Page 20 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Nineteen

G race buried her head in her hands. She and Dane never had the opportunity to discuss what was happening between them. His siblings insisted that they were in the room whenever she and Dane were together.

Grace rose slowly from her desk, her gaze drifting to the small garden outside her window. It had become a tangle of overgrowth in her absence, the once-pristine beds now choked with weeds and wildflowers that had taken advantage of her neglect. The sight tugged at her heart—a reflection of the chaos she had returned to, both in her garden and her life. Her hands itched to reclaim order, to find some semblance of control amidst the turmoil.

Honor and Trafford had accompanied her and Dane back to London. Throughout the journey, Dane had been beside her, trying to convince her to move into Ardeerton House when they returned. Honor had sided with Grace. Grace had declined Honoria’s and Pippa’s generous offers of her moving in with one of them. It was out of the question that she should ask Stewart and Hope for their assistance with anything. Dane had agreed with her. Thinking of such a prospect twisted her stomach with dread. The thought of appeasing them was almost unbearable, especially when they looked upon her with complete disdain.

“Ma'am, I've unpacked your bags, and I'm off to the market now.”

“Thank you, Theo. Take your time,” Grace answered. “I have correspondence to answer.”

Theo nodded, a look of mirth flickering across his face before he quietly exited her study. Grace sank back into her chair, the familiar scent of aged leather and ink doing little to soothe the storm within her. She reached for a piece of parchment, its crisp edge biting into her fingertips, and selected her favorite quill from the inkstand, a gift from her father, its shine only enhanced with age. She needed to write to Marbury and ask to meet to discuss what had happened. She would use all of her charm to soothe his concerns while minimizing any damage to reputations.

Dane was correct that it wouldn’t do much harm to his reputation, but hers was another concern. She still had other clients to contend with. She also planned to confront the earl about Athena subtly. Poor Athena, sweet and innocent, was caught in Marbury’s conflict with Dane, which wasn’t an argument at all. Couldn’t Marbury see that Athena was in love with him? Everyone else could see it. Perhaps Marbury was too blind or too stubborn to acknowledge the truth?

Grace’s thoughts churned with frustration. She had always been attuned to the subtle dance of courtship, the unspoken words and glances exchanged between a man and a woman. But Marbury seemed oblivious, stuck in his own world of pride and fear. He thought he didn’t want Athena, yet he couldn’t bear the idea of anyone else being with her. Ironically, his close relationship with Athena reminded Grace of Dane and her courtship.

Perhaps Marbury needed to understand her long past with Dane. That might be the nudge he needed to envision a future with Athena. The sooner he recognized his feelings for her, the better it would be for everyone involved.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts before Grace could put quill to parchment to ask to call on Marbury.

“My lady?” A young woman in a lady’s maid uniform and a man in a simple livery stood at the entrance of her study. “Mr. Tinniswood said that it was all right if we came in here and introduced ourselves.”

Grace’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline, or at least, it felt as if they did. It was highly unusual for Theo to allow visitors to waltz right into her home without announcing them first. Slowly, she stood. “How can I help you?”

The young woman was attractive, with dark brown hair and matching eyes that seemed to fill her face. The man beside her was strikingly handsome, tall, and possessed blond hair a shade darker than Dane’s.

“My lady, I’m John Powers.” He gazed at the petite woman beside him with an affectionate gaze. “This is Mabel Simmons.” He turned to Grace and smiled. “We’re your new staff. I’m your footman, and Mabel is?—”

Mabel bounced on her toes. “I’m your new lady’s maid. My aunt, Alice Roberts, is Lady Ravenscroft’s lady’s maid. She thought I’d make an excellent lady’s maid for you.” A delightful pink blush colored her cheeks.

“There must be some mistake.” Their enthusiasm was infectious, as she could attest by her own smile. But she had to nip this mistake in the bud. Not only did she not hire any new staff, but she couldn’t afford them. She could barely afford Theo.

“No mistake and no worries, my lady. You must want to know more about us. We’re from Lavenham. We grew up next to one another.” John smiled as if the sun rose and set on Mabel’s shoulders. He clasped his hands behind his back. “If it’s all right with you, Mabel and I will settle first, then get to work. I’m also acting as your new coachman. Mr. Tinniswood said the old carriage needed to be moved before the new one arrived.”

