Duke of Darkness (29 page)

Along with the Fenhursts, Devlin included his servants in the head count, for they were as much his family as any other name on the list. He also invited Lord Hasselby. Having considered the information Hasselby imparted on the evening of his ball, and the fact the old man opened his door in welcome to the “mad duke”, Devlin felt obligated and, more so, ready to reconnect with selected members of aristocracy. Granted he had no desire to take up his seat or anything so severe, but it would do no harm to find entrance into social circles with Hasselby’s support. Lexi would desire it, even if she never admitted it.

He stared out the study window and spied his wife-to-be as she ran circles in the courtyard with Just Henry. King lazed in a weak patch of sunlight. Autumn claimed the warmer season and he wondered if Lexi’s cheeks would be pinkened with the sudden bite of chilly weather. She dreaded winter’s severity. It was one of the reasons she insisted on holding a harvest party even though a field hadn’t been employed in decades. He smiled at her enthusiasm. She had the manor turned on its ear. Even the pond was stocked with fish. If nothing else, Phin would be happy.

Lexi stopped chasing Just Henry and as if she sensed him, she glanced towards the window. He waved and opened the terrace doors to venture out on the balcony.

“Good day, future duchess. You look very fine this morning.” Her cheeks were a wonderful shade of pink, like the first blush of a rose.

“Good morning, future husband. What are you doing up there? Your dog needs exercise more than mine.”

The little minx
.

“Someone has to finish planning our harvest party. The event has stimulated a plethora of questions with the staff. All of which are only answerable by me.” He quirked a brow and grimaced in an attempt to portray annoyance.

Much to his delight, she mimicked him into the wind and he struggled to keep his scowl in place.

“You’re being disagreeable. Do I need to come up there and kiss you?” Her brilliant smile undermined her chastising tone.

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” A third voice joined the banter and Phineas stepped onto the terrace, waving to Alexandra below.

“What are you doing here?” Devlin’s scowl turned to annoyance as his friend’s poor timing. “Remind me to tell Reeston to start announcing you again. Every time I turn around you’re back.”

“As if you’d deny me entrance.”

“At least I would have a choice in the matter.” Devlin returned to his study, his chuckle of satisfaction echoed in the surprised look on Phin’s face.

“Clearly I am not here nearly enough. I can’t believe all that’s occurred since I visited last.” Phin dropped into a leather chair and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “So how did it happen? What did you do?”

“I assume you enquire of my proposal?” Devlin sat down in the chair across from his friend. “Let Lexi tell you about it. She enjoys the retelling. It’s like one of your fish stories, every time I hear it relayed, there seems to be a new chapter. Besides I have something important to discuss with you. Something I’ve put off overlong, but my hesitation in confronting the issue kept me from action.” He ran a palm over his face in an effort to clear his thoughts.

“I’m listening,” Phineas replied without pause. When Devlin didn’t immediately begin, he tapped him on the kneecap impatiently.

“Hasselby approached me at his social last month. We met in his study for a brief conversation.”

“What could Hasselby possibly need to impart that would keep him holed up in his office for a discussion during his own social event?” Phineas’s expression turned incredulous.

“He claims to have information to share about my parents’ demise.” Devlin hauled in a long breath.

“Good lord, why didn’t he come forward sooner? That’s easily twenty years ago.”

“I believe him when he states he regrets his past decisions and I accept why he’s vacillated. As a member of the peerage, he chose to protect his own. Other than that, he didn’t offer me any details and suggested I return at a later date to pursue the matter. When I think of how many enquiries I’ve made over the years, it is hard to fathom the answers I sought were accessible through Hasselby.”

“Are you going back?”

“I’m not sure.” The words cut through the air with finality even though they determined little. “It was a long time ago, and I am happy now. I’m not sure I wish to drag hurtful stories to the forefront. Especially if I am attempting to reorder my life for Lexi’s sake.”

“But you must be curious. You should pursue it, Dev. And then you can put it to rest. There’s something you should do for Lexi’s sake. Perhaps the night tremors will stop as well.” Phineas appeared resolute in his advice.

“I don’t experience them with Lexi by my side.”

