Page 23 of Hot Duke Summer

J ames walked across the meadow to the copse and its hidden pool just as the distant church bells chimed the eight o’clock hour. He was looking forward to his swim, hopefully this time without wrenching his leg and tumbling headlong into the water.

Verity had promised to leave her list for him.

Instead, he was pleasantly surprised to find her waiting for him beside the pool. There was just something about her big eyes and earnest regard that made him smile. This was quite something, because he had not smiled in a very long time. “Good morning, little mermaid. Did you have your morning swim?”

She nodded. “Yes, Your Grace.”

He felt a swell of pleasure, for this meant she had purposely remained to see him. Her luscious mane, still wet from the recent swim, was tied back in a simple bow at her nape. But this simplicity accentuated her beautiful features.

She handed over a parchment that contained her instructions all neatly set out in columns of dos and don’ts. “I refined the list last night. I thought it would be helpful to clearly outline the things you must do to heal your leg and those you must avoid. The water’s lovely, by the way. You’ll find it most refreshing.”

“Thank you for this.” He gave the parchment a quick perusal before carefully rolling it up and putting it in the pouch he had brought along with him. “Verity, this formality between us is unnecessary. I would like you to call me James whenever we are not in company.”

“Is that really your name?”

“Yes, my given name is James. Pennington is the family name. I go by Ashford because it is my title, although my friends simply call me Ash.”

She pursed her lips. “Then why ask me to call you James if no one else does? I don’t think it is a good idea.”

He was going to kiss her if she kept up that alluring pucker. “Because you are not like anyone else. You are as unique as the circumstances of our first meeting, that’s all I meant. My point is, you and I share a secret bond.”

She gave a groaning laugh. “We share a secret , that’s for certain. A ruinous one that I hope will never be found out.”

“I think we shared more than our bodies in that moment.”

“Dear heaven,” she muttered.

“We shared a deep understanding of each other,” he insisted. “Perhaps it is only in my mind, but there is a connection between us. Do you not feel it, Verity?”

“I’m not sure.”

“As for me, it feels right that I should allow you to call me by a name that I have not allowed anyone else to use. I hope this makes sense to you. Or am I merely rambling?”

“It makes sense, I suppose. But I am not sure it is wise. I am honored, although I do not understand why you feel this deep connection to me. What makes me so special? You must have seen naked ladies before.” She spoke the word “naked” in a whisper, that shyness making him like her all the more.

“Your body is delightful, but this is not really why I find you special. How can I explain this when I am still struggling to understand the reason myself? There is something genuine about you. Compassionate. Honest and trustworthy. You haven’t asked anything of me or tried to manipulate me into giving you anything.”

Her eyes rounded. “I never would!”

“Yes, this is exactly what I mean. You are the one who has been generous and considerate to me. So, it is settled. You are to call me James.”

She sighed. “Very well. I still think it is a big mistake.”

“It isn’t.” He glanced at the pouch where he had neatly stowed the paper she had given him. “Well, I now have your list and I am about to take my swim. But there is one other matter of business for us to discuss. You still owe me a kiss from yesterday’s wager.”

He noticed her smile falter and hurried to finish his thought before she grew skittish and ran off. “What I mean is, I will understand if you are not ready to kiss me. Verity, would you rather we put it off?”

She let out a breath and nodded. “Yes, please. My stomach is already unsettled because of tonight’s concert.”

“Then so be it. I do not want to interfere with your important evening.” He sat on the fallen log because standing in one place too long always caused his leg to seize and begin to spasm.

To his delight, she sat beside him. “Thank you, that is most appreciated. I am a little scared about it.”

“About my kiss? I would be gentle, Verity.”

She emitted a trill of laughter. “I was talking about the concert.”

He chuckled. “My mistake.”

“But kissing you would also scare me,” she admitted. “It isn’t because you are a duke. Lips are lips. Some are nicer than others, I expect. Besides, my father is the village constable and I do not think even you would dare step out of line and earn his ire.”

“I will admit my heart stopped in that moment he introduced you as his daughter. It took me quite by surprise. I like him. He seems a good man, and certainly takes his responsibilities seriously. I see where you get your honorable qualities. But I suppose your mother is also a very decent person.”