Mabel nodded her head enthusiastically. “Indeed. I have quite a bit to organize myself.” She tilted her head toward Grace. “Shall I unpack your new gowns in here so you can see them, or shall I take them to your bedroom?” She closed her eyes and sighed. “Lady Ravenscroft truly outdid herself. I’ve never seen such beautiful gowns. Each one is like a piece of artwork. And Lady Honoria, I mean Lady Trafford, has exquisite taste in shoes and reticules. She picked those items out for each gown.”

“Sorry, I’m late. The crowd at the market was double in size from yesterday.” A middle-aged woman with white hair and a kind smile entered the room. “Did you introduce me?”

“No, ma’am,” Mabel said.

The older woman nodded once, then stepped forward. “My lady, I’m Ese Fournier. I’m your new cook. My grandfather served in the French court years ago.” She cleared her throat. “I learned everything I know from him.” She held up her hand to stop Grace from saying a word. “No need to fret about my needs. I’ve brought my pots and saucepans. Your kitchen will be sufficient.”

John nodded once in agreement. “Now, ma’am, your new carriage will arrive in the afternoon.” He rocked back on his heels. “If Mr. Tinniswood agrees, I’d be honored to take you on your first ride. After all, his sole responsibility is now serving as your butler.”

Grace’s head spun with the overwhelming influx of new staff, dresses, accompaniments, carriages, and who knew what else. “I didn’t order any carriages or new gowns. While I’m certain”—Grace put her hand to her forehead to fend off the sudden throbbing in her head—“you all are wonderful. I can’t afford any new staff. There must be some mistake.”

The trio who stood in her room frowned at the same time.

“But, my lady, there’s been no mistake,” Mabel said softly. “The Duke of Pelham is the one who arranged for us to work for you.”

John placed his hand on Mabel’s shoulder and patted her gently. “There, there, my girl. You’ll still be a fancy lady’s maid to a duchess. Lady Grace must not have heard from His Grace yet and what his plans are.”

Mrs. Fournier chuckled. “He’s a generous man. You are a lucky lady to have captured His Grace’s eye.”

“I must correct you, Mrs. Fournier. I am the lucky one because this delightful creature has agreed to marry me.” As the three servants dipped curtseys and bows, Dane marched up to Grace and brought her hand to his lips. “Darling, I couldn’t wait to see you.”

Grace shook her head slightly. It was incredulous that Dane was here with all these people. To ensure that she wasn’t dreaming, Grace pinched herself and flinched.

Indeed, this was actually happening.

“Mrs. Fournier, would you be a dear and prepare Lady Grace and me a pot of tea.”

The cook beamed when Dane’s face transformed into a beguiling smile. “Of course, Your Grace. I was just on my way to do that very thing.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Mabel and John. “Would you fetch the rest of the packages out of the carriage and take them upstairs? The new carriage has arrived, and I’d like to escort Lady Grace to see it and get her thoughts.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” John nodded once and escorted Mabel from the room.

When they were alone, Grace pirouetted on the ball of her foot and faced Dane. “What have you done?”

“I’m making your life easier.” He took her in his arms and brought her near. “Which makes my life easier.”

She whipped a hand toward the door. “How does hiring three servants, which we never discussed, make your life easier?” She lowered her voice and glanced toward the door. “I can’t afford them.”

“Darling, I should have discussed it with you first, but I knew that you would refuse. So?—”

“So, you went ahead and hired them to work for me?” She cleared her throat after she realized her voice trembled. It was no wonder as a riot of emotions threatened to overtake her. She was ecstatic for the servants, the dresses, the shoes, and the carriage, even if she couldn’t accept them. But why couldn’t she? Good heavens, having someone share her burdens would be so easy. Dane could be that person. Perhaps she was too hasty in not agreeing to marry him. It might be selfish on her part, but she was tired, so very tired of worrying over every single shilling.

What if she married him, and things changed? She swallowed the doubt that bubbled from nowhere. She had to be logical. She had never heard rumors that the Duke of Pelham didn’t pay his bills or was late in payment. For heaven’s sake, he was the original millionaire of Mayfair.

But she’d never heard rumors about her father either.

Suddenly, all her emotions collided, and a pitiful sob wrenched free. God help her but she didn’t want Dane to be like her father.

