A Duchess Enraged (30 page)
Authors: Alicia Quigley
"Oh."
Allegra bit her lip. "I was having second thoughts, especially after the
things you said." She paused. "Did you do that on purpose? Asking me
all those ridiculous questions?"
"It seemed that
you needed to be reminded of what you were leaving, and what you were going
to," said Tristan apologetically.
"Hence the
gloomy castle, as well, I suppose," said Caroline. "Really, this
place is dreadful. I don’t suppose your housekeeper has turned it out in
decades." She ran a finger over a ledge, and wrinkled her nose at the
dust.
"I'm sorry all
of you dislike my ancestral home so much," said Tristan, sardonically.
"It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all if you left me alone here."
"Thank
you," said Allegra, ignoring his words.
"There's nothing
to thank me for. If I hadn't been bent on making mischief, none of this would
have happened in the first place." Tristan took her hand and kissed it
lightly, ignoring Adam's glare. "I'm glad matters were put to rights at
the end. Of course, it seems your husband came to his senses and my efforts
were unnecessary. Still, they were well-intended."
"Very pretty
words," said Caroline briskly. "But I have no intention of standing
around in this dismal hall a minute longer. Adam, bring Allegra. We can all go
back in my carriage. Please clean yourself up first. I have no intention of
allowing you to get my carriage all wet and bloody."
The next few moments
passed in a flurry of activity as Baxter was summoned, sent away again to fetch
towels, warm water, and one of Gresham’s shirts, while Allegra's valise was
located and stowed in Caroline's coach. Allegra gently tended to Adam when the
fresh linen arrived, and Caroline stood to one side, watching them contentedly.
"So, there is to
be a happy ending, after all," said Tristan, moving up behind her. He too
had changed into a dry shirt, but a rapidly spreading bruise on his cheekbone
spoke of the earlier battle. Caroline smiled.
"Whatever
possessed you to fight my brother? He's much younger than you."
"I'm not quite
in my dotage yet, thank you," said Tristan. "I held my own. But your
sister-in-law speedily put an end to it."
"She's very resourceful,"
agreed Caroline. "Tell me, do you think the two of them will be happy
now?"
Tristan glanced at
the pair. Adam's fingers were wrapped around Allegra's tiny waist as she softly
dabbed at the cut over his eye. They had eyes only for each other.
He shrugged. "I
can't predict such things. If they can trust one another, they have a better
chance than most."
"And you, my
lord? What's next for you? Do you resume your roving life on the
Continent?"
Tristan glanced down
into her bright green eyes. "Why would that matter to you?"
Caroline shook her
head. "It doesn't. Thank you, my lord, for doing what was right and
sending for me. They've solved their problem without us, but I'm glad to know
you intended no further harm."
She turned away and
grabbed the cloak she had shed earlier, sliding its fur lining over her simple
travelling dress. "Come along, you lovebirds. It's a long drive back to
London."
Allegra looked up,
and then stepped away from Adam, flushing. She had forgotten they weren't
alone. She took a step towards Tristan.
"Thank you for
your good intentions," she said hesitantly.
"My intentions
are never good, although my behavior occasionally is. Remember that."
Tristan turned towards Adam. "Guard her well."
"I mean
to." Adam wrapped Allegra's cape around her and grabbed up his own
greatcoat.
The three turned and
left the building, making their way to Caroline's carriage, which still stood
in the courtyard. Adam lifted Allegra in as gently as though she were made of
glass, and then assisted Caroline in, climbing in last and pulling the door shut.
"I hope the two
of you are content," said Caroline sharply. "You've caused us all
more than enough trouble with your fits and starts. In the future-"
"Be quiet,
Caroline," said Adam softly. He pulled Allegra against him, cushioning her
head on his chest. She nestled against him, smiling softly. Adam's hand rose to
stroke her hair.
Caroline opened her
mouth to respond, but then smiled and lapsed back against the cushions. The two
of them had obviously found their way home.
A Word
from the Author:
I hope you
enjoyed reading
A
Duchess Enraged.
It's my wish that my novels entertain as well as provide an
accurate glimpse into the periods in which they're set.
If you
liked this book, would you consider reviewing it on Amazon? It's very helpful
to me as an author and to your fellow readers. I'd really appreciate your
contribution!
Please
also consider visiting my website:
www.aheyerlove.com
for blog updates, etc.
You can
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@QuigleyAlicia
, where I share updates as well as
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Other
Titles by this Author:
A Most Unusual Situation: A
Traditional Version Georgian Romance
(Sweet, no
sex; based on a true story; Allegra and Adam's tale)
The Secret Bluestocking: Isobel's
Traditional Regency Romance
(Sweet, no
sex; Isobel and Francis' unconventional adventures)
(The
explicitly sexy telling of Isobel and Francis' story)
A Collector's
Item
(The
explicitly sexy story of Rowena and Alaric & the infamous Pearl of Sirsi)
Coming
soon:
That Infamous
Pearl: Rowena's Traditional Regency Romance
(The
sweet, no sex version of
A
Collector's Item)
READ ON
FOR A SNEAK PEAK AT CAROLINE & GRESHAM'S STORY COMING LATER THIS SUMMER!