Phin dismissed the comment with an indolent grin. “That’s not the point. She won’t always be lying beside you.”

“Why the hell not?” Devlin growled. If Phin thought for a heartbeat that he and Lexi would adopt the formal standard of separate sleeping chambers, then it was his friend who was madder than a March hare, not he.

Phineas shrugged his question off. “What do you know about the whole thing anyway? From what you’ve ever revealed to me, it seems very little. Wasn’t Reeston around then? Haven’t you discussed it with him?”

“One question at a time. I’m not up for interrogation.” Devlin wandered to his golf bag. He picked up a ball and tossed it into the air. “Over the years, I haven’t learned much. Just what Aunt Min or Reeston told me when I was a child. They chose not to sit around the tea table and share stories of my opiate-addicted father or my mother’s despair.” He tried to sound flippant but no doubt his friend knew better. Thinking about the past was painful and he had long ago abandoned that path. “Reeston was already in employ, as well as Cook, when Aunt Min set up acceptable living conditions for me. They are the only two servants who remain today. I suspect the estate suffered considerably while my father philandered. Aunt Min must have cleaned the house of the other servant staff. She wouldn’t want old memories or further gossip to pervade the already distorted Wharncliffe heritage. She did an excellent job of protecting me and the estate. I never remember a time when Kenley Manor was not run efficiently or maintained with excellence. Even as a child, I have clear memories of such.” He caught the ball in his hand a final time and dropped it into his golf bag.

“Well, I suppose it is up to you and how much of the past you really want to know. But you are making a lot of changes around here. You should give it considerable thought.” Phineas stood and changed the subject just as readily. “So tomorrow, at noon, the festivities begin. I can hardly wait. Julia is looking forward to it. She really hasn’t stopped talking about it, to tell you the truth.”

“Really?” Devlin eyed his friend, his lids narrowed with curiosity. “Why is that?”

“I think she invited some new beau to accompany her. The announcement of your engagement might have done the trick to send her looking in the direction of a marriage candidate. Ladies enjoy talking about weddings and my sister will relish helping Lexi plan for the day as if thinking of her own.”

Phineas tapped Devlin on the shoulder. “And just think if she finds some other gentleman to pay her attention, we might finally be rid of the tag-along.” He grinned from ear to ear. “Who could have ever imagined such a speedy resolution?” He nodded in self-congratulation.

Phineas left soon after and Devlin remained in his study, his thoughts heavy with all they’d discussed. Weighty decisions needed to be made concerning the secrets hidden in the past. But would Hasselby’s information be worth the cost of reliving the censure?

He walked to the window and scanned the garden. Lexi was gone. He could hardly believe the turn of events, like falling dominoes in a line, leading the two of them to each other. He wouldn’t allow anything to ruin the bond they’d created and the expectations their future held. Throughout his entire life, choices had been crucial, the results always fragile. Why tempt the fates and invite malice into this new beginning with Lexi. It was his one chance at happiness and he’d be damned if anyone or anything interfered.

He turned from the window anxious to find Lexi. Just the thought of her set his blood humming in his veins. She was quite the little temptress, too. Last night he’d entered his bedroom to find her perched atop the bed, adorned only in blue velvet ribbon. It was the most enticing and delicious gift he’d ever unwrapped.

Chapter Thirty-Two

It was foolish to plan a harvest party in October. No one with any good sense would trust the weather and Devlin growled at the looming rain clouds as they blocked the paltry sunlight straining to emerge this morning. Lexi flittered about the manor, smiling with instructions and attending to every detail. She would be a most proficient duchess. Of that he had no doubt.

But the weather presented a different story and remained beyond his control. He hoped it would hold because he did not wish to see Alexandra disappointed. He gazed out of the window and contemplated the fact. Despite his trepidation, the clouds turned from white to grey as a low shadow of doom hunkered low on the horizon.