“She is. Although raising five children has taken a bit of a toll on her. I help her out as much as I can now that I am back home. But—”

“Back? Were you away?” Sitting on the fallen log was not very comfortable for him, but he would sit here all day if Verity remained beside him. He liked her and wanted to learn as much as he could about her.

She nodded. “I was in London for almost a year studying music with one of the masters at the Royal Conservatory. Women are not permitted to take classes at the conservatory, so I was never a student there. I resided with a cousin of my father’s, a solicitor of some renown in London. I gave his children music lessons, and in turn I took my own private lessons with the master.”

“That is quite impressive, Verity. How did he find you? What made him agree to take you on?”

“He passed through Moonstone Landing one summer, heard me play, and insisted my father allow me to train with him in London. I think I reminded him of his daughter who had passed away a few years earlier and would have been about my age had she survived. He told me she was quite talented, and hearing me play brought her back to life for him. Knowing this, each lesson was bittersweet for me. I worked so hard because I did not want to disappoint him. But I could see the sorrow in his eyes as well as the joy.”

“His daughter lived on through your music. That must have been quite a burden for you,” James said, for he had his own burdens and understood how such a thing could weigh on her heart. “When did you return to Moonstone Landing?”

“Several months ago. I had gone as far as I could with my lessons. What was the point when I would never be permitted a career? Anyway, I missed my family and wanted to come home. It was a fascinating experience that I do not regret, but it had run its course. At the same time, the master decided to return to his home and family in Florence. He was very kind to me and said I had helped him get past his grief. I was glad for him because I did not want him to suffer. It was a good point to end my musical dream.”

“I’m sorry it had to end for you.” He never understood Society’s strict rules that would prohibit a female from performing in the great concert halls of England or around the world. “With all your training, tonight’s concert should be simple for you.”

“I’m sure you are right. Still, I feel so on edge. I’ve played at plenty of parties and fancy affairs before. But I have never been the featured performer. Usually, I am merely incidental. A harpist hidden behind a few ferns or off in a corner plucking out a tune while everyone mingles with the other guests. They might enjoy the music, but I am never noticed.”

“But tonight, all eyes will be on you.”

She nodded. “More to the point, eyes that may not want to like me or ever admit I might be as talented as the finest London musicians. There are always a few detractors in any crowd, don’t you think?”

“Yes, but that is their failing, not yours. It sounds as though you are going to delight the rest of the audience. What is it you think you lack?”

“Experience, I suppose.” She cast him a heartwarming smile. “But it is mostly that I am shy by nature. However, I believe in myself and know that I am very good.”

“Then get up there and show yourself off,” he said with a jovial laugh. “Command that stage. I shall be there with a bouquet of roses in hand to celebrate your triumph. Is there a flower market nearby? I’ve only noticed the fish market.”

“Oh, you needn’t. Please don’t. It would only get tongues wagging, especially among the elite guests staying at the inn who will be in attendance. They are in your social circle. Flowers from you will only mean one thing.”

“That I hope to make you my mistress?” He gave an incredulous laugh. “I never would. I hope you know that.”

“I wasn’t certain. Thank you for assuring me.”

She sought to rise, but he held her back a moment. “Don’t leave yet, Verity. Give me a few more minutes of your time.”

She glanced around and then sat back down, wrapping her arms around her knees as she waited for him to speak. “All right. But I really cannot stay much longer.”

“I know.”

“Is there something else you wish to discuss, Your Grace?”

“James.”

“Yes, James. Do you wish to review the exercises? The foods I’ve suggested for you?”

“No. Just sit with me,” he said. “You may find this odd, but I feel at peace when I am with you. It is not something I have felt in years.”

She seemed pleased by the remark. “Does this mean your leg feels better?”

“No, Verity. I still feel the pain, although listening to you as you spoke of your time in London made it easier to ignore. As for our kiss—”

“I know I owe you one,” she said hastily, “but you agreed it would not be today.”

“Nor any other day, if you do not wish it. I will never force you, even though I won the bet. It was a silly thing and neither of us needs to take it seriously.”

