An Uncommon Duke
Olivia smothered a laugh behind her hand at the exact moment Gabriel bit his lip to stop his. Their eyes met for an instant before she looked away.
‘Who taught you that?’ Gabriel asked, before holding up his hand. ‘Never mind, I think I know which uncle it was. That is not the way a future duke refers to his horse.’
‘Uncle Andrew told me my horse is a real sweet goer. He says for a gentleman to be a bang-up cove he needs to have a prime bit of blood the other gents would want to ride. He said I shouldn’t name him something a chit would, nothin’ flowery and such. Did you know some day I’ll be able to ride him in a foxhunt? A real hunt! Uncle Andrew says he will take me. I will skip my lessons for the day and he will take me on a foxhunt! Will you take me riding, Papa? Can I ride my horse tomorrow?’
It was a miracle his son was not out of breath. ‘Perhaps we could go riding in Hyde Park before breakfast.’
His son’s eyes widened with anticipation.
‘But you must rise early,’ Gabriel continued. ‘I have many things that require my attention and a gentleman always fulfils his responsibilities. Will you be able to rise with the sun?’
Nicholas threw his arms around Gabriel again. ‘Oh, yes! Oh, yes! I promise, I will be awake before you.’
Gabriel hugged his son tightly. It was always difficult to disengage his arms from the one person who meant more to him than anyone.
His son jumped back and turned to Olivia. ‘Oh, Mama, did you hear that? Papa is taking me riding tomorrow.’
‘Yes, I heard. I dare say you and Buttercup will make such a sight.’ Her lip twitched, giving away the mischief behind the serious tone of her voice.
Nicholas’s features hardened, making him look older than his five years. ‘I cannot be calling my prime bit o’ blood Buttercup. Uncle Andrew said I need to name him somethin’ fierce.’
Olivia chewed her lower lip and appeared to give his comment great consideration. ‘Oh, you mean like Rosebush.’
He scrunched up his round face. ‘Rosebush? That’s not fierce.’
‘Have you ever been pricked by a thorn? I assure you, rosebushes are quite fierce.’
Nicholas shifted his gaze between his parents. ‘Is she sincere?’
Gabriel stood and caught Olivia’s eye before giving Nicholas a slight shrug. ‘Your mama is a girl. Girls do not understand manly ideas,’ he teased. ‘We shall find a very noble name for your steed.’
‘Uncle Andrew said I should name him Cazznoah. I told him that was a silly name and he just laughed. Cazznoah is a silly name, isn’t it, Papa?’
Gabriel closed his eyes and took a breath. ‘Yes, Nicholas, Casanova is a silly name for a horse.’
Olivia cleared her throat and caught his eye. Her disapproving glare at his brother’s suggestion spoke volumes. Andrew always did like to have a bit of fun at Gabriel’s expense, but telling their son he should name his horse after a man who was known for seducing women crossed the line. Obviously Olivia agreed. It didn’t take words for him to see she disapproved.
‘Please bid your grandmama goodnight, Nicholas,’ she said, turning him away from Gabriel. ‘She would be disappointed if she did not get to wish you sweet dreams.’
Following the intimate picture of Olivia and Nicholas as they left the room, Gabriel stared at the doorway. How much longer would he have to wait for news of the interrogation?
His thoughts drifted to a stormy night long ago, when his body was chilled from the drenching rain that did nothing to wash away the sickening smell of blood from the air. He swore to himself that would never happen again. Andrew could be trusted and, God willing, he would be coming back.
Adjusting his cuffs, he walked towards his mother. ‘Are you certain Andrew was not given to you by gypsies as an infant?’
She laughed and handed him a cup of tea. ‘I do suppose that would explain many things, but I assure you he was not. What a pity he couldn’t stay because he was feeling poorly. I believe I’ll call on him tomorrow to see if he’s improved.’
He sat down beside her. The idea of their mother fussing over Andrew, when his brother detested the attention, made it difficult to hold back his grin. Unfortunately he knew circumstances forced him to dissuade her. ‘I happen to know the bounder is suffering from the ill effects of a questionably spent afternoon.’ Now, at least, he could amuse himself imagining the lecture that would be given the next time his brother encountered their mother.
