At The Duke's Pleasure Read online

  His arms tightened around her waist. “Of course I liked it. Do it again and don’t be shy.”

  With an agreeable nod, she slid her fingers into the hair at the back of his head, then claimed his mouth again. Her kiss was long and slow and utterly delicious. He was beginning to wonder if she’d let nerves talk her out of making a second attempt at the rest, when her tongue eased out and trailed like hot velvet across his lower lip once again.

  He shivered and intensified the kiss, mirroring her last move with a slow, gliding lick of his own. Her mouth parted on a pleasured gasp, granting him the opportunity to press his advantage. Unable to resist her unwitting invitation, he eased his tongue inside, revelling in the sweet suction as he began teaching her an entirely new set of skills.

  To his gratification, she caught on quickly, following his lead as their kisses grew more ardent and intimate, wilder and increasingly more perilous as the passion spiked higher between them.

  He couldn’t help but think about the fact that her bed stood only a few feet distant. A couple of strategic steps and he could have her off her feet and on her back before she even realized what he was doing. He could tumble her amid her trousseau, stripping off her pretty new gown while he played with her among the silks and satins.

  But I can’t, he thought on a near groan. Not only would he be taking unfair advantage of her inexperience, he would be stealing her innocence at the same time. She was a virgin and his bride-to-be. She deserved a proper wedding night, not a hasty, impromptu fling on the guestroom bed.

  Besides, he’d promised her time. Time to settle into her new life. Time to get used to the idea of marrying him. Time for the two of them to learn more about each other and find common interests, and even friendship, if they were lucky.

  And here he was on the verge of tupping her like some doxy.

  Good Lord, now that a few drops of blood were leaking back into his brain, he remembered that her door wasn’t even closed. Meaning that anyone could walk in—her maidservant, even Mallory. The thought hit him like a bucketful of cold water, desire falling away as quickly as it had come.

  Breaking their kiss, he reached up to unlock her arms from around his neck. She swayed, her eyelids opening with obvious confusion. Rather than let her fall, he caught her, but kept his embrace loose and impersonal.

  “Edward?” she murmured. “Wh-What is it? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong,” he told her in as even a tone as he could manage. “It’s just time that we stopped.”

  “Oh, I see.” But it was obvious that she didn’t see, too caught up in their kisses to even realize how fast matters had been progressing between them.

  Reminded again of her innocence, he knew he’d been right to stop, even if his body was still complaining about the matter.

  “I had best be going,” he said. “Hughes is probably pacing a hole in my office carpet right now, wondering where I’ve disappeared to.”

  “O-Of course.” She clutched his arms for a moment to steady herself, then straightened and stepped away. “Don’t let me keep you. I’m sure I have taken up a great deal more of your time today than you ever envisioned.”

  “Not at all. Our encounter has been quite enlightening. Thank you for the…” He paused, searching for the right words, but finding none that came easily to mind. “Well, thank you for the thank-you. It was most enjoyable.”

  Colour crept like a budding sunrise into her cheeks. “And thank you for the new wardrobe, Your…Edward. It was most generous of you to provide.”

  Her remark ought to have pleased him. Instead, he found himself disturbed by the tenor of the conversation. Suddenly it was as though they were discussing a business transaction instead of a gift between bridegroom and bride. It was as if she’d kissed him not for pleasure, but as payment. And considering everything that had passed between them, perhaps she had. Their engagement was based on convenience and duty. Was her passion as much about obligation as it was about real desire?

  He scowled, not liking the thought at all. “I shall leave you now so that you may ring for your maid.”

  She hesitated as though she might say something more, then inclined her head instead.

  Executing a neat bow, he turned and left the room.

  Claire waited until she couldn’t hear Edward’s footsteps anymore before she crossed the room and closed the door.

  Shutting her eyes, she leaned back against the door’s thick, polished wood surface and wondered how everything had gone so topsy-turvy. Not only had her plan failed—again—but she’d found herself lured for a second time into Edward’s devastating embrace.

