Dusky Duke and the Gypsy Pirate Princess (19 page)

Greyson waited. Honesty sniffed as though swallowing tears and sliding her arms around his neck pulled his head down and kissed him. Greyson returned the kiss. He sighed into her mouth. He had hoped that she would say the same to him, but he accepted the kiss for what it was. She was choosing to move toward him in this relationship; just as he had asked her to do when they played the new game of chess. At that time she had told him no, now her kiss said yes.

“I don’t hear any dancing happening in that dark corner, you know,” declared Teresa’s voice from the pool of light as the sound of the harp continued.

Greyson chuckled softly, and pulled Honesty back into a slow waltz. Both of them still engaged in the kiss. After several minutes, Honesty pulled her mouth away and ducked it against his chest. She struggled in pull in shallow breathes.

“Sorry,” she gasped.

“What do you mean, you have trouble dancing and kissing and breathing while wearing your laces too tight.” His voice held amusement. “You just need more practice.”

Honesty nodded against his chest; her breath still raspy.

Greyson danced her slowly back toward Teresa. When they were again in the circle of light, he released his tight hold on Honesty.  “It is time to return to the others, I guess.”

Teresa stopped plucking the harp strings. “We will need to circle the garden at least once to give Honesty a chance to lose the kissed look.” Teresa stood and rearranged her clothes as Honesty blushed a fiery red.  Greyson laced his fingers through his wife’s and led the two women into the summer garden.

After a turn around the garden they approached the stairs to the front veranda that led to the game rooms. Greyson pulled her to a stop after Honesty had taken one step up the stairs. He pulled her around to face him. Their eyes were on the same level. His smiled into hers in the faint light. “Good night, darling.” She returned his smile as their breath mingled in the rose tainted air. Then he was gone into the darkness of the night. Honesty’s smile widened, that man was impossible.

♣♣♣

The days that followed were filled with short walks and rides to the beach, always with Teresa present.  Greyson enjoyed the late night walks in Honesty’s company. He slowly saw the gypsy, pirate princess return. With his subtle encouragement, she became more herself in his company. They talked about every topic, she even argued with him about politics and the nation’s responsibility toward the poor of the cities. Greyson was delighted by her intelligence and views, but realized that her generous heart was going to cost him a considerable amount of money in the future when her truly understood her position as his duchess.

SarahBeth sat back and watched the members of her family at the dinner table. The long table stretched out between herself and her grandson. There were almost fifty people at the table every night now. The dowager duchess pondered as she remembered the discussion she had with Greyson earlier that day about Honesty starting to serve as hostess at the dinners. He had flatly refused to allow it. When she had stated that Honesty would be expected to assume the role after the wedding, he had informed her that she was mistaken. He had stated that she would continue to act in that role as long as she was alive and that Honesty would not be moved from her current position at his right hand. When she had objected, he had cut her short with some nonsense about new rules for old games. SarahBeth watched the couple. Something had changed, but she could not put her finger on it. As far as she could see Greyson had not changed his behavior in the slightest after their talk two weeks ago, but Honesty’s behavior toward him had changed.  She was not reserved toward him anymore; her actions spoke of familiarity and comfort. Honesty leaned toward him in conversations with a smile that often reached her eyes.  The only difference SarahBeth could see was the twenty minute stroll Greyson insisted on each night after he escorted her to her rooms. When she had questioned him about Honesty’s changed behavior, he only shook his head. “I have only taken your wise advice.” That remark had not revealed anything to her. Even Teresa was not forthcoming with information about what happened on the strolls more than to assure her that they were honoring their promise to her. SarahBeth frowned as she continued to watch the two young people at the other end of the table. Something had changed. She watched Honesty’s relaxed and confidence smile in Greyson’s direction. The curiosity was driving SarahBeth insane.

♣♣♣

Greyson pulled Honesty up onto the top of one of the large flat topped bounder that lined the cliff top above the shore. The bright moonlight illuminated the area as bright as daylight. Greyson wrapped his arms around Honesty’s waist and pulled her back against his frame. “Are you sure you don’t want to come up here?” Greyson called to his sister.

