Ravaging the Duke Read online

  "Why don't you speak with your betrothed about that? I think setting you mother up in her own place is just what she needs. I'm sure he may have some ideas of his own."

  "I shall. Thank you for the suggestion. Now if you'll excuse me, I best go upstairs. I'll see you then for dinner."

  "I hope you don't mind, but knowing what Alec was likely all about, I asked Mother to invite Wexwood along with his sister and brother-in-law. I thought a little family celebration was in order."

  "Thank you, Monty. You've already done too much."

  "It's no problem. I'm pleased to see both of you happy. You both deserve it."

  Yes, she did, but would this deter her uncle? She was surprised she hadn't heard from him. He wasn't the sort of man to let things go. Never had been. Thaddeus Douglas was never going to darken her doorstep again.

  "Thank you, again. I'll see you for dinner. I know it'll please Alec when he receives the news."

  Chapter Seven

  Alec stood waiting in front of the manor house, waiting on his carriage to return with Margaret. Today they were going to ride on his estate. He watched the gravel drive as the carriage pulled into view.

  As the coach came to a stop in front of the granite steps, he walked over and opened the door himself. He'd been most anxious to see his betrothed again since their dinner last night at Norwood's. The lively conversation and sexual undertone to some of the conversation they'd been able to have in private on the balcony led his mind astray with lustful thoughts.

  Margaret put her gloved hand in his as she exited the carriage. She was stunning in a dark blue riding habit. "Good afternoon, Alec," she said flirtatiously as she stepped down.

  "Good afternoon, Margaret."

  She looked at him in a way that made his cock harden instantly. Though he had ideas of how they might spend part of their time together, he got the distinct idea she did as well.

  He led her to the mare she'd ridden before and helped her mount. "You look gorgeous today. I hope you're ready to learn some more?"

  She cocked an eyebrow, smiling. "I'm always ready to learn from you, Alec."

  He let his hand linger on her leg for a moment. "Good. I have much to teach you."

  Alec smiled up at her, the sun in a position that made it hard for him to clearly see her face. He walked to his gelding and swung his leg over the animal's back. He walked his horse up to her, where she stood waiting on him.

  "Let's go this way," he said, pointing to the drive. "There's a path that leads to my favorite spot. It's not too far a ride, either."

  She nodded, a faint smile on her lips. She quickly caught up to him, and the two rode in silence until they were out of sight of the house.

  "Did you enjoy yourself last evening?" he inquired.

  "Yes. I adore your sister, and the duke is obviously in love with her."

  "He is; has been for a long time. Eleanor was married once before."

  "I believe Norwood mentioned something about that to me. Wasn't her husband quite a lot older than her?"

  "Yes. He died after a long illness. He saw to it, though, that Eleanor was well taken care of before he died."

  "She was lucky then. A lot of women would have been at the hands of their husband's heir if there were no children involved."

  "Quite right. I hope you and Eleanor will become friends."

  "I'm sure we shall. She's already been quite accommodating to both my mother and me."

  "She'd like us to be married in her drawing room, but completely understands you wanting to have the ceremony at Norwood's."

  She smiled. "I owe that much to Norwood. Besides, he needs to find himself a wife. Maybe having it there will give him ideas of his own."

  "You might be right."

  "Where is it we're going?" she asked, wanting to change the subject.

  "You'll see. It's a place I like to go when I want to be alone. No one knows of it. Not even my valet."

  "Oh my. Do you go there often?"

  "I have spent quite a bit of time there since all this mess with my father occurred. You see, I always knew I'd be duke one day, just never like this."

  She reached over and touched her gloved hand to his thigh. "I think you're handling the matter with grace and dignity, Alec. You're making a concerted effort to bring the dukedom out of ruins. More than a lot of men would have done. With our marriage, it shall begin to thrive once again."

  He gathered his reins in one hand and took her smaller hand in his. "I'm so lucky to have found you, Maggie. You are exactly what I need in my life. Always."

  "And I you, Alec. I can't wait to start our life together."

  "It won't be long."

  They walked along for a few minutes until they came across another path, this one smaller. Alec knew he was playing with fire, but he wanted her to not only see the place and experience its tranquility, he wanted to make it their private place when they visited Kent.

  "Follow me. I will tell you the path narrows. I've tried to keep it cut back as best I can without alerting others that this is where I go."

  "I'll be fine. You just lead," she replied, smiling.

  Slowly they wound their way through the wooded area. The path was narrow, just wide enough for one horse. He said nothing, though his mind was running wild with thoughts. Thoughts of lust and making Margaret his today. He quickly shook that idea from his head. Where had it come from? He needed to go slow with her, save the best until last. When they were man and wife. Finally, they reached a small clearing. He stopped, dismounting from the gelding. He tied the animal to a tree before turning his attention to his betrothed.

  Margaret, however, was already on the ground, having slid off the saddle herself. He smiled at her independence. Most woman would have waited to be properly assisted. She just took upon herself not to wait.

  She handed him the reins. He led the mare to a nearby tree and tied her as well. He then turned his attention to Margaret, taking her hand in his.

  He led her to a small clearing at the edge of the tree line. It overlooked the estate and manor house. He heard her gasp at the sight.

