Page 31 of Courting the Duke (Reimagined Regency #2)

Serena walked along the familiar path, a soft breeze heralding in the early morning.

She wished her heart were as bright as the sunshine touching her shoulders.

Birds chirped in the trees, and the smell of roses drifted in the air.

Still, her mind remained troubled. The night had started out so promisingly, and then it all fell apart.

A huge black raven eyed her from its perch on a tree branch, its left wing hanging at an odd angle. It stayed in place, and she guessed he was one of Hoxton’s birds. Given his love of the creatures, she’d have to get used to being around them.

The bird squawked and fluttered its wings, looking past her shoulder. She turned to see Hoxton coming down the path, the wind blowing his hair beneath his beaver hat.

Images of the night before raced across her mind’s eye, her blood firing at the sight of him.

She fought the flush that warmed her cheeks at the memory of the delightful things he’d done to her.

Until his disastrous exit from her room cut into her pride.

“Good morning,” she said, trying her best to pretend like she was calm and collected when her stomach was tied in knots.

With several long strides, he was by her side, all long limbs and broad shoulders. “I see you have met Craven.”

“Craven the raven?” She stared at the bird to avoid looking at Hoxton. Cowardly, yes, but the host of emotions rioting through her added to her discomfort. “Did he break his wing?”

“The twins name all the birds, and yes, he can no longer fly more than a few feet at a time. But he doesn’t let that stop him.

” Hoxton approached the tree and held out his arm.

The bird hopped onto his forearm. With gentle fingers, he stroked the bird, rather like he’d stroked her skin.

“As you can see, he’s an escape artist and isn’t too keen on being held in captivity. ”

“I understand.” For all intents, she’d been held hostage at her aunt and uncle’s home, unable to escape her fate.

“I should take him back to the sanctuary. Would you like to see it?” The bashfulness in his smile was endearing.

“I would.” Serena tucked her hand into the crook of his other arm, her own shyness coming to the fore.

Last night had ended awkwardly, and she hoped they—well, she—could get past it.

He said he desired her, and he’d introduced her to a world she couldn’t have imagined.

When people spoke of marital relations, no one was clear or explicit. “When did you rescue Craven?”

“Last month. He was found hiding under one of the farmer’s wagons.” Hoxton led her down a path she hadn’t been on before. The ever-present butterflies moved from bush to bush, the distant fields a vibrant green from all the rains.

“When did you first become enamored with birds?” Serena realized as they walked down another path that she had never asked him that question. He hadn’t told Roxanne, for that matter.

Hoxton’s forearm flexed, and for a long moment, she thought he might not answer. Odd, since he loved birds by his own admission. “When I returned from the continent.”

The events of last night had stayed in the forefront of her mind. He’d said he had a bad dream, and in the cellar, he’d felt trapped, all because of his experiences in the war. Her heart went out to him while she waited for him to say more.

“My uncle was a bird enthusiast, and we often went out birdwatching together. After a few months, I learned to identify them just by the sound of their chirps.” He folded his arm in, bringing Craven close. “Or in his case, a very unpleasant caw.”

Craven stared at Hoxton with those glittering black eyes, as if to admonish him for the slight.

“I think you insulted him.” She smiled at Hoxton’s quip, aware that he’d once again placed himself on her damaged side.

“Probably. Ravens are known for their intelligence, although they are often considered a sign of evil.” Hoxton steered them toward one of the large greenhouses that he had converted into the bird sanctuary. “Craven is very agreeable.”

“He is a handsome bird.” Serena kept pace with him, glad that some of the awkwardness had dissipated. While she still wanted to question him further about his nightmare, she was afraid to disrupt the developing tranquility. “And not nearly as vain as Rapscallion.”

“Rapscallion is indeed an original. He was my uncle’s favorite.

The other birds are all rescues.” Hoxton opened the door to the sanctuary, releasing the sounds of many birds.

He allowed her to pass, and she stepped inside.

The floor was made of brick, and tall potted trees throughout the large space provided roosts for the menagerie of birds he’d acquired.

Her gaze immediately went to the ceiling, where a tiny yellow bird flew from branch to branch. Hoxton placed Craven on one of the many sturdy perches in the room. “How many birds are in here?” she asked.

Hoxton tipped his head back and scrunched his brow before replying, “Thirty-six at last count. However, we have two eggs that were rescued from a hawk’s nest.”

“I hope they survive.”

