What a Devilish Duke Desires (16 page)

When the set ended, Everleigh bowed to Mina. The crowd came to their feet and cheered the couple. Obviously they were a favorite among the guests.

Lucy sighed. Two days ago, she’d learned Granfield’s Christian name. Now she knew he was in attendance and hoped he would stay away. She would not care a jot what these nobles thought of her if not for him. In truth, most of them took their glasses of lemonade and ignored her. She might as well be part of the wall for all of their notice, and she preferred it that way. But she’d come to the ton’s attention while teaching dance. She’d borne the brunt of rude comments when she’d worked as a seamstress. She’d never taken it personally. But when Mrs. Norcliffe had demeaned her in front of Harry, it had humiliated her.

Harry bided his time by playing a few hands of whist in the gaming room. He wished to speak to Lucy, but he didn’t want to be too obvious, because she was working. The last thing he wanted was to create trouble for her with the head maid again.

He couldn’t imagine that Lucy earned enough to make this job worthwhile, but obviously her choices were limited. Harry knew he could help her if she would allow it. His new secretary would start work next week and could draft the necessary letter of character, and his solicitor could inquire into respectable positions for a young lady in need of employment. A better job would allow her and her grandmother to move into a safer neighborhood, too. Just thinking of her walking along those dark streets made him wild to protect her, something he knew she would resist.

When Harry emerged from the card room, he looked at her. She saw him and turned away. It was a clear signal not to disturb her. Fair enough, but after he sent his mother and cousins home, he meant to wait for Lucy.

The music ended, and the guests surged closer to the chairs where the patronesses conferred below the balcony. He checked his watch. It was almost midnight. Obviously the patronesses were attempting to judge the dancers and narrow the field of candidates.

Someone clapped him on the shoulder. “Oh, Bellingham, I didn’t know you were here.”

“We arrived late. Stephen insisted upon a bedtime story. One story led to another, and then he kicked up a fuss when nurse tried to put him to bed.” Bell looked chagrined. “Well, enough domesticity. Laura told me you were dancing to a lady dance master’s tune in your mother’s drawing room recently.”

“I made an untimely appearance. My cousin Mina roped me into dancing.”

Bell laughed. “I’ve no love for Almack’s either, but Laura insisted upon watching the competition tonight.”

“Shall we meet at White’s tomorrow night?” Bell said.

Harry nodded. “Absolutely.”

“I’ll send round a note to Colin,” Bell said. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

After the orchestra played the last note, the crowd surged forward. The cacophony of voices grew louder, echoing in the enormous building. Harry found an empty chair on the deserted wallflower row and stretched out his legs. Then he looked back at the refreshment tables. Three young bucks had surrounded Lucy. One of them touched her hand lingeringly when she gave him a glass of lemonade.

Harry’s blood boiled. He fisted his hands and strode through the crowd. When he reached Lucy’s station, he stared daggers at the trio. Damn it. She was his. “Leave her in peace,” he gritted out.

The three disappeared quickly.

Lucy regarded him with narrowed eyes. “I do not need you to rescue me.”

“They were bedeviling you. I won’t stand for it.”

She arched her brows. “Are you jealous?”

“Certainly not. I wished to protect you.”

Her lips twitched. “From what? The lemonade?”

“You do not know what those men were thinking.”

“You read minds, Your Grace?”

He folded his arms over his chest. “They swarmed you.”

She regarded him with a knowing expression. “I’m not the one who got stung.”

Damn and blast, he was not jealous.

“I want to talk to you,” he said. “Will you meet me at Green Park tomorrow?”

She hesitated, giving him hope. “I shouldn’t. I feel as if I’m standing too near a rushing river and am in danger of falling in.”

He figured her use of the word
falling
was no accident. “You are in no danger from me.”

There was a stark expression in her green eyes. “Yes, I agree,” she said. “You are not a threat to me, but I am.”

He was stunned by her confession and wanted to question her, but the roar of the crowd startled him. Harry took several steps forward and craned his neck in time to see Everleigh turning Mina in circles. The applause was deafening. The pair appeared to be a favorite with the crowd again tonight.