“Darling?” Dane took her into his arms and pulled her close. “Why are you crying?”

Burning hot tears rolled down her cheeks. As soon as she wiped one away, then two others reappeared. “I don’t quite understand it myself.”

She buried her head against his strong chest. He took her hand and placed it over his heart, where it pounded a strong, sure, and soothing rhythm.

“Do you feel that?” he murmured.

She sniffed as she barely nodded.

He led her to one of the sofas and brought her onto his lap, where he pressed his lips against her temple. “Every beat is yours, Grace. Ever since I first met you when you were a little girl, missing your front teeth, my heart knew.” He pressed a kiss to one cheek, then the other. “My heart has always been and will forever be yours.” In a reverent kiss, he pressed his mouth to hers.

She whimpered at the soft touch, but he withdrew and studied her. “What has made you so unhappy?”

What was the matter with her? She truly believed Dane was a good man. She had to cast her doubts aside. But then Marbury popped into her thoughts. Now was the time to tell him the truth about the earl. “I think I’m overwhelmed.”

“Overwhelmed?” Dane hummed softly.

She pushed back and cupped his cheeks. “I’ve felt so alone for so long, and you’ve changed everything. No one but my parents and you have treated me like someone to cherish.” She hiccupped as she thought of her ill-advised agreement.

“Oh, my darling Grace,” he crooned softly. “You are my beloved. You are the treasure I value most in the world, and I’m thankful for you every day.” He pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Once you marry me, you will never be alone again.” He tipped her chin until their gazes met. With an affectionate smile, he kissed her tears away. “I’m sorry if I’ve inundated you and your household with all this. But know this, Grace, you deserve everything.”

Being held by him was a comfort she hadn’t realized she needed. “You didn’t overwhelm me. I’m trying to understand how much my life has changed in the past week. I need to get my business in order,” she blurted out.

“Tell me what business?” He scowled slightly. “The Governess?”

She nodded.

“All right, darling.” He played with her fingers, then pressed a kiss to her palm. At the gesture, her heart practically broke through her ribs to reach him. “Know this, sweetheart. I’ve waited so long to have you. As your husband, I plan on spoiling you every chance I get.”

“But you’re already spoiling me.” She played with the buttons on his gold brocade waistcoat. “And we’re not even married. The servants and the clothes.” She let out a tremulous sigh as she wrestled her emotions into some order. But it was a useless endeavor when his scent wrapped around her and confounded everything.

“Well, the servants all come from Ardeerton House.” He leaned close and lowered his voice. “I’ll tell you a little secret. Ritson almost had a mutiny at the house. The entire staff wanted to come work here and were quite displeased when they heard that Mabel, John, and Mrs. Fournier had been chosen.”

“Why?”

He took her hand and entwined their fingers. “Because you will be my duchess. My staff wants to please you as well as me. When you move in with me, they will be assigned to you. I already discussed it with Mr. Tinniswood. Consider it an engagement gift. There’s nothing scandalous about that.”

She didn’t have a retort. He was being earnest.

“Grace,” he whispered. “I want to give you the world.”

She straightened to her full height. “But I won’t make Ardeerton House my residence?—”

His familiar lopsided grin appeared. “You don’t want to move in with me until you're married. And you must discuss Marbury’s abhorrent behavior with him.”

“Dane.” She placed her hand on his chest, trying to anchor her resolve. “I have to tell you something.”

He winged an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Marbury,” she whispered, trying to gather every speck of courage she possessed.

“He isn’t worth your worry,” he huffed. “The man didn’t have the common sense or courtesy to wait to understand precisely what was happening at the Jolly Rooster. His loose lips allowed your brother-in-law, who was at his Amesbury estate, to hear about my illness when he was in the village, no doubt looking for gossip,” he spat. “Furthermore, I have every right to my opinion since Marbury is upsetting the woman I adore. Not another word about the earl.”

“But—”

“He’s in the past and no part of our future. Now, I have something to tell you. I bought the townhouse next door and have moved in there temporarily.”

“What?” she cried softly.

He nodded. “A man has to do whatever is required to be close to the love of his life.” He shrugged. “This was the best for both of us. If you refuse to move in with me, then I will do the next best thing and move in next door.” He pressed his nose against hers, then lowered his voice. “I can’t spend another day, night, or even an hour away from you, so I’ve decided to live next door. I’ll be as close to you as possible. Once we’re married, I’m never leaving your side. Society matrons can’t fault either of us for living next to each other.”

