Chapter Two #2
The more he thought about how wasted the duchess was on this man, the more a wave of heated anger rose in Caleb’s chest. Oh, I’ll wager she does, since you’ve run off every friend she’s had over the years.
For long moments, the duke was silent as he hovered at the open doorway while Caleb waited at his desk.
Then he nodded. “You’re just the man to give her that companionship.
Perhaps it would improve her tart mouth and sudden spirited arguments.
In fact, why don’t you come out to Tittleford Hall for an extended visit? ”
Shock ricocheted through Caleb’s person. “Why?”
“Why not?” Again, the duke shrugged. “In fact, stay for the month. I am there for the duration with the exception of a couple of weeks in the middle. I have business with a few acquaintances around the area as well as in London. I need backers for a new project I’d like to start as well as a bill I’d like to put forth in the Lords, but the duchess will be left to her own devices. ”
A bill that would probably only benefit other titled men like himself, keeping coin with the richest members of the beau monde instead of doing something that would help everyone at all levels of society.
But he remained silent on that matter. Instead, he asked, “Ah, and you don’t wish for her to be alone? ” Because she might escape?
“Indeed. I’m sure Lady Tittleford won’t mind my absence, and while I’m in Town I’ll be in Mrs. Ackerson’s company anyway.”
Did the man have no shame? Annoyance for the duchess rose in Caleb’s chest. Why if a man had a wife like Lady Tittleford would he ever want to stray?
Why would he not do everything he could to continue courting her throughout the union.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t know how my presence at the manor will help. ” Was this a trap? A test of some sort?
“The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced you should since the duchess is bored. My country estate is only in Surrey, so you won’t be far from London in the event you need to return for business of your own.”
God, what a coil. And a huge temptation. For nearly twenty years, he’d lived with unrequited love for her, and now he was all but ordered to spend time in her company? This had the hallmarks of becoming a disaster. “I’m surprised you trust me in that endeavor.”
Surprisingly, a chuckle came from the duke. “Why shouldn’t I? You’re an upstanding fellow, and I trust you as a solicitor.”
That didn’t bode well, on any count. Would he act on his desire for Lady Tittleford?
Probably not, but would he try to steal a kiss?
He could make no promises. At the very least, he could come to know her more intimately than their shallow relationship of polite greetings and shared dinners. “Very well.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t married yourself, Marsden.
Not that I’d recommend it. Better fucking a mistress and a whole lot less hassle than keeping a wife.
No nagging from a mistress either as long as you bring her gifts.
” He shook his head and offered an odd grin.
“Frankly, my friend, there must be more to your life than getting your living.”
Of course a man with more coin than sense would say that. Funny how people with money always told people without that there was more to life than chasing it. I suppose we are all supposed to pay for rent and other things with a smile and a handshake.
However, at the last second, Caleb managed to tamp his reaction.
“Yes well, I’ve just never got ‘round to it. A man who needs to work for a living doesn’t have much spare time for courtships and marriages.
” Additionally, how could he give his heart to someone else when it had belonged to the duchess for years?
And if he’d had a woman like her, if he’d been able to take her to wife, he’d spend years in bed with her, which would mean he’d not have time for anything else.
Of course, anything between him and her was impossible on principle, but he could never manage to give up hope.
Not that he had ever protected her from the duke’s temper and violence.
Not a day went by when he didn’t hate himself for that cowardice; he should have stepped in and said something, done something, but what good would it have done if he’d been sacked from his position and had never seen her again?
At least in this way, he was perhaps protecting her from something more foul.
The duke cleared his throat, wrenching Caleb from his thoughts. “Well think about finding a woman before you’re too old to do anything about it. A man tires of taking himself in hand after a while, and bedding courtesans is taking a chance at disease each time.”
Not that he wanted to align in any way with Tittleford, but there was a certain truth to his words.
“There is that. I’d be happy to spend the month at the Surrey property.
” And if fate was kind, he wouldn’t be made a fool.
However, was this the chance he’d been hoping for after all these years?
Not that he would do anything, but spending unrestricted time with the duchess would prove a boon he hadn’t counted on.
And it would feed his dreams for years.
“I’m glad to hear it, Marsden. We leave in two days.”
Caleb nodded. “Shall I meet you there, then?”
“Don’t be an arse. You can ride with us.”
He frowned. “And if I should need to return to London? I wouldn’t have my own conveyance or horse with me.”
“That matters not. You can borrow one of mine.”
It seemed his fate was sealed. With an uncertain smile, he passed out of the room and walked the corridor with the duke until they reached the grand staircase. “I appreciate the invitation. I haven’t had time away from Town for years.”
“There’s plenty of fishing on the property, and limited hunting besides.
There is also a festival going on just now.
Beyond that, you can walk the acreage, swim, or do whatever the hell you like.
” Then his expression hardened. “But your primary responsibility is to make certain the duchess remains on the property or in the village.”
He nodded. “I understand.” But he promised himself that if he could give her even the veriest amount of freedom during the weeks that the duke was gone, he would. Hell, if he was any other man, he’d spirit her away, take her far from her captor and set her free.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t and never would be. So he would do the next best thing.
And hope that God would forgive him for perhaps acting upon his feelings if he could gather his courage to the sticking place.