The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (18 page)

“What the devil—” His heart caught in his throat. For an instant he couldn’t move. She would break her neck if she hit the floor! He threw down the boxes. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between them and caught Jewel in midair.

Jewel’s mind whirled at her close escape from injury. She’d thought she’d heard Adam’s voice. Now, crushed next to his chest, she breathed in his manly fragrance as she clung to him, trying to catch her breath. But was she breathless because of her fall or because of him? She wasn’t sure.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at Adam’s disapproving stare. This wasn’t how she had planned to greet him upon his return. She’d pictured walking down the staircase, her hand resting on the balustrade, wearing a wine-colored dress she’d been saving for the occasion ... or at least some kind of lady-like approach. But as usual, she’d failed to be what the books she’d read referred to as demure. She brushed the hair away from her face. Apparently, she’d never fit into that appropriate feminine mold.

“Madam, must I always rescue you? It appears that you are your own worst enemy.” Adam’s deep voice sent a tingle through her entire body. It terrified her to admit it, but she was happy to see him.

“It appears so, Your Grace,” Jewel managed to squeak out.

“Did it ever occur to you that you could have broken your fool neck?” His forefinger flicked at the curl she’d tried unsuccessfully to tuck behind her ear. His voice was low, his warm breath brushing her cheek. “That is what we have servants for. To help you when you need assistance. I do believe we had this conversation the first time we met.”

His gaze met hers, his charcoal-colored eyes boring into her, melting her insides. She contemplated whether all their meetings were going to be so turbulent. Maybe she had done a foolish thing, but she wasn’t going to let it upset her, especially now with Adam’s homecoming. He held her as if she weighed no more than a feather, and she wondered why we hadn’t put her down—not that she wanted him to.

Adam speculated if it would be safe to set Jewel upon her own two feet. Hell, she’d probably trip. Finally, he eased her down. Now that his initial shock had subsided, anger reared in his veins. What if he hadn’t been here? No, he didn’t want to think of that. He shook his head. “What in bloody hell were you doing up there?” he demanded.

She pointed to the mistletoe, which happened to be directly over his head, and the minx in her took over. She reached up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Welcome home,” she said softly.

Adam glanced up at the mistletoe, then back at her. His anger seemed to vanish like a puff of smoke. He arched a black brow. A sly grin appeared on his lips. “My dear, I think we can do better than that.”

He reached out a strong, brown hand and pulled her to him. His forefinger moved along her jaw until it came to rest just below her chin. He tilted her face up and slid his free hand behind her back. Her heart fluttered with anticipation.

His lips brushed hers tenderly, and she swayed towards him, closing her eyes. Adam’s mouth changed from tender to demanding, and from somewhere deep inside Jewel could feel a sweet, hot passion take over. A desire for something more overcame her as she pressed her body next to his. To be in his arms again had been well worth the wait.

Adam explored the softness of her mouth. He tried to rid himself of all those lonely nights he’d dreamed of her just like this—those long nights when sleep had eluded him.

He moaned. She should be slapping his face, not falling into his arms. Hadn’t he promised himself this wouldn’t happen again, only to find the minute he laid eyes on her— damn! He broke off the kiss, realizing this could go further than he wanted. Lifting his lips, he noticed hers were moist and already swollen from his onslaught. He smiled, knowing he’d been the cause. His gaze penetrated her eyes, and he saw confusion deep in their depths. There was a sparkle there, too. Adam wondered if that was for him.

“Tell me, my sweet,” Adam murmured in her ear. “Did you miss me?”

Jewel nestled her head on Adam’s chest, trying to catch her breath and enjoying the way he held her close, as if he cherished her. As if she were special. She had missed him, but that was something he must never know.

“No, not a bit!” She tried to sound lighthearted.

“What!” Adam pushed her away so he could see her face, and caught her mischievous grin.

She pouted prettily. “Maybe just a little.”

“Well, if you didn’t miss me, maybe I should leave and take your Christmas presents with me.” He turned, starting for the door.

