Taming the Duke (26 page)

She had never considered it before, but what he said might be true. As they walked back to the paddock, what Dalton said about Bashshar only winning if she were riding him was intriguing.

“I’m very pleased with Jupiter’s time,” Dalton was saying, but she was only half listening as she led Jupiter along the trail.

What if she were to ride Bashshar in the Newmarket Classic?
Intriguing idea, indeed.

Chapter Sixteen

R
ufus was close on her heels when Alicia strode into the library, a few hours later, to finish her letter to Kimbra. She stopped at the writing desk in the corner and took a seat. Picking up the quill, she hesitated before dipping the nub into the inkpot.

In front of her was the half-written letter to her sister, and she remembered the question Kimbra had asked on the eve of Alicia’s wedding.
Do you want to marry the duke?

She blushed, realizing how naive she’d been when assuring Kimbra that marriage to Dalton would be bearable. Her pulse pounded just thinking about him.

How would she have ever guessed that sharing a quiet evening together was so exciting? Whether he was reading a book or she was seated with her watercolors, they were always aware of each other. This part of their arrangement was more enjoyable than she could have ever imagined.

She loved his teasing remarks and smouldering
glances. In fact, she had no idea married people behaved in such a manner.

She put down the pen and scratched Rufus behind the ear. Certainly her parents never had! Her blush deepened at the thought. Perhaps when her mother and father were young and first married…? Were they so different from she and Dalton?

At the time, she had answered her sister truthfully, but little did Alicia know what magnificent pleasures awaited her. What followed when she and Dalton went to bed was more than marvelous. He was an incredible lover, and he’d taught her to relax and enjoy the sensuous delights that went on between them.

She leaned on her elbow and stared into the fire. Of course, Dalton had had many mistresses before marriage—women more beautiful and experienced than she. Compared to the others, he must find her dull in comparison, although Dalton’s innate sense of kindness would never allow his displeasure to show.

No doubt he’d been a passionate lover with the other women in his life. Dalton knew how to handle women. Her good mood faded as the realization dawned on her: Dalton was a gentleman, and until she bore his heir, he would do everything to make her enjoy their lovemaking. And in return, she must accept the limitation of their arrangement and behave accordingly. She bit down on her lip.

No more responding to him like a besotted young girl, wildly in love with romantic notions. She’d be warm and generous to his demands…

Whose
demands? Her cheeks warmed with the truth. She met his passion equally, and found herself almost insatiable for him.

Alicia folded the unfinished letter in the desk drawer. She would finish Kimbra’s note later.

She moved to the window, the afternoon sun casting dappled shadows through the trees, and she couldn’t help wonder if she’d be at Havencrest or Marston Heath next autumn.

The thought gave her a start. If she became with child, she was determined to leave without a whimper. He would be free to return to his former life, and she’d show him no tears. Dalton was an honorable man who never pretended to love her. Somehow, she’d find it in her heart to honor their agreement….

Rufus barked before Alicia heard the rap at the door. She glanced up to see Dalton entering the room. The smile he gave her was especially appealing. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Dalton’s appreciative gaze swept over her new gown of jade watered silk. “As ravishing as you look, my dear, it is I who am disturbed, in a most disconcerting way.” He chuckled, and his husky voice drew a flutter deep in her belly.

She smiled back at him, her cheeks warmed more from pleasure than shyness.

“A courier just arrived with a letter.” Dalton’s teasing smile told her it was no ordinary letter. He pulled a creased white envelope from the leather courier bag. “It’s from Justin.”

“Justin!” She was surprised how elated she felt to hear from him again. “Where is he?”

Dalton unfolded several sheets of paper. “He’s in London at the moment. He’s planning to join Wellington’s army in Portugal.” His gaze scanned the first page. “He says that he won’t have time to see us at Havencrest before he leaves.” He grinned. “Let me read you this passage:

“‘I don’t have to tell you, old chap, what thoughts are going through my mind while waiting for news of my commission. With luck, I’ll be leaving before next week to take part in Wellington’s expeditionary forces in Portugal. As I wait, I can’t help but think of you and that lovely wife you don’t deserve, living in the peace and quiet of Havencrest.’”