“It will be up to nature to determine.” With a tight smile, he said, “Apparently, Mulligan, the sanctuary’s keeper, also rescued an owl with an injured wing last night. We have a hospital in the back room where he treats the injured.”

“Won’t it be dangerous to have an owl with the other birds?” She walked deeper into the room, her gaze drifting over the trees as she tried to see more birds.

“Not if the owl is adequately fed.” Hoxton pointed to a door in the back of the room. “I would offer to show you the owl, but I don’t want to frighten the bird by introducing him to too many people.”

“That is understandable.” Serena continued to explore the room, her eye caught by a brilliant red parrot. She pointed to it, unable to stop staring. “What a beautiful bird.”

“She is very pretty, but not friendly.” Hoxton followed her, his presence adding to her enjoyment. “I found her in a shop window in Cheapside. She was near death’s door. The shop owner thought to use her to draw more traffic into his establishment, but he neglected to feed or water her.”

“It was fortunate that you were there to rescue her.” Rather like he rescued Serena.

She continued to watch the parrot, who watched her in return.

The bird had been exploited because of her looks, rather like Roxanne.

She would have to write to Roxanne and invite her for a visit. That was if her aunt would allow it.

“I do what I can and—” Hoxton rested his hand on her shoulder and pointed to a flicker of movement by a hanging pot. “Look, the hummingbirds are feeding.”

The hardness of his frame pressing into her back emboldened her, and she leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders as they watched the blue-tinted bird hover in place, its wings beating faster than the eye could see. Another hummingbird joined the first. “What a delightful display.”

“Yes, very delightful.” Hoxton slid his mouth along her jaw while turning her around until her breasts were pressed tight against his hard chest. Seeking lips claimed hers, passion sparking between them.

Serena slid her palms up his lapels, welcoming his seduction.

While deep down she was still upset with his abrupt departure, she didn’t wish to dwell on it.

Living in the past wouldn’t serve any purpose, and he had been very direct when he said that he desired her.

For any marriage, that was a plus. Stronger emotions didn’t need to play a part in passion.

He teased his mouth along her bottom lip, pulling it between his teeth. Large hands splayed her bottom, enhancing her growing need.

She looped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes. One touch from him and she was lost. Eagerness eclipsed any concerns she had about the wisdom of giving her heart to him. She welcomed his kisses, her tongue gliding along his, her nipples tight buds of sensation.

A high-pitched squawk followed a loud caw. Several birds shot from their perches. Hoxton lifted his head, his eyes glazed from suppressed desire. More mayhem ensued as Craven and the red parrot had a disagreement.

“Beg pardon, Serena. I must separate them before there’s trouble.” He disengaged her arms from around his neck and hurried over to where the birds were squabbling.

Her body in a heightened state, Serena narrowed her eyes at Craven and the parrot who continued to squawk at each other.

Hoxton separated them, but not before the parrot nipped at his finger, drawing blood. With a ruffling of her feathers, she took flight and landed on a high perch near the ceiling.

“Oh my.” Hurrying over, Serena took out her handkerchief and pressed the linen to his wound. “You are hurt.”

“She caught the tip of my finger.” Hoxton gave her a sheepish smile. “I daresay I shall survive.”

“I pray that is the case.” Serena shook her head at his teasing.

The door at the end of the room opened, and a tall, muscled man stepped out. “I heard yelling. Are those two at it again?”

“I am afraid so.” Hoxton took the soiled linen off his finger and inspected the small cut.

Serena smiled at the newcomer. “You must be Mulligan.”

“Mulligan, my wife, Lady Serena.” Hoxton made the introductions.

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.” Mulligan offered her a friendly smile. A head taller than Hoxton and at least ten years his senior, he cut an impressive figure.

“Please take Craven to the other building until we can get this sorted out,” Hoxton said.

“I will, Captain.” Mulligan nodded, his gaze shifting from Serena to Hoxton.

“We will leave you to it,” Hoxton replied.

Serena settled her palm on his extended arm, and they left the building, Mulligan closing the door behind them.

“He called you ‘Captain.’ Did he serve under your command?” If so, Mulligan wasn’t the only soldier he’d employed.

He stiffened at her question, guiding her back down the same path they’d used earlier.

She waited for his response. He seemed reluctant to share anything related to his past. Perhaps she shouldn’t pursue the subject, but she was curious to find out everything she could about him.

From his long silence, that wasn’t going to happen.

While she understood his reasons for not wishing to sleep in the same bed because of his dreams, she hoped that would change one day.