When he turned back, Lucy had vanished, though the lemonade pitcher and glasses remained on the table. He wanted to hunt for her, but he mustn’t ignore Mina. Damn it all to hell. He didn’t like having to choose between them, but Lucy had disappeared, giving him no choice.

As he walked away, he vowed to find her when the festivities concluded tonight. He managed to press through the crowd and kissed Mina on the cheek. “I take it you won tonight’s competition,” he said, raising his voice.

“Thanks to Lord Everleigh,” she said.

Everleigh regarded Mina with tenderness. “No competition compares to Miss Radburn.”

Mrs. Norcliffe finally broke ranks with the other patronesses and joined them. “Oh, what an exciting evening. I’m so proud of all my girls,” she said as Helena and Amelia joined them.

“Aunt, I thought it very sweet of Harry to dance with you,” Mina said.

“Well, he did impress the other patronesses,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.

“My life is made brighter now,” Harry drawled.

Mrs. Norcliffe tried to swat him with her fan, but he stepped out of harm’s way. “Shall we head to the carriage?” he said, leading the way.

When they left the building, a fine mist dampened the air. Harry turned to Everleigh. “I have other business this night. Will you escort my mother and my cousins in your carriage?”

“Certainly,” Everleigh said. “Is all well with you?”

He nodded. “Let me break the news to my mother.”

Predictably, Mrs. Norcliffe complained. “Harry, it is your duty to escort us.”

He leaned closer to his mother. “I wanted Everleigh to spend a bit more time with Mina. I’m fairly certain he’s on the verge of proposing. Best to take advantage of the situation.”

“Very well, but we will discuss your own single state tomorrow morning, Harry.”

He ignored her statement. “Here is Everleigh’s carriage now.”

After Everleigh and the ladies boarded, Harry waved them off. The mist turned into rain. When he returned to the building, he was walking against the departing crowd, but eventually the room emptied of all the guests. Harry heard voices in the back of the building and strode there.

Mrs. Thompson called out, “Jane, bring those cakes here and don’t be eatin’ any of ’em on the way.”

Jane gawked at Harry.

Mrs. Thompson turned around. “Your Grace.”

“Where is Lucy?” He intended to take her home in his carriage to keep her off the streets.

Mrs. Thompson sighed. “She’s gone.”

“When did she leave?”

She sighed. “Your Grace, I mean no disrespect, but I don’t make it a habit of givin’ out information about the servin’ girls.”

“I understand, but I need to know how long ago she left.”

“Your Grace, I could tell ye somethin’ if you’ve a mind to listen.”

He folded his arms over his chest. “Very well, I will listen.”

Mrs. Thompson frowned. “I know from experience what it’s like for girls like Lucy. They work dawn to dusk and sometimes longer. Lucy is bound to have more than one job. I know she didn’t leave here until after midnight,” Mrs. Thompson said.

His chest filled with guilt. Lucy was probably exhausted after a long day working. He scuffed his shoe on the floor. “I didn’t want her to walk home in the dark.”

Mrs. Thompson sighed. “Your Grace, I know your heart’s in the right place, but she’s probably been doin’ that long afore you come along. You’re not the first nob I seen fall for a pretty maid. I’ve been in service for thirty-odd years. I never seen it turn out well for the girl.”

Ah, hell
. “Thank you for being honest.” Harry strode through the now empty rooms and collected his greatcoat, hat, and gloves from a servant.

Mr. Wilson, the master of ceremonies, opened the door. “Good evening, Your Grace.”

Harry nodded and strode out into the mist. Many of the lower orders were still celebrating near the building. When his carriage pulled up next to the curb, Harry was tempted to give the driver Lucy’s address, but he thought of Mrs. Thompson’s words and gave his driver directions to the Albany instead.

He would prove Mrs. Thompson wrong.

