A Duke in Shining Armor Read online

  “Mother and her matchmaking will be the death of me.” Clint muttered. Jon broke out into infectious laughter that soon caught on to Clint.

  “Do you remember the last time the lovely widow and her daughter visited, Elisabeth boxed both of our ears for putting a frog in her bed all the while swearing she would hate you to the day she died?” Jon said once their chuckles had subsided.

  “Yes, terrifying her was always a great game, Elisabeth and I have a brother and sister affection nothing more.” Clint paused to take another drink. Clint was sure his mother would have several suitable mates for him by the time the beginning of the season came about.

  “So what have we planned for tonight? I am sure you have something up your sleeve to guarantee us the reputation as rakes before our year is over.” Jon grimaced “Nothing in this godforsaken end of town. I am saving the best for last tomorrow at The Blue Lioness that sits in on the middle of London. We have never visited this gentleman’s club and I am hoping for beautiful women and fair card games.”

  Thomas gave a chuckle from where he was sitting and said “Not that it matters with you among our party Clint, ladies barely bat an eye in our direction when you are around.”

  “Speak for yourself chum, I intend on finding my share of beautiful ladies to make acquaintances with.” Jon said joyfully. Clint rolled his eyes at his comrades.

  They always made such a fuss about the attention that he received from women, but little did they know how much it bothered him that women flocked to him for his title before even knowing of his devilishly handsome good looks. At six foot two inches, he had broad shoulders and a muscular build that went perfect with his jet black hair and eyes of grey steel.

  Almost every silly young chit he had encountered in the last five years since his father’s death threw themselves at him with their senseless prattle; he had begun to tire more so of it this year than ever before.

  . He had restlessness about him he could not quite explain. Life was boring, seemed to have no meaning. He longed for a woman in his life he could share his thoughts with, a companion to share his dreams and to give him children.

  But, before he could marry such a woman his mother insisted she put her stamp of approval on the union. His brow wrinkled as he thought of his mother. Lord knows he loved her dearly, but she could be so trying at times. Celeste Wells, the esteemed Duchess of Norchess, was the very symbol of society herself. She gave grand balls, associated with the wealthiest of the ton and expected perfection for her son.

  If he thought he had it bad, his two sisters definitely had it worse. Poor, Juliet was about to make her grand debut into society at the age of ten and six, and this had luckily kept his mother off his back for some of the year. Juliet was a true tomboy at heart and could always be found with himself and Jonathan in whatever escapades they could conjure up at the Norchess Estates. Whether it was fishing or horseback riding she was always hanging from their shirt tails. She had fancied herself in love with Jonathan for several years now, and Jon was oblivious to the fact.

  Olivia still had a few years to go before mother focused all her attention on her coming out. She was the youngest of the family at ten years and he was sure she would endure the most hardship of the three. Turning back to face his friends, he put a smile on his face and pushed his mother from his mind. “Well, I for one am going to take a stroll down to the Ladies Wake before we bed down for the night. Either of you care to join me?” Thomas stood and threw back his glass and drained the contents.

  “Not tonight, I think I will save up for tomorrow to see if this gentleman’s club meets Jon’s expectations.” As Thomas took his leave of them, Jon clapped his hands.

  “Shall we?” he asked with a grin. Clint shook his head at his friend as he followed him out of the room and into the night.

  There was a constant pounding somewhere. Clint struggled to open his eyes with a groan. Who in the bloody hell was pounding on something so hard in the middle of the night? He tasted sour whiskey in his mouth and his body ached all over. He sat up in the bed trying to grasp his surroundings.

  “Ah the prodigal son awakens at last.” Thomas chuckled from his bedside.

  “Tom, for Christ sakes man, I feel like I have been beat to death. What the hell happened?” Tom grinned and slapped his friend on the shoulder and Clint grunted in pain.

  “Well old boy, I am afraid that is because you and that sodden fool Jon did almost get yourselves beat to death. Seems you and he decided to partake a little too heavy of the spirits the other night and somehow found it would be acceptable to proposition the bartenders daughter in a not so lady like fashion.”

  Clint laid back and closed his eyes. “Oh, what I thinking going off with that man, when will I ever learn?” Tom stood up and stretched. “No better time than the present I always say.” He walked across the room and opened the door to quietly speak to someone out in the hall. He shut the door and returned to Clint’s bedside. “I have just informed the maid she may go tell Jon you are finally awake, so he can make his way down here. Clint was confused. “Finally awake?" What do you mean finally awake?”

  Tom lit his cigar and took a long drag before replying. “You have been unconscious for a full three days.” Tom told him smoothly.

  “Three bleeding days?” Clint exclaimed.

  “I daresay I was beginning to wonder if I should summon your mother to your bedside, you started to worry me.” Tom said as he rose to answer the door when two loud knocks rang out.

  Tom swung the door open wide and put his arm out leading Jon in who was nursing what looked to be broken ribs. “Clint, my friend, glad to see you finally back among the living.” Jon cheerfully chirped. Clint shot him a cold look.