She stared down at her hands that were still wrapped around her knees. “James, I would not mind that kiss. That isn’t what I meant.”

He did not know why the comment made him feel ridiculously elated.

Having kissed his share of women, adding another to the list should not have set his heart aflame. But it did. Not only did he wish to kiss Verity, he ached to kiss her. In fact, he did not think he would ever know peace in his life if he did not kiss her. “Well, you just let me know when you are ready and I will be happy to oblige.”

She looked up, her green eyes wide as she stared at him. “Will you make it something special for me? Not just any kiss and then done.”

Blessed saints.

“Of course, my pride will not allow me to give you anything less than my best.”

She smiled. “I was peeved yesterday when you were proved right. Those ladies flitted to you like so many happy moths to a flame. But I am glad I lost the bet. Your kiss shall be a fond memory to hold in my dreams. Chicks, I shall tell my grandchildren, have I told you about the handsome duke who kissed me? ”

Laughing softly, she rose and this time insisted she must leave. “Everyone on the Claymore staff must be up by now. I dare not risk one of them coming to look for you and finding me here. Don’t get up. I’ll see you tonight. And don’t forget to read what I have written down for you.”

He watched her run off.

She stayed on his mind as he swam lazily circles in this naturally formed pool. He thought about what Verity had told him, about her studies with a Royal Conservatory master. She had mentioned yesterday that three of her cousins had made matches with peers of the realm. Two dukes and an earl, to be precise.

This no longer surprised him.

Whatever was in the waters around Moonstone Landing ought to be bottled and sold as a miracle elixir.

Upon finishing his swim, he returned to the manor house, tried the recommended exercises, and then ate some of the dried fruits packed in the basket she had ordered for him. He also thought of her when applying the lavender oil and a warm, damp cloth to his scarred leg. Surprisingly, it did help ease the relentless pain.

Feeling invigorated, he went for a ride around the countryside. The riding paths took him past meadows dotted with vibrant red poppies, red stone cliffs, and spectacular views of the sea in all its vibrant colors. Varying shades of green swirled and clashed with deep blues, while white-crested waves broke upon the rocks along the shore.

Birds hovered over the water, and more of them nested in the many crags and niches in the cliffs. He rode his big gray along an isolated stretch of sandy beach and breathed in the salty air that surrounded him.

He noticed several elegant manor houses in the distance, and recalled what Daire had told him about this area. Several peers had settled here, finding a peace that had eluded them anywhere else in England.

They had found love, as well.

It was plain to see how deeply Daire loved his Brenna. No doubt this was the real reason Daire, that scoundrel, had urged James to recover here. It wasn’t about fixing a busted leg. It was about finding love for himself.

Rather than return to the manor, James rode to Moonstone Landing. He did not expect to see Verity, but hoped he might. Seemed he could not get enough of her company. He looked forward to spending an entire day with her tomorrow.

But today, he would be mostly on his own.

He had just left his horse in the care of the Kestrel Inn’s head groom, a chatty fellow by the name of Matchett, when he saw Verity’s father on the high street. “You look well today, Your Grace,” Malcolm Angel remarked, greeting him with a jovial smile.

“I do feel much better,” James replied. “The sea air is refreshing, and your quieter pace of life seems to agree with me. I thought I would take a walk around the charming village and better acquaint myself with it. How did it come by its name? What exactly is a moonstone and how is it significant to this village?”

“Can you walk down to the harbor with me?”

James nodded. “Yes, walking is not the problem as long as it is at a leisurely pace. Standing too long in one place is what usually sets off the pain.”

“I am sorry for that,” Constable Angel said with obvious sincerity. “Then if you do not mind walking with me, I shall tell you about our magical moonstones.”

They ambled down the street toward the harbor and its bustling fish market, although fish were not the only goods sold here today. “Farmers bring their crops to market, too,” Verity’s father said. “Wheat, corn, vegetables. Fruit freshly picked off the trees. Fish market is every day, but Wednesdays and Saturdays are the full market days. As for how the village got its name, that is a story in itself.”

“Since you’ve brought me down to the water, I assume the sea has something to do with it.”