Taking a slow sip of tea, Gabriel closed his eyes and savoured the delicate flavour. He must remember to have James inform Olivia it was an exceptional blend.
‘I spoke with Olivia about your need for another child.’
The coughing began in the back of his throat and rapidly moved to his nose. Was there a full moon, or was some other natural occurrence causing illogical things to happen today?
‘What possessed you to do that?’ he asked when he finally stopped choking.
‘Well, it is about time you had another child.’ His mother arched a regal eyebrow, which still had the ability to make him squirm. ‘Come now, you can’t believe that having only one son is a wise decision with the responsibility your title holds.’
‘More than anyone I understand the responsibility entrusted to me. I also know I have brothers who may have sons should it come to that.’
Narrowing her eyes, she placed her cup down. ‘It is not the same and you know it. You need more sons and you need to do something about it.’
He shook his head at the unusually demanding nature of his mother. ‘What possessed you to bring this to my attention?’
‘You are thirty-two. Your wife is twenty-six. Soon you both will run out of time. I do not understand this hesitation you both have.’
Gabriel took a deep breath. His mother had told the one woman on earth Gabriel was certain would never let him touch her that they needed to have sex. It’s a wonder his mother wasn’t wearing her tea. But then again Olivia was always perfectly composed when other people were present. Alone, he discovered, she could be a hellcat.
‘You made your opinions known to Olivia?’
‘I simply stated there was a need for the required second son.’
‘And what was her reaction to your subtle suggestion?’
His mother hesitated before she took a small sip from her cup. ‘I do not recall,’ she mumbled.
The strip of linen tightened around his throat and he wished it were possible to begin his day all over again. Of course he wanted another child. The memories of his childhood were filled with times he had spent with his brothers. He wanted Nicholas to have that, too, but it was no longer possible. Years ago he’d resigned himself to that fact. ‘I know you have the best intentions, but please do not interfere.’
Even though he wanted another child, Gabriel knew Olivia would never want him to get close enough to her to accomplish it. That part of his life had passed.
Chapter Two
From the doorway to the Blue Drawing Room in Carlton House, Gabriel could see the round table in the centre of the room was set for Prinny’s breakfast. And for one man eating alone, there was enough food and drink to easily satisfy four people.
As Gabriel crossed the threshold he was taken aback when the burly Prince Regent pulled him into a hug. The man squeezed Gabriel’s rib cage, making it difficult to breathe. Disengaging himself from Prinny, Gabriel placed him at a distance, only to be grabbed again into another firm hug.
When Prinny finally released him, he slapped Gabriel on the right shoulder—the very one bruised from being slammed against the carriage wall the day before. Gabriel held back a groan.
‘Leave us,’ Prinny instructed the four footmen, dressed in blue livery with gold lace, who were posted around the table.
The men filed out quietly, the last one closing the door behind him.
‘I owe you my life, Winter. You protected me with your own person. Bravery and loyalty such as yours is uncommon. You do your father proud.’
Another tight embrace followed and this time Prinny’s large meaty hand clamped down on Gabriel’s sore shoulder. Bloody hell! He didn’t know how much more appreciation he could take.
‘I am simply relieved you were unharmed. Please know I’m aware restricting your movements to Carlton House will not be easy for you, but I firmly believe, for now, it’s the safest place for you.’
Prinny returned to his breakfast and unceremoniously dropped into a blue-velvet chair. With a wave of his hand he motioned for Gabriel to join him. ‘Would you care for anything? If none of this food is to your liking, I will have my kitchen make whatever you desire.’
‘Thank you, but I’ve already eaten.’
‘Then a drink, perhaps?’
There were numerous bottles scattered across the table containing wine, champagne and brandy. Prinny appeared to be imbibing all of them. Gabriel shook his head, knowing he needed to keep his mind sharp.
Prinny resumed cutting into his pie. ‘I don’t understand why you want me to remain here. There no longer is a threat to my life. Your note said the scoundrel had been apprehended.’
