Page 204

P EACE AT LAST. Or as much peace as a city like London could offer, which wasn’t a lot.

Nestled in the top branches of the cypress tree in the garden, Hector closed his eyes and listened to the few birds flying across the sky. Their songs were all wrong compared to those he’d been used to listening to, and rather boring, to be honest.

On the island, he’d listened to the most amazing sounds made by dozens of different species of birds.

Their high-pitched notes had tricked him into thinking there were humans somewhere.

Their melodic songs had been so beautiful he wondered if the birds imitated Bach.

Nocturnal serenades from frogs and insects had played like a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Here he could distinguish barely four different species, and the loud voices and thuds from the streets ruined the atmosphere.

Still, staying in the tree was better than being with his cousin and bickering about how a lord was supposed to dress.

Hopefully, Quentin had gone off somewhere doing ducal businesses.

Quick footsteps approached the tree, and he scoffed.

If it was Quentin again or the butler, complaining about his choice of clothes, the book, or the way he spoke about the island, he would leave the house and spend the night in Hyde Park.

Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea. The footsteps stopped next to the tree.

He peered down but couldn’t see anything through the thick foliage.

He jumped off the branch and landed on the ground on his bare feet.

“What the hell—” The rest of the sentence died a swift death as a feminine scream reached his ears.

Maddie stood in front of him, a hand over her rising chest. Her pretty pink hat slid an inch to the side as she jolted. “Good Lord.”

“Maddie.” Hell. He’d given her a fright. He wiped his clammy hands over his breeches and brushed his hair back. Why hadn’t he thought to comb it? “I didn’t know it was you.”

She tilted her head to gaze up at the tree.

The movement uncovered a few inches of her slender neck where a vein beat a fast pulse.

He had to close his hands tightly not to touch her creamy skin.

Or worse, plant a kiss on the tempting spot.

He might have forgotten the rules of society, but he wouldn’t kiss a lady without being sure she wanted to be kissed, and Maddie had already been scared by him.

“You were up there?” She pointed a finger at the tree canopy. “It’s so high.”

He buttoned his shirt for her sake only. “Not high at all.”

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

“There are no snakes. I climbed trees on the island every day, but the snakes were a problem. Many of them would avoid me, hissing indignantly after being disturbed, but sometimes, I caught a few of them off guard, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience for either of us.”

She paled. “Snakes?”

He nodded. “I met quite a few snakes as thick as my legs, and others that could swim.”

“Swim?” She paled further.

Right. He wasn’t doing a good job at reassuring her.

“Snakes are highly misunderstood creatures,” he hurried to say in hopes of not worrying her further. “Many of them are very gentle and inoffensive.”

“I’m not sure I’d be happy to see a snake, even an inoffensive one.” She straightened her hat. “I trust you’re well.”

“I’ve missed you. I’m happy to see you again,” he said to distract her from the snakes.

“So am I.” She cast a quick glance over at him.

Unless he was mistaken, which was likely since he hadn’t had any human contact in the past years, her gaze wasn’t the same disgusted one as Quentin or the maids gave him. Or perhaps it was her artist’s eye interested in him.

“Don’t you feel cold?” She tugged at her velvet-rimmed cloak.

“A little, but I like it. It makes me feel...something.” He must have said something inappropriate because she lowered her gaze. “Why are you upset?”

“I can only imagine how difficult it’s for you to get used to London after years away from the city.” She put her gloved hand on his, and his whole body tightened in anticipation. “I’m here because I need to talk to you. Shall we sit somewhere?”

The gravity in her tone distracted him from her touch.

“Of course.” He dropped himself to the ground and crossed his legs, waiting for her to join him.

She burst out laughing, which he loved. From his low point of view, he could admire her slender body, lovely chin, and the way her dark curls brushed against her cheeks. So beautiful. So kind. He was lucky to have met her. He was lucky she’d found him.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh.” Her shoulders shook with laughter.

“By all means, you should. You look even more lovely when you laugh.” His comment sobered her in a moment. Oh, right. Gentlemen didn’t compliment ladies. How silly.

“I mean, can we sit inside on a sofa or chairs? It’s chilly for me here and I don’t want to soil my clothes with dry leaves and mud.” She smoothed her mauve skirt. “This is one of my best dresses, and my maid works hard to keep it spotless.”

“Fair enough.” He sprang up to his feet, miscalculating the distance between them.

Or maybe he did it on purpose without realising it. He ended up an inch from her. So close her breasts pressed against his chest. She didn’t step away, though. He drew in a breath that brought her lavender scent to him.

“I want to kiss you again.” He suppressed the urge to caress her bottom lip.

She flushed but didn’t move. “Where they can’t see us.”

He took her hand and led her behind the tall hedgerow he had so promptly disparaged a few days ago. But now he thanked Quentin and his bloody Continental taste.

She giggled when he pulled her closer to the shadows. The green plant blocked the view of the house. On the other side, the brick wall shielded them from the street. He would protect her from everything else.

She tilted her head up, her plush lips inviting. “I want to kiss you, too.”

