Taming the Duke (32 page)

Justin took her hands and kissed them. “Thank you, my lady.”

“Goodbye, Justin.” She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. In the few moments of their silent embrace, she sensed something that nearly took her breath away. She could almost see the blood, hear the gunfire, mens’ agonizing screams. Yes, she could sense the danger that he would soon face.

When she pulled back and their eyes met, something flickered far back in his dark gaze. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought he knew he might not return.

“You’ll be in my prayers, Justin.” In his embrace, she felt as though she were sending off her own brother to war. For all the time they stood there, she felt a terrifying sense of something dreadful happening.

“Did you hear something?” he asked, looking around.

Justin sensed it, too
. It was more of a feeling than a sound. She glanced at the open door. “Perhaps it’s Jamison with the tea tray,” she said lightly, hoping he believed her.

Justin shrugged, the mood broken. He squeezed her hand. “I must dash. Thank you, again, special lady.”

Alicia watched him leave, a deepening sense of
disquiet still nagging her.
I wish Dalton were here
, she mused, hugging herself against a sudden chill.

Dalton stood in the shadowed hall alcove and watched Justin leave the withdrawing room and hurry past him.
Dear God, if he hadn’t seen them with his own eyes, he’d never have believed it
.

His wife and his best friend.

Dalton balled his fists, fighting the urge to run after Justin and tear him apart. But that would be too good for him!

He had to get away. Leave before the servants noticed him. He couldn’t face Alicia or anyone before he had a chance to think.

He stumbled down the back steps and waited in the bushes, like some wounded animal, until Justin’s carriage wheeled off into the fog. The dampness clung to his face, to his clothes, but he didn’t feel it. All he could think of was what he’d just seen.
His loving wife in the arms of his trusted friend
.

For a twisted moment he wondered if he was living his father’s life. Had he somehow been transformed, by the powers of Satan, to relive the sins of his parents?

God, he was stark raving mad! He had to get away. He ran through the thick fog until he was beside the coach. He pulled open the door and bolted inside before the footman even saw him. “Drive!” he ordered, barely aware when the coach picked up speed.

Justin’s letter, alerting Alicia when he would be in London. Her sudden decision to accompany her
mother to London. Her feigned reluctance to leave without her husband.

What a fool he was. Just like his father!

Chapter Nineteen

W
hen Alicia arrived at Havencrest to learn that Dalton was in London, her heart sank. If only she had been more patient to see him and remained in town, they would be together now. Her disappointment dragged on into the next day when she found Olivia with her son in the nursery.

Alicia brushed her finger across Drake’s plump cheek. “I stopped for only a moment, Olivia. I’m on my way to go over the menus with Cook. Then I must see Penn, who’s waiting to bring me up to date with Bashshar’s progress.”

“Stay and play with us for a while,” Olivia said with a coaxing smile. “Little Drake loves your company. I was about to line up his toy soldiers.”

While Olivia chattered, a sudden wave of nausea swept over Alicia; she steadied herself on the back of the chair.

Olivia’s smile faded. “My dear, you’re unwell!”

Alicia caught her breath and took a seat beside Olivia. “No, I’m quite fine. You’re going to become an aunt, is all.”

Olivia gasped. “I’m so pleased. Does Dalton know?”

“No. That was one of the reasons I was so eager to see him.”

Olivia put her arm around Alicia. “He’ll be delighted!”

Suddenly, the image of Dalton’s child, sleeping and playing in this very nursery where generations of Warfield children had played sprang to Alicia’s mind. She wanted to see her child ride Old Cobbie and watch him play with toy soldiers. She wanted to grow old with Dalton. But she had no right to this dream.

She blinked back tears as she rose from the chair. “I can’t stay, Olivia. I’ll see you tonight after my evening ride.”

“If you’re with child, Alicia, you shouldn’t ride horses.”

Alicia whirled around, her hand at her throat. “Oh, Olivia. I hadn’t thought of that. Who will ride Bashshar in the Classic?”

Olivia quietly stroked her son’s gold hair. “That’s not important, now. You must do everything to get your rest and take care of yourself and your baby.”

“Of course, you’re right.” Tears blurred her vision as she dashed from the nursery and fled down the hall.

