The Compromised Duchess

Chapter 16

“Your wife?”

Laurel stared at Thomas, wondering if she had lost proper use of her ears. Future wife? What on earth could he have meant by that statement?

Thomas straightened and walked slowly towards her. Though his words had been meant for Giles, he had never taken his eyes off Laurel. She looked beautiful even when acting in a totally shocking unladylike manner. He stopped so close to her, the other occupants of the room forgotten as he reached for her hand hanging limp by her side and raised it to his lips. Her lips parted in soft gasp and he was solely tempted to claim her mouth in a kiss.

“Forgive me” he whispered softly so only she could hear his words. “I never meant to arrive so late”

She could only stare at him confounded, unable to comprehend his present actions as all her senses were ablaze with awareness of him, the sound of his voice causing her blood to heat up.

“Thomas” she whispered, cradling the hand he had kissed close to her throbbing stomach.

He smiled, using a finger to caress her burning cheeks, stopping at the fading bruise, the smile turning to a frown as he noticed the other bruises. His fury returned and he stepped away from her, turning to acknowledge the others.

“Your Grace” He acknowledged the Duchess with a stiff bow, getting one in return, before turning his gaze to Giles, his demeanor cold and deadly.

“Perhaps I spoke too soon” Thomas said, “I will kill you for laying your filthy whoring hands on her.”

“How generous of you Grayson” Giles laughed, feeling his ribs contract painfully, “But I believe that threat has already been used with great effect by these two,” he jerked his head in the direction of Benedict and William, who stood watching the new drama unfold.

Thomas smiled in return and shook his head, “They spoke metaphorically, perhaps. But I assure you, I am a man of my word. However, I do not believe in ambushing my opponent without fair warning, so I will give you time to prepare yourself.” He pulled off his left leather riding glove and tossed it at Giles' feet. “Name the day and your weapon of choice. I prefer the rapier, but I shall give you the opportunity of a fair fight.”

“I will gladly be your second” Benedict stated, filled with admiration for the man who had calmly claimed his sister for a wife, and now honorably sought revenge for a wrong.

Thomas acknowledged the offer with a nod, and looked askance at Lord Giles. “Well?”

“Fine then” Giles spat, bending to pick up the discarded glove, “I accept the challenge. Tomorrow at dawn, at Worcestershire fields. Bring your rapier, and a priest to say your last prayers.” He straightened his tattered shirt and stalked out of the room.

“Benedict?” Amelia walked to his side and slipped her hand in his, her eyes filled with tears, frightened beyond measure at what was to take place in a few hours. “Please, I beg you to reconsider. This puts your life in danger my love.”

Benedict drew her close in an embrace. “I have to defend my family’s honor. I have already given my word.”

“I would not be offended if you should choose to withdraw your offer.” Thomas said, “I have no desire to put you at peril.”

“I will not withdraw” Benedict snapped, his jaw thrust out stubbornly, “I have a vast collection of swords, perhaps you would like to choose one.”

“I would prefer one of mine” Thomas replied with a slight shake of his head, his gaze once again resting on Laurel. Her cheeks had gone a deathly pale, and she seemed to be lost in thought. He crossed to her and placed a hand on her shoulders, frowning when she flinched away.

“Do not touch me” she whispered, turning away from him, her voice filled with pain, “You talk about murder so calmly, as though you discuss the day’s weather, it’s inhuman”

“It is not my intention to make you afraid of me” Thomas said, dropping his arms to his sides, “I have to make atonement for not warning you about Rosehaven, and this is the only way I can.”

“It is not the only way” she cried, turning back to face him, “You know that”

“Do you wish me to shake his hand and commend him on a job well done?” He asked, his tone slightly mocking, with a hint of displeasure, “Or maybe, I should knee him in the groin and send him on his merry way?”

She winced, “Please do not mock me, Lord Grayson. I am not in the mood for jokes, least of all those that involve ridiculous claims”

“And what might that be?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at her in query. “Please do enlighten me”

“Your presumptuous belief that I have agreed to marry you. Or perhaps, you merely say that for the shocking effect?” She raised her own eyebrow, “because I must say, you certainly achieved that”

He felt a flash of irritation at her scathing words. Now she was mocking him, throwing his sacrifice in his face and he did not like it one bit. “I meant every word I said Lady Laurel, and it irks that you classify me as an attention seeking dandy.”

“Ahem” Benedict cleared his throat loudly to get the attention of the two sparing lovers. They turned to face him, wearing identical expressions of exasperation. He spread his hands and shrugged. “Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but we need to discuss things. Such as an Lord Grayson's intentions towards my sister.”