Caroline Ansley, Countess of
Eskmaine, sat on a satin-covered, spindle legged chair against one wall of the
ball room at Devonshire House, fanning herself and gazing with a hint of scorn
at the assembled crowd. Despite the beauty of the room and the elegance of the
throng, she was bored. Perhaps, she reflected, she had spent one too many
Seasons in London. Surely there was something more amusing to do than dance,
pay afternoon calls, and ride in the park.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw
someone approaching, and turned her head to see Viscount Barford hovering
nearby, a determined look on his face. She sighed. While he was a perfectly
pleasant young man, Lord Barford
’
s
pursuit of her over the past few weeks had left her cold. He was several years
younger than her, and clearly found Caroline, an attractive and wealthy widow,
intriguing. Caroline, however, had no desire to listen to his juvenile
platitudes.
“
Lady Eskmaine, I am delighted to
find you here,
”
said
Lord Barford. He bowed low, and availed himself of the opportunity it offered
to eye the neckline of her gown, which revealed the swell of her breasts.
“
Would you honor me with this dance?
”
Caroline hoped she didn
’
t look as impatient as she felt.
“
I
’
m sorry, my lord. I am not dancing tonight. I
—
I have a headache, and am only
waiting for my brother and his wife to be done, so that we can return home.
”
Disappointment was reflected in the
young man
’
s eyes, but
he bowed politely.
“
Some
other time soon, I hope,
”
he said.
“
Perhaps,
”
said Caroline repressively.
Lord Barford moved away, and she
looked after him with a tinge of regret. She could have been more pleasant,
but he clearly was enamored of her, and she had no wish to encourage him. She
was not a heartbreaker, and had no desire to entangle someone so susceptible.
If she had danced with him, no doubt there would be gossip the next day of a
possible match. A young widow needed to be careful of the watchful eyes of
Society.
There was movement next to her, and,
with a flurry of turquoise silk, her sister-in-law, Allegra, Duchess of
Gravesmere, sat down in the adjoining chair.
“
Good heavens, Caroline, why are you
sitting here alone?
“
she demanded.
“
It is a
lovely evening and so many amusing people are present. I know I just saw Lord
Barford asking you to dance; surely you can
’
t want to mope the entire evening away.
”
Caroline shook her head at her
irrepressible sister-in-law. No one would know to look at Allegra that she was
a duchess and the mother of a one-year-old son. The woman fairly glowed with
energy, her deep blue eyes shining against her porcelain skin, out-competing
even her enormous powdered coiffure for attention.
“
I
’
m sorry, Allegra. I
’
m bored, though I don
’
t know why. As for Barford, I have no desire to
encourage him to think that I have an interest in him.
”
“
Why not?
”
Allegra sounded exasperated.
“
You
’
re young and beautiful, Caroline. You act as though
you are one hundred years old, hunchbacked and lame, and have no desire to ever
talk to a man again.
”
“
I
’
m not sure I do,
”
responded Caroline.
“
I
have plenty to do taking care of the estates for Jonathan, who won
’
t inherit for many years. Why would
I want a man hanging about?
”
“
Surely you miss
…
.well, surely you miss
—
intimacy,
”
said Allegra.
Caroline raised her eyebrows.
“
Intimacy?
”
she asked, though she knew
precisely what Allegra was talking about.
“
Yes, intimacy.
”
Allegra
’
s eyes searched the ballroom and
came to rest on her husband, Adam, Duke of Gravesmere. A spark lit in her eyes
as she gazed at his slender figure and handsome face.
“
I know I would miss it dreadfully if
I were deprived of Adam
’
s
…
.attentions.
”
“
Yes, well, you and Adam are quite an
unusual couple,
”
said
Caroline.
“
Not all of
us are as lucky as you.
”
“
I know you were very fond of your
husband; Adam has told me, so don
’
t
try to convince me otherwise.
”
Allegra put a gentle hand on Caroline
’
s
arm.
“
Truly, I wish
you would have the same happiness Adam and I have. You must promise me you
will try harder to meet people and be pleasant to gentlemen who have an
interest in you. I hate to think of you wasting your youth and beauty.
Besides, there are so many men in desperate need of your undoubted management
skills. They will be happier and wealthier, if none the wiser, and you will
not be bored.
“
Caroline laughed at the truth of
Allegra
’
s final remark,
and smiled warmly at her sister-in-law. It was odd to have Allegra counseling
her; the younger woman had, over the years, needed a great deal of advice from
Caroline.
“
I know you have my best interests at
heart, my dear, but you must allow me to make my own way,
”
Caroline answered.
“
But I will try my best to follow
your advice; you may be right that I am not being fair to myself.
”
“
Then promise me you will dance with
the next gentleman who asks you!
”
Allegra challenged her.
“
I can
’
t do that,
”
protested Caroline.
“
I
have no idea who that might be.