“Aye, Your Grace. The moonstones lie beneath the water, quiet as any other stone. But on the night of a full moon, they come to life and shine for those who experience true love. It is quite a sight to see. Their glow transforms the water, turning it to shades of pinks and golds, silver and emerald. Rainbow colors. But this only happens if true love is present.”

“Have you ever seen them shine, Mr. Angel?”

“Oh, yes. So have many others, including your friend, the Duke of Claymore. Those moonstones are never wrong, either. If you kiss a lass under a full moon and those moonstones burst into brilliant light, then you know you have found your true love.”

“I see.”

The constable laughed. “You don’t believe me. Well, I only hope you will experience it for yourself someday.”

“It would be nice, but I shall not hold my breath waiting for it to happen. I only came here to allow my leg to heal.”

“Perhaps there is more of you that needs to heal than you realize.” The constable was quiet as they walked on toward the fort that loomed over the harbor. “Viscount Brennan is in command of Fort Arundel and the army hospital beside it. The viscount prefers to be addressed by his rank and not that title. So we call him Major Brennan. He is an army man and proud of it. The hospital is well run, and you’ll find several doctors there who might give your leg a proper look.”

“Your daughter has already chided me about it,” James admitted. “I’ve been examined by the top London doctors, but Verity was not impressed. She insisted I speak to one of your local men, a Dr. Hewitt.”

“Yes,” the constable said with a burst of laughter, “you ought to pay attention to what Verity says. Although I apologize on her behalf if she was too forward to suggest this. One will always get an honest opinion from her, whether or not one cares to hear it.”

“I always prefer honesty,” James agreed, giving a moment’s thought to her name. Verity Angel. Truthful Angel.

His angel of truth.

As they strolled back toward the inn, the constable stopped beside a memorial on the village green. “Let me show you this, Your Grace. It will help you understand why the people here are so special.”

James listened as Verity’s father related the tale of a sea captain who had died saving the village children from drowning when the boat they were on began to sink in a storm. “My nieces, Cara, Felicity, and Brenna, were on that vessel,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “My nephew William, too. They were all so little at the time, barely old enough to be in school. The captain saved our precious wee ones. However, he did not survive. We all learned quite a lesson that day about valor and sacrifice. The children took it to heart, as well. Each child vowed to make something of themselves so that the captain’s death would not be in vain. Verity, influenced by her cousins, took this same vow. I never saw a child work harder or ever be so eager to please.”

He paused and wiped a tear from his eye. “Neither the terror of that incident, nor the relief when it was over and all the children were saved, ever leaves you. Verity was too young to be on that boat, but there are times I wonder what might have been if she had been out there and I had lost her. It is just a fatherly foolishness, I suppose. She is quite special to me. I should not play favorites with my children, but you might understand one day when you are a father. Sometimes, one just glows with a special magic. I cannot explain it.”

“I think I understand, Mr. Angel.” Despite being his father’s heir and striving hard to please him, James’s younger brother had always been the favorite. Seemed his entire family felt this way, adoring the lazy little cheat. James had never understood it, but perhaps there was a fault in himself that he had not discovered but others saw.

He would ask Verity in the hope she would tell him the truth. Odd, how ready he was to trust her when he did not know her at all. They had only met yesterday and done more gawking at each other than talking.

He bade the constable a good day soon after. “I shall see you tonight, Mr. Angel.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Until then,” Constable Angel said, hurrying off to continue his patrol of the village.

James returned to the Kestrel Inn for a bite to eat. He was immediately seated in a quiet corner overlooking the inn’s garden. Several men were in the garden preparing a makeshift stage and bringing out chairs for the audience for tonight’s performance. To his surprise, Verity was there, too.

He smiled watching her give orders. No doubt she wanted everything to be perfect and was overthinking every detail. Perhaps she needed the distraction from thinking about the recital itself.

She waved to him and smiled upon noticing him peer out the window.

He smiled back. She was a pretty thing.

He turned away a moment to place his order, but by the time he returned his gaze to the garden, Verity was gone. Stifling his disappointment, he took a sip of the cider just delivered to his table. Verity would be pleased he had decided to try out her suggestions instead of imbibing the wine or ale he would ordinarily have had with his meal.