‘He was. However I believe he had assistance orchestrating your demise. I’ve come from the Tower and they have not yet been able to get the gunman to admit to anything.’
Prinny dropped his fork with a clatter and reached for his glass of champagne. His hand shook as he brought it to his lips. ‘So you truly believe there is someone walking around England who still intends to murder me?’ He drained the entire glass.
‘I do and that is why it is imperative you remain here where you are under guard at all times.’
‘Very well,’ Prinny replied on a sigh, ‘but you must find this person without delay. Devonshire is hosting a ball soon, it’s reported Mrs Siddons will return to the stage to perform in Douglas at Drury Lane and I hear the new exhibition at the Royal Academy will be stunning. If I remain here too long, I shall miss all the fun.’
‘I will do my best to ensure this is handled as quickly as possible. Since the threat could have come from anywhere, I think it prudent if you limit your visitors to an approved list of people.’
‘Nonsense, no one visiting here would wish me harm.’
If only life were that predictable. ‘Tell me about the gentleman you purchased the painting from. He appeared surprised to see you.’
‘I imagine he was. He expected one of my agents to purchase it for me.’
‘It would help if you could recall mentioning our outing to anyone. The gunman was carrying a drawing of my coat of arms.’
Pouring himself more champagne, Prinny appeared to give the question serious consideration. But after a few moments, he shook his head. ‘I might have mentioned it in passing to a few people during Skeffington’s musical. Capital evening. Selections from The Marriage of Figaro. You should have been there.’
‘Opera does not appeal to me,’ Gabriel said off-handedly. ‘Who did you tell?’
Prinny shrugged and took another drink. ‘Don’t recall, don’t you know. Talked with so many people and the champagne was flowing. Astonishingly I didn’t have the devil of a headache the next day. But that was before I asked you to join me.’
To steady his exasperation, Gabriel looked up at the massive crystal chandelier and concentrated on the red and blue coloured flecks dancing in the sunlight. If only Prinny didn’t like to brag so. ‘And your household...who knew I’d be taking you in my carriage?’
‘I informed Bloomfield that morning, but he is trustworthy.’
Gabriel knew Prinny’s equerry. He appeared as loyal to Prinny as Gabriel was. Nevertheless, he would assign someone to watch the man. ‘Very well, I shall let you know the minute you are safe to leave this building.’
‘You don’t expect me to remain inside on a rare day such as this? The sun is shining. Surely I can enjoy the gardens.’
There was a tightness forming between Gabriel’s eyebrows and he pinched the bridge of his nose to transfer his attention to a new discomfort. Why did it feel like dealing with Prinny was the same as handling his young son? He leaned forward and folded his hands on the table. ‘Your gardens share a wall with St James’s Park. It would be very simple for someone to reach you, if you were out there.’
Prinny let out a snort before pouring the remaining contents of the champagne bottle into his glass.
Gabriel rubbed his eyes. He needed to return home where he didn’t have to deal with anyone who was irrational. At least at home his life was predictable.
* * *
When Olivia entered the nursery that morning, she found Nicholas restless in his lessons with his new tutor. All he wanted to talk about was his ride through Hyde Park on his new pony. He told her how his father had taken them onto Rotten Row where he saw numerous well-dressed gentlemen out for their morning rides. He wanted to know when he would be old enough to wear a beaver hat of his own.
He was growing up.
For the first time, she noticed the little dimples that kissed the knuckles of his hands were disappearing. And Gabriel might be considering sending him away to school—or, worse yet, Nicholas would ask to go.
Olivia’s heart sank with the weight of how much she would miss him.
* * *
For the remainder of the morning she thought about how wonderful it felt to hold her nephew. By the afternoon she desperately wanted another child to cuddle and love.
But in order to have that child, she would have to ask her husband to come to her bed.
And she would be forced to endure his company.
Five years ago she told him she could never bear to feel his touch again. If she wanted this, she would have to lower herself to go back on her word to him.
This wasn’t something she could tell his secretary to pass on to him when he next saw Gabriel. Mr James would have an apoplexy on the spot. It also wasn’t something she could pass along to her maid. Colette would be setting out Olivia’s thinnest nightrail and placing rose petals on her bed before he would have even agreed to her request.