”
“
That is why you should do it! You
have become far too staid, Caroline. I never before thought of you as dull.
”
“
I am not dull!
”
protested Caroline, though she
privately wondered if Allegra was right.
“
Then dance with the next man who
asks you!
”
repeated
Allegra.
“
For me?
Please?
”
“
Very well, you tiresome child.
”
Caroline laughed.
“
If that means you will leave me
alone.
”
Allegra smiled warmly.
“
Since I have won, you have earned
your solitude.
”
She
looked up and saw Adam was looking around the room. He saw her, and their eyes
locked across the vast space. She flushed slightly.
“
Adam wants me, I must go. But
remember, the next man who asks!
”
Caroline sighed.
“
Yes, I remember. Now, go to your
husband. Really, the two of you are positively tiresome.
”
Allegra hugged her briefly and rose,
her skirts again billowing about her.
“
We
are, aren
’
t we?
”
She disappeared and was next seen
going down a reel with her husband, hands locked, and a smile on both of their
faces. Caroline shook her head, but allowed a smile to cross her lips. It was
good to see them so happy after the trials they had been through.
A deep voice cut through her
thoughts.
“
How
pleasant to see you again, Lady Eskmaine.
”
Caroline hesitated. The voice was
familiar to her, but she couldn
’
t
quite place it; it made her both uncomfortable and oddly excited. She turned
her head, and her eyes widened as they took in the tall, slim man standing over
her, exquisitely garbed in a coat of burgundy silk, with breeches of the most
delicate beige, an amused expression on his handsome face.
“
Lord Gresham,
”
she breathed as her fan slipped
from her suddenly nerveless fingers and fell unheeded to the floor.
“
The very same.
”
The man bent gracefully and picked
up her fan, returning it to her with a bow.
“
Your fan, my lady.
”
“
Oh. Thank you.
”
Caroline took the fan, being
careful not to touch his fingers. She gazed up at him again and he smiled, his
amusement at her befuddlement apparent.
“
What are you doing here?
”
Caroline asked as the silence
between them lengthened.
“
I
thought you were on the Continent.
”
Even to her own ears her voice sounded peevish.
“
I was. But I found my heart yearned
for England
’
s shores,
”
Lord Gresham responded. He waved
one hand.
“
My home, my
family, that sort of thing.
”
“
Nonsense,
”
snapped Caroline.
“
As long as you can drink, gamble,
and wench, you are doubtless happy anywhere.
”
The
insult left him unfazed.
“
Perhaps.
But it had been so long since I had drunk or gambled in England, that I felt
the need for change
—
and
for an English wench.
”
He smiled at her, a slow smile that made her uncomfortable, and his eyes lingered
on the neckline of her dress. For the second time that evening Caroline cursed
her modiste for talking her into such a low-cut gown.
“
Don
’
t let me stop you from finding one,
”
said Caroline tartly. She gestured
at the glittering throng.
“
I
’
m sure there are at least a dozen
women here who would gladly succumb to your renowned, if somewhat shopworn,
charms.
”
“
Ah, yes.
”
Lord Gresham nodded.
“
I saw your delightful sister-in-law
is here.
”
Caroline
’
s hand tightened on her fan.
“
I
’
m afraid she will be impervious to you, so you needn
’
t waste your time. Adam and Allegra
are more in love then ever.
”
“
Are they? How tiresome of them.
And so unfashionable. But then, she always preferred her husband to me,
something I never understood.
”
“
A blow to your pride?
”
asked Caroline.
Lord
Gresham bowed slightly.
“
A
blow indeed.
”
“
You deserved it.
”
“
Probably.
”
The
silence between them once again grew thick, and Caroline hunched one shoulder
impatiently.
“
Pray,
don
’
t let me keep you
from finding your wench,
”
she said.
“
I have no
idea why you persist in hanging about me.
”
Lord
Gresham smiled warmly, making his face breathtakingly handsome. Caroline
blinked in surprise.
“
I
came to ask you to dance,
”
he said.
“
I saw you
reject poor Barford a few minutes ago, but perhaps he was too young for you. I
thought you might be convinced to accept a gentleman closer to your own age.
”
“
Closer to my age?
”
snapped Caroline.
“
Barford is three and twenty, and I
am barely five years older than he. You must be at least five and thirty, my
lord.
”
“
I am corrected,
”
he replied meekly.
“
Then perhaps you, as a young woman,
would take pity on an elderly person such as myself and dance just once with
him?
”
Caroline
glared up at him, exasperated. What made a rake of Lord Gresham
’
s caliber imagine that a respectable
widow would expose herself to the gossip that would inevitably arise if they
were seen dancing together? She opened her mouth to give him a sharp set-down,
but then an impish thought occurred to her. Allegra had made Caroline promise
to dance with the next man who asked her. It would teach her sister-in-law not
to tease her if she did exactly what she had promised.
She
mustered a winning smile.
“
I
would be happy to dance with you, Lord Gresham,
”
she said.
A
hint of surprise crossed his formerly impassive countenance.
“
How delightful--and unexpected,
”
he said and held out his hand.