Two Notorious Dukes Read online

  Robert almost choked on his tea. ‘Good God, Lady Verity, he must at least be a hundred years old. He wouldn’t even be able to hold the pistol still.’ Robert sighed and gave her a wicked smile, his lips curving upwards with a glint in his eyes. ‘I might like to fight duels over a woman’s honour, Lady Verity, but I’m not a murderer and that particular duel was not me.’

  ‘Do you have an alibi?’ she asked cheekily.

  ‘As a matter of fact I do. Johnny and the Prince, we were riding at Richmond that morning.’

  ‘Lady Elizabeth is a good shot, you know. We ought to have a contest next time we’re all in the country!’ Lady Verity said brightly.

  ‘I would find that quite enervating.’ Robert murmured and turned his head to look again at the beauty by the window.

  ‘Really Lady Verity, you know full well that the long rifle is a little too heavy for me.’

  ‘A rifle?’ Robert asked in surprise. ‘You have one of the new Baker rifles?’

  ‘I do, Your Grace.’ Lady Elizabeth turned her head and looked calmly at him, with her green eyes almost like peridot in the sunshine that bathed her in a golden wash. ‘It was a gift from my second cousin, Sir Arthur Wellesley.’

  ‘I didn’t know you were related to Sir Arthur?’ Lady Verity said as she frowned.

  ‘Only by marriage.’ Lady Elizabeth said coldly, and Robert saw a shadow flit across her face. ‘But Sir Arthur was kind enough to teach me how to use one last summer on his return from the Peninsula.’

  ‘I assume when Wellesley came home; it was to grovel for more troops?’ Robert said as he placed his cup back on the tray.

  ‘Yes. Horse Guards are being a little difficult with the campaign in Portugal.’ Lady Elizabeth sighed deeply and looked out of the window. ‘I don’t suppose the Portuguese are helping their cause either. According to Henry it gets more difficult every week.’ She said sadly and returned her attention to her needlework.

  ‘I had no idea you were an authority on the Peninsula War, my dear?’ Lady Verity said with asperity.

  ‘I’m not an authority, Lady Verity, but I do tend to listen a lot in public places.’ She smiled benevolently. ‘Some men are stupid enough to talk in front of a woman, they think she can’t understand them and her head is full of wool!’

  There was a sharp rap on the door and a footman came in. ‘There is a gentleman to see Lady Elizabeth, Your Grace.’ He said in a measured voice. Elizabeth was already shaking her head.

  ‘No. I won’t see him.’ She said tremulously.

  ‘Who is it, Rogers?’ Lady Verity enquired.

  ‘The card says, Alexander Audley, Earl of Craanford, Your Grace.’

  Robert looked again at Elizabeth and he couldn’t believe the ashen hue to her face. ‘I can’t see him.’ She whispered. ‘Not on my own.’

  ‘Allow me to accompany you.’ Robert said as he stood, which brought a smile to Lady Verity’s face. ‘If you are so afraid of him, then I shall be there to protect you.’

  ‘Good.’ Lady Verity said and looked at the footman. ‘Show the blackguard into the study. This matter needs sorting today, so Robert will be there to assist you.’ Lady Verity looked at him harshly. ‘Do not leave her alone with him for a second!’ Robert frowned at her, but nodded his consent. He followed Lady Elizabeth to the door and admired her bearing. She was wearing a light green muslin morning gown, with a high lace collar and long straight sleeves. The hem was far enough off the floor to expose a good two inches of a very pretty petticoat and he was amazed to see her walk as if she was on wheels. As they stepped out into the hallway, she stumbled sideways and almost collided with the wall. Robert instinctively put a hand on her elbow to support her and she yanked her arm out of his hand, turned abruptly to face him and almost shouted ‘Don’t touch me!’ with a look of absolute terror on her face.

  Robert was so shocked, he didn’t quite know what to say, but he took a step away from this tiny, tormented woman and said. ‘My apologies. I was only trying to stop you from falling.’

  She leaned her back against the wall and panted as if she’d just run across London, sucking in huge amounts of air. ‘I’m sorry.’ She gasped, ‘but I can’t bear to be touched by a stranger.’

  Into this strange scenario stumbled Johnny Argyll, nursing a hangover. ‘Damn me, Robbie, but what are you doing in the hall?’ he asked in astonishment.