He dipped his head and kissed her, closing his eyes and thanking every angel for granting him his wish.

She pressed her body against his, raising on her toes.

He coiled an arm around her waist and held her up, taking her weight.

Holding his breath, he parted his lips and tentatively ran the tip of his tongue over the seam of her lips.

A burst of pure happiness exploded within him when she opened her mouth and welcomed him inside.

The first time he’d kissed her, he hadn’t dared to deepen the kiss.

But now kissing her properly was a necessity.

He stroked her velvety tongue with his, hardly believing she let him do it.

She sagged against him and returned the caress with a timid stroke of her tongue.

No, he wasn’t numb anymore. Every inch of his body was ablaze with emotion, and it wasn’t only a matter of sexual arousal—although it was present, judging by the stirring in his breeches.

He was...happy to kiss and hold her in his arms. The world, with its crazy rules and uncomfortable clothes, made sense when she was with him.

He was bold enough to bring a hand up and brush his thumb against the underside of her breast. Even through the fabric of her coat, the soft shape of her breast was clear.

She drew in a sharp breath that made him pause.

Was he too bold? Loud voices from the house jolted her.

She withdrew. Yet the sensation of her closeness remained on his skin like a warm blanket.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“What for? You did nothing wrong.” Her cheeks were the colour of ripe strawberries. Even her lips were bright red from the kiss.

He wasn’t sure he hadn’t done anything wrong. He wanted to give her the best kiss she’d ever experienced. Instead, his kisses were likely clumsy and boring.

“Did you enjoy it?”

She touched his hand with a delicate, gloved finger. “Very much.” An emerald fire glowed in the depths of her gaze.

He wanted to kiss her again, unbutton her shirt, and kiss every inch of her skin. But even if he wasn’t a proper gentleman, he knew better. They needed time.

“Let’s go inside.” He offered her his arm and felt a foot taller when she took it.

They walked to the house in silence. He found out people needed to fill every moment with chatter or noise. He was happy to listen to her breathing and the soft sound of her footsteps.

The maid gasped and almost dropped a carafe of water when he entered. He didn’t care about her reaction. Maddie didn’t gasp when she saw him and even accepted his arm. He could face the whole ton without flinching when she was at his side.

They sat down in the parlour at the same time.

She narrowed her eyes at him briefly. Oh, right.

Ladies first, gentlemen after. It was amazing how rules and behaviours that had been second nature for him could be forgotten.

Perhaps because they didn’t matter that much, especially on an island where the monkeys’ idea of good manners was throwing fruit stones at him.

Maddie shifted on the chair and grimaced at the awful painting.

He should be a proper host. “Would you like a cup of tea?” He went to stand up, but she waved him down.

“I’m fine, thank you.” She paused, fiddling with her reticule.

“What did you want to talk about?”

“Ernest, Mr. Merriweather, visited me and told me about claiming the title of Duke of Blackburn.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Do you want to be the duke?”

The muscles in his neck tensed. “Why did he visit you?”

“Because he’s my future brother-in-law and believes you might need help to find a champion.”

“Help? A champion? I don’t understand.”

She sighed and tugged at her gloves. “May I be honest?”

“I want nothing but honesty, especially from you.”

“Ernest asked me to help you get acquainted again with the rules of society and etiquette, to help you relearn how to behave so you cannot be prevented from regaining the title.” She lowered her gaze.

“You’ll need a medical certificate attesting to your good health, especially, er, your mental health, and a lord ready to champion your cause with the queen. It’s quite a lot.”

“I see.” He gripped the armrests, a constricting sensation tightening his chest.

He’d barely returned from eight years of constant fighting for survival, and people already wanted to drop something as complicated as a dukedom on his shoulders. But it was Robert’s last wish that he takes up the title...a voice whispered in his head. Could he ignore that?

“Personally, I don’t think you need to change anything about you.” She raised her gaze again.

What had he said about the constricting sensation? Well, it was gone, thanks to her trust in him.

He released his grip on the armrest. “I’m not sure I want to be a duke. I don’t think I’ll be a good one.”

“I guessed that would be your disposition, but Ernest strongly believes you’ll be a great duke. So do I.”

He whipped his head up. “You think I’ll be a good duke?”

She nodded with energy. “I don’t have any doubts.

Besides, Ernest hinted at something that might persuade you to change your mind when it comes to pursuing the title.

” She glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece.

“That’s why he should be waiting for us.

He said he wanted to show something, to take you somewhere. ”

Hell. Everything was happening too quickly. “Where?”

“I’m not sure.” She regarded him again. “But you’ll need shoes and a jacket. It’s cold, and it’s probably going to rain.”

“Do you think I should go?” He hated burdening her with his problems, but she knew London’s society better than he did, and he trusted her opinion.

“I do. He didn’t tell me everything about why he wants you to take the title.” She let out a quick chuckle. “To be honest, I’m curious. He was rather mysterious. But aside from that, I think you should consider what he has to say.”

“Are you coming as well?”

“If you wish so.”

Oh, yes. He nodded. “Then I’ll put some shoes on.”