“Poor Justin. What a brave thing to do—help fight against Napoleon.” She was aware of the surprise in her voice. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Please keep reading,” she said.

“‘I think you know how lucky you are, Dalton, and when the war is over and if I return to England in one piece, I might look for a country estate and settle down with a wife, too. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, old chap. A rake such as myself could never settle for one woman. But I’ve felt a touch of envy while watching you with your bride. You have something very precious, old chap. Give your bride a kiss for me. Tell her that you’re one lucky man to have married her.’” Dalton’s voice broke off.

“I can’t imagine Justin Sykes as the sedate country gentleman, can you, Dalton?” she laughed.

“No, but I’d wager that many have said the same about me. That is, those who have never met you, my dear.” His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “Justin is completely smitten with you, Alicia.
That
I do know.”

She blushed. “Strange, I never would have thought that I would care to see Justin Sykes again, but the little I saw of him, I realized he can be quite charming.”

Dalton smiled. “All rakes are charming, my dear.”

“Yes, I know. I married one.”

“Touché.” His rich laughter joined hers. “I think Justin might appreciate a cheery note from you. I think you’re a good influence on him, and your letters will help keep up his spirits during the campaign.”

“I’ll write him.”

He kissed the top of her head as he slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. She could feel another envelope inside his jacket. He watched her, grinning, as she found the letter and snatched it from his inside pocket.

“It’s from your mother!” Alicia felt a thrill of excitement. “I hope she’s accepted our invitation.”

Dalton looked pleased even though he had warned her not to expect a cordial reply.

“I thought you might enjoy opening it.”

She shot him an I-told-you-so smile as she withdrew the sheet of expensive, cream-colored stationary. “It’s a very terse note, but a note just the same.”

Alicia’s smile faded. Dalton read the note over her shoulder. He let out a loud audible breath. When
he looked up, his blue eyes blazed. “My mother is getting married.”

Alicia took a deep breath. “Yes, she’s marrying Lord Templestone!” The tall, strikingly handsome man who had been the dowager’s constant companion came to mind. Although she had no reason, Alicia had disliked the man. Perhaps it had been the strain between Dalton and Templestone that she’d sensed. Whatever it was, she always trusted her feelings. “I see that you’re not pleased, Dalton?”

“It’s none of my business whom my mother marries,” he said, walking to the fireplace. He paced back and forth, and Alicia could see that he was more than a little concerned.

“How well do you know Lord Templestone?” she asked.

“Well enough to know his first two marriages were with rich, older women.”

She gasped. “Are you implying—”

“I’m merely stating facts.”

Despite Dalton’s denial, Alicia knew he was worried. “Perhaps you’d like to speak to your mother?”

Dalton huffed. “My mother has never listened to logic.” He picked up the letter again. “She’s inviting us to a dinner at Templestone’s London town house in several weeks.” He lifted a brow. “I suggest we decline.”

Alicia fought back the unpleasantness of declining any family social engagement, although it was quite obvious Dalton had been correct about his mother—she wouldn’t even honor Alicia with a refusal to Dalton’s birthday celebration.

As though reading her thoughts, Dalton moved to her side. “Don’t be sad. I can think of much better ways to spend an evening.” His eyes flashed wickedly, and she tried desperately to look disapproving, but she couldn’t.

“What excuse will you offer your mother?”

Without warning, he cupped her chin, gently drawing her face to his. “I’ll tell her that we’re still on our honeymoon.”

Her knees felt weak when he looked at her with such tender desire. He brought his lips down against hers. Her heart pounded as his mouth became more demanding. Passion heated within her as her arms wound around his neck and she surrendered to him.

“Oh, Alicia, how I want you,” he said, his arms encircling her waist.

Her eyes fluttered shut.
You desire me, but you can’t find it in your heart to say you love me
. She pushed the thought from her mind. It didn’t matter, she told herself. He wanted her, and for now, that was enough.

It was nearly 3:00 p.m. when Inspector Leary arrived from London. Seated beside Dalton on the gold brocade sofa in the drawing room, Alicia studied the dignified, bespectacled man. Probably in his early fifties, he was solidly built. She wondered if his full gray beard might hide a double chin. He pulled an official-looking paper from his portfolio.