“Don’t you dare take a step out that door.” Jewel laughed and grabbed his arm.

“So you did miss me?” He raised his eyebrow in question, and with a gleam in his eye, awaited her response.

She hated to give him the satisfaction, but seeing that he was in such a good mood and determined to press the point for whatever reason . . . “Yes,” she said, “I missed you.”

“A lot?”

“Well . . Jewel smiled. “Yes, very much.”

“Good!” Adam seemed satisfied now, and his smile told her as much.

Someone cleared their throat, and they both jumped. “Welcome home and Merry Christmas,” Annie greeted Adam as she entered the front hall. “Did ye ride all night?”

“I’m afraid I did just that.” Adam walked over and gave Annie a bear hug, lifting her completely off the floor, making her cheeks as red as the ribbon on the banister. “You’ve been busy decorating,” he noted.

“That we have. Thankful I be that Jewel’s been here tae help. I dare say I couldn’t have done it without her.”

“I could see how she’s been helping when I entered the door,” he said dryly, casting a look of disapproval at Jewel.

She playfully stuck her tongue out, causing him to smile. None of this exchange, however, was seen by Annie—he hoped.

“We’ve just about finished.” Annie tilted her head to the side, surveying the hall critically. “Except for a few things.” “And that being?”

“A yule log. And a bit more greenery.”

“I think I can provide the log,” Adam said. “We’ll go get one this afternoon.” He retrieved the packages he’d left by the door. “Madam, I believe you will have need of a ball gown,” he said, handing Jewel the two silver-wrapped boxes.

She gasped with surprise. He had brought her a new dress! She and Annie had labored diligently, trying to make one of her gowns more presentable for the ball, but now there would be no need.

“Thank you.” Jewel looked puzzled as she took the second box from him. “But why two boxes?”

“One is a warm cape you’ll be needing for winter. And the other is your gown, which should be tried on to make sure there is no need for alterations.”

“I don’t know how I can ever repay you, Adam.” He had given her so much, and she had given him nothing.

“I don’t expect payment,” he said flatly, presuming no more would be said. He frowned at her constant attempts to repay him. They were gifts. Couldn’t she understand that? Maybe she was really trying to say she didn’t want to be indebted to him at all. Then again, maybe he was just tired. “Now run along and try on your dress, and Jewel . . .”

She had already started up the stairs, but turned when he called. “Dress warmly,” he said. “We’ll take the sleigh to fetch the greenery. And one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

Adam picked up the long-eared puppy. “I can see by this little fellow that Jonathan’s been here. He evidently couldn’t wait to give you your Christmas present. What is the pup’s name?”

“I named him Duke.” Jewel saw Adam’s smile as she finished climbing the stairs.

In her room, Jewel placed the packages on the bed. She tugged at the ribbons, and they easily slipped from the first package. Removing the lid, she grew quiet. Lying in the white tissue paper was the richest material she had ever seen, much nicer than the other gowns she’d been given. She rubbed her fingers across the blue velvet, marveling at the different shades it turned as she pressed the fine fabric. She glanced around when Annie entered the room. “What do you think?” Jewel asked.

Annie slipped the dress out of the box and shook out the wrinkles. “This is no ordinary gown, lass. Ye’ll look like an angel in this.”

After agreeing the dress was perfect, Jewel undressed and handed the gown back to Annie so she could hang it up in the wardrobe.

Jewel tore off the other box lid and unfolded the white tissue paper. Silver fox tails met her gaze There was a hint of blue mingled throughout the silver tails. She slipped her hand inside and felt a soft white satin lining. On the inside of the left lapel was the crest of the Duke of St. Ives. Running her fingers over the crest, she noticed not the smallest detail had been left out. Jewel tried the cape on, and was surprised to find it was a little heavy. Annie explained that the weight came from the animal skins.