  She trembled, remembering their heated kisses, her lips throbbing even now to recall the delirious pleasure of joining her mouth with his. When he’d asked her to thank him with a kiss, she’d been startled, but intrigued, tempted beyond her ability to resist. Unsure at first, she hadn’t known exactly how to proceed. But then he’d coaxed her into trying it again and zounds, what bliss! What delight!

  Curling a fist against the flutters in her stomach, she pushed away from the door and went across to her bed. Finding a spot that wasn’t covered in her new gowns, she sank down with a sigh.

  As wonderful as Edward’s touch was, giving in to the impulse to kiss him had been a dreadful mistake. He’d had only to crook his little finger and she’d turned as gooey as a dish of warm toffee, melting against him as she practically begged for his regard. Her behaviour was so pitiable she nearly disgusted herself, she was so weak-willed and compliant.

  Was she so desperate for his attention that she was willing to cast aside her resolve in order to partake of a few crumbs? Was she so pathetic that she was ready to turn into that silly, stupid girl who’d once hung on his every word and worshipped the very ground on which he walked? If she wasn’t careful, she could see herself turning back into the wretched creature of five years before, willing to do anything for even a hint of his affection.

  Not that she was deluded enough to imagine that what had passed between her and Edward had anything to do with affection. After all, he’d invited her kisses out of a kind of teasing retribution. Who knew why he’d decided to continue the embrace.

  Curiosity?

  Simple contrariness?

  Lust?

  She might like to flatter herself that he desired her, but she suspected any impulses in that direction were no stronger than those he might feel for any reasonably attractive woman. She’d been convenient and he’d been in the mood to play games.

  Well, she didn’t want to be trifled with again. She couldn’t afford the risk involved, since every emotion she’d experienced in his arms only made her wish for more.

  As for her ultimate goal? She would simply have to try again. What other choice did she have, since she refused to ever let herself become that pitiable girl again.

  Stretching out on her side, she pressed her cheek against the satin counterpane, her gaze roaming absently over the ribbons and lace and silk of the gowns that were lying in her near vision.

  She ought to get up and ring for her maid, she supposed. Instead, she snuggled deeper and let her mind take her where it would.

  Chapter 9

  Claire strolled into the family dining room the next morning, dressed in one of her new frocks—a gown of pale peach silk with half sleeves and a ringed flounce trimmed in sleek bronze satin.

  For a moment she stopped short, her gaze riveted on the room’s sole occupant. Given the hour, she’d expected Mallory and the twins to be here already. Instead, only Edward sat in his accustomed place at the head of the table, a newspaper folded open at his elbow, while he dined on a plate of eggs, toast, sausage and kippers.

  She nearly retreated, but knew it was already too late. Even if Edward hadn’t seen her yet, he would surely notice her turning around to effect a hasty withdrawal. Inhaling low, she drew back her shoulders and continued inside.

  Maybe the others had just overslept and would be joining her and Edward soon
, she told herself. Until then, she would have to deal with him alone.

  Some of the confidence slid out of her spine at the thought.

  He glanced up then and gave her a slight smile before he turned a page of his newspaper. “Good morning, Claire.”

  “Good morning,” she answered, not pausing as she moved past him to the buffet.

  The room grew quiet while she took up a plate and made her selections. Once she’d taken her seat at the table on Edward’s right, one of the footmen came forward to pour her tea. He refreshed the duke’s coffee as well before withdrawing from the room.

  “So, how was your night?” Edward asked. “Did you sleep well?”

  No, she mused, remembering the way she’d tossed and turned, dreams and thoughts of Edward and his kisses plaguing her through the long, dark hours.

  “Splendidly,” she declared with false cheer. “And you?”

  He drank some coffee. “Quite well.”

  Of course, she thought. How else would he sleep? Likely nothing ever disturbs Edward’s rest.

  “Mallory and the twins are obviously late,” she commented, as she spread butter onto a crumpet. “Perhaps their night was not so easy as yours and mine.”