“No, no, I am quite all right here safe on the solid ground.” Teresa called back.

Honesty laughed and leaned back into Greyson’s embrace. “The view is spectacular.” She called down to her friend.

“I can see quite well from here thank you,” called Teresa in return.

Honesty laughed again, and went to take a bite from the apple Greyson had picked her in the orchard on the walk to the cliffs. Greyson wrapped his hand around hers and moved the apple from her mouth to his to take the first bite.

“Rogue,” she hissed pulling the apple away from his sharp teeth and taking the second bite. Greyson placed a warm sticky kiss against the curve of her neck. “Grey,” she protested laughingly.

Greyson’s hand slid away from hers to wrap around her ribcage just under her breast. Honesty sucked in a shallow breath in reaction.

“Behave, someone may see. It is as bright as dawn out here.”

Greyson’s hand slid higher as he chuckled into her ear. “I am only holding you steady, darling. Cannot take the chance of you falling.”

Honesty turned her head to look at him in the moonlight. He was so different when they were alone from the duke that everyone else saw. This man, who smiled so easily and flirted shamelessly, was more than charming. He was indeed the perfect stranger she had met at the masque, the man who had taken her and her siblings to Buckingham Place. He smiled at her and raised her hand with the apple to take another bite. The sea wind ruffled his black hair. His eyes were shadowed.

“What are you thinking,” Honesty whispered.

Greyson chuckled, “That it is too bright to kiss you senseless.”

“Alright, lovebirds, it is getting late and we need to be heading back.” Teresa’s voice rose from the dark shadow between the boulders.

Greyson stood unmoving, his arms wrapped about Honesty looking out across the moonlit ocean. The warm breeze whipping her skirts against his legs. Only four more weeks he told himself, only four more weeks. He felt her sigh in contentment before taking another bite of the apple. Greyson took the last bite and raised his hand with the apple core. “Make a wish, love,” he said as he threw the heart into the sea below.

“I wish that our duchess date was tomorrow.” Honesty whispered with longing.

“With all my heart,” agreed Greyson.

“Come down, before I come up and get you,” demanded Teresa. Greyson and Honesty laughed as they climbed down. Teresa was afraid of heights. They both knew the threat was an empty one.

Greyson went ahead of Honesty down the steep break between the rocks that they had used to climb up. As he handed her down, his hand had slid up her leg. “Grey,” she protested again, but forgot her objections as her feet touched firm ground and he kissed her in the shadowed protection of the boulders.

Minutes later the three made their way back along the well moonlit path, through the orchard and into the formal garden and around the outside of the castle to the stairs to the front veranda.  When Greyson paused to bide Honesty good night, her eyes begged him not to go yet. “Come play a game of chess with me.”

“Darling, right now I am on a winning streak that I know will not continue if I play you at chess again.” Greyson smiled.

“Chose to step into the game.” Honesty reminded him of his own words. She pulled on his arm to move him up the stairs. He smiled and agreed.

They were both brought out of their private conversation by Teresa, who stood frozen on the stairs about them. The conversation that had stopped her floated down from the veranda above. The voices of several of the girls could be heard from the patio area. “What do you think they are doing every night in the garden?”

“Well, mother says that grandmother is so partial to the duke and has always allowed him to do whatever he wants. One cannot expects her to change now.”

“My mother says that the duke’s father once pursued Honesty’s mother even though he was married at the time.  And she was a notorious flirt, you know. Can you imagine they could easily be brother and sister?” Greyson recognized the voice of one of Timothy’s girls. The one he had warned Honesty about before. “And to imagine them out in the garden doing whatever when they may be siblings is just revolting.” The other girls twittered in agreement.

Teresa turned and started back down the stairs, but Honesty stiffened her spine and started up. The group of girls gasped as Honesty followed by Greyson stepped from the top of the stairs. Honesty stopped and glared at each girl in turn before excusing herself from Greyson’s presence and retired for the night. Greyson stood and watched until she was gone and then looked at the girls, noting who was present, and then he turned without a word and strolled away.

