The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (12 page)

“I received a juicy tidbit from London that I think you just might be interested in. It seems there’s a party tomorrow night at the Earl of Ludlow’s town house. My source seems to think you can pick up some interesting information there.”

“I see.” Adam rubbed his chin. “The last message from Hawk indicated an important meeting would be taking place soon. Perhaps this is the one.” Adam paused for a moment, knowing what he must do. “Looks as if I will be leaving at dawn.”

Adam and Jonathan waited in the dining room. When the door opened, Adam’s breath caught in his throat at the lovely vision of femininity entering the room. Jewel’s shoulders were not creamy white, but a golden hue, and his gaze lingered there much too long as he noted the way the neckline of her dress caressed her shoulders. The stunning gown had numerous silver and metallic threads woven into the elaborate fabric. As she turned around, the light caught each thread, giving her the appearance of being wrapped in diamonds. She wore her hair pulled back, where she had fastened it with silver netting.

The shimmering material enhanced the sparkle in Jewel’s eyes, and tonight they were almost as black as Adam knew his own to be. At this moment, he wasn’t sure he wanted Jewel to remember her past. But he was quick to remind himself that he’d be leaving soon and she would be out of his life. He must remember that.

Jewel had to take a second look at the two gentlemen in her life. They were dressed just alike in black breeches and white linen shirts that opened halfway down their chests. She noticed the frown on Adam’s face, and wondered what had caused the creases in his brow.

“Please excuse our casual attire, my sweet,” Adam said, sweeping his hand toward the table. “We’ve decided to do a bit of fencing after dinner. We didn’t think you’d mind our lack of etiquette tonight.”

She moved around the table to her place. “No, of course not, providing you let me watch.”

Jonathan held a chair out for her. “We’ll welcome an audience, but who will you cheer to victory, milady?”

Jewel gave him a wicked smile. “There are some secrets one should never tell.”

Their banter was interrupted as the servants entered the room with silver trays. The delicious lobster Cyril had sent was served with melted butter. They also had fresh fish and small potatoes. Jonathan’s manner made him easy to talk to, and he seemed like a good friend already, even though she had only known him a short time. She told him about their day, leaving out the episode at the mine and, of course, the picnic.

After dinner, Jewel went to freshen up, leaving the men to their brandy. Upon returning, she found them gone, but the clanging sound of metal caught her attention. She followed the noise down a long hallway toward the back of the house. She’d not ventured into this part of the house before. She passed many rooms until she reached a set of double glass doors.

Cautiously, she opened the doors and looked into what she assumed had to be the grand ballroom. The room was enormous. Three crystal chandeliers hung high above the floor, and the walls were not walls at all, but a series of windows and mirrors, making the room seem wide and spacious.

Slipping into the ballroom unnoticed, she watched in fascination as Adam and Jonathan parried back and forth. Adam’s agility was amazing. His swift speed reminded her of a bird of prey toying with his victim.

Something told Jewel she’d seen this done before. She was sure of it. She glimpsed a flash of another match, but instead of Jonathan and Adam, a man and woman fenced and laughed as they played their game. As quickly as the vision came, it vanished, leaving Jewel to wonder if
she’d
been the lady she’d envisioned.

The scraping of steel blades brought her attention back to the two men. It was plain to see that Adam was the far superior swordsman and was only toying with Jonathan. But how would she know that? Where had her knowledge of fencing come from?

“Jewel, I didn’t realize you’d come in,” Adam said, only slightly winded as he spoke.

“You’re very good,” Jewel complimented him.

“Thank you.” He nodded. “Perchance you know something about fencing?”

Was he mocking her? She wasn’t sure, but the next words out of her mouth seemed to surprise them both. “Yes, I believe I do. Would you care to fence with me?”

Laughter burst forth from Adam and echoed in the empty ballroom. It did nothing but make Jewel determined to show him she was as capable as she had boasted. She only hoped she was the woman in her vision—she might be mistaken. But she’d like to take the duke’s arrogance down a notch.

Getting his laughter under control, Adam managed, “Are you absolutely daft, my sweet? I do
not
fence with women. Hell, you probably can’t even hold a sword, much less swing one.

“Wait a minute, Adam,” Jonathan came to the lady’s defense. “I think she’s serious. Would you care to fence with me?”

“Thank you, Jonathan.” She smiled her gratitude at his vote of confidence. “Let me change into some trousers. I’ll be right back.” She turned to leave. “At least you’re not a pompous ass,” she declared over her shoulder.

She heard the faint echo of Adam’s swearing in the ballroom as she raced up the stairs.