  "It's something, isn't it? I came here as a child and tried to imagine what it would be like to be in my father's position. Lord and master of all that I saw."

  "It's beautiful, Alec. I'm surprised no one's ever done anything with it."

  "I doubt my own father ever came up here. Though he loved to ride, he didn't like going off the main paths."

  "Pity. It's such a spectacular view. I can see why you come here."

  "Yes. I can sit here unseen by anyone. It's always given me great comfort to come here," he replied. Under one arm, he carried a blanket he'd attached to his saddle. Nothing unusual about it; he always brought one when he rode. "Would you like to sit for a while?"

  "Yes."

  He unfurled the blanket just inside the trees. They could still sit and look out at the countryside below them. Alec, however, wanted more. He took Margaret's hand and helped her sit down. Then he joined her, sitting close enough their bodies touched.

  Alec had to remember to breathe. This woman had an electrifying effect on him. He couldn't explain it but she wasn't going to be an ordinary wife. He knew that from the day he first saw her.

  He peered down at her and smiled before turning his attention back on the landscape before them. He tried to point out the various outbuildings and gardens, giving her a small history of each. His heart and cock, however, weren't into it. He needed more. He needed to taste her.

  His lips met hers, and she willingly opened to him. Her mouth parted and he pushed his tongue inside. She met him, and the two explored each other. Alec wanted more and ran his hand along her breast.

  She moaned.

  He took his hand and forced one breast from her corset. He pinched the deep pink nipple between his fingers, his lips kissing her creamy skin.

  Gently, he guided her to lie down on the blanket as he continued to kiss her neck and breast. He took her nipple in his mouth and
sucked. She squirmed at the sensation. The lady wanted more.

  His hand founds its way between her legs, and he spread them wider. He ran his fingers up her inner leg, causing a long sigh to come from her. He spread her damp folds apart, tracing them as though to remember everything about her. She was wet with want and need. Did he dare?

  He inserted a finger into her channel. She was so hot and tight. Alec inserted a second and waited for a moment. He began to move his fingers in and out of her. To his surprise, she raised her hips to meet him.

  "Alec..." she moaned.

  "Are you all right? Should I stop?" he asked as he quickened his pace.

  "Don't you dare quit."

  "Do you want more?"

  "Yes. I need to...Alec."

  She was close to going over the edge, but he wanted her to wait and enjoy what he was about to do next. "You can't take your pleasure yet, Maggie. Not until I say you can."

  "Alec, I need..."

  "I know you need to come, but you won't do it until I say you can."

  "I can't..."

  "Yes, you can. Patience, my love."

  He swiped his finger over her clit and smiled at how she squirmed. He withdrew his fingers and raised her skirts. This was what he wanted, to feast on her. He'd have her begging for more by the time he brought her screaming to take her pleasure.

  He kissed her thighs in a trail leading up to her heat. She didn't pull away. Good, she was curious. He swiped his tongue over her swollen clit and ran a path to her wet passage. Then he thrust his tongue inside and held her down as she squirmed.

  "Alec. I'm sure this can't be proper."

  He ignored her and kept up his assault. He then thrust two fingers back inside her and ran his tongue over her pulsing clit before he began to suck. She bucked under him as she flew apart.

  "Alec..." She moaned as she continued to move her hips with his fingers.

  "How do you feel, Maggie? Does it feel good?"

  She was breathing hard from her orgasm. His own cock throbbed through his breeches, desperate for some sort of release.

  "I've...I've never experienced anything like it. I want more."

  He chuckled. "And you shall have it once we're wed."

  "I'm not sure I can wait that long, sir. And what about you? Surely you need relief," she said as he assisted her to a sitting position. As much as he wanted her, he wasn't going to take her here. He merely wanted her to experience how good the art of seduction could be for both of them.

  "I'll be fine."

  Chapter Eight

  Margaret took one last look in the looking glass. Tonight was an important night in her life. The first of many. The hours she'd spent preening and making herself ready showed. This was the night when she and Alec would present themselves as betrothed.

  "You look beautiful, milady," her maid said, handing her the mask she'd wear at the duke and duchess's ball.

  Tonight was the long anticipated summer ball that Alec's sister and her husband, the Duke and Duchess of Evermont, were giving. This year it was a masked ball.

  When they'd had dinner with Alec's sister a few nights back, the duchess insisted they use the ball to announce their betrothal. Thus all the fuss to make sure she was the most beautiful woman, aside from the hostess, of course.

  She was an outsider, an American, not part of the English society as Alec was. She had to leave no doubt in people's minds that she was the perfect wife for the Duke of Wexwood. Which, of course, she was.

  "Thank you," she replied as she smiled and walked out the door of her chamber towards the stairs.

  Knowing her mother, her aunt, the dowager countess, and Norwood would most likely be waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, she made sure everything was perfect for her descent. Her silver and gray silk dress shimmered in the light as she walked down the stairs one at a time.

  She had carefully chosen the dress, not wanting anything flashy, instead selecting something more elegant for the occasion. This was a huge milestone.