After supper, Alicia was preparing for bed when she heard Rufus bark from the stairway. A rush of excitement filled her with joy. Dalton was home!
Before her hand touched the knob, he opened the door. Her spirits soared as she flew to his arms.

Although he had braced himself against the onslaught of rage he would feel at seeing her again, Dalton wasn’t prepared for his overwhelming need to hold her once more.

She clung to him, and he caught her scent of wild roses. For a second, he wanted to rip from his mind the image of what had occurred between her and Sykes, and never let her go. But just as quickly, reason returned, and he released her.

“Oh, Dalton, I’ve missed you.” She pulled back, her gaze searching his face. “What’s wrong, Dalton?”

He should have known she would sense his mood. “I’ve some news I must tell Olivia. I’d hoped you would help me.”

“Of course, Dalton.” She waited for him to continue.

“Templestone was the man who had ordered the shooting.” He ignored her gasp of surprise as he continued. When he told her about his visit to his mother, he waited for her reaction.

“Dear sweet Olivia. This will break her heart.”

“I thought she might want you there when I tell her.”

“Of course, Dalton.”

“No use putting off what must be done,” he said finally.

Olivia and Robert were playing cards in the drawing room when he and Alicia entered the room. “I’m glad you’re here, Robert,” Dalton said,
closing the doors. He ordered the hall butler to leave, then ordered that they were not to be disturbed.

When Alicia took a seat beside his sister, Olivia’s face paled. “What’s wrong?” Olivia asked, her gaze fixed on him.

“We have something to tell you, Sister.” Dalton sat across from Robert, who folded the cards and put them to one side.

Dalton explained all the events leading up to his visit with the dowager duchess.

“But why was Templestone blackmailing Mother?” Olivia asked.

Dalton hesitated, then glanced across the table at Alicia.

“Olivia,” Alicia began gently. “Before your parents were married, your mother was in love with another man. But she was forced to marry your father, the firstborn son.”

Olivia stiffened. “That’s not true. She loved only Father.” Olivia glanced at Dalton as though looking for support.

“Yes, she loved Father,” Dalton said gently, “but not in the same way she loved his younger brother, George.”

“That’s slanderous!” Surprise and fear crossed Olivia’s face. “I don’t know if I want to hear any more.”

“You must, Olivia.” Dalton fixed his eyes on her.

“No.” She stood and stepped back, almost tipping the chair.

Robert rushed to his wife. “See here, is this necessary?”

“I’m afraid so.” All Dalton could think of was the image of Alicia in Justin’s embrace. His gut ached as though he’d been kicked. He wondered how long she had known Justin. The next question burned in his mind.
Were Alicia and Justin innocent when found together that fateful night? Or was it a lover’s tryst? Dear God, what if the dowager had been telling the truth?

“You’ve always been cold and unfeeling to Mother.” Olivia spat the words at him. “Ever since I can remember, you and she—”

“Sit down, Olivia,” Dalton said, his voice gentle.

Robert put his arm around his wife, then frowned at him. “I’d like to speak to you privately, Dalton.”

Dalton sighed. “There’s no easy way to say this.” He looked at his sister. “Olivia, your father was not the man you’ve come to know as your father. Your real father was Uncle George.”

Olivia laughed. “What did you say?”

Robert pointed at Dalton. “See here, that’s about enough—”

Alicia rose and came beside Olivia. “Try to understand—”

Olivia stared at her. “Is this some sort of cruel joke?”

“It’s true, Sister.” He leaned in his chair and stared at the three of them. “Mother and George were lovers.”

“No! You’re wrong.” Olivia shook off Robert’s
hand and stepped back. “Who would dare tell you such a lie?”

Dalton met her challenge. “Mother told me.”

“I don’t believe you!”

“Dalton doesn’t want to hurt you, dear. You must know for your own protection.” Alicia’s warning caused Olivia to falter.

“What do you mean?” Olivia snapped at Dalton.

“Templestone found out the truth and was blackmailing Mother.” Dalton’s voice held none of the heartbroken emotion he felt. “Not satisfied, he insisted Mother marry him. She accepted to keep her secret safe.”

Tears welled in Olivia’s eyes. “How long have you known?”

Dalton felt a new stab of anguish. “I’ve known since I found them together when I was a lad.”

