The Duke's Blind Temptation (8 page)

“You are not obligated to marry me.” She said the words to relieve him of any lingering guilt, but her heart ached.

“And how will you explain to your future husband that you are not a virgin.”

“He will never know.”

Rafe’s harsh laugh echoed in the still night air. Ellie glanced nervously at the french windows, certain people would look out and find them together. “Be quiet,” she whispered.

“Come inside. I need to talk with your father.”

“No.”

“Shall I tell him of your visits to see me or just ask for your hand?”

“Neither.” Ellie stomped away and went through the windows into the candlelit room. She swung around to face him when he followed behind her.

“Look at me. I am not what you want for your wife. I hate social obligations and I’m always getting into some faux pas. Think about what you are doing.”

* * * *

Rafe studied her from her shiny, brown hair to her emerald eyes, sparking now with anger and a hint of hurt seen when he looked deeply into them. His gaze moved down to admire her soft, well-rounded figure. Her green and white gown emphasized her golden skin and lush curves. The young girl had grown into a beauty and didn’t know it.

Some might say she didn’t have the polished beauty of the golden ideal. But she was his gypsy, and he’d not let anyone else have her, whatever it took. He clasped her hand to lead her across the room to where her parents stood.

“Lord Upton, I’d like to talk with you regarding Miss Upton.”

Her parents glanced from him to their daughter. He swallowed the smile when he saw Ellie’s expression.

“Father, I’d prefer you speak with Lord Marshall first. I’ve tried to explain to Lord Leyland that I am all but engaged to
Harvey
, but he insists on meeting with you anyway.”

“And Lord Marshall is your choice for a husband, daughter?”

Her father eyed her speculatively.

* * * *

Ellie swallowed around the lump in her throat. Rafe did not love her. His upbringing made him feel obligated to her. She could not bear being his wife without his love.

“Yes, Father.
Harvey
is my choice.”

Her mother glanced from Ellie to Rafe before turning to her husband. “I have a suggestion. Since Lord Leyland has not had a chance to court our daughter, give both men the next few weeks to convince Eleanor of their sincerity.”

“An excellent suggestion, wife. I invite you, Lord Leyland, and Lord Marshall to meet with me in a fortnight and present your case. Eleanor will receive you both until that time.”

Ellie’s heart missed a beat when she looked into Rafe’s deep, blue eyes that shone with laughter and mischief.

“I will come tomorrow morning and take you for a ride and picnic.” He looked at the Baron. “With your permission, Lord Upton.”

“Fine.”

“This does not make a difference. I shall still choose
Harvey
,” Ellie whispered at Rafe.

“May the best man win.” Rafe swept her a deep bow and left the room.

Chapter Seven

“Eleanor,” her mother called to Ellie as she started up the stairs to her room. “Join me for tea.” It was not an invitation but a command. Her mother appeared worried.

Ellie followed her into the small sitting room. Outside the light had dimmed and cast shadows across the room. She shivered.

“Sit,” her mother said. She handed her a cup of tea. “Your father just came back from the village. He heard sad news.”

“What?” Ellie leaned forward in her seat.
Please don’t let it be anything about Rafe.
He had insisted on visiting the next day after the dance, but she’d not heard from him then or since. Lord Marshall had been here every day.

“Lord Leyland’s father died early yesterday morning.”

“But, he was at the dance just the night before and seemed fine,” Ellie protested.

“Apparently he fell ill that night. The doctor saw him. He seemed better then suddenly died a few hours later. The man who talked with your father said they suspect it was his heart.”

Ellie put down her cup and rose.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to see Rafe.”

“They’ve gone. Shortly after the duke’s death they took his body and went to the ducal estate. Your father will go to the services. We will visit later at a more appropriate time.” Her mother reached out and took Ellie’s hand. “I know you lied the other night. You care for him, but things may change. He is a duke now and must think about making a more advantageous match than to a mere baron’s daughter.”

“You are probably right, Mama. It was a foolish dream anyway. Lord Marshall will be an honorable and pleasant husband.”

Her mother chuckled softly. “What a damning statement. There is no need to make any quick decisions. We will wait until after we make a condolence call. If the new duke has decided to look at others for a prospective wife and you don’t prefer Lord Marshall, we will wait through another season for your decision. Your father and I do want you to be as happy as your sisters.”

Ellie excused herself and went upstairs. She stood at her window and stared in the direction of Rafe’s hunting lodge. He’d gone without even a note. Of course he must be very upset about his father. She was being selfish to expect him to write. The duchess must be distraught.

Mama was right. Rafe had different expectations put on him now. He’d merge his title and estate with a family that had comparable money and prestige. Everyone would expect him to do so.

Just when she’d hoped he did care and they might be happy together, fate stepped in and changed it all. Overwhelming sadness swept over her. She paced across her room. She had to get out of here. On impulse, she decided to go riding. After Trudy helped her change into her old riding habit, she hurried to the stables.

Fresh air blew across her face as she raced her horse over the fields. She didn’t think about where she was headed until she saw Rafe’s home come into view. She slowed. Already the place had that empty look. No smoke curled out of the chimney, and all the window drapes were closed. A hawk flew across the clear blue sky and dove suddenly to attack its prey.

She turned away and directed her horse toward the spot where they had picnicked. Nothing had changed. The falls splashed into the small pond, and squirrels ran up the trees at her approach. She stopped, swung off her horse, and tied the reins to a bush. She pulled off her boots and walked around the marshy edge and under the falls. This was her magical place. Closing her eyes, she breathed in. She’d swear she smelled Rafe’s cologne, felt his warm touch. Tears seeped around her closed eyelids. Anguish tightened her throat.