Perhaps she should write him a note.
After many drafts, some ridiculous and some obscene, Olivia decided to simply request a meeting. If she could focus her appeal on the need for another child they could avoid discussing how the child would get there.
And maybe that would help scrape the image of naked bodies and intimate conversations from her brain.
* * *
It was four in the afternoon when Olivia received word from Colette that Gabriel was available to see her. Standing outside the massive door to his private study, she pressed her hand against her stomach. What if Gabriel did not want another child? Or, suppose he no longer found her desirable enough to bed? She would never be able to face him again.
The answers she needed would not be found in the hall. She raised her chin, knowing she would regret it for the rest of her days if she didn’t ask him for this. Her courageous side rallied, her knock echoed off the oak panel.
The deep rumble of his voice was audible from within as he bid her to enter. Her heart began to pound and she glanced down, praying it wasn’t visible through the gauzy fichu tucked into her dress. She rubbed her sweaty palms down her skirt and turned the handle. Upon entering the impressive room, she spotted Mr James standing before Gabriel’s desk awaiting a document her husband was sealing. Once the paper was in his hand, Mr James turned to face her and bowed. He appeared nervous, but she found that whenever Mr James was in the same room with Olivia and Gabriel, he always seemed as if he couldn’t wait to leave.
‘Good day, Mr James,’ she said, smiling congenially.
He greeted her with a pleasant reply before excusing himself. The click when the door closed reverberated around Gabriel’s private sanctuary. There was no turning back.
For the first time in years, they were alone. Suddenly the generously sized room felt much too small and she was certain he could hear her uneven breathing from across the room.
They stood there staring at each other for what felt like an eternity. Then Gabriel moved out from behind his desk. Her heart hiccupped. He painted a handsome picture with his perfect posture and his fit frame impeccably encased in an expertly fitted Delft-blue tailcoat with a champagne-coloured embroidered waistcoat underneath. Buff trousers and highly polished top boots covered his muscular legs and his light brown hair looked slightly tousled, as if he had been running his hand through it as he worked at his desk.
At his suggestion, they took a seat in the two chairs placed in front of one of the long windows that overlooked the street. As he fixed an expectant gaze on her, she silently debated how to begin.
‘I suppose you’re wondering what it is I wish to discuss with you?’
He sat completely still, the picture of civility and physical perfection. ‘I have some idea.’
‘You do?’ she asked, unable to hide her surprise. Had his mother spoken to him as well? From his sober expression it did not appear he was going to be amiable to her request.
‘This is regarding last evening, is it not?’
Olivia’s heart was jumping in her chest. ‘It is. I have thought about this quite a bit and believe it is our duty.’
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. ‘The duty lies with me. I will see to it. I expect it to be an exasperating task, but I agree it must be done.’
Did he really say making love to her would be exasperating?
‘I assure you, I will find absolutely no pleasure in the task,’ she replied drily.
‘That is why it’s best done quickly.’ At the clopping sound of horses riding by, Gabriel shifted his attention out the window. ‘It’s a logical request to make. I suppose it was inevitable.’
Inevitable and exasperating—this is how he described bedding her! It took enormous restraint not to rail at him. The point was to have another child. If she had to endure this insufferable man to do so, she needed to disguise her anger. She refused to let him see that his words had any effect on her. In that, she could be in complete control.
She stood rather abruptly, needing to get away before she did something rash—such as kick him in the only area of his that she needed.
‘The sooner we attend to this, the better. I will see to it this evening.’ He stood and walked her to the door, unaware how perilously close he was to having his head knocked into it.
* * *
The moment Olivia left his study Gabriel was able to breathe normally. Being close to her always left him restless, as if his body were fighting the knowledge that he was better off without her.
After pouring himself a glass of brandy, he returned to his desk and put his feet up. Their meeting had gone better than he’d anticipated. He knew only something of great importance would compel her to request an audience.