  Reaching the last few steps, Margaret noticed no one waiting. Her mother probably needed to sit because she didn't believe in waiting for anyone like an anxious child. A footman opened the door to the drawing room, and Margaret found the three of them sitting near the fire, laughing over something. Probably one of Norwood's jokes. He did know how to weave something funny out of almost anything.

  Both sets of eyes were on her as she walked across the room towards them. She could immediately tell her mother's reaction as she saw her eyes glistening in the candlelight. Norwood had a smile on his face.

  "You look gorgeous, Margaret. Wexwood won't be able to take his eyes off you this evening," her mother said.

  Or his hands should we have the chance to be alone.

  "Your mother's right about Wexwood. You look like a duchess."

  "Thank you. I'm quite nervous about this evening."

  "No need to be. It's a warm crowd; they'll love you," he replied.

  "I hope so. You English can be a rough bunch when it comes to outsiders like me."

  "Ah, but as the future Duchess of Wexwood, you won't be an outsider."

  "Once we're married."

  "Which won't be much longer," her mother said, rising from her chair. "Now I think we'd best be going."

  "Your mother's right. We need to be on our way."

  They finally reached the summer manor house of the Duke and Duchess of Evermont. The house was lit up with candles in every window and torches blazing in the drive to welcome arriving guests.

  As a footman opened the carriage door, they were greeted by Wexwood, who stood behind the young fellow waiting. Margaret smiled to herself at the idea that he was so excited for their arrival, he hadn't been able to stay inside.

  She waited for the dowager countess and her mother to descend before she took Alec's hand and exited the carriage.

  She noted his eyes flared as he saw her in better light. Her effort had been well worth the hours it'd taken.

  "You look beautiful this evening, Miss Douglas," he said, tucking her hand under his arm.

  "Thank you," she replied, glancing upward at him. "You're quite handsome yourself this evening."

  He nodded. "You brought your mask, I see."

  "Yes."

  "You won't need it before we go into the ballroom. Right now, we'll greet Evermont and my sister. I believe she would like to announce our betrothal early in the evening."

  "Very well. Are you ready?"

  "Yes," he replied without hesitation. "And you?"

  "I'm as ready as one can be."

  "You'll do fine," he said, patting her gloved hand. "The special license has been taken care of as well."

  "You've been busy, Duke."

  He smiled. "Quite."

  They stood in the short reception line waiting to greet their hosts before proceeding to the ballroom. It was a warm evening and even warmer in the house. She hoped that perhaps the duchess would have the doors to the gardens open. Otherwise, she might find herself spending more time outside rather than indoors with the crush.

  "Do you have your dance card?"

  "Of course." She rolled her eyes

  "Once we finish here, I shall like to pencil in my dances. I want to be sure I get the best."

  "I would not have it any other way," she said, adding, "I'll be a lot more at ease once I understand your rules and such."

  "You didn't have such polite rules of society in America?" He was teasing her, trying to see how she would answer.

  "Yes, but your ton seems far more critical than even the most influential women in Boston, Newport, or even New York."

  "They are, and I believe they pride themselves in that fact," he said as they made their way close.

  "I'm sure you are correct on that matter," she whispered. She loved the way he smelled. Of the wintergreen soap he used and man. If one could describe how a man smelled.

  "I see Norwood has made sure our mothers have been introduced," Alec said.

&n
bsp; "Yes, it appears that way. My mother will now know two women in her age group."

  Alec bent over. "And make you worry less about her?"

  "Yes. I'm already seeing a difference since we arrived thanks to my aunt, the dowager countess."

  They came face to face with the dowager countess, her mother, and another woman who looked up at them from their conversation. Wexwood's hand covered Margaret's, which was sitting on his forearm.

  "Mother, may I present Margaret Douglas, my betrothed. My dear, my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Wexwood."

  She faced Margaret, her fading blonde hair shimmering in the candlelight. "My dear. Very nice to make your acquaintance. I am grateful that my son is finally to wed, but I must confess I was shocked at the news."

  "Why is that, Your Grace?" Margaret asked before Alec could speak for her.

  "You're not peerage, and you're American. However, I suppose I can overlook that. After all Wexwood has been through, if you're the woman who's won his heart, who am I to judge?"

  "Thank you, Your Grace." She wasn't sure what to make of that blunt statement by her future mother-in-law. It was rather harsh, and she noticed both her aunt and mother hiding behind their fans.

  Margaret passed Alec her dance card. She knew he and Norwood would escape now to leave the four of them alone. Watching him scrawl his choices on the stiff card, she hoped he could see how ill at ease she was at being left.

  "I'll return shortly for our dance. Norwood and I have several gentlemen to speak with."

  "How will you know who they are if they're masked?" Margaret inquired with an impish grin.

  "We have our ways," Norwood replied, a smile on his face.

  She watched them leave, perhaps taking more time than she should have as her mother politely cleared her throat. "We were just discussing the wedding location. The dowager duchess said you and the duke could use the chapel on his property for the wedding."

  "He hadn't mentioned there being a chapel."

  "Wexwood didn't show it to you on one of your rides?" the dowager duchess asked, arching her eyebrow.

  "No, obviously not, Your Grace. I shall ask him to show it to me."