A few moments later, he heard a rap on the window and turned to find her grinning at him from the other side of the pane. “Splendid,” she said, pointing with delight at his glass of cider.

Come join me, he mouthed, motioning to the empty chair opposite his.

She smiled and nodded.

Her smile stole his breath away.

She disappeared and then reappeared a moment later beside his table. “Are you sure you do not mind my joining you?”

He rose as politeness dictated. “I would not have invited you otherwise. Have a seat. I am glad for the company.”

She sat and immediately glanced out the window. “Thaddius’s workers will be relieved not to have me telling them what to do at every turn. May I have a chamomile tea?”

He resumed his seat. “Yes, order anything you like.”

“Just the tea.” She smiled at the girl who came over to take her order. “Thank you, Mabel.”

“My pleasure, Miss Verity. My family’s coming to hear you tonight. We are all so thrilled.”

She groaned once Mabel left their side. “This is why I am so on edge. Everyone in the village will be here tonight. I do not want to disappoint them.”

“You won’t, Verity. Don’t think too hard about it. Those songs are etched into your soul. You will play them as easily as you take in the air you breathe.”

“Harp music usually puts everyone to sleep. I’m not sure how to keep it vibrant. My father will be the first one closing his eyes and snoring like a honking goose throughout.”

James laughed. “I’m sure your mother will elbow him if he does. Will your siblings be there?”

“No, they are too little and cannot be trusted to behave. There’s quite a gap between me and my siblings. My mother is actually my stepmother. She is a lovely woman who has made a good home for all of us. She always made me feel loved, something I needed after losing my own mother at a young age.”

“You are fortunate to have a caring family. Claymore feels the same about his stepmother. Not all of them are cold and vindictive. I expect many are kind and nurturing.” His own mother never was, but his parents were not a love match and did not really care much for each other. His mother had dutifully delivered an heir and a spare to ensure continuation of the Ashford bloodline. His father was pleased, and then moved on to enjoy his life as he wished, sparing very little time for James. Nor had his mother bothered much with him.

But somehow, they all had time for the wastrel spare, Arthur. With his corn-gold hair, bright-blue eyes, and angelic face, he had been the adored one. Always needy. Always in trouble.

Always outspending his allowance.

“James,” Verity whispered, “what is the matter? Your expression has suddenly turned sad.”

He shook off those unpleasant thoughts. “I am fine, Verity. Your father showed me a little around town today.”

“He did? Oh, I am glad. But I hope he did not show you everything. I would love to be your guide. I hope you will enjoy seeing Moonstone Landing through my eyes.”

“I will. I am sure of it.” She would add her very own sparkle to every historical detail. “Your father told me about the moonstone lore.”

She inhaled lightly. “Oh, drat. I wanted to tell you about it. Is it not the most romantic thing you have ever heard?”

He arched an eyebrow, trying not to appear too cynical.

“Oh, I know love matches are not how things are done among those in the ton . But can you imagine anything more beautiful than those moonstones glowing on the night of a full moon just for you and the person who has stolen your heart? Is there anything more fulfilling than two people in love and knowing their love is real?”

“A love that will last forever?”

“Yes, and it will because they have found the one person to share their hopes and dreams, and their heart. The one person they can always trust. The one who will understand them and support them as they walk through life together. Stop giving me that cynical stare, James. I wish this for you , with all my heart. I wish you true love.”

He smiled. “And I wish the same for you, Verity.”

“Thank you. This is the next thing I hope to accomplish.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Finding yourself a husband?”

She nodded. “But I will only marry for love. I don’t know when it will happen for me, or if it will ever happen. I would be terribly sad if I never saw those moonstones glowing.”

“You must have a dozen young men ready and willing to court you.”

“Yes, there are several who have shown interest, but I feel nothing for them.”

He took a sip of his cider and then set the glass down on the elegant table linen. “Perhaps a stranger will come along and steal your heart.”

“Maybe.” She took a sip of her tea that had just been delivered to the table, steam floating upward from the delicate porcelain teacup. “James, do you think it is possible for true love to be so quick and sure? Do you believe in love at first sight?”