Enough. She opened her eyes and straightened her spine. Mama might be wrong. She had no intention of giving up, not yet. As her mother had said, she’d know more after their visit. Determined to push away her melancholy mood, she went back around the pond, put on her boots, and swung up onto her mare. Spurring the horse forward, she rode as fast as possible across the open areas between Rafe’s and her home. The wind dried her tears, and her spirits and determination rose.
She’d do whatever it took to win Rafe’s love.
She laughed at herself.
Short of kidnapping him.
She chuckled.
And that might not be a bad idea.

* * * *

A month went by before Mama finally decided they might visit the duchess and Rafe. Ellie had been instructed to wear dark colors as appropriate to the solemn occasion. Ellie glared at her reflection in the mirror. She’d dressed in her long-sleeved blue gown. Her hair and skin looked dull.

“Are you ready?” Her mother stood in the doorway. “We’ll leave early. It is a good three hours’ drive and we want time to visit before we turn around and head back home.”

“I hate this dress.”

“You look lovely. Come along.”

Ellie followed her mother to the carriage and settled in for the long ride.
How would Rafe receive her?
The same question had gone round and round in her head last night, keeping her awake.

She’d tried very hard to keep her spirits up these past weeks, but now all her fears swamped her. Her whole life depended on one man’s reaction when he saw her. She’d tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter. If he chose another, she’d go to
London
for the season and find a husband. All the talking to herself had not seemed to help when faced with her imminent arrival at Rafe’s home.

They both sighted the manor house at the same time. “His home is beautiful,” Ellie said.

“Large and imposing as expected of a duke.” Her mother studied Ellie. “You must not let your feelings show. If he has changed his mind and is not interested, keep your chin up and smile. There’ll be time to cry afterwards, but you’ll still have your pride.”

Just her words made Ellie tear up. She blinked her eyes quickly. “I understand, Mama. You’re right.”

“I’m not worried for myself,” her mother said. She patted Ellie’s hand. “I’m concerned for you.”

Ellie nodded. She couldn’t speak through the tightness in her throat. The carriage moved along the curved drive and stopped in front of the large manor house.

Lady Upton had sent a letter. They were expected. The front door opened, and a footman came down the steps. He opened the carriage door.

“Welcome to Leyland Hall,” he said as he assisted them out and down the steps to the ground. Her mother took Ellie’s arm as they ascended the five steps to the front door.

A tall, thin butler motioned for them to enter the foyer. “I will let the duchess know of your arrival.” He turned on his heel and strode down a long passageway to the right.

Ellie studied the magnificent pictures hanging on the walls and the soaring ceiling above them. At the top, windows let in the sunshine. By a far wall, an armor suit stood as though ready to be donned. The light reflected off the silver plates.

“Follow me.” The butler directed Ellie and her mother down the corridor. At the end, he opened a door and announced them.

They entered a large drawing room. French windows covered the wall facing them and dark red drapes hung at either side. The light blinded Ellie temporarily. For a moment, she didn’t see the people sitting to the left of them.

The duchess came across the room. “Welcome, please join us. Our friends, the Templetons, surprised us with a visit.” She took Mama’s arm. “May I introduce my dear friend, Lady Templeton, and her daughter, Lady Lavinia? This is Lady Upton and her daughter, Miss Upton.” The duchess motioned them to sit. “The duke went out with his steward early this morning. He’ll be back at anytime.”

Ellie listened as her mother expressed their sympathy at the loss of the duchess’s husband. The duchess’s eyes darkened. Her hands clenched briefly, but otherwise, she maintained her proper decorum.

Lady Lavinia stared across at Ellie with curiosity in her expression. Ellie smiled pleasantly, all the while noting the woman’s golden hair and expensive, ornate, dark-blue gown. On her the color brought out her sky-blue eyes and smooth, white skin. When the duchess spoke to Lady Lavinia her smile warmed. Her reception to Ellie appeared cool. But perhaps that was Ellie’s own imagination.

“Mother, I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet our guests.” Rafe strode into the room. The air sizzled with expectancy as all the women looked around to greet him.

Ellie almost sighed out loud. He had a darker tan, and the breeze had ruffled his black hair. Those startling blue eyes shone with energy and light. She waited as he greeted her mother and Lady Templeton, then smiled and greeted Lavinia. Finally, he turned and came across to her.

“How lovely you look. I’m so glad you and your mother had an opportunity to visit our home.”

“It’s beautiful, Your Grace,” Ellie said. Rafe’s eyebrow raised on her greeting.

“Sit here by me,” the duchess directed Rafe. He nodded at Ellie before sitting between his mother and Lady Lavinia. “Is everything as you remembered it?” his stepmother asked. She handed him a cup of tea.

“Yes. Only now the colors and textures are so much more vivid. I suppose the positive side of being blind and regaining your sight is the ability to appreciate all the things you took for granted before. But, please don’t let me interrupt your conversation. I’m going to take my tea to my office.”

As quickly as he’d entered, Rafe had gone. Ellie stared at his back until he disappeared out the door.

The duchess smiled at Lady Lavinia. “I’m sure you two young ladies are bored conversing with us. My dear, please take Miss Upton and show her the grounds. So many of our prettiest flowers are in bloom.”

Lavinia motioned for Ellie to join her. “We’ll go out the french windows,” she said. They stepped out onto a stone veranda.

Winding walkways meandered through lush gardens of roses, shrubs, and ground-cover plants. At one turn in the walk, the mixture of colors reminded Ellie of a painting she’d seen on a very old tapestry. Lavinia walked in silence beside her until they were quite a distance from the house.