  ‘I was just escorting Lady Elizabeth to a meeting with the Earl of Craanford.’

  ‘Craanford!’ Argyll spat vehemently and looked at Lady Elizabeth. ‘Don’t leave her alone with the blackguard then!’

  ‘I shan’t.’ Robert said coldly. ‘But you can tell me about him later.’ He murmured as he turned again to follow Lady Elizabeth.

  He allowed her to lead the way and was content to watch her small frame move through the vast house. She was so dainty and fragile looking, that Robert, like most decent men, was immediately protective of her. She arrived at the door to the study and stood there with her eyes closed, as if she was marshalling her strength for a confrontation.

  ‘Is there something I should know, in advance?’ Robert asked softly. She shook her head and opened the door. Robert followed her in, closed the door quietly and leaned against it in a nonchalant manner, with his arms folded over his broad chest.

  Craanford was a dandy. He was dressed in a lavender coloured silk coat, with white silk britches, silk stockings and shiny patent leather dancing slippers with silver buckles on them. His shirt was the finest lawn and the silk cravat was a work of art and tumbled in layers of lace down his shirt front. His tall foppish hat was the same colour as his coat and had been discarded on the desk, along with his silver topped walking cane.

  ‘Ah! At last!’ Craanford said scathingly. Then he looked at Robert and said ‘I’m afraid we haven’t been formally introduced, so you can wait outside.’

  ‘He is nobody you need to know and he stays here!’ Elizabeth spat without any finesse. ‘What do you want Alexander?’ she demanded harshly.

  ‘You know what I want.’ He said evasively.

  ‘No!’ she said in horror. ‘I have said no five times now. The answer is no!’

  ‘But it is my duty as your cousin to look after your interests. It is by no means assured you will find another offer like mine.’ He said spitefully. ‘Nobody really wants second hand goods!’ he finished so maliciously that Robert stood up straight and dropped his hands to his sides. ‘After all, you were well used by my cousin.’

  Robert was horrified to hear such venom in his voice and he certainly didn’t like the vicious gleam in his eyes, but Elizabeth hadn’t finished yet and he came to admire her strength of character in that room.

  ‘Well used is correct!’ she said harshly. ‘And after that...’ she paused to find the right word ‘...monsterwas dead I vowed on the family bible that I would never let another man touch me! So, Alexander Audley, Earl of Craanford. You have had your answer. IT IS NO!!’ she shouted right up into his languid face, as she had stepped forward with every word. Even Robert at the door was convinced of her earnestness and he certainly didn’t doubt the fire in her beautiful green eyes.

  ‘I would retreat, if I were you old man!’ Robert said suddenly. ‘Looking at the expression in those eyes, I’d say you have two minutes before she brains you with the fire iron!’

  It was as if he hadn’t spoken. Craanford towered over Elizabeth, but she bravely stood her ground. ‘You’re mine.’ Craanford whispered viciously. ‘As all of my cousins estate is now mine!’

  ‘Isn’t it fortunate that women are only the property of theirHusband!’ she said coldly, ‘and cannot be entailed away with the rest of the estate!’ She raised her hand and pointed a finger at him. ‘You have his title,’ she poked him in the chest to emphasize her words; ‘his money, his properties and still you are not satisfied. You come here to demand my hand and I have said no. I have now said no six times. If you call again, I will talk to the lawyers and see about keeping you away!’ She ste
pped away from him and walked backwards to the fireplace. ‘Now, leave!’

  Robert opened the door, stuck his head out and shouted for Rogers. Then he stood and waited. Elizabeth stood there, full of fury, like a Greek goddess. Craanford walked to the desk and snatched his hat and cane from the top. ‘This isn’t over. It’ll never be over until you’re mine!’ he said fiercely.

  ‘Never!’ Elizabeth spat and turned blazing emerald eyes on him. ‘I would kill myself first!’

  Rogers arrived and said ‘Yes, Your Grace?’

  Robert smiled kindly. ‘Would you escort Lord Audley to the door, please Rogers?’

  ‘This way, my Lord.’ Rogers said none too politely and closed the door as he ushered the dandified Earl out of the room.