This was a tentative extension into society. They expected fifty guests for entertainment on the back lawn and, later, dinner and dancing in the manor house. An elaborate menu had been prepared and while it presented extra work for Cook, she’d seemed eager to suggest specialties of petite lobster tails in butter sauce and salmon with capers to accompany more traditional chicken and beef dishes. Several preparations of vegetables, from mashed turnips to asparagus quiche, were also to be presented, along with brown onion soup and mushroom pastry. Devlin had a direct say in the dessert offerings, suggesting almond and raisin tarts, and pear cake.

Outside, tables were set with neatly folded linens. Centrepieces of amber and russet mums filled crystal vases to overflow. A slated area had been assembled for parlour games, including London Bridge, Shuttlecock and Cup and Ball. For the more ambitious, guests could play shuffleboard, lawn bowling or stroll the gardens. That was, if the rain did not spoil their plans.

Still he couldn’t remember a time when the house appeared more festive. Silver shone like radiant sunshine, flowers filled every nook, rugs were freshly beaten and furniture rearranged. He grinned now with the flurry of the undertaking, having caught Lexi more than once, in stern direction of a footman as he adjusted a table’s position or replaced candles with fresh sticks.

And the west wing had reached completion, the smell of new paint and carpeting an immediate reminder that something recent and unexpected had occurred were anyone to wander down the long hallway. His life had altered for the better and the intrusive realization forced him to reflect on the news Hasselby wished to impart; the undercurrent of his indecision a harbinger of any other decision he dared to make.

Last night, as he lay in bed with Lexi snuggled at his side, he affirmed the past should remain where it was, buried in Wharncliffe history. Along with the man he once was and the lifestyle he once kept. He rather preferred himself now; content in his own skin with Lexi tightly nestled beside him. But he did not know if his decision was based on solid reasoning.

As if an answer to a prayer, Lexi entered the room. Just Henry yipped at her slippers as she crossed to greet him with a brilliant smile and a lingering kiss.

“Good morning, love. The heavens are going to play havoc with our plans.” He tempered his words. “Have you looked out of the window yet?” He did not wish to see her disappointment, but he could never turn from her, so he watched as she slanted a look outside and wrinkled her nose in distaste.

“The rain will ruin our party. It won’t be very enjoyable to be crowded in the parlour with fifty people who planned to picnic, play sport and fish.”

“I feel the same way. I detest parlour games.” And then, as if an afterthought, “Unless the parlour is ours alone …” He threaded his fingers through her hair and knocked the pins out in a motion he’d quickly mastered. “And the game is played with expert skill.” He caught the gleam in her crystalline eyes and wondered for the hundredth time how he could possibly be so lucky. He spared not another breath on the thought and leaned into her ready lips for a deep, leisurely kiss.

Just Henry vaulted against his legs and vied for attention.

“You should put Just Henry in the back kitchen, love.” Devlin nuzzled the side of her neck, his murmur a heated whisper against her skin. “Or better yet, the pantry. It will be a busy day in the kitchens and Cook does not need the little troublemaker underfoot.”

Her head fall back to allow him better access. “Mmm.” She managed in agreement.

“I am the envy of every man on this planet.” He slid one hand from her waist to her bodice and hooked a finger in her neckline just low enough to brush against her in an intimate caress. His other hand found her bottom and gave a little swat.

“Devlin!”

“Your protest is all for show.” His duchess would never object. They were equally matched in the bedroom, in ardour, in all ways. “Off with you, then.” He gave her another pat and pretended to dismiss her. “You are far too tempting to have standing in front of me. And take care of that loud little nuisance.”

Just Henry yipped his objection to the insult.

“I will meet you upstairs shortly. I suppose we will have to dress soon for the arrival of our guests. Of course, we will first have to undress …” He let the end of his sentence linger and winked as Lexi left the room with a kiss blown over her shoulder.

Everyone had arrived, refreshments were served, and still the weather held. Alexandra sent a thankful vow to the heavens. If she could just get through the afternoon without the threat of rain becoming an actuality, she would be for ever grateful. She hadn’t an opportunity to talk to many guests, but she made her way across the lawns and perused the activities with great interest. Several guests had meandered down to the pond, boasting the cloudy weather brought the best fish to the surface. Phineas seemed anxious to cast his line. Alexandra smiled with the knowledge he might finally achieve his goal.