“On my last visit,” Leary said, “you instructed me to quietly arrange for you to underwrite the loan your brother-in-law was seeking.” He glanced up,
his gray eyes the same shade as his beard. “You’ll be relieved to learn that my men have discovered why he required such a large sum of money.”

Surprised, Alicia turned to Dalton. “Why would you probe into Robert’s personal finances?” she whispered.

“The inspector is looking into anything unusual, my dear. Robert was seeking large loans. He even mortgaged the family estate in Surrey, which was part of Olivia’s dowry.”

“Dalton,” she said, bristling with indignation, “the idea that Robert was suspected of wrongdoing is simply shocking.”

“Your ladyship, a serious investigator can leave no stone unturned,” Leary added in defense. “I’m happy to report that our suspicions were groundless.” His mouth twitched. “As you can see by my report, your brother-in-law used the money to buy shares in the
White Dove
, a trading vessel loaded with sugarcane. Last week, the ship sailed into port, safe and sound. Today, he’s a wealthy man.”

Dalton’s gaze swept over the document. “I’d never take Robert for a gambling man, but this long shot certainly paid off.” His vibrant blue eyes danced. “I’m happy for him and Olivia.”

“You must admit, your grace, that his attempt to borrow large sums looked suspicious. In fact, the reputable money lenders had already turned him down. If it hadn’t been for your guaranteed note to back your brother-in-law’s loan, he might never have found a banker.”

“And my backing will be kept confidential, Inspector,” Dalton demanded.

Alicia felt a rush of admiration for her husband. Although he had no idea why Robert needed the money, Dalton had put his faith in Robert to back his loan.

“What’s important is that you no longer suspect Robert,” Dalton said with finality. His eyes fixed with hers, and he gently squeezed her hand. “The inspector is right, Alicia. It may seem ruthless, but being meticulously thorough is why this gentleman runs the best agency on Bow Street.”

The inspector’s face flushed with the compliment. “Why, thank you, your grace.”

Alicia leaned forward. “Who else is on your list of suspects, Inspector?”

He drew another paper from the portfolio. “We cannot dismiss Ulger, the stable master.”

Alicia bolted upright. “Certainly not Ulger!”

Dalton clasped her fingers in his warm hand as though to reassure her. “What makes you think so, Inspector?”

“It’s been rumored that Ulger hasn’t taken too kindly to your wife being put in charge of Bashshar’s care. The locals at the tavern have teased him rather harshly, in fact.”

Dalton grimaced. “Ulger comes from a long line of stable handlers. He’s one of the best horsemen I know. Before my wife arrived, I discussed the matter with him. Ulger showed no resentment that Lady Alicia would remain to help the horse.”

“Perhaps Ulger wouldn’t have confided his true feelings, your grace,” Leary pointed out.

Dalton shook his head. “I know the man, Inspector. He’s a good soul.”

Alicia listened, relieved that Dalton confirmed her feelings about Ulger. Although she didn’t know the man as well as Dalton, she felt Ulger was trustworthy. Besides, she had watched him with his son, Penn. She trusted her intuition completely.

She also realized that beneath her husband’s aloofness was a man who cared deeply for others. And with all of Dalton’s ducal responsibilities, no matter seemed too trivial if he could help.

Inspector Leary grunted. “Nevertheless, it’s in your best interest that my men watch him.” He sent a piercing glance at Alicia then Dalton. “Rumor at the pub is that your ladyship has cured Bashshar. Although you’ve said he’s loyal, Ulger, who considers himself a horse expert, might not take kindly to be usurped by a woman.”

Leary peered over his eyeglasses as he continued. “As you know, your grace, the past two shootings have occurred in broad daylight with only servants about. It’s unfortunate to think one of your staff might be capable of such a contemptible act, but to be blind to that fact might put you both in extreme peril.”

Alicia could feel Dalton tense. He leaned forward, his jaw muscle clenched. “I want my wife to be aware of the facts, Inspector. But I won’t have her frightened needlessly.” His tone brooked no argument.

Leary pushed his spectacles up to the bridge of his nose. “Forgive me, your ladyship.”