“My intentions are honourable,” Thomas replied, “I wish to ask for Lady Laurel's hand in marriage, with your blessing of course.”

Lady Abbington and Amelia let out similar cries of delight, the Duchess' face lighting up in genuine pleasure for the first time since dawn, pleased that her confidence that the Duke of Roxborough had not been misplaced.

“Oh my dear girl,” She cried, clapping her hands in delight. “How wonderful!”

Laurel stared at her mother; feeling betrayed as she suddenly realized that this had been her mother’s plan all along. Her heart sank, all last vestiges of joy at his declaration disappearing into thin air. He was simply marrying her because he felt it was his duty, not for any tender feelings. Her face turned red in embarrassment when she recalled that Benedict had been to see Thomas only this morning, and here he was, asking for her hand.

“Oh my!” she whispered to herself, wrapping her arms around her waist as a wave of self pity washed over her. “I have become a thing of shame to my family; why else would they behave in this manner?”

Thomas looked at Laurel, concerned that she did not seem particularly pleased at his announcement. He felt terrible for assuming that she had manipulated him into marriage, hating himself for not trusting her, and vowing to make atonement for that as soon as she officially became his wife. He watched her mumble something and wrapped her arms around herself as though she were cold. He stepped closer, his heart going out to this fragile woman, wanting to sweep her away to his home and protect her from devils like Rosehaven.

She stopped his approach with an icy glare, hating the pity she saw in his eyes, angry at herself for falling in love with this man. She drew herself to her full height and announced.

“Well,” she began, making her tone cold and distant, “I'm pleased that my future has been planned so perfectly. But you all forget one important matter yet to be settled.”

William scowled at her “Whatever are you on about?”

But Thomas already knew what she meant, and he felt his muscles tense when she levelled that cold gaze at him.

“You asked my brother for my hand, Lord Thomas Grayson, and he gave his consent.” she said, “but in your arrogance, you assumed that I would want to be married to you for any reason whatsoever. I refuse your hand Your Grace. Have a nice day.” she made to push past him, but he reached out and grabbed her arm. She scowled at the restraining hand, then up at him, and she was surprised to see the tenderness in his eyes.

“May I speak with you privately for a moment, my lady” He asked his gaze earnest, “I will not take up your time”

“What for?” she asked, not caring that she sounded quite shrewish, “I believe our conversation is at an end. What else could you possibly have to say to me?”

The Duchess scowled at her daughter wondering what madness could have possibly possessed her to speak so rudely to Lord Grayson. “The morning room should serve to grant you some privacy, Lord Grayson. Laurel, please show your guest the way.”

Laurel opened her mouth to protest, but one look at her mother’s scowling face was enough to kill any words she’d been about to utter. She simply sighed in resignation and led the way out, painfully aware of Thomas as he followed her into the morning room. She quickly took a seat, her head bowed to avoid meeting his knowing eyes, afraid of what hers might reveal. He stood by the door, his formidable presence seeming to make the room smaller, robbing her of breath, the very essence of him stealing into every pore. Her body responded to his presence, so much so that her cheeks were flushed with desire and despite the coolness of the room, she felt herself suffused with unbearable heat.

“I know you do not like me very much, and I have certainly done nothing to earn your admiration,” Thomas began speaking in a low tone, conscious of the open door, which had been left so for the sake of propriety. “But I wish to make amends for that, with your permission of course”

“By making me your wife?” She questioned, fighting the urge to bite her fingernails, she was that nervous. “Do you assume that I would be so grateful for the offer that I would jump into a loveless marriage simply to satisfy the whims of society?”

He stepped slowly towards her until he stood directly in front of her, “Do you wish to wed for love?”

“Of course I do” she replied, still avoiding his gaze, “Don’t you”

He was silent for a few moments, staring at the mass of shiny dark curls that tempted him to run his hands through, to discover if it was as soft and inviting as it appeared.

“I would be grateful to find a woman who makes me comfortable, and can manage my household competently.” He finally replied, “I am a practical man Lady Laurel, and I will not deceive you with false declarations of a fierce love. But I will guarantee you of my unending protection and fidelity if you should accept my hand.”

He doesn’t love me, she thought, feeling a pang of deep disappointment at his words. He simply finds me competent and comfortable, and offers to become my protector and not a loving husband. How on earth is this supposed to work? Her mind was suddenly filled with an image of a frightened Amelia as she pleaded with Benedict to forfeit the duel.

“I will accept your proposal,” She began with a sigh, “But on one condition”

He raised a brow in inquiry, a slight grin tugging at his mouth, “I make no promises. But I will consider your condition”

She raised her eyes to his then, taking small comfort at the sight of the smile on his face. He seemed to be in good spirits, perhaps he would acquiesce more freely then.

