Falling Into Bed with a Duke (Hellions of Havisham) (15 page)

He traveled with her in the coach this time, his arm around her as she nestled against his side. They didn’t speak. She wasn’t certain there was anything else to say.

When the coach pulled up to the Twin Dragons, he didn’t react. She decided to take advantage. Moving up slightly, waiting for the footman to open the door, she looked back over her shoulder. “You don’t seem at all surprised by our destination. You had the driver tell you the address.”

“I gave you my word I wouldn’t.”

“Then why aren’t you questioning it now?”

“Because I instructed him to bring me to the address that you’d given him. My vow remained intact.”

The door opened.

“I see you’re as clever with your mind as you are with your fingers.” As she stepped out, his laughter followed her, making her smile. Halfway up the steps, she removed the mask. As she neared the door, she was so tempted to look back, but she knew he was watching, could feel his gaze on her as clearly as though it was a caress. She almost returned to him.

Instead, she carried on through the opened door, knowing that after tonight, everything would change.

Chapter 12

M
INERVA awoke slightly sore but not as much as she’d expected. Because Ashe had taken his time to prepare her for receiving him. He’d been a considerate lover, perfect for a woman experiencing her first time with a man. What she’d thought would be her only time. But now she knew the foolishness of that belief. Why give up pleasure when she enjoyed experiencing it?

However, she wanted to be wise about it. And she certainly didn’t want to continue to worry about his realizing who she was. It was one thing to wear the mask in the Nightingale parlor. But when they were alone in a bedchamber, she needed to find the courage to toss it aside. Once he knew who she was, they could meet at his residence as he’d suggested. She’d never planned for the Nightingale Club to become part of her life. She had merely wanted it to serve as an introduction to pleasure.

It had certainly done that. With a smile, she rang for her maid.

She needed to determine how she was going to handle matters from here on out and to devise the best way to tell him who she was. Obviously, he’d enjoyed being with her. She’d not been a disappointment, which made her feel all warm and giddy, lost in the memories of him. If she were honest, she might have fallen just a little bit in love with him.

Just as he’d advised her that first night. Be a little bit in love with the person.

She wondered if it was possible that last night he’d fallen a little bit in love with Lady V. The giddiness dissipated, the disappointment settled in. She wanted him to fall a little bit in love with Minerva Dodger.

She was leading two lives, and if they should ever come crashing together, nothing would save her. Not her father’s money, her family’s position, her half brother’s standing in Society. Her greatest fear was that she would simply drag them all into the gutter with her.

A
SHE was no stranger to balls, but he’d never attended one searching for a wife. He came to flirt, to give attention, to gain attention, to have a jolly good time. A dance here, a game of cards or billiards there, a visit with a few gents, conversation about inconsequential things with many ladies—young, aged, and in between.

As one of the hellions, he was catered to. People were fascinated by their past, their travels, their adventures. As soon as they were announced and descended the stairs into the Lovingdon ballroom, he and Edward were unlikely to have any time alone. So while others were introduced, they stood slightly off to the side, looking out over London’s finest.

Although Miss Dodger had told him that she wasn’t going to be at many balls this Season, Ashe was fairly certain that she would be at this one. Her close friendship with the Duchess of Lovingdon would ensure it.

“If you never want to worry about your finances again, you should marry the Dodger girl,” Edward said quietly enough that no one else would hear.

The comment irritated. Perhaps because Ashe could still feel the press of her against his mouth, could still feel her quivering in his arms. “Do you even know her name?”

“What does it matter? I know the amount of her dowry. It’s substantial. Well worth overlooking her imperfections.”

“And what would those be exactly?”

Edward gave him a sharp look, no doubt because his question had come out closely resembling a snarl.

“A father who would kill you slowly and painfully without compunction at the mere whisper of her unhappiness. Plus she’s not particularly demure, has a tendency to speak her mind, and discusses subjects that should remain a man’s domain.”

Something that felt very much like jealousy pierced his chest. “When did you speak with her?”

“Oh here and there, over the years. At Julia’s little party the other night. Had the audacity to question the veracity of my tale.”

“Can hardly blame her. You embellished it.”

“The story overall was true. The details may have skirted the edge of what actually happened. Still, it was rather rude of her to imply I was a liar.”

“She is forthright.”