He considered various scenarios before recalling last night. It was no surprise she wanted to address it. He was impressed she thought they should do it together. However talking with Andrew about what was improper to say to Nicholas fell solely on his shoulders. He would be the one to explain to his brother that it was not appropriate for a boy of five to call his horse Casanova. Nicholas would be Winterbourne some day. He needed to begin learning now what it meant to embody the respectable title.
Yes, a talk with his brother was in order. It also gave him the opportunity to hear how the interrogation was progressing.
Chapter Three
As the melodic sounds of the orchestra filled the crowded ballroom of Devonshire House, Olivia stepped through the movements of the quadrille without hearing a single note. Since her conversation with Gabriel, she wondered if she had made the right decision in approaching him about having another child. Oh, she still desperately wanted another child, but after his reaction to her request, she wasn’t certain she could bear to be in his company long enough to conceive one.
He had been horrid—and his comments continued to pierce her heart.
I expect it to be an exasperating task, but it must be done.
The sooner we attend to this, the better.
If she had any hope of having another child, she needed to lock away her contempt for him. Maybe then the thought of Gabriel touching her wouldn’t make her want to injure his manhood—permanently. She would never conceive a child if she did that.
‘I hope it is not my company that has caused that expression to darken your lovely face,’ commented Comte Antoine Janvier.
Pulling her attention back to her dance partner, Olivia smiled apologetically. ‘Of course not, I fear I am not very good company this evening.’
With a few final steps the quadrille ended.
‘Perhaps a glass of champagne shall lift your spirits,’ he said, escorting her off the crowded dance floor towards one of the many drawing rooms.
As they crossed the threshold, he took two glasses from a passing footman and handed one to Olivia. She took a long drink and he arched a dark brow.
‘Shall I fetch another, or would you care for mine?’ he asked, tilting his glass towards her.
The warmth of a blush rose up Olivia’s neck and she turned away. Her gaze settled on the portrait of the previous Duchess of Devonshire. ‘Forgive me,’ she said, returning her attention to her friend. ‘You are being very kind, considering I have not been an ideal companion.’
He gave a careless wave of his hand. ‘It would be tiresome if you were always plein de vie.’
Olivia grinned. ‘I wasn’t aware you thought I was full of life.’
‘There is a sense you find enjoyment in your surroundings, but I suppose you can be as selective as you wish with the entertainments you attend since you are the Duchess of Winterbourne.’
‘Yes, there are advantages to the title.’ Being married to her husband was not one of them.
‘I notice you and His Grace rarely accept the same invitations.’
Their friendship was still new. If he wanted to know how wide the rift was between her and Gabriel, Olivia was certain any of the gossips in attendance would be happy to recount the tale of what had driven them apart. It was something she never discussed with anyone, except Victoria. ‘His Parliamentary affairs keep him busy into the evening. Oh, look, more champagne.’ Olivia didn’t wait for Janvier to procure her another glass. She took one off the tray of a passing footman and replaced it with her empty one.
A low chuckle escaped Janvier’s lips before he took a sip from his glass. ‘Not something you wish to discuss. I understand. Let us change the subject. Tell me, have you heard Mrs Siddons may return to the stage soon?’
‘I have.’
‘Do you suppose you will attend one of her performances?’
‘It would be a shame to leave my box at the theatre empty for such an anticipated return. I don’t suppose you are an admirer of hers?’ she asked with an amused smile.
‘What kind of man would I be if I were not?’
‘Would you care to join me on opening night?’
Janvier leaned forward, placing his lips close to her ear. ‘I would like nothing better.’
His warm breath fanned her neck and an uncomfortable shiver travelled down her spine. Pretending she had an itch, Olivia stepped back and scratched her left shoulder.
He studied her over the rim of his glass. ‘But the royal box would probably be occupied opening night. That would mean there would be such a crush. You would not mind?’
She gave a slight shrug. ‘A crush is no bother, if the entertainment is worthy.’
Janvier’s dark eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘Then I would be honoured to join you.’ He scanned the salmon-coloured room. ‘I am surprised your Regent is not here this evening.’
‘Georgiana told me the poor man is suffering from the gout again. If it is as severe as last time, it would not surprise me if he missed Mrs Siddons’s performances altogether.’
* * *