For the Heart of a Roguish Duke by Harriet Caves

Chapter Eighteen

Alexander and Scarlet thought of one other way to find stories about Scarlet’s parentage, and it was to question some of the oldest village residents of Bentley.

“It may come to nothing,” said Alexander. “Bentley has grown considerably since you and I were born. Some of the people who may have known your parents may not be here anymore.”

“But perhaps they could have told stories to their children, who may remember something,” Scarlet said in a hopeful tone.

Alexander smiled, Scarlet was always so optimistic. They were traveling in the carriage, they had decided it would be better to go after lunch. This time there was no hostility between them.

But the fierce love Alexander had encountered still burned in his heart and mind. He wanted to have Scarlet more than ever. He did want to take her in his arms, and he did want to marry her. But how could he when he felt it was so scandalous? His gaze focused on Scarlet, and he found she had been staring at him. It told her she loved him dearly, but she was upset too. Their love was one and would always be, whatever the outcome of their immediate decisions.

At last, they came to the first house. Alexander helped Scarlet out of the carriage even though the driver was about to. The driver stepped back respectfully, and Alexander and Scarlet walked down the steps of the first dwelling. A young couple opened the door, the wife holding a baby who seemed asleep on her mother’s shoulder.

“Your Grace,” the man said. “What a surprise! Oh, where are my manners. Please come in.”

Alexander and Scarlet walked into a sparsely furnished sitting room where a small fire burned. Around them were two worn chairs and a table. Three other small children were playing on the floor.

“Please do sit, I apologize for the mess. Had I have known you were coming—” said the man. “Josie, put on the tea.”

“No, it’s all right, thank you. We are trying to find some answers we are seeking,” said Alexander. “We will be going around the neighborhood.”

“What can we help you with, Your Grace?” the man asked. Alexander explained they were looking for the parents of a child twenty years back. He didn’t say the child was Scarlet for he didn’t want gossip to flare around the villagers that could eventually reach the ton.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace, but my parents have both died. They didn’t speak of such things to us. We are very sorry to disappoint you,” the woman said.

Alexander and Scarlet went to several houses in the village. Unfortunately, no one could remember a woman with an unwanted baby specifically, and said many women were in that position, even today. Alexander thought of little Angelica and the other children at the orphanage, what must it be like for them?

They were once again in the carriage, this time going home. It had been a long and tiring day, but were nowhere near to finding her parents. “Are you all right, Your Grace?” Scarlet touched his hand, which sent a jolt through his body. She realized what she had done and took her hand away. “I apologize.”

“Don’t,” said Alexander. “I liked it.” Scarlet blushed and looked away, when she composed herself again, she asked him what he was thinking about.

“I was thinking about those children at the orphanage. How unfortunate they are to be without parents, much like you,” he said.

“But I do not believe I was the unfortunate one, I was very lucky. Your father was generous to take me in as a Ward. And because of him I have a future I can dream of,” Scarlet said. “So you see, I am quite all right. I believe I have had a good life and going forward, I will do so too. If I do not find the names of my parents, I won’t be too miserable.”

“You are correct. How could I have overlooked such a detail of your upbringing? Please don’t believe I am unhappy about this, and neither am I bitter. Now I can say my father did something good in his life. If you weren’t taken in, I would not have met you.”

Scarlet’s eyes were wet, and she looked down. “I am grateful for your words, Your Grace.” Alexander and Scarlet went inside the Manor, and he immediately took her to his private study and locked the door. He began to kiss her passionately on the lips.

“I said I would not come near you, but I cannot help myself. I find you so irresistible, Scarlet. I can’t bear to be without you by my side.”

Scarlet kissed him back. “Let us not talk about this. Let us enjoy what we have in this moment,” she spoke boldly for the first time.

They crashed against the wall, Alexander kissing her neck and her breasts quite brazenly. Scarlet clung onto his shirt and flung her head back, moaning. Then, bodies together, they landed on the chaise lounge. He slowed down as he opened her stays a little, kissing her breast.

Alexander put his hand under her skirt and felt her wetness, making him harder and wanting more of her. They were both flushed.