“ ’Tis lovely.” Annie reached to rub her hand across the pelts. “I’ve never been knowin’ Adam tae give anythin’ this expensive tae Colette,” Annie mumbled to herself, but was quick to hide her comment with a smile. “Ye’ll not be havin’ tae worry about anyone lookin’ down their nose at ye. Ye’ll be dressed tae the hilt.”

Jewel nodded in agreement, speechless at the rich gifts she’d just received. Yet she was puzzled by a name she’d never heard. “Who is Colette?”

“ ’Tis no one of importance, lass.”

Jewel wondered what Annie wasn’t telling her, but she knew Adam would be waiting downstairs, so she let the subject rest for the moment. Pulling on her riding boots, she was ready.

“Adam said ye were tae dress warmly. Take yer new wrap.”

“But this is much too nice, Annie.”

“Nonsense, lass, ’tis fur. Ye can’t hurt it. Haven’t ye looked outside today? It’s snowin’.”

“Snowing?” Jewel ran the word through her limited memory. “I saw it this morning. I don’t see how I could forget anything so beautiful.”

Annie chuckled at Jewel’s puzzled look. “Surely ye’ve seen snow before?” Opening the French doors, Annie led her out onto the balcony.

The ground and trees were completely covered in white. Jewel stared in wonderment. But before she could say anything, Annie grabbed her arm, pulling her back inside. “Ye’re definitely not from England, lass.” She shook her head. “See why ye need yer cape? And take yer hat. I dinna want ye catching cold.”

“Annie, you treat me like a baby,” Jewel protested.

“Well, somebody has tae,” Annie mumbled, pushing her out into the hallway. “Some people in this house just can’t see what they have.”

Down in the foyer, Jewel hung up her cape, then went to the dining room to have lunch with Adam. They kept the conversation light as they enjoyed steamy vegetable soup and finger sandwiches. Jewel told him about her trip to Foxmore. Adam never mentioned her memory, something she was glad of. There were too many dark secrets she needed to figure out.

After lunch, Jewel donned her coat and tucked her black hair under the silver fox hat. Holding tight to Adam’s hand, she stepped carefully down the ice-covered steps.

A sleek black sleigh pulled by two white stallions waited for them. The thick cushions were of red velvet, and the Trent crest stood boldly on the side of the vehicle.

Adam helped her into the sleigh, then walked around to the other side and climbed into the driver’s seat He threw a fur lap rug over them, and reached for the reins. Despite the cold exterior, he seemed intent on presenting a tender side that touched her heart.

“Are you ready to go?”

“You’re going to drive?” Jewel couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice. She had supposed a duke would do none of the work.

“You doubt my abilities, madam?”

“No. I thought you might need some help.”

Adam smiled, looking into her eyes. “I have help.” He snapped the reins and off they went.

The silver fur fluttered around Jewel’s face as she watched the changing scenery. Snow clung to the tree branches, making them bend over from their burden. She was amazed at how snow could change the appearance of everything, making it look so much cleaner.

She was also acutely aware of Adam’s thigh pressed next to hers. She didn’t need the hot brick at her feet to keep her warm. Taking a deep breath, she tried to still the butterflies in her stomach. There was something about Adam that always made her nervous, and she wasn’t sure what. He effortlessly ran his vast estates. He was confident. And she seemed neither effortless nor confident.

The sleigh soon left the road, heading for a distant grove of trees. So absorbed was she in the beauty that surrounded her that Jewel hadn’t said a word since leaving Briercliff.

“There, madam,” Adam said, pointing to the trees, “is where we’ll find our greenery.”

Soon they were walking through the winter landscape. Jewel held the greenery Adam cut, all the while admiring his powerful shoulders that the greatcoat couldn’t disguise. The odd tingling she experienced every time she came near him was beginning to be a nuisance.

Adam clipped two more bows of spruce and turned back to his helper. He chuckled because he could only see her face above the bundles of green branches. “Let’s take those back to—”

A shot rang out. He sprung toward Jewel, taking them both to the ground.