  “Actually, Leo and Lawrence are off on some sporting jaunt for the day. While Mallory sent word along just a few minutes ago that she has decided to take breakfast in her room. Apparently there were a couple of letters from Hargreaves in this morning’s post and she can’t be torn away.”

  “No, of course she can’t,” Claire agreed. In order to cover her dismay at finding herself deserted, she bit into her crumpet.

  Edward continued his breakfast as well, polishing off the last of his sausage and eggs before wiping his mouth clean with his napkin. Taking up his coffee, he leaned back in his chair. “Is that another of your new gowns?”

  She nodded, glad her mouth was too full to answer.

  “It’s even more becoming than the other one. The colour suits you well,” he said. “Lovely.”

  She swallowed, warmth inching up her neck at the reminder of a very similar conversation they’d had yesterday and everything that had happened afterward. Gathering her fork and knife, she stabbed the slice of ham on her plate and cut off a piece. Instead of eating it, though, she slid it around with the tines of her fork.

  “Unless you are otherwise engaged,” Edward said, “I wondered if you might care to take a drive with me this afternoon?”

  She stopped fidgeting and looked up. “A drive?”

  “In the park, if you would enjoy it. It occurred to me that we haven’t been able to spend a great deal of time together since your arrival in Town. I thought this might be a good opportunity to do so.”

  Spend time together? Why? The question nearly shot out of her mouth, but she recalled it just in time.

  Her brows furrowed as she thought over his invitation. On the surface, the excursion sounded pleasant, and despite her present misgivings, being with Edward was never a hardship. Then again, the duke was a busy man and not the sort to idle his days away with drives through the park. And it wasn’t as though they were courting, seeing that they were already engaged. So what was he really up to?

  Then suddenly she knew. He’s doing his duty again. Getting to know me better as he once had promised. It wasn’t that he really wanted to go driving with her; it was only that he thought he ought to. Her mouth tightened at the realization. Well, if he wants to get to know me better, perhaps I ought to let him.

  With that decision made, she relaxed and laid her silverware onto her plate. “The park would be enjoyable, I’m sure. Although from what Mallory tells me, the crowds can make it a rather plodding exercise, given the necessity of stopping every half minute to converse with some acquaintance or other.”

  He regarded her over his cup. “True enough, though I had envisioned us going before the afternoon crush when there wouldn’t be quite so many people. But if you would enjoy something other than a carriage ride, you have only to say.”

  “It’s not the carriage ride, it is just…” She hesitated, waiting to see if he would give her further encouragement.

  “Just what?” he asked.

  “Only that instead of taking me for a drive, I would much rather you showed me how to drive.”

  His eyes widened. “Teach you, you mean?”

  “Exactly!” she said with genuine excitement. “I have always wanted to learn to drive a carriage, but Papa wouldn’t hear of such a thing. In his opinion, it’s a useless skill for a woman, since he says that ladies may always rely on a gentleman to escort them wherever they wish to go.”

  She paused to gauge his reaction. When he didn’t instantly agree, she continued, “But I have always supposed it a worthwhile ability for either sex. In my estimation, women would benefit from being far less dependent upon the men in their lives, at least for small things such as going about Town. Besides, driving just looks fun. It is, is it not?”

  As she watched, he cocked his head slightly and peered at her again over the rim of his coffee cup. His eyes were very blue and filled with curiosity, as if he didn’t quite recognize her after her small outburst.

  But she didn’t mind. She was glad she’d said what she had, no matter his reaction. And who knew, if he took exception, maybe that would be the key to placing a wedge between them.

  He set his cup into its saucer. “Driving is most enjoyable, particularly with a reliable team. So, you want to learn, do you?”

  She tipped up her chin. “I do. Yes.”

  “Well then, why don’t we change our outing from a drive in the park to a driving lesson? Finish your breakfast, then go find your maid, so you can change into a suitable gown for the occasion.”

  “You mean now? This morning?”

