawing room and headed to Norwood's study. She knocked on the door. Hearing her cousin bid her in, she opened the door.

  "Margaret, may I help with something?"

  She glided across the room and sat down in front of his desk. Men's studies were always so dark and dreary with all the wood paneling and dark furniture. It made her wonder how they ever got any work done in such a place.

  "I wish to purchase something special for Wexwood as a wedding gift, and I need your help."

  "What is it you wish to purchase?"

  "A time piece that's at the art emporium. He adores it. I think it would be perfect in his collection."

  "You're speaking of the Peter Henlein piece?"

  "Yes. Can you get it for me?"

  "Consider it done, though I will say it's an extravagant gift."

  She smiled at her cousin. "Wexwood has done so much for me just by agreeing to this marriage. I think it's the least I can do for my new husband."

  "I agree. Like I said, consider it done. I'll speak with his new man at the auction house and make arrangements for it to be delivered here."

  "Thank you, Monty. For everything."

  He nodded. "Is there something else? You seem hesitant."

  "Oh, it has nothing to do with Wexwood or our marriage." She hesitated. "It's my mother. I need to find a place for her to live. A small house, perhaps in London."