Greyson had not followed her last night, even though he had wanted to with every fiber of his being. He wanted to snatch those girls bald. He knew the patterns. He had lived in the ton long enough to know that if you could not find something against someone you invented it. Greyson swallowed his anger.

At breakfast when Honesty did not appear, he was not surprised. She may have the backbone to address insult at the source, but facing a whole house of backbiters first thing in the morning took more than even the bravest could manage. SarahBeth caught his eye. Hers filled with worry and concern. Greyson frowned and nodded. He should have realized that Teresa would have informed her first thing this morning.

Lord Timothy Buckingham slid into the seat that Honesty had left vacant. “I say, old man, heard the girls were larking a bit last night, and. . . um, Miss Williams may have taken it a bit wrong.”

“I heard what was said, Timothy.” The duke’s tone cut short his excuses.

“To be sure I have talked to them and it will not happen again.” Greyson could see that many of the members of the family were present. All listening intently to the conversation; many of their daughters had been involved.

“If the girls are old enough to sit at the table as adults they should be expected to handle the consequences as adults. What need for their parents to beg their favor?” Greyson’s tone was dark.

Timothy tried again, “I just wanted to ask leniency. They are all young you know. Remember some of the stuff we tried to pull when we were young.” He chuckled weakly.

“I do not remember insulting a duchess in her own home.” Greyson was not giving an inch.

“Yes, well. . .”

“I believe that the girls should be begging favor of Honesty and not you of me. What you and others need to understand,” Greyson declared to the room in general, “is that with any slight indication from her, any of you will be packed up and sent from Castle Devonshire, nay to return.”

Timothy squirmed, “You do not mean that surely. You would not cut family?”

“Did your daughters not do that exactly?” Greyson rose and strolled away from the dining hall, leaving the room in silence.  Many glanced at SarahBeth for her reaction, but she continued to eat her oatmeal in a calm and serene manner.

Shortly after breakfast, Greyson appeared in the formal parlor, and motioned that his grandmother should come with him.

“What are we about, dear?” SarahBeth asked as they walked down the hall.

“I find myself in need of a proper chaperon.”

The dowager duchess cut him a look, but continued in silence until they reached Honesty’s bedroom door. Greyson opened it without knocking and ushered his grandmother in. There was an untouched tray of food on the side table. The drapes were still drawn, and Honesty’s form appeared as a small ball in the middle of a large bed.

Greyson climbed onto the bed and lay down next to the lump under the covers. “Honesty, darling.”

“Go away,” came the muffled response.

Greyson soothed his hand down her back. “You cannot hide in here for long.”

“Just for today, please, I just need a break; I promise I will come out tomorrow.” Honesty’s voice sniffed from under the covers. “Why would they say such mean things that are untrue?”

“Those that are jealous can always create gossip where there is a hint of truth, dear,” replied SarahBeth.

Honesty’s head popped out from under the covers and gazed at the dowager duchess in surprise. “What hint of truth?”

Greyson smiled ruefully, “my father was a notorious rake before and after his marriage. He probably did know your mother, and knowing his eye. I am sure his would have shown an interest, but knowing you - I am sure your mother would have turned him down flat.”

“Oh, what a nasty mess the ton is,” stated Honesty in disgust.

“Certainty, I would not mind you taking a day off from my family, or a week for that matter, but a present is coming shortly, that I don’t want you to miss.”

Honesty flopped back onto the pillows. “I don’t want any more duchess gifts.” She said flinging her arm across her eyes.

“This is not a duchess gift – it is a wife gift.” Greyson clarified. SarahBeth raised her eyebrow at the designation of gifts by the two.

“A wife gift?” Honesty sounded intrigued. “What is it?”

“Ah, but you must get up and get dressed to find out.” Greyson pulled the covers away from the bed. Honesty struggled to get the night gown down around her feet before the covers entirely left the bed. “I have worked long and hard on this gift, and I don’t want you to miss its arrival. Hurry now.”