The Albany, the next afternoon

L
ucy paused on the step and took a deep breath. One of the maids had failed to report for duty today. When Mrs. Finkle offered to double her wages if she would take on more sets, Lucy had accepted immediately. Now she was a bit weary and must face the one residence she abhorred—G1. With a deep breath, she knocked. When no one responded, she unlocked the door and walked inside. “Maid service,” she called out.

Satisfied that no one was at home, she set out to clean the parlor. Once again, she encountered untidy stacks of papers on the desk and on the carpet of all places. There was pet fur on the lumpy sofa as usual. Lucy wondered why a man who could afford to live at the Albany did not replace the shabby furnishings. Ah, well, the gentleman’s unappealing décor was none of her concern.

After dusting and cleaning out the cold ashes in the fireplace, Lucy opened the double doors to the bedchamber. She folded back the counterpane. When she pulled the sheets off the bed, the book she’d seen the last time fell to the floor. Gritting her teeth, she picked it up. While she swore not to look, curiosity got the better of her. She gasped at the bawdy engraving. A woman was brazenly holding up her flimsy skirts and exposing her nude body to a crowd of men. With a grimace, Lucy snapped it closed and set the book on the night table.

She put clean sheets on the bed and dragged the bag of laundry out into the parlor. The scrape of a key in the lock startled her. Her heart knocked against her chest. It was the first time a gentleman resident had returned home while she was cleaning. She clasped the laundry bag and reminded herself that she was a mere servant. The gentleman would pay her little heed.

As the door opened, she lowered her gaze as befit a servant.

“Miss Longmore, what are you doing here?”

She gasped at the distinctive sound of the duke’s voice, stumbled over the bag of laundry, and fell against him with a squeak.

He caught her and laughed. “I believe it is my lucky day.”

Her pulse raced. When she looked up, she found him smiling. She was all too aware of his big hands upon her and the faint scent of wintergreen soap she’d discerned before. He was so much taller that the top of her head barely reached his chin. She found herself staring at his deep-set blue eyes once again. When his gaze lowered imperceptibly, she realized he was looking at her mouth. Dear God, she was clinging to him. Had she lost her mind?

She continued to clutch him and told herself it was because her knees were weak.

They were not.

She forced herself to release him. “I beg your pardon.”

“At the risk of injuring your feminine sensibilities, I give you permission to fall into my arms whenever you wish.”

Her face grew warm. “How clumsy of me.”

“Could you possibly contrive to fall into my arms once more?”

God help her. She was tempted.

“Truly your stumble was the best thing that happened to me today.”

He startled a laugh out of her. “You must have had a bad day.”

“Actually a boring day. Did Barlow let you in?” he asked as he set his key on a tray and removed his hat, gloves, and greatcoat.

“Barlow?” she said.

“My manservant. You did not see him?”

“No, I have a key. My instructions are to call out. If no one answers the door, I enter to clean.”

“I don’t understand,” he said.

Her expression turned wary. “I work here—at the Albany, I mean. I did not know you live here.” Belatedly she realized she was twisting her hands. When he noticed, she made herself clasp her hands hard.

He frowned. “Barlow must be walking Bandit.”

She curtsied. “Pardon me. I must go, Your Grace.”

“Will you call me Harry when it is just us?”

“I’ll think about it.” Then self-preservation kicked in. “Your servant will return with Bandit soon. One word from him, and I could lose my job just like that,” she said, snapping her fingers.

“Barlow would say nothing, and we’ve done nothing wrong.”

“I mean no disrespect to your manservant, but I can’t risk gossip. I could lose my position.”

“Right. Can’t have that, can we?”

“Please excuse me. I must deliver the sheets to the housekeeper.”

An arrested expression crossed his face.

Her face flamed as she recalled the book of engravings that had fallen from the sheets.

“You were the one who set the book in the middle of the bed,” he said.

Oh, this was horribly embarrassing. She’d done nothing wrong, but of course he knew she’d looked. Her blush had given her away.

“You’re shocked,” he said.

“On the contrary, I’m appalled,” she said, squaring her shoulders.