“And that’s why…?” The truth hung heavily in the air. Olivia’s expression hardened. “Did Drake know?”

Dalton shook his head. “I never told a soul except…Alicia.” He was awash in pain as he remembered their newfound closeness he’d felt when he confided the secret. Alicia had appeared so sympathetic. He glanced at her now, her lovely face concerned for his sister. Damn, she was the perfect actress!

“Olivia,” Alicia said softly. “Your mother must be grief-stricken by this. We can’t judge that which we do not know.”

Dalton bit back a bitter huff of laughter.

“I still can’t believe it!” Olivia shook her head, then put her head on Robert’s shoulder and sobbed.

Anger and betrayal crushed down upon him again, like an icy ocean wave.

“No wonder you treated her with such disdain,” Olivia said bitterly. “I never want to see Mother again.”

“Your mother loves you, Olivia.” Alicia pulled a folded lace square from her pocket and gave the handkerchief to Olivia. “Imagine how hard it must have been to live with this horrible secret.”

“I hope she was miserable!” Olivia muttered.

“Try not to judge her, my dear,” Alicia said, putting her arm around her. “It will only make you bitter.”

Dalton couldn’t stand another minute of this. Did Alicia expect that he should look the other way, too? Forgive her trespass with his best friend?

“I think you need time alone, Sister.” Dalton strode to the door. Before he opened it, he turned to his wife. “I’d like to speak to you, privately Alicia. Immediately.”

Alicia glanced at Robert. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Robert nodded, enfolding his sobbing wife in his arms.

“I have something I wish to discuss with you, too,” Alicia said when she came beside Dalton in the hallway. Her fingers brushed his hand, but he pretended not to notice.

“We’ll have privacy in the bedroom.” He hurried
up the stairs and strode to their suite without waiting for her.

“Dalton, what is it?” she said when she entered their room. “Is there something else you’re not telling me about Olivia?”

“No,” he said, rounding on her. “Not about my sister, anyway.” He inwardly tensed. “I know about you and Justin. You kissed him, right in my own town house.”

Her face froze. “What are you talking about?”

Dalton felt a cold rage squeeze his heart. He expected denial, or a hysterical protestation. But he hadn’t been prepared for the anguished look of her sweet innocence.

“I was there. I came in just before he left, but I saw enough—”

“Dalton, you don’t understand. Please sit down while I—”

“I think it’s you who doesn’t understand.” He felt the hammer of betrayal pound on him, again and again, just as he had those many years ago, after having found his mother with her lover. “I’ll not play my father’s role. I want you gone. Our marriage contract is finished, as far as I’m concerned.”

Alicia grabbed his sleeve. “I hurried from London because I missed you, Dalton.”

“You left London because Justin was leaving the city.”

Ignoring him, she spoke over his words. “I couldn’t wait to see you because—” she took a shaky breath “—I’m pregnant.” She shivered under his glare. “We’re going to have a child.”

Dalton clenched his jaw. “Do you know who the father is?”

Alicia gasped and reached for the wall to steady herself.

He felt sick to his stomach. Dear God, he felt like he’d struck her! He turned and left the room while he still could.

Dalton left Havencrest that night and did not return. Alicia had planned to pack and leave for Marston Heath, but she was afraid to leave Olivia. In her heart, Alicia had hoped Dalton might return, but on the third day, she knew that wasn’t going to happen. The morning of the fourth day, Olivia finally agreed to leave her room and accept Alicia’s offer to stroll in the garden.

Rufus dashed ahead, barking after a squirrel. Alicia drew her shawl about her shoulders and stared at the heavy grey clouds overhead. “I hope it doesn’t rain again.”

“I know. Everything is so gloomy.” Olivia snipped at the spent dahlia heads along the flower border. “I thought I might take your advice and try writing a letter to Mother.” She gave Alicia a sidelong look. “Will you help me compose it?”

Alicia smiled. “Of course. Your mother would like that.” She shivered with the morning chill. “She probably has no one to confide in. She must be lonely.” Although she spoke of the dowager, it was Dalton who was in her thoughts. Where was he?

Olivia shook her head and gazed at Alicia in wonder. “How can you be so forgiving? You, of
all people. When I think how miserably Mother treated you.”