  Robert stood and looked at the closed door for just a second, but he span around very quickly as he heard Lady Elizabeth hit the floor with a thump. He yanked on the bell pull and was across the room in two strides. He carefully stroked the rich auburn hair off her sheet white face. The door opened and he said firmly. ‘Call Lady Elizabeth’s maid.’ He took her wrist and pulled her upper body off the carpet so he could get his left arm underneath her shoulders and then he scooped her legs up into his other arm and lifted her effortlessly off the carpet. She felt like a doll in his arms, so light and dainty.

  ‘Yes, Your Grace?’ a maid said from the doorway.

  Robert turned. ‘I think she fainted. Do you wish me to carry her upstairs to her room?’

  ‘I think that would be best, Your Grace. The last time she had to see him she was ill for a week.’ She held the door and led Robert to the main staircase.

  ‘How often does he ask for her hand?’ Robert asked as he looked down into Elizabeth’s flawless face. He felt stunned at what he’d witnessed. Not only this little woman’s fire and strength, but the veiled threats of the Earl.I need to ask Johnny about him. And Lady Verity can do some explaining too!He thought as the ice of his indifference cracked wide open.

  ‘Once a month.’ Mary said softly. ‘And there are times I wish I was a man. I’d have taken him and his deceased cousin to Tyburn and strung them up from the gallows!’ she sobbed suddenly and reached in her pocket for a handkerchief. ‘The first time he came he didn’t ask, he just tried to take. Luckily, my Thomas was outside the door and when she screamed he went in the door.’ She shook her head sadly and then looked at Robert in horror. ‘I didn’t say any of that, Your Grace!’ and shut her mouth like a man trap.

  Elizabeth issued a gentle moan. ‘We’d better hurry, Your Grace. She will scream loudly if she wakes up in your arms.’ Mary started to trot ahead. Robert just lengthened his stride, his very long legs carrying him quite quickly. Mary opened the door onto Argyll’s suite and Robert made straight for the bed, on the raised dais. He gently lowered her bottom onto the mattress and released her legs, taking her wrist again he held her rigid, while he slipped his arm out from behind her shoulders and gently allowed her to slumber back against the pillows. ‘How anybody could hurt so beautiful a woman.’ He whispered as he stroked her hair again and it felt like silk under his fingers ‘is totally beyond me.’

  ‘Your Grace?’ Mary touched his shoulder. ‘You should leave now, she will be sick when she wakes.’ He nodded distractedly, but he couldn’t resist touching her face with his fingertips.

  ‘Yes,’ he murmured. ‘Yes. I’m sorry, I’ll leave you to it.’ He said firmly and stood up from where he’d sat on the edge of the bed. He walked to the door and opened it as she moaned again, he turned and looked at her as she started to writhe about the bed in the throes of a nightmare and a scream of intense terror issued from her throat. Mary was holding her shoulders to the bed and calling her name loudly. He stepped out and left the maid to it.

  Chapter 3 Tresses and tantrums

  Robert ran down the stairs and flew into the drawing room, slamming the door behind him. ‘What the hell is going on!?’ he demanded of Lady Verity. ‘I stand in a room and listen to barely veiled threats of violence against the smallest woman I have ever seen and then I’ve just heard her scream as if she was on the rack!’

  Lady Verity turned from the table and handed him a very large brandy. ‘I knew you would need that. Is she awake yet?’ He shook his head as he gulped the spirit down.

  ‘I now know who screamed the other night!’ Argyll said softly from the fire place, where he was standing poking at the fire with an iron.

  ‘What she needs is protection.’ Lady Verity said harshly. ‘I was hoping one of you would offer.’

  ‘And just how would we do that?’ Argyll asked in astonishment.

  ‘Darling, you are both influential men. You sit in the House. I’m sure you can deal with one small woman.’ Lady Verity sighed. ‘She needs somewhere quiet, away from London, where she can recover.’

  ‘Recover from what?’ Robert demanded in exasperation.

  ‘From the despicable treatment she has received at the hands of the Craanford’s!’ Lady Verity said in such a way that both men looked up at her in surprise. ‘That poor girl has been beaten and abused. She lost three babies and that blackguard Alexander wouldn’t be any different.’ She sighed and went to the fire. ‘She needs somewhere quiet, where she’s protected.’

  ‘I have a nice little estate at Hertfordshire that would probably suit.’ Robert said quietly as he slumped into a chair, ‘I rarely use it.’

  ‘Did he leave her anything?’ Argyll asked.

  ‘No.’ Lady Verity said harshly. ‘Edward left her practically nothing. The title of course would go to Alexander, but Edward left him everything.’