  “Yes, this morning. The earlier the better, in fact, since the streets will only get busier as the day goes on.”

  A wide smile broke over her face and she leapt up from her chair.

  “What about your breakfast?” he asked.

  “I’m not hungry. Besides, I’m too excited to eat another bite.”

  And she was, giddy with an almost childlike delight she hadn’t felt in years. Without thinking, she took a step in his direction, then checked herself when she realized she’d been about to throw her arms around him for a hug. Instead, she sent him another smile.

  He smiled back, his dimples disappearing in a way that made her pulse stutter. “Go on, then,” he said. “I’ll meet you downstairs in an hour, shall we say?”

  “Forty-five minutes. I am sure I can be ready by then.”

  “Three quarters of an hour it is.” Edward laughed, then took up his coffee cup again.

  Grinning in spite of herself, she turned and sprinted from the room.

  Seated beside Edward in his glossy black curricle a little over an hour later, Claire listened attentively as he explained the rudiments of carriage driving. So far, they hadn’t moved so much as an inch, the horses standing at the ready, endlessly patient except for the occasional betraying swish of a tail or the shifting of a hoof.

  Still, in spite of the delay, Claire was rather glad they hadn’t gone anywhere yet, considering all the information Edward was imparting. As she had quickly discovered, there was a great deal more to this learning-to-drive business than she had ever imagined.

  Abruptly, Edward’s lecture came to an end. “That should more than cover it,” he said. “Shall we go?”

  She met his gaze. “Go?”

  “If you’re ready. Give the ribbons a gentle flick and take us up the street. I thought we’d drive around the square a time or two, then proceed from there.”

  “Oh, I…all right.” Her stomach quivered with a combination of nerves and excitement. She had only to give the command and the horses would be off.

  “Don’t worry,” he said reassuringly. “You’ll be safe. I promise not to let you crash into anything.”

  “I certainly hope not!”

  He chuckled. “You’l
l do fine. Signal the team like I told you and we’ll be on our way.”

  Marshalling her determination, she sat up straighter, then gathered the reins again. After glancing over her shoulder to make sure there was no traffic approaching, she gave a soft click of her tongue and flicked her wrists with a gentle but decisive snap. Equine ears perked up, the pair of matched bays tossing their heads with enthusiasm as they eased into a walk.

  Elation swelled inside Claire’s chest, a smile spreading over her mouth as the curricle rolled forward. One yard, and two, then three…Why, this isn’t so hard. In fact, it seemed downright simple. What had she been worried about? And why had Edward insisted on so many instructions when a baby could drive this rig? Relaxing into an easy rhythm, she let the horses guide them forward as she settled back to enjoy the ride.

  “Get ready now to ease off as you prepare to make your turn ahead,” Edward said, low and calm.

  Turn? What turn?

  Her eyes widened as she realized he was right. The first left turn in the square was coming up in only a few more yards. And she hadn’t the vaguest idea how to manage it. As though sensing her quandary, the horses took advantage and increased their gait. A knot formed in her throat and she pulled back sharply on the reins. The lead horse whinnied out a protest.

  “Not so hard,” Edward told her in a patient voice. “Gentle and easy is always best. Here, let me show you.”

  Before she knew what he intended, he slid an arm around her waist, then covered both of her hands with his. Using almost imperceptible pressure, he coaxed the team into a controlled walk, while at the same time lining up the curricle to make the approaching turn. With the easy confidence of long practice, he slowed them a faint bit more, then made the turn—all the while clasping her hands securely inside his own.

  “Feel the shift in the ribbons and how little effort is required to communicate with the team,” he said.

  Yes, she thought, her breath hitching in her chest. She could most definitely feel the reins, the horses—and the man! With Edward’s strong arms wrapped around her and his hands holding hers so securely, it was as though they were embracing. Even their hips and thighs were touching where they sat nestled together on the seat. The sensations were enough that, for a moment, she forgot all about the driving. Luckily, Edward managed to keep his head and prevent them from veering off course.