“She is that. Did you know she wrote a book?
A Lady’s Guide to Ferreting Out Fortune Hunters.
Has made it deuced impossible for a man to court a woman without putting in a great deal of effort, from what I understand. I’ve heard a good many gents complain about it. You should probably read it. On the other hand, if I were you, I’d steer clear of her. She’d deduce your motives in a blink. Far too sharp to make a good wife. Besides, she’s not the prettiest fish in the pond. Although I suppose in the dark, what would it matter?”

It was only because his hand was beginning to ache that Ashe realized sometime during this conversation, he’d balled his hand into a fist. He very much wanted to smash it against Edward’s nose. “There are times, Edward, when you’re an arse.”

“Now you sound like my sister-in-law. Speaking of which, there she is. Dear God, I suppose I’ll have to dance with her, just to be polite and not give the impression that I wish she would drop off the face of the earth.”

“She’s pleasant enough. I don’t understand why you don’t like her.”

“She took my brother from me.” As though uncomfortable with his words, Edward shifted his stance, averted his gaze. “We should get down there. I’m in need of some good scotch.”

When there was a break in the line, Ashe and Edward were announced and began their descent into what Ashe fervently hoped would not be hell.

S
HE’D been torn between hoping he’d be here and wishing he wouldn’t, but when he was announced, a delightful shiver of gladness coursed through her, and she quickly chastised herself for her reaction. It was ridiculous to think he’d give her any attention this evening. He didn’t know she was the woman he’d held in his arms the night before. Not that it would have mattered if he had known. They’d both been there for an unfettered encounter, nothing more. Certainly not anything that would extend their time together beyond the Nightingale, nothing that would cause them to seek each other out in public. Even though her eyes seemed not to have gotten the message and refused to stop staring at him.

Ladies swarmed to his side, dangling their dance cards in his face. His smile was broad, and he looked to be enjoying himself, touching a chin here, a cheek there, flattering the ladies with his attention. She tried not to be jealous. Tried not to be hurt or take offense. But she was having very little luck at accomplishing her goal. He was only hers at the Nightingale. Beyond that, he belonged to all of London.

She’d been enjoying herself as well until his arrival distracted her. Standing with her half brother and two other gents she considered family, she’d been discussing the merits of investing in a cattle venture in Texas.

“I like the idea of it,” Lord Langdon said, “but I’m not too keen on investing blindly. I think someone should go over there and have a look at it.”

Drake Darling grinned. “Would you even have a clue regarding what you’re looking at?”

“I didn’t say I should go.” Langdon gave her a pointed look.

She laughed. “Me? You want me to go?”

“Makes sense,” Lovingdon said. “You’re the best at analyzing things, and you’ve already put together a summary outlining the advantages to doing this. Besides, I’ve heard that there aren’t many women there.”

She knew he spoke with the best of intentions, but still, the words stung. “So I might find a husband among desperate men? Is that what you’re insinuating?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Well, it certainly sounded like it.”

“I don’t know why you’re offended,” Darling said. “Based on the Americans I’ve encountered, the men like their women headstrong and determined.”

“You’re not helping matters. If being unattached is a requirement to testing the waters, then Langdon can bloody well go.”

“Go where?” a familiar voice asked, and her chest tightened at Ashebury’s unexpected arrival at her side. Her face warmed at the harshness of her language. When she was with these gents, she didn’t always act the lady. They could bring out the worst in her. She didn’t know why she didn’t want Ashebury to witness her behavior, why she felt this ridiculous need to make a good impression. Perhaps because it struck her that she yearned for his attentions away from the Nightingale. She wanted him to find Miss Minerva Dodger as intriguing as he found Lady V.

Ashebury was gorgeous tonight, absolutely gorgeous in his black swallow-tailed coat and waistcoat. His shirt pristine white. His neckcloth knotted to perfection, and she couldn’t help but recall how intimate it had felt when she had taken care of it for him. He was freshly shaven, but she preferred the shadow of stubble along his jaw. It made him appear more dangerous, more alluring, more disrespectable. Until that moment, she didn’t realize that she rather liked the unpolished edge of a man.

“Forgive my intrusion,” he said. “I was rude to eavesdrop, but traveling is one of my passions. Even if I’m doing it vicariously through someone else. Where are you considering journeying?”

Everyone seemed to be waiting for her to speak, but how could she with him so near, breathing the same air as she, the heat from his body reaching for her? And that mouth, smiling ever so slightly, that beautifully formed, perfect mouth that had touched her in the most intimate of places until she screamed. Heat crawled up her face, threatened to consume every inch of her. She had to remind herself that he didn’t know she was Lady V. He didn’t know that she was the one he had suckled, and nipped, and stroked. Oh, dear God, it was a ghastly mistake to be here. But she couldn’t retreat and maintain any dignity.