  ‘Didn’t he make one proviso for his wife’s future?’ Argyll asked in shock.

  ‘Would a man who would beat his wife for getting pregnant care what would happen to her if he died?’ Lady Verity asked them scathingly.

  ‘How do you know all this?’ Robert asked softly. ‘I’ve never even heard of the Craanford’s.’

  Lady Verity sighed and stood up. She walked to the decanter and offered Robert more brandy as she ordered her thoughts. She poured a good measure for him and Argyll held out his glass too.

  ‘Just a hair of the dog.’ He murmured. Lady Verity stoppered the decanter and went to the window.

  ‘The Craanford estate is in Ireland and it is an ancient seat of power in that blighted country.’ She started. ‘I’m sure you’re aware how difficult it is to govern there. But the Craanford’s hold a lot of sway with the people. The previous Earl was a gentleman. I remember seeing him at court more than once when I was first married to your father. The gossip was that he was the most eligible bachelor in London and he married an acquaintance of mine. She was deliriously happy with him and she had four sons from him, but only the first one survived infancy. When Edward grew up he was headstrong and spoilt. There was some form of scandal and he was packed off to England and has been in London ever since. He was always careful after that, although rumours abound that he was less than popular with the ladies.’ She sighed and went to sit down. ‘Elizabeth comes from a very old family,’ she looked at Argyll, ‘she is actually a distant cousin of yours. Three times removed on your mother’s side.’ She sighed again. ‘It was a very eligible match, Audley was wealthy and had many properties and he seemed genuinely captivated with Elizabeth.’

  ‘Who wouldn’t be?’ Robert muttered and made Lady Verity smirk again.

  ‘Precisely!’ She responded. ‘They were married, but of course, for Elizabeth it was an arranged marriage and she had no say at all. She was suddenly at the mercy of the most brutal man I have ever had the misfortune to meet.’ She shivered. ‘It was there in his eyes and I’m surprised nobody noticed it, including me!’

  ‘What happened to him?’ Argyll asked calmly.

  ‘He offended the wrong man. There was an accusation he’d been tupping a well known duchess and the duke called him out. I don’t know where the duel took place; I only know Edward died a week later from a putrefied wound in his stomach.’ She sighed again. �
�It was perhaps fortunate that the day Alexander turned up to claim his dead cousin’s wife as property, was the day that I went to visit her to offer her a home. She was in rooms at Almack’s club, but what little money she had was running out fast and soon she would have been on the streets.’

  ‘How did you find out?’ Argyll asked.

  ‘I went to the family town house to see if she was well, now that the mourning period was past and I was so shocked when the footman told me she no longer lived there, but was ensconced at Almack’s Club. I hurried around to fetch her here, only to find Craanford in a tussle with her one solitary remaining male servant, and poor Elizabeth on the floor with her clothes in dishabille and a black eye darkening her face.’ She looked down and frowned. ‘I’m sorry to tell you this, but I actually hit him.’

  Both Robert and Argyll looked at her in shock! ‘You hit him?’ Argyll asked in amazement.

  ‘With what?’ Robert asked as his eyes lit up, he would never tell anybody, but he admired strong women who were not afraid to use violence in the defence of a weaker person.

  ‘Do you remember the cane your father gave me, when I had that riding accident and hurt my foot?’ she asked Argyll, who nodded. ‘Well, I always have it with me, usually it remains in the coach, but some days my foot aches so much that I need the cane and that’s what I hit him with.’ She frowned again. ‘I brought it down across his back with every ounce of my strength.’ She laughed suddenly. ‘He was so shocked, that he offered to call me out and I damned well accepted. I took off my glove and flicked it across his face and threw it on the floor.’

  ‘The devil you did!?’ Argyll said astonished.

  ‘I did, but the blackguard is a coward and withdrew from it on the grounds that I was a woman and wouldn’t be able to hold the gun!’

  ‘Didn’t Monmouth offer to stand in for you?’ Robert asked, knowing full well the answer would be no.

  ‘No, I wouldn’t let him anyway. It wasn’t his duel. Just like I wouldn’t have asked either of you.’ she was quiet for a few moments. ‘Anyway, I had Elizabeth transferred here and she has been with me ever since. Last night was the first time I’ve managed to persuade her to go out in the evening, so thank you for making it a pleasant and easy evening for her.’