“You permit her to wear trousers, ol’ boy?” Jonathan asked, continuing his teasing once Jewel was gone.

“Most certainly not,” Adam snapped, then began to pace the floor. “She can’t possibly know how to fence. And she could get hurt!” He ran his hands through his hair, giving his friend a puzzled look. “Did you say trousers? I told her to bu
rn them.”

“Cool your feathers, ol’ friend.” Jonathan enjoyed the way a wisp of a girl could get Adam perturbed. “I’m not out for blood. The swords will be tipped, and she can wear your mask. She’ll probably tire very soon, and that will be the end of it.” Jonathan moved over to a nearby table and took a sip of cool water. “What can it hurt?”

Returning to the ballroom, Jewel announced, “I’m ready.”

Jonathan poked Adam in the side, “No pants, eh?”

Adam noticed her breeches immediately. His gaze couldn’t help being drawn to the tight fit. Damn it, hadn’t he told her to get rid of those things? Didn’t she know how enticing she was in breeches, especially ones that seemed to hang on her every curve? “I thought I told you to throw that garment away.”

“I believe you did.” Jewel slipped on Adam’s mask, and in so doing utterly ignored his statement, but not before she glanced at him from beneath her lashes and found him scowling.

She met Jonathan in the center of the room. They crossed swords, and she felt the palms of her hand begin to sweat. Could she do this? Or would she make a complete fool of herself?

“En garde."
Jonathan saluted.

She touched his sword in salute, and suddenly she relaxed. This felt natural—a real part of her. They started to move, and Jewel found herself swift and agile, not showing any of her usual clumsiness.

Jonathan calmly parried her thrusts, but he realized fast that she was a skillful swordsman not to be taken lightly.

He could tell she watched him intently, judging each of his movements before he made them. He lunged at her, but she stepped aside with amazing speed.

In an unexpected move, she sent his sword flying across the room in one quick movement that took him completely by surprise. He stumbled and fell backwards.

She pointed the tip of the sword to his heart and gave a throaty laugh. “Surrender or die!”

Jonathan felt a little stupid lying on the floor, especially since a woman had put him there. Adam would never let him live this down. “I’ll surrender to you any day, milady, for you already have my heart.” He clapped his hand over his chest, and they both burst into laughter like two overgrown boys.

“By George! You’re good,” Jonathan complimented her.

“I think I’ve done this before,” Jewel quipped in a playful mood. In fact, she had surprised herself. She wondered where in the world she’d learned to handle a sword with such ease. She was sure that fencing wasn’t considered lady-like. So far nothing she’d done was especially lady-like.

Adam had been watching in utter disbelief. Jewel was good, damn good. Here was still another twist to the sea goddess he’d pulled from the sea. So feminine, so petite, yet she could fence better than most men. When would he find the key to unlock her mysterious past?

“I believe you’ve indeed done this before. I’d say you’ve had a bloody good teacher,” he snapped, his temper barely simmering. “Would you care to tell us who?”

A tear hovered in the comer of her eye. Adam’s words stung, for he knew she couldn’t remember anything. And what she did remember wasn’t very pleasant. He’d been so different this afternoon. Why did his personality seem to change so quickly? Well, she was tired of keeping track of his moods.

She straightened her back as she removed the mask and dropped it on the floor. The teardrop slipped quietly down her cheek. Damn him! She was glad he was going to London! She definitely wouldn’t miss him one bit!

She longed to tell him so, but at the moment, she couldn’t find her voice. Before she embarrassed herself further, she turned and ran from the room.

Adam watched her hasty retreat, feeling like a complete jackass. Why hadn’t he just complimented her on her fencing instead of tearing into her? He couldn’t explain his actions, nor anything else he’d done since she’d come into his life. He didn’t want to hear Jonathan’s criticism either.

Adam’s steady gaze lingered on his friend. “Good night, Jon. I’ll be leaving at daybreak.” Abruptly, he walked to the door. “I’d appreciate your looking in on Jewel.”

Jonathan stood in the empty ballroom, shaking his head.

Jewel changed into her nightgown the minute she got to her room. She hated him! He was mean!

Blowing out the light, she lay in the darkness, crying into her pillow. She truly had no one here, and loneliness threatened to smother her. She swallowed and took a deep breath. Hearing the door open, she figured Annie was coming in to check on her. But Jewel didn’t want to see anyone, so she didn’t look her way.

The bed sagged. “Jewel?” Adam whispered.

She stiffened, but refused to turn. “Go away.”