His mouth twitched once, and it was enough to set her temper off. “You ought to be ashamed. Those engravings are indecent.”

“I beg your pardon, Miss Longmore. You played quite a joke on me when you placed the book in the middle of the bed.”

She sniffed. “I meant to shame you.”

He inclined his head. “I deserve your censure.”

She might have believed him if she hadn’t seen mischief lurking in his eyes. When she reached for the laundry bag, he intervened. “Allow me.”

She shook her head. “I’m working. You must treat me as if I’m invisible.”

“No one else is here, and it is ingrained in me to assist a lady.”

“I’m a servant. You mustn’t ever forget.”

“It is quite obvious you are educated and a gentleman’s daughter. You could do so much better.”

His words stunned her. For a moment, she couldn’t believe he’d said it, but there was no doubt he’d insinuated she hadn’t tried hard enough to find a better job. “How dare you claim to know my situation? If I could do better, do you think for one moment I would be cleaning your rooms?”

He sighed. “I did not intend to insult you. Quite the opposite.”

“Your meaning was clear enough to me. Evidently, you believe I haven’t tried hard enough to find a ‘better’ job.”

“Now you’re twisting my words.”

“I heard what you said. How dare you presume to know what steps I’ve taken to find better employment? What would you know about work? No doubt you hire people to do everything for you.”

He fisted his hands on his hips. “That’s correct, Miss Longmore. I simply put up my feet and do nothing all the day long.”

The clock on the mantel chimed.

“I’ve got to take the laundry downstairs to the head maid.” She hefted the bag. “Excuse me.”

“Meet me at the park,” he said. “I intend to finish this argument.”

“I don’t need your condescension.”

His blue eyes narrowed. “I don’t need yours either.”

“We’ll have this out, and then we will part ways—forever.” Then she slammed the door behind her.

When Lucy reached the bottom of the stairs, she hurried to Mrs. Finkle’s office. The head housekeeper handed over her wages and studied her. “You’re lookin’ a bit frayed around the edges. Is somethin’ the matter?”

She must collect her wits. “No, I’m perfectly well. Will there be anything else?”

“That will be all,” Mrs. Finkle said. “You don’t seem yourself at all. Your face is flushed.”

“I’m fine, really. It’s the curse of being a redhead. A little exertion and it shows on my face.” She didn’t want Mrs. Finkle to think she was ill and unable to work.

“Are you sure?” Mrs. Finkle said.

“Yes, really, I’m well.” She silently damned Granfield for stirring up her temper. Lucy bobbed a curtsy and hurried out the door. For a moment, she debated whether or not to meet His Haughtiness, but she had a score to settle with him.

Harry fisted his hands and strode back and forth by the bench where they’d met before. She’d lit into him like a cinder and made it sound as if he were insulting her, when he’d meant the exact opposite. If she’d just given him half a chance, he would have explained, but no, she’d flayed him with her sharp tongue.

He kept pacing and thought about everything he’d said. Damn it all to hell, he’d said the wrong thing, when all he’d meant was that she was obviously clever and educated and deserved a better position.

But that wasn’t what he’d said.

You could do so much better.

If I could do better, do you think for one moment I would be cleaning your rooms?

Hell, he hadn’t meant it that way.

That was no excuse. He’d seen where she lived, and now he was furious with himself. Stupid, stupid, stupid of him to speak to her in a patronizing manner.

He’d insulted her and hurt her pride.

He ran his hand through his hair. Bloody hell. One moment he’d been flirting with her and the next he’d acted like a prize ass. He’d spoken to her in a condescending manner as if he knew her situation when he didn’t know the challenges she faced.

No wonder she’d cut up at him.

“Devil take it,” he muttered.

A couple walked past and looked at him askance.

Wonderful. He’d been muttering to himself.

She probably wouldn’t show.

Yes, she would. He hoped.

He’d been in the wrong, but he didn’t want to admit it to Miss High and Mighty.

Damn, damn, damn. He’d have to eat humble pie. He’d rather eat dirt.