  “Really Jon, one day you are going to get us both killed with your crude advances to women”

  Jon threw his head back and laughed. “Me?” he exclaimed, “Did that bump on your head cause you memory lapse? I was not the one trying to convince the girl to be my mistress!”

  Clint threw the covers back and made to stand. A wave of dizziness washed over him. He immediately sat back on the bed. “When I recover from this Jon, I am going to throttle you.” he growled. Jon burst into another round of laughter.

  “Well see to it you recover quickly. We are already behind on schedule, I hope The Blue Lioness still has a place for us to stay, we will leave at first light.” Jon slowly limped out of the room flashing Clint a toothy grin before Tom shut the door behind him.

  Tom walked to the bed slowly shaking his head. “I will go order you some dinner, once you eat and wash up you need to rest for the night so we can be on our way, the people in this town are not too happy that you have continued to be holed up in their inn.” Clint glared at Tom.

  “You do not believe that this is my fault?” he asked through clinched teeth.

  “Well seeing as how half the town wanted you run through for asking the lovely young Lauren, who is ten and five by the way, to be your mistress, I guess I do believe this was your doing.” Clint laid back on his pillow and let out a load groan. “Bloody hell.” He muttered.

  Chapter 3

  Emily peered around the corner holding her breath as she listened to her aunt rant at her Uncle Albert in their upstairs study. The Duke and his party failed to show on schedule and her aunt went on the worst tirade she had ever witnessed.

  Just last night she had struck Emily so hard she lost consciousness. Jeb found her on the ground by the back steps where she had fell and got Mrs. Howard the cook for the club to see about her. Her face on one side was completely black and blue.

  “Albert, if your good for nothing sister had not gotten herself in the family way by that foul heathen, none of this would have turned out the way it has! Evelyn threw a book across the room for good measure.

  Albert Turner peered at his wife over his wire rimmed glasses and snorted. “I always told father she was a whore, but he would not accept it until the little tramp went and got scandal attached to our
name by getting a child upon her before marriage.” He run his hands over his stout gut and wheezed as he reached for his glass of whiskey.

  “Moncrief was a fool for loving your sister.” Evelyn huffed. “Such a fool he got killed along with Marjorie and we have the responsibility of raising her lazy little tart.”

  Emily backed away from the door in horror. Her mind raced at what she just overheard. Her father was not really her father? How could this be? He had never been an overly affectionate father, but she had always thought she at least resembled him in looks; she looked nothing like her mother. About the time she turned to flee the area she bumped into Jed as he was making his way up to her uncle’s office.

  “Emily, I was just on my way up to tell your relatives that the Duke’s party has finally arrived.”

  “They have? “She whispered. “I must go at once.”

  She turned and ran to the stairway that led to the attic. She slammed her door with such a force she was surprised the whole building didn’t shake. She hurried over to the window to look out at the stables to catch a glance of the Duke so she might be prepared if she encountered him later. She spied three large men coming around from behind a carriage with a crest that represented wealth and prestige.

  All three gentlemen were rather handsome, but her eyes lingered on the tall one in the middle. He was dressed in breeches that were all the style with an overcoat and boots that did nothing to hide his muscular legs. Despite bruising to his face, he was the most handsome of the three. His body was solid and he walked with a confidence and virility that caused her to be short of breath. His expression was grim as he spoke to the two men in attendance and she wondered as to what kept the men from arriving on time.

  Taking a deep breath she patted her hair to make sure it was all in place in a tight bob at the back of her head. She made her way downstairs to hear her aunt greeting the gentlemen with much enthusiasm.

  She stepped around the corner and placed a smile upon her face and curtsied to her aunt and the gentlemen. “Your Grace, this is our maid, Emily, she will see to your needs and to the needs of your friends while you are here. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything to offer you comfort during your stay.”

  Her aunt’s cheeks were flushed as she motioned for the men to come into the dining room for refreshments. “I have several card games set up for the week, and have the finest brandy on hand. Won’t you please come into the gaming room and meet some of our other gentlemen?” Evelyn inquired.

  “We appreciate your offer Madame,” When the Duke’s baritone voice rang out it sent chills down Emily’s spine. “But what we really need at the moment is to get to our rooms and rest; we have had a hard trip.”

  Emily gave a nod and motioned for the gentlemen to follow her upstairs to show each one to their rooms. The men were silent as they followed her and she was filled with trepidation as she turned to each man to show them their rooms.

  She stood outside the Duke’s door as he assessed his surroundings. He turned to see her still standing at the door and paused for a moment. She could feel the heat of his gaze as he studied her with intense scrutiny. Emily was breathless as his eyes finally reached her face and they simply stared at each other in silence. For the first time in a long time, all the feelings that she had tucked away in her mind came rushing back at full force.

  The reality of what she had lost in losing her parents, her freedom, and her home hit her like a hammer. She was standing before a Duke in rags, wishing that she could somehow be of interest to him. He was above her station. This Duke could flip the skirts up on any maid or servant he wished and not have to worry of repercussions of anything, even a bastard child. Even with those thoughts running through her head, she had a yearning for this tall, dark and handsome man she had never felt before.