His hand touched her shoulder. She wiped the tears away with the palm of her hand and sat up. “What do you want— to make fun of me again?”

She heard Adam sigh. Then he reached out and pulled her into his arms before she could protest. Unable to hold back any longer, she sobbed like a child.

“I’m sorry, my sweet,” he said. “I don’t know what comes over me, especially where you’re concerned. You truly are an excellent swordsman, but God knows, where you learned fencing is beyond me.” He rocked her back and forth, holding her tightly within his arms.

She finally stopped crying, and sniffed. “Do you really think so?” she murmured into his shirt.

“Indeed I do.”

“I wish I could remember who I am.”

“I know you do.” After a lengthy pause, he said, “Jewel, I’ll be leaving at daybreak.”

She leaned back and looked at him. The moonlight coming in through the windows provided only a darkened image of his face. “I thought we had another day,” she said. She’d forgotten she didn’t want to see him anymore.

“My plans have changed.” He didn’t bother to elaborate. “I want you to look at something while I’m gone.”

“What?”

Letting go of her, he reached over and lit the wick of an oil lamp. “When we found you”—he reached inside his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper—“this map fell from your clothing. I’ve been waiting until you were well before I gave it back to you. Here, look at it.”

She took the tattered map and carefully unfolded the parchment. It appeared very old. The minute she looked at it she realized it was only half a diagram, but still she recognized nothing.

Adam turned the map over so she could read the inscription. He tensed, waiting for her to say something. “Do you recognize this diagram?”

“No ... not exactly. It’s a map, but I don’t remember where or why I’d have it.” She sighed. “This is so frustrating.”

“Take some time, sweetheart. I’ll leave the diagram with you. Maybe other things will come back.” Adam paused a moment, then said, “Jewel.”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember this Jean?”

“Jean,” she repeated aloud, uttering the syllable slowly in French. “The name is familiar and I have a good feeling inside when I say it. I don’t remember exactly who he is, but ... Her voice grew quiet. “I do remember he’s someone I love.”

A coldness settled around Adam’s heart. She couldn’t possibly love this man. Noticing how lost she appeared, he pulled her back into his arms, clutching her tightly. Was she in love with another man?

“Please stay with me tonight,” she whispered. “I don’t want to be alone.”

Adam groaned inwardly. Did she know what she asked of him?

But he knew tonight he’d behave. He would be content just to hold her, for she was just a lost soul, and he knew how cruel the world could be. Adam found he didn’t want to be alone either.

Turning the wick down, he laid her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair until he heard her soft, even breathing. How small and fragile she felt in his arms. He ached to kiss her and make her forget about the other man. And make him forget that he knew nothing of the lovely woman he held in his arms. But he settled on her trust. Deep down he felt she’d trusted him with her life and she wasn’t wrong . . . he’d kill any man that tried to hurt her.

Chapter Nine

The overcast October sky made the morning dampness seem just that much cooler as Adam rode away from Briercliff.

He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with cool, crisp air as he tried to shake the cobwebs from his brain. Sleep had eluded him last night as he’d held Jewel in his arms. So many confusing thoughts raged a war in his head, and still he lacked answers for the myriad emotions the lady evoked in him. He felt an attraction to her—perhaps that was an understatement. It was more like lust. Hadn’t he already proven that at the picnic?

But love her—no. He didn’t believe in love. The few couples he knew that professed love when they married soon found others to occupy their time. No, it was lust, plain and simple. Damn, he needed a woman! He’d been too long without one. He would have to take care of that problem in London.

Three hours into his journey, Adam’s sleepless night began to take its toll. His mood blackened, his shoulders ached, and still, thoughts of Jewel nagged at him.

He paused for some tea at the next tavern. Hurriedly he swallowed the brown brew, and burned his tongue in his haste. “Bloody hell,” he swore, causing the man sitting next to him to jump when Adam stood to leave. He tossed a few coins on the table and stalked from the tavern. His mood had little improved.

Frigid air slapped his face the moment he opened the tavern door. The wind whipped his greatcoat around his legs as he tramped to his horse; at least the tea had helped take the chill away.

The misty morning had cleared, leaving in its wake a biting wind. Adam jerked the collar up on his coat, trying to get extra warmth. He would not stop again until he reached London.

And he would not think about the lady he’d left behind. No, that was something he would not do.

At four in the afternoon, Adam arrived at his town house. Giles had been sent ahead the day before, for which Adam was grateful. All he could think of was a hot bath and bed. His feet felt like lead as he climbed the stone steps of Trent House. The four-story town house held an elegant charm, and right now looked damn inviting.