She’d cleaned his messy rooms and brushed all the dog hair off his cast-off sofa. He should tell her not to bother with the dog hair. Bandit would just shed again.

She’d also seen the erotic engravings. That made him smile a little. He wondered if she’d secretly been titillated by them. Of course not. She’d been
appalled
.

He heard footsteps and looked up.

Her face was the color of strawberries. Redheads supposedly had quick tempers. Her temper was probably popping and sizzling like the fireworks at Vauxhall.

He took off his hat. “Earlier, I spoke without thinking.”

“You are a privileged aristocrat,” she said, her voice rising. “You have very little idea of what my circumstances are, and yet, you proceeded to tell me that I could do so much better.”

“I actually meant it as a compliment, but it came out all wrong. I know you’re smart and talented. It’s true I don’t know all of your challenges, but I absolutely believe you are clever enough and capable enough to achieve whatever you want in life. That is what I should have said, and whether you believe it or not, that is my true opinion of you.”

She lifted her chin. “I did not appreciate your condescension.”

“When you fell into my arms, my brain turned to mush. I was thinking it was my lucky day. Instead I ruined the day.”

“You wounded me.” She blinked and swiped her hand across her face.

Ah, hell, he’d made her cry. He handed her his handkerchief. “What I said was stupid and unconscionable. Forgive me?”

“You must promise not to wound me again.”

“I promise. Will you sit with me?” he asked.

When she nodded, he felt as if he could breathe again.

He reached over and clasped her hand when she sat beside him. Deep inside her chest it felt as if he’d left a bruise.

For a long while, he said nothing. “I know your circumstances are very different than mine,” he said, “but it doesn’t have to be that way here.”

“You assume I will meet you here again,” she said.

“I don’t assume; I hope.”

She folded his handkerchief into a small square and tried to hand it to him, but he waved it away. He’d left her a souvenir with his initials. “I’m not sure it is wise to meet again. I can’t see where this could possibly lead.”

“Can you not?” he said, searching her eyes.

She knew what would happen if she didn’t break ties with him now. He would never mean to hurt her, but it was inevitable, because she could never be a part of his world. She had to break all ties with him today, but it was so hard because he’d become so dear to her.

“Lucy, please give me another chance,” he said.

She bit her lip, because she wanted so badly to say yes, but she knew if she didn’t end it now, she would never be able to do it.

“I must go,” she said, popping up from the bench.

He rose. “Will you meet me here tomorrow?”

Despite everything, she was torn between wanting to be with him and knowing that it would only create more pain for her. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Don’t do this to us,” he said.

Her stomach trembled. He’d become special to her, and it scared her. She’d let him into her life and now she felt vulnerable. He hadn’t meant to wound her today, but if she didn’t end it now, she knew it would happen again and again. He wouldn’t mean to hurt her, but it was inevitable, because she could never be a part of his world. If she did not end it now, she would awake one day, knowing that he’d married another because that was what was expected of him.

He took her by the shoulders. “What are you thinking?”

“I must go.”

“No, not yet,” he said.

“If someone we know saw us alone here, it could hurt my reputation. If that happened, I would lose most if not all of my dance clients. I can’t risk it.”

“No one comes here in the afternoon. Everyone is at Rotten Row at five o’clock. You’re safe with me,” he said.

My heart isn’t safe at all.
“That is where you should be.”

“I’d rather be with you,” he said.

“I need time to think, and I can’t think properly when I’m with you.”

“I’ll wait on our bench tomorrow,” he said.

You hurt me and it stings.
“No, I won’t be here.”

“Lucy, I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”

“I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in this whirlwind with you. Everything has gone by so quickly, and I’ve not had a chance to think about what I’m doing. One minute, I’m ebullient, because I know I will see you, and the next my spirits are lowered, because I don’t know when I’ll see you next. I’ve thought of Green Park as our place, but we have made it a trysting place. I need time alone to consider all that has happened.”

“How much time?” he said.

“I’m sorry, Harry. I don’t know.”

“You will leave me to wonder, not knowing if I’ll ever see you again?”