  He cleared his throat and finally broke their eye contact. “I do not need any assistance, but I kindly thank you for your attentiveness.” He said with a soft smile. She curtsied and flew from the room as if the devil was at her heels.

  She had buried her feelings of regret and remorse during her first year after her parent’s death. It was the only way she could deal with her situation. To have that yearning of what certainly could not be was devastating. She would have to make sure she stayed clear of him as much as possible during his stay.

  *****

  Clint slowly sank down on to the bed in his room and removed his overcoat. The trip here had been excruciating. With all the jostling of the carriage and Jon’s irritating chatter his head was aching to the point of explosion. That ache did not however, dim the beauty of the woman who just shown him to his room. He had to admit that he was taken aback by her beauty at first glance.

  He saw a haunting in her eyes that made him want to reach out and hold her to ease whatever pain she had been dealt. She was mesmerizing. She was tall for a woman, but not so that she seemed out of proportion. Her waist was thin and he could envision wrapping both of his hands around it and his fingers meeting in the middle of the expanse. Her gown had saw more than its fair share and was in shameful condition and did nothing to hide the swell of her breast that he was sure were creamy white and would fit perfectly in his hands.

  It had taken him a minute to recover when he saw her standing in his doorway; she had fear in her eyes along with what he thought to be wanting and determination. Could it be possible she felt the connection between them also? He sighed and lay back on the bed. It was obvious this establishment was indeed small, but after what he and his comrades had been through this past week he was grateful it did not live up to its reputation.

  He groaned at the slight knock on his door. “Yes?” he said rather gruffly.

  “Your Grace, my au-Mrs. Turner has informed me I am to assist you with a bath, and I was wondering if you would care for it now?” he heard the maid softly say. He rose and took two long strides to the door.

  He opened it to find her staring at the floor with a flush upon her cheeks. His tone softened immediately. “What did you start to call her?” he asked her as he took his finger and lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes.

  Emily was confused. “I am sorry I do not understand.” Clint pulled her into his room by her hand. He did not know what come over him. He never took to people of service like he was taken with this girl.

  She was breathtaking, even under all the despair he saw in her face. “You were going to call Mrs. Turner your Aunt, were you not?” the Duke asked softly.

  She raised her tear filled eyes to his face and a wave of panic took over. “Please, please do not tell her I have claimed her as family!” Emily’s shoulders shook as she sobbed in earnest.

  A rage came over Clint like none he had ever felt before. “You mean to tell me you are this woman’s flesh and blood, and she dresses you in rags, makes you perform servants duties and from the looks of your face, even abuses you?” he seethed through clinched teeth.

  Emily took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “I am sorry, but I do not know you, you are above my station and should not trouble you with my worries. But yes, it is true she is married to my mother’s brother, and both of my parents are dead.” She paused to look into his eyes for his reaction.

  His jaw clinched tightly and a vein pulsed in his neck. Could it be possible the Duke felt the electricity between them as well and was actually mad on her behalf? “You are right, my little one, I do not know you, but I would like to.” He pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen from her bun. “Please sit with me, tell your aunt you bathed me if you will to explain your absence, tell me your story.”

  He led her to the bed and sat down beside her and gazed into her eyes. Emily knew not what came over her. He made her feel safe, she barely knew him, but when she looked at him she felt as if she had known him her whole life. Her story poured from her lips and before she knew it she had finished and there was a dead silence between them.

  He stood and paced the room for several minutes before turning ba
ck to face her. “Well this is unacceptable behavior.” He stated with a manner of fact tone. “So clarify for me, your father was the Baron Matthew Moncrief, of Blue Anchor?” he asked absently. “Yes, I remember now, it’s all coming back to me, I remember this story, your home was attacked, your family and servants slaughtered.” Clint was searching the resources of his mind trying to recall the story he’d heard several years ago.

  “Your home was burned and you were found wandering in the woods by a neighboring family. You were sent to live with relatives so they may care for you.” He slammed his fist against the mantle and turned to face her. “And this is how they take care of their family?” he asked incredulously. Emily remained silent as she watched the Duke pace. He stopped suddenly and crossed the room with two long strides and knelt before her.

  “You come from noble blood and it is deplorable you are being treated in such a manner.” He stood again and resumed pacing. “The money left to you by your father, what happened to it?” he questioned her after a few more moments.

  Emily looked up quickly. “Your Grace, there was no money, all of our possessions were lost in the fire, I work here to pay my way.”

  Clint could not imagine how anyone could treat another person the way this poor girl had been treated. And to think they had told her she was penniless. She may be so now that her aunt and uncle had depleted all her funds. He could understand how someone of her age would not know the workings of finances. His decision made, he walked back over to Emily and pulled her in front of him by her hand. “I feel it is my duty to help you.”

  Emily gasped, “No, I cannot ask that of you, I cannot bear the wrath of my aunt. I appreciate your kind offer, but I must refuse, this is my fate.”

  Clint placed a finger over her ripe red lips. “Say no more, go to bed and rest. She left him to quietly slip into her room and wonder what he meant by helping her.