“Good evening, sir,” Giles greeted him at the front door, taking his coat.

“Giles, I’m going to bed. Be sure to wake me in two hours. I’ll be attending a party tonight. Have Byron prepare my clothes,” Adam said gruffly.

“So you’re going to Ludlow’s affair tonight.” A feminine voice called from the parlor. “I thought maybe we could go together.”

Adam glared at the butler. Didn’t he know better than to let Colette in the door?

Giles shrugged his shoulders helplessly, then mumbled under his breath, “Sorry, my Lord, but the lady was insistent.”

Adam knew that fact all too well—impossible was more like it. “What are you doing here, Colette?” he asked.

“Now, Adam, is that any way to greet me after all this time?” She sauntered over and draped her arms around his neck, greeting him with a kiss and choosing to ignore his coolness. “I’ve missed you.”

Adam groaned silently as she pressed her body into his.

Feeling himself tighten, he removed Colette’s arms from around his neck and waited until she backed up a step. She hadn’t changed a bit. Her tempting lips beckoned him, and for a brief second he thought about bedding her and ridding himself of this damn yearning. But staring down at her, he thought only of getting Colette out of his house.

“I repeat, what are you doing here?” He tried to keep a leash on his temper.

“My, aren’t we in a pleasant mood,” she commented, running a finger down his chin.

“I’m tired, Colette.” He sighed while flexing his neck with his hand. “I just want to go to bed.”

She closed the distance between them again and ran her fingers up the back of his neck. “That does sound like fun, darling,” Colette murmured, suggestively rubbing her breasts across his chest.

Adam felt himself harden as she smiled up at him, and he could see the victory in her eyes. Adam grabbed her by the arms. When she thought he would kiss her, he instead began shoving her towards the door.

“Good-bye, Colette,” he snapped.

“But Adam!” She tried to resist his efforts to push her to the door. “I thought we could go to the party together. I’ve already broken my other engagements because of you.” Adam didn’t feel like having this conversation. He was too bloody tired. He looked at her. Maybe she could prove useful. Sighing, he gave in. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Smiling candidly like the mouse who’d gotten the cheese, Colette stood on tiptoe and kissed him again. However, this time it was a long, drawn-out kiss, and just for a brief second he was responding, but again he pulled away with a firm movement. “See you tonight, darling.” She smiled and sauntered out of the house.

Adam slammed the door and headed for his inviting bed. This time he slept like the dead. All too soon Giles shook him rudely awake. Adam still felt tired, but at least his head was clear of cobwebs, he thought as he slid his arms into a stylish royal blue coat that his valet held for him. He checked the watch tucked in his fob pocket. It was time.

He wished he hadn’t promised to take Colette to the dance, but he had, so now he’d have to live with the decision. He reminded himself that his plan to gather information would work out better if he arrived with someone.

Adam picked Colette up precisely at eight, and for once she was ready on time. She was dressed in a pale green gown with pink ribbons threaded through her hair, and she wore long white gloves. There was no question, she was a stunning woman.

Adam was silent as they rode to the earl’s house. Colette snuggled next to him, trying to engage him in conversation, which only irritated him. What had seemed vivaciousness before was now merely annoying chatter.

They arrived with several other couples, and the Earl of Ludlow and his wife greeted them at the door. Once inside the main ballroom, Adam scanned the crowd. His gazed fixed on a group of men gathered by the rear doors. They were precisely the gentlemen he needed to talk with, but first he’d have to rid himself of Colette. He glanced down in annoy
ance, hoping it would prove to be an easy task.

“Let’s dance, Adam, it’s been such a long time,” she purred as clutched his arm.

He nodded once, then led Colette to the dance floor, where he purposely engaged her in light conversation, trying to avoid the subject of their relationship. But it didn’t work.

“Adam, dear, when are you ever going to admit that you love me?” she whined.

Adam gritted his teeth. He found he hadn’t missed her one bit.

“You know I’d make a good wife, and I possibly would consent to have at least one child.”

“But Colette, you’re mistaken,” Adam said in a rather bored tone. “I simply don’t love you.”

“That’s a lie!” She stiffened in his arms. “I refuse to believe you don’t love me. Haven’t you been my constant companion this past year? That is, until you escaped to that dreadful Briercliff. What you see in that isolated location is beyond me,” she said, exasperated. “After all we’ve shared, you simply must feel something for me,” she persisted. “Besides, I come from a good family, and you’ll need someone to carry on your name.”

Adam didn’t like these stupid games, and especially tonight he hadn’t the stomach for them. “Colette, if I were you I’d let the subject drop.”