Lovingdon cleared his throat. “We were considering the possibility of investing in cattle in Texas. Minerva has put together some numbers that indicate we could make a substantial return.”

Oh, yes, by all means inform him how skilled I am with facts and figures because men find that ability so appealing in a woman.

“But we’re thinking someone should go over to assess the situation more completely,” Langdon said. “We were arguing the merits—”

“We weren’t arguing,” Minerva cut in, because again men found argumentative women so appealing. She was beginning to have a clue regarding why she was a spinster. This lot was not helping her cause. Not that she was looking for a husband any longer, but she had an insane need to impress Ashebury. “We were
discussing
.”

Ashebury’s lips curled up, and she thought of them against her skin, lingering, exploring, gliding over her flesh. Thought of him demonstrating so very well what a man could accomplish when on his knees. Not a position of surrender but one designed to conquer. Thought of the weight of him above her as he took complete possession. She’d never been one to swoon, but at that moment, she was finding it increasingly difficult to draw in air. Her maid must have cinched her corset too tight.

“Discussing then,” Langdon conceded. “Whether Minerva or I should go.”

“You,” Ashebury said sharply and succinctly. “Miss Dodger is far too delicate—”

“I’m not too delicate.” Another reason she was a spinster reared its ugly head. She didn’t like being viewed as incapable or prone to swooning. She thought it ridiculous that ladies held gatherings to practice fainting. A woman should be capable of standing on her own two feet. She tended to point that out at the most inopportune moments, such as this one.

Ashebury arched a brow. “My apologies, but you seemed upset by the notion of going. I must have misconstrued what I heard.”

“Not upset. Irritated. I don’t want to go, but it’s not because I don’t think I could handle myself.” Maybe she should put the shovel away now, as she’d dug a rather large hole. “Perhaps we ought to change topic as I’m sure Ashebury has no interest in our business ventures.” And ladies of quality didn’t discuss business ventures.

“I prefer Ashe,” he said, his gaze never leaving her. “And while I am fascinated by the topic, I’m more interested in a dance with Miss Dodger. I was wondering if there might be a space for me on your dance card.”

Several spaces remained unclaimed. That hadn’t been the case during her first few Seasons, when men had been lining up for a chance at her dowry. But as they’d learned she had no tolerance for fortune hunters, the dances claimed had become fewer. “I’m certain I can fit you in, but after the attention you were receiving from the other ladies, I’m surprised you have an open dance.”

“You noticed that, did you?”

“It was a little difficult to miss. So which dances are you available?”

“All of them.”

She was very much aware of her half brother snapping to attention, his gaze darting between her and Ashe. She could hardly blame him. His answer wasn’t at all what she’d expected. For a moment, she was giddy, but then her practical nature kicked in, and along with it her suspicions regarding his interest. As far as she knew, he wasn’t in debt. “I’m free the next dance.”

“Then I shall just wait here, shall I? With your brother serving as chaperone?”

“Actually, I think all these gents were about to go search for their dance partners.” She gave them each a stern look. “Weren’t you?”

After bidding her and the duke farewell, they wandered away, leaving her alone with Ashe, or as alone as one could be in a crowded ballroom. The Duke and Duchess of Lovingdon were one of the most popular and beloved couples in Great Britain. No one declined their invitations.

“Why not commit to any other dances?” she asked Ashe.

“I enjoyed our dance at the Twin Dragons the other night. I wanted to ensure I had another opportunity to circle about the room with you in my arms. I’ll fill in a few dance cards once we’re done. Otherwise, tongues might wag.”

“They’ll probably wag anyway.”

“Probably.”

“Why have I your attention of a sudden?”

“You’re quite blunt.”

“It’s one of my many faults.”

“I don’t recall describing it as a fault.”

“Other men have.”

“I think we established previously that some men are arses.”

She couldn’t help but grin. “Yes, I believe we did.”

It was easy to enjoy his presence when she wasn’t burdened with the desire for a marriage proposal. She could be herself although perhaps it was more that he didn’t seem to sit in judgment, so she felt freer. Or perhaps it was just that they’d already shared an intimacy that had revealed their true selves. Not that he was aware of that, but she was. It affected the way she looked at him, the comfort she felt with him. He’d kissed her birthmark, kissed her in ways and places that she’d never considered that a man might.