“You must stop the intended duel. Honestly, I hate the thought of bloodshed under the pretext of trying to defend my honour.” she watched with a sinking heart as the grin was replaced with a frown and he began shaking his head in denial even before she was finished speaking, “Please, I beg you, I would not like to see you or my brother injured for my sake...I-I don’t think I would be able to live if anything happened to either of you”

“Your concern for my well-being is touching” He replied, “But I have given my word, and to back out now will be considered cowardice and as for Lord Benedict, I’m afraid I cannot refuse if he wishes to accompany me”

She sprang to her feet, reaching out to clutch at the lapels of his coat, her eyes wild with desperation, “This is foolishness Thomas, can you not understand? My honour would be of no use to me if I am responsible for the death of the people I love.”

He smiled tenderly at her, placing a hand under her chin to raise her head, “I like the sound of my name on your lips”

“Oh you infuriating man!” Laurel released his lapels to beat against his chest in frustration. “I plead for your life and you stand there making crude jokes”

He caught her hands easily in his own and brought them to his lips, using his tongue to lightly flick against the delicate knuckles, loving the way her green eyes darkened and her breath caught, then quickened in awareness of him. He tugged lightly, and she stumbled against him, her soft curvy body coming into contact with his lean hard own and he nearly moaned at the pleasure that shot through him.

“Thomas?” she whispered breathlessly, the sound of her voice nearly weakening his knees “What do you think you are doing?”

“Claiming what is mine” he replied, lowering his head to take her tempting mouth in a searing kiss, forgetting that they were in danger of being discovered, as he released her hands to wrap an arm around her waist drawing her even closer, needing the contact like he needed air.

Laurel felt her knees go weak and she sagged against him, grateful for his hand that supported her, she opened her mouth, letting him explore, giving as good as she got, until all of her senses screamed for completion. Of their own volition, her arms snaked around his neck and she melted against him. She heard gasping sounds and realized they were coming from her own throat. Dear god! It must be a sin to feel like this; perhaps punishment in hell awaited her for being so wanton and greedy.

“Say my name again Laurel” he pulled away slightly to whisper against her neck, where he was trailing hot kisses down the elegant curve of her throat.

“Say it”

“Thomas” she gasped, holding onto him for dear life, “Please..I..want...I need.....something”

“Say you’ll be mine and you can have it all” he replied, allowing his hands to roam south of her body, feeling the rush of heat to certain parts of his own body, “Marry me Laurel, and you will never have to beg for fulfilment”

In spite of the alarm bells that went off at the back of her mind, Laurel was too far gone in passion to take any heed to what was happening other than the roaring of desire in her ears, and the need for more of his kisses.

“Yes,” she whispered, clinging to him as he growled in satisfaction and claimed her mouth once again. “Yes, I will marry you Thomas Grayson”

He kissed her for a few more minutes, then pulled away, stepping back until he had put some discreet distance between them. Laurel stared at him, trying to read his expression and failing because his face was devoid of any emotions whatsoever. He raked a hand through his hair and blew out a breath, then glanced down at his shirt which had become undone. Laurel blushed in mortification as she realized she had been the one to undo the buttons and she turned away from him, covering her face with her hands. She heard him chuckle, then the sound of his boots as he came to her again and spun her round to face him.

“There is no need for you to be embarrassed, ma petite Chérie,” he said, chuckling again, “I would be extremely offended if you did not respond to me in this manner”

“I am not embarrassed, and I am not 'your little darling'” she snapped, “Je trouve votre façon insultante”

“My apologies then,” He replied, “I did not mean to insult you. I merely meant my words as a compliment”

“Are you going to call off the duel?” she asked, hopeful that her acceptance of his proposal would serve to change his mind. “After all, we need all the time we can possibly get to plan our wedding. And a duel would certainly serve as a distraction.”

“No, it will take place tomorrow at dawn. After wards, I shall make arrangements to obtain a special license so we can be married in a day’s time at the latest.” he smiled at her glowering face. “I am not a very patient man, Chérie, especially not in this case.”

Her fingers itched to wipe the smug smile from his admittedly ravishing face, and she gritted her teeth in frustration. “If you fight in this duel Thomas, you can forget about obtaining a special license or any license at all for that matter, because I would rather join the convent and become a bride of Christ, than become your bride.”

He grinned and leaned down to place a kiss on her nose. “Ah Chérie, I adore it when you look at me like that. Never fear, I will return safe and promise to keep Benedict from harm. Then I will make you the happiest woman on earth and you will never wish to let me go.”