Grace laughed and pulled him into a hug. “Of course, they will. The original millionaire of Mayfair has decided to move out of his palatial home and is now on the outskirts just to be close to?—”

“The love of his life? His fiancée?” Dane arched a perfect eyebrow. “They will all understand. I have faith in them. Now, let's stretch our legs and go have a look at your new carriage.”

Grace slid off his lap and stood. Overwhelming was putting it mildly. She felt like a fairy princess in her very own story. When Dane held out his hand, she wrapped hers around his.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly.

“I wanted to, Grace.” His voice deepened in excitement. “Wait until I show it to you. It’s a beautifully lacquered bird’s eye maple with black trim. The benches and curtains are an ivory velvet.”

“It sounds exquisite,” she said breathlessly.

“Just like you,” he crooned, then pressed his lips to hers. “Come.” He tugged her to follow him. In minutes, they were in the alley behind her townhouse, where a small mews stood guard over two carriages. Her old one and then a carriage that could only be called a masterpiece.

“Oh, my goodness.” Grace let go of his hand and rushed to get a closer look at the carriage. The side panels gleamed from the high polish of the wood. The glimmer reminded her of diamonds. She ran her hand down the panel in awe. She’d never seen a carriage so exquisite in her life.

Dane rocked back on his heels as he watched her. “Will it suit you?”

“Suit me?” Slowly, she turned around with a smile that she couldn’t contain. “It’s like a fairytale carriage the handsome prince uses to fetch his princess.” She tilted her head and smiled slyly his way.

Dane came to her side. “Perhaps instead of a handsome prince, he’s a devastatingly handsome duke.”

“Who said dukes were handsome?” She bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“Minx,” he growled as he twisted the handle and opened the door. “It’s time you were taught a lesson.”

“Hmm,” she hummed playfully. “That sounds dangerous.”

“You’ll like it.” He took her hand in his for support as she climbed the stairs.

When Grace sat down, the smell of new fabric and polished wood greeted her. She inhaled deeply. By then, Dane had taken the seat across from her.

“I’ve never sat in a new carriage or even smelled one.”

He widened his legs and rested his hands beside her hips. He leaned forward, encasing her. He inhaled sharply. “The only thing I smell is you. Time for your lessons.”

“Dane,” she whispered as she leaned forward, closing the distance between them. He was her Dane of old, and she wanted to bask in his lightness and warmth—at least for now. “What are you going to teach me?”

“This.” He pressed his lips to hers as he wrapped her in his embrace.

What began as an innocent and chaste kiss shared between two lovers smoldered until it burst into an undeniable desire between them. She moaned her approval as he deepened the kiss. His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, and instantly, she parted them. She wrapped her arms around his neck as their kiss became the only thing she could concentrate on. His hands gripped her waist and then slowly traveled the length of her ribcage. She arched her back when one of his hands cupped her breast. When he pulled her close, his hard length pressed against her stomach.

She ran her hand over his hardened cock. She was rewarded for her boldness as it throbbed and thickened in her hand. She slid from his embrace until she was kneeling on the floor. Never taking her eyes from his, she reached and started to unbutton the falls of his breeches.

He placed a hand over hers. “What are you doing?”

“Teaching you a lesson. I think you deserve one as well.”

He leaned back against the bench and widened his legs even more. “I’ve been very naughty. I may need several lessons.”

“I agree. You’ve been downright…” She sighed. “Incorrigible, I’d say. And since I am the Governess. I take my duties very seriously.” She released another button, then rubbed her hand against his length. The feel of this viral man’s evident desire for her made her breath catch.

“That’s another thing I’m guilty of.” He cupped her neck with his hand as a half-smile tugged at his lips. “I have unpure thoughts about my governess.”

By then, she had unbuttoned his falls and had pulled his shirt away from his body. She was rewarded when his thick cock sprang forward. The tip glistened with his arousal, and she licked her lips in anticipation.

Then she froze. What was she doing? She had no idea how to please him.

“This is my fantasy come true.” His smile instantly faded. “What is it?”