When she opened her mouth to protest, Greyson silenced her with a kiss. Honesty colored a vivid blush as he strolled out of the room. Honesty looked at the older lady to gauge her reactions to the kiss, but SarahBeth pretended not to have seen it.

“Do you know what it is?” Honesty asked SarahBeth.

“No, but do hurry, dear, I do love surprises.”

In no time, Honesty was dressed in one of her new day gowns, light blue tailored top with a pale flowered skirt. Greyson was waiting in the hall as they emerged from the bedroom. Greyson took her arm and quickly led her toward the front of the castle. Once in the paved entrance he stopped. Honesty could tell that he was excited. His mouth curved up on the corners, and he squeezed her hand. His eyes fairly danced with mischief. Honesty waited. Soon the rattle of a coach could be heard in the distance. As the three nobles stood waiting, a carriage and four pulled into the entryway and footmen scrambled to set the step and open the door. Honesty glanced at Greyson. What was he up to? The door was flung open and a tall blonde eight-year-old made a beeline for her big sister.

“Vickie,” cried Honesty as her little sister flung herself into her arms. Next to tumble out of the carriage were two more blonde heads. “Honest, Honest,” chanted Abby and Maggie as they stampeded across the paving stones and threw themselves at Honesty. All three girls were chattering like magpies so that no one could understand a word. Greyson moved to help Nanny Sinclair climb down with her arms around Blue. And then Mr. Sinclair was the last to disembark.

Honesty was hugging the girls and trying to ask questions, but the answers she was getting were jumbled. She looked at Greyson for an explanation.

“I took what you said to heart about your father’s feelings at being separated from the boys while they were at school, and then Eton had a rooming problem with the addition of four older students. So I offered your father the use of Westly Manor House. It is located only blocks from the school so the boys can be home at night. Your father agreed, and the younger ones have been sent to you so that the house can be packed and moved. The rest of your family will arrive right before the wedding, but the children are to stay with us until then.”

Honesty’s eyes flooded with tears. “Oh, you beautiful man,” she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. SarahBeth watched Greyson’s face as he hugged his wife back, and soaked up the joy pouring off of her.

Honesty pulled away from Greyson and moved to take Blue from Nanny Sinclair, but Blue squawked and latched on to the older woman and refused to look at Honesty.

Honesty’s face reflected her hurt and bewilderment.

“Oh, do not take it to heart, My Lady,” Nanny Sinclair soothed, “the boy a bit upset, til all. It is to be expected. The two of you being separated for so long. Give him a minute to adjust. I know he will warm to you soon enough.”

Honesty nodded solemnly, and turned back to the girls who were still talking nonstop. Greyson ushered the lot of them into the house and toward the nursery wing. Honesty smiled and linked her fingers through his. SarahBeth followed them smiling. Greyson had understood what she had been trying to tell him. He had returned Honesty’s happiness.

♣♣♣

Greyson walked through the halls of his home. There were people everything. With only two weeks left until the wedding, his family had arrived in mass. Over two hundred were staying at the castle. Greyson raked his hand through his short hair and replaced his top hat. There were over forty children in the nursery now. He had never seen so many little people in one place. He walked through the salon and onto the veranda. The grass was covered with people picnicking on beach blankets. He stood for a moment looking down on the gathered crowd. He could see Honesty holding court on a large red spread next to his grandmother’s chair. The group included the four children, their nanny, and several of his younger cousins. Greyson was glad to see Honesty was more discerning about the individuals she was choosing as friends. The incident earlier in the month from soon blown over after the girls had apologized to Honesty.  The corner of Greyson’s lips tilted up.  Honesty had been so happy about the arrived of the children that she had not been bothered anymore with the jealous babbling of his cousins and had accepted their apology. But it had not taken the girls long to realize that they no longer held a place in the young duchess’ inner circle. Honesty had been so happy and content that she had not even reacted to Cousin Bridgette’s return.