He turned and strode to the exit. Laurel reached for the nearest object, a delicate porcelain vase that contained a bouquet of flowers and hurled it at his retreating back. It missed him and hit a wall beside him, shattering into a million pieces, the sound mingling with his delighted laughter as he continued on his way.

“Oh” she cried to an empty room “that manipulative arrogant blackguard! Deceiving me into accepting his offer and then hurling my desire for him back in my face. Oh! I could just murder him.”

She could hear laughter coming from the Yellow Room as the scoundrel was no doubt recounting her utter humiliation to her treacherous family. That would teach her to succumb to his evil powers of seduction next time, he just might get her to sell her soul to the devil himself and she would happily give it for a few kisses. She had a good mind to go out and kiss the first man she laid eyes on, in Thomas' presence of course, just to teach him a lesson on the importance of humility.

The thought gave her an idea, and she grinned at the mere brilliance of it. She would teach him a lesson of course, oh yes..... she was going to enjoy bringing him to his knees to beg for her love.

“Just you wait, Lord Grayson, just you wait”

*******

Giles stormed into his father’s study, in a black mood. His face throbbed from the blows he had received and other parts of him still made him cringe with every step he took, and he was filled with the need for revenge. His father was seated at his desk, writing, a scowl on his face, as he looked up at his son’s entrance.

“I am glad you finally deemed it fit to arrive” Lord Hartwell said sarcastically, putting down his quill to fold his arms on his desk. “I sent you a message ages ago”

Giles stalked to a seat and plopped down, feeling bad-tempered, “I'm now here aren’t I? What do you want?”

“Mind your tone young man,” Lord Hartwell snapped, “I am your father and you will address me with respect. I am already displeased with you”

Giles glared at his boots, his anger almost getting to boiling point. It seemed the fates had conspired to make a fool out of him today.

“My apologies Father” he groused, not bothering to sound contrite at all. “I did not mean to sound rude. I have not had a good day at all.”

“I should say so,” The Earl grunted, his thick brows drawn together in disapproval. “I had a visit from Lady Abbington and her second son in the early hours of this morning, and they told me quite an interesting and shocking tale”

Damnation, Giles swore inwardly, this was going to worse than he had thought. Aloud, he said “How fascinating. I’m sure you are going to enlighten me too?”

“You are bloody right I am” His father exploded, slapping the desk with his open palms and glaring at his son. “Do you have any idea of the trouble you are in? I felt ashamed to own you as my offspring when the accusation was made, and your mother fainted from the shock of it and is currently confined to her bed.”

“Whatever tale of woe Lady Abbington spun is no doubt a mere over exaggeration of the true facts” Giles replied, striving to control his temper. “I apologize for causing Mother any trouble, but the Lady Laurel is not exactly a candidate for sainthood.”

“So you struck her? Have I thought you nothing about tolerating the weaker s*x and their frivolities?” Lord Hartwell roared leaping from his chair, his face red with fury, “Have I raised an imbecile?”

“I was provoked, Father” Giles defended, leaping to his feet, “I acted out of anger at her betrayal and nothing else.”

“I should disown you as my heir” Lord Hartwell said, “Over the years I have stood by and watched you consort with ne’er-do-wells of society, forgetting that someday you will assume the title and responsibilities of the highest rank in the realm. Now look where it has landed you, beating up little girls for sport and trying to blackmail her into marrying you.”

“I loved her Father,” Giles replied, taking a deep breath, feeling suddenly tired, “I loved her and was willing to offer her a place at my side and she flung it back in my face. I acted unreasonably as a result but now I have come to my senses. Forgive me Your Grace.”

Lord Hartwell's gazed at his defeated looking son and felt the first stirrings of pity. “I warned you about young women and their fickleness, Giles, but you seemed so assured of the lady”

“I know, and now I must pay the terrible price for loving the wrong woman,” Giles replied “I have been challenged to a duel at dawn tomorrow”

“What?” His father cried, “Lord Abbington challenged you?

“Were it Lord Abbington, it would be less painful.” Giles emitted a bitter laugh, “But apparently, Lord Grayson has appointed himself her protector and husband, so naturally, he wishes to kill me....again”

Lord Hartwell resumed his seat, deep in thought, “I cannot allow it. You are my heir and I will not see you killed over a woman. There are more honourable ways to sacrifice your life, and your mother would die of grief if anything should befall you.”

“I have already accepted the challenge, it is too late for salvation” Giles sighed, rubbing at his hurting jaw, “If I cry off, I will be seen as a coward”

“I will go and have a word with Grayson,” His father replied, rising again, “There must be a way out of this.”