“It’s that other woman!” she spat, and Adam tightened his hand around her waist. She smiled sweetly up at him since she’d gotten a response.

“What woman, Colette?”

“The one you found on the beach,” she said smugly.

“How did you hear about that?” he snapped out, staring at her from beneath hooded eyelids. “I asked you a question,” he repeated, his patience wearing thin.

“I saw Jonathan at the club about a month ago. I wanted to know when you were coming to London. He said not to expect you anytime soon. Seems you’d found some chit on the beach, and you were taking care of her. Adam, how could you bring some commoner into your house!”

The music ended. Adam firmly and none too gently took Colette by the arm, and escorted her over to a comer where they couldn’t be overheard.

“Adam, please, you’re hurting my arm!”

“What I do in my home, madam, is none of your affair!” Adam snapped. He spun her around to face him, blocking her from probing eyes. “How many people have you told about my house guest?”

“Only a few.” Colette pouted. “Adam, you know I don’t gossip, but people have been waiting for us to announce our engagement. I had to say something. So I told them you had rescued a young woman and you felt responsible for her until she was well enough to leave.”

She put her arm through his. “Bringing me here tonight was so sweet, darling,” she added.

“Don’t change the subject. I escorted you here tonight as a friend, and I will see you safely home. But I’ve never had any intention of marrying you.” With his lips grim in vexation, Adam ran his hand through his hair. “I told you before, Colette, it’s over. Accept it. And I’d rather you not contribute gossip about Jewel.”

“Jewel?”

“The girl I found on the beach is young, and I’m trying to find out something about her,” Adam explained because he didn’t want Colette doing anything vicious—which she was quite capable of. “She’s helpless. Do you understand?”

“I see,” Colette replied. Automatically, she assumed Jewel must be a mere child since Adam had pointed out her youth. Smiling, Colette chided herself for being so silly as to be jealous of a youngster. Maybe she could help Adam. That way it would get the girl out of his life faster.

“You know, Adam, you might try talking to Captain Lee. He asked me what I knew about the girl at a gathering a fortnight ago.”

“Why did he want to know?” Adam asked.

“I’m not sure.” Colette snapped open her fan and began waving it in front of her face. “He seemed interested, as if he knew something.”

“Is he here tonight?”

“No. At least, I don’t think so.” Colette stared at him above her fan, trying to judge what he was thinking, but as usual his eyes were dark and unreadable. “Adam, please, will you be sweet and get me some refreshments? I’m simply perished after that dance.”

“I’ll get a glass of punch, but after that you’re on your own. I have some gentlemen I need to speak with.”

“Oh, Adam, you’re not going to leave me all by myself?” She pursed her lips in a well-practiced pout.

“I’m afraid so,” Adam stated. “I’m sure you’ll find another gentleman to help occupy your time.” After getting Colette her punch, Adam excused himself to cut his way through the crowd to the other side of the room.

Colette watched him go. Her eyes narrowed. There simply must be a way to get him back.

The small group was already deep in a political discussion when Adam joined them. Looking around at the distinguished gentlemen, he spotted the United States ambassadors to Great Britain: Pinkney, King, and Monroe. They were three honest men trying to find a way to settle the disputes between America and Great Britain. Adam wanted to laugh because they definitely had their hands full.

The British Navy was famous for press-gangs, which Americans hated. Many a man had been hit on the head and found himself on a British ship when he awoke. Adam himself had lost some of his crew that way. The brutal discipline, the rotten food, and backbreaking work were sometimes hard to survive. And a troublemaker could taste the cat-o’-nine-tails. If that didn’t work, there was hanging.

Adam knew the ambassadors had been struggling in London to appease both sides. Great Britain had much more important matters on her mind, and didn’t believe that her former colonies could be forced into a fight, since they had nothing to fight with. Arrogant bastards, Adam thought.

“Tell me, Monroe, do you think you’ll have your treaty ready for the meeting next week at Whitehall?” Ludlow asked. He was a stout fellow in his early fifties, and considered to be a moderate.

“We’ve worked hard, my lord, to bring peace between our countries,” Monroe stated firmly. “However, whether the

United States will sign a treaty without mention of impressment will be doubtful.”

Captain Percy shook his head. “Why the colonists think they can grant citizenship to any rabble is beyond my understanding. One can no more change one’s nationality than he can the color of his skin.”

Pinkney spoke up for the Americans. “That may be true, but as you know, the United States is a nation made up of all nationalities in the first place, so it can sympathize with people wishing freedom from the countries from which they hail.”