Though her cheeks heated, she forced herself to hold his gaze. “I’ve never done this before. I’ve only ever read about it.”

His pupils had grown in size until the blue of his irises had practically disappeared. “You’ve read about doing this?” His voice broke on the last word.

She bit her lip and nodded. “I’ve fantasized about you and how you enjoyed it.”

He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. But his intense stare never strayed from hers. “Did you become aroused?”

Her lower abdomen clenched as everything within her tingled. “Yes.”

“Did you touch yourself as you thought of me?”

“Yes.”

He cleared his throat. “That proves that there’s no wrong way to do this. If you touch me, I’ll enjoy it. Just looking at you on your knees before me is enough to make me come.”

Never looking away, she grabbed his cock with one hand and lowered her mouth until she pressed a kiss to the crown. His unique smell of musk and evergreen rose to greet her. He groaned as she licked his tip, then ran her tongue up and down his length.

“Give me grace ,” he murmured as he closed his eyes.

She was giving him grace . She was giving all of herself to him as she lowered her mouth and tried to swallow his girth. Her eyes watered as she gagged slightly. But she was determined to please him.

He cupped her cheeks. “You don’t have to take me deep. It’s something we can work on together. The crown is sensitive.”

She nodded, then took him in her mouth again and sucked. His hips flexed toward her, an obvious sign that he enjoyed her efforts. She repeated it, but this time she sucked harder and was rewarded with more of his taste. She pumped his length with her hand at the same time she sucked.

“Grace, for the love of heaven,” he murmured as he rocked his hips and gripped her tighter.

She took his ballocks in her free hand and squeezed slightly. By then, his hips were in constant motion. She could feel his length swelling in her mouth.

She let go for a moment when he tried to pull her up. “I want this. Give it to me,” she demanded.

Without another word, he nodded, then held her head tightly as he moved his length in and out of her mouth. “Grace.”

It was the only warning she had before his hot seed erupted in her mouth. She swallowed every bit and didn’t move as he orgasmed. He chanted her name over and over like a benediction before collapsing on the bench opposite her. Without a second thought, she licked his length, then kissed the crown.

“Come here, Governess.” He pulled her from her knees and sat her on his lap. He kissed her with the fervor of a man well-pleased. “You certainly taught me a lesson. One I’ll never forget.”

She sighed in pleasure, then tilted her gaze to his. “Did you enjoy it?”

“What do you think?” He pressed a kiss against the tender skin in the hollow of her neck. “Just between you and me, you should teach me that one repeatedly.” He took her in another kiss.

When they broke apart this time, she nestled her head under his chin. “I like the way we christened this carriage.”

“I’ll have to get you another so we can do this again.”

She waved a hand in dismissal. “No need. I’ve taken quite a fancy to this one.”

“I’ve taken a fancy to you.” He pressed a kiss to her nose, then put himself to rights. “Now, I shall teach you a lesson.” He laid her across the bench seat. “I’ve been dying to taste you all day.”

Just as he lifted her dress, a voice rang out. She cringed and closed her eyes. For the love of all dukes everywhere, they were about to be caught in a state of undress. At least she was, since Dane had already dressed.

“Your Grace?”

“Darling, whoever it is wouldn’t dare disturb me,” Dane whispered.

“Your Grace? Mrs. Fournier asked me to tell you that dinner is in half an hour and will be served in the courtyard.”

Dane’s mischievous smile flashed in her direction before he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Dane,” she hissed quietly. “John will think that we’ve done something wicked in here.”

“Nonsense. You said we’re just christening your carriage, and then you taught me a lesson,” he whispered, winking. “Everyone does it, especially a fine pupil like me with his beautiful governess.” He sat up and looked out the window. “Thank you, John.”

“My pleasure, Your Grace,” John called out. “Oh, if you see Lady Grace, will you tell her that Mabel is ready to assist her in dressing for dinner? She’s picked out several gowns for Lady Grace’s perusal.”

“It would be my pleasure to inform her. Thank you, John.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Is he gone?” Grace bit her lip, praying that she wouldn’t have to face the footman. Otherwise, her cheeks would burn for the rest of the night if she had to face him.

“Yes.” Dane chuckled, then rested his forehead against hers. “Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until after I feed you for me to teach you a lesson.” His mouth tugged into a mischievous grin. “Unless you really want to be naughty.”