Honesty spent her morning with the children, and afternoon preparing for the wedding; then early evening with the children again. Greyson often joined them for whatever adventure they were up to that day. He reflected on how this change had effected the whole household. If others wanted to be in the presence of the duke and his intended, they had to participate in the activities of the children. This subtle shift in focus provided the adults an opportunity to spend time with their own offspring. Teresa and Robert were spending much more time with their own children as a result. Even his sister Claire was getting to know her two little girls better.

Greyson chuckled to himself as Cousin Bridgette’s voice carried from the salon. According to his cousin’s version of his courtship, she and his grandmother had personally picked the proper Miss Williams as his bride since it was high time he produced an heir. She had been hand selected by the pair and presented to him. Cousin Bridgette assured everyone who would listen that the two duchesses  and herself had supervised the engagement meticulously. There could be no question of the young girl’s suitability.  Greyson had to admit that his grandmother’s plan had worked well in that regard.

Honesty’s laughter floated across the lawn drawing him toward it. Two more weeks, and then this city of people would go away. Greyson could not wait.

His only worry was so how Honesty would handle her babies leaving again. By then they would be together, maybe that would be enough.

Honesty’s face lit up when she saw him crossing the lawn. She pulled him down onto the blanket at her side and offered him her plate. Greyson noticed her uncovered head. The dappled shade of the giant oaks covered the whole area. Honesty smiled up at him. The dark smudges under her eyes were gone now. Her green eyes sparkled; warming Greyson’s soul. He took a large bite from one of the sandwiches.

“Grey, we were thinking about making a day at the shore tomorrow. Can you come?” Honesty’s eyes begged.

“Yes,” added Abbey, “you must come to keep us safe from the pirates, you Grey. . . ce.” Abbey stood up from the blanket, and plopped herself into Greyson’s lap. The duke wrapped his arms lightly around her small frame, and reflected that Abbey was the only person he had ever met who had never been put at a distance because of his stiff, reserved behavior.

“I feel honored to be included, Miss Abbey.”

Abbey nodded in her regal manner excepting his comment.

Blue reclined on Honesty’s lap. Greyson could see that the boy had eaten until he was full and as now contemplating a nap. Blue’s thumb was once again in his mouth; his face sticky with the remains of an apple turnover that he still clutched in his other hand.

Greyson leaned forward and took another sandwich from Honesty’s plate without her noticing.

“Papa, Papa,” squealed Vickie, as she flew off the red blanket and dashed across the yard. Greyson watched as the Captain and Mrs. William moved toward them. Maggie was immediately followed by Abbey and Honesty carrying Blue. Greyson sat where he had been with the plate of food now in his hands. He watched as his wife greeted her family. She had hugged her papa in excitement and then had turned to Paulette. Greyson had wondered how Honesty would handle this first meeting with her mother. He wasn’t surprised when Honesty hugged the woman also and led them back to him and his grandmother. He climbed to his feet and shook hands with the Captain. Greyson noted Captain Williams studying Honesty’s face intently.

The captain smiled and shook the duke’s hand in return. “We just arrived. The boys will not be coming until two days before the wedding, but we decided to come a bit early,” explained the older man.

“Welcome,” SarahBeth called. “We shall find a room for you immediately. Do have some lunch while you catch up with your children.”

Maggie and Abbey drug their father away to the food table and Greyson watched Paulette follow. Honesty settled back on the blanket beside him with Blue in her lap and took her empty plate back. “How did you have time to eat all of it in the three minutes I greeted my family?”

Greyson shrugged and went to get another plate of food. When he returned, he found Honesty and the three girls recounting their adventures since the children had last seen their father. Paulette had retired to their room to rest. Honesty ate the strawberries from Greyson plate as they talked. Greyson’s mouth tipped up at the Captain’s continued scrutiny of Honesty’s mood and actions toward himself. By the end of the meal, when Honesty excused herself to accompany the children back to the nursery for naps, Captain Williams was satisfied that he had made the right decision.