“You must not worry if you don’t find your parents, Scarlet,” he kissed her gently now on her soft mouth. “I will always be here for you and the Manor will always be your home.”

Scarlet’s heart quickened as she felt his masculinity against her secret spot. She lifted her neck again, inviting him to kiss her there. Alexander obliged.

“Your Grace,” she breathed. “I wish it were true.”

Scarlet felt passion course down to her nipples, and she puffed them out. Alexander took the hint and muffled his face into her breasts, his hand traveling to her thigh. Scarlet let out a soft cry of heightened desire. Alexander let his fingers find her secret spot and touched it gently. And as Scarlet nearly screamed in pleasure, he released her, stepping back.

Both of them were breathing hard, the excitement not quite gone. “We cannot do this,” said Alexander. “But I am unable to stop myself. Every time you are near me, I want to tear your clothes off, and be a part of you.”

“Then just take me,” Scarlet cried.

“You know I can’t,” said Alexander, his eyes intense with guilt and pleasure.

“You can, but you won’t. I don’t understand, why can’t we just be lovers? We have been avoiding talking about this. It cannot carry on.”

“Because you know the reason. I am your Guardian, Scarlet. Father has left me in charge to marry you to a wealthy man who can provide for you and look after you. I have been selfish, enticing you and misleading you in a relationship that cannot happen,” Alexander said in a somber tone. “It is better if I find your parents, marry you away, and then leave.”

“Well, if that is how you feel, perhaps it would be better if we stay apart,” Scarlet said hotly. She felt as if she was breaking inside. Without realizing, she had fallen in love with the Duke.

Could she really begin to love someone else now when she felt so strongly about him? Perhaps I will have to, I don’t see any other solution.

Alexander stared at her. It was as he didn’t want to let her go. She saw a pain in his eyes, so deep and unwanted. She wondered if it was the pain of his almost non-existent relationship with his father or the pain of not able to commit himself to her. Or perhaps it was both.

She wanted to embrace him closely, binding his heart with hers. She wanted to tell him it would be all right… that he would not have to be in pain alone. She would share his woes with him. But instead she sighed, nothing would change his idea to have her marry another man, and neither would her words change their past, and the relationship of her previous Guardian with his son.

* * *

“I will be going back to the country,” Alexander told Scarlet at breakfast the next day. “I have some tenants to attend to.”

“Perhaps it is not wise to say, but I shall feel your absence greatly, Your Grace,” Scarlet emphasized. “These few weeks with you have made me feel more for you. I will not say the word love as it is not appropriate, and when the time comes for me to marry another man, it will hurt you more.”

“And I cannot deny my feelings for you. Perhaps a few days away from each other will conclude our feelings for one another, Miss Snow.”

“Indeed, it will,” Scarlet responded.

Alexander left the breakfast table with a very heavy heart indeed. Oh, how I wish to take you into my arms right now and allow you to be mine only. I shall forever love you even it may be so that I cannot make you my wife.

Alexander’s valet packed his boxes, which were put in the back of the carriage. He and his valet, Tom, sat in the carriage opposite each other. Tom didn’t speak much unless the Duke asked a question or wanted some advice. Alexander was grateful for that. He liked to travel much of the time in his own thoughts.

Tom opened up a small box and seemed to count whatever was inside it. Satisfied he closed it and put it away in a case. He then got a book out and began to read. Alexander looked out from the window and saw Scarlet standing outside. His heart ached so much. Composing himself, he tapped on the side of the carriage.

“Let us go,” he said. The driver immediately drew the reins, and the horses began to trot, pulling the carriage. Alexander leaned back into his seat and opened the paper to read on the way. What he really wanted was to try and stop thinking about Scarlet. He wanted to stop seeing her beautiful eyes, her soft mouth, and feel her body against his.

Perhaps if I can concentrate on my work, I can be distracted long enough to stop my feelings for her, and then I can have her married off.

So, with renewed thoughts, Alexander began to read the paper in earnest. And soon, he was sleeping and dreaming about Scarlet, the paper fallen to the floor of the carriage. Tom picked it up promptly and tucked it away.

* * *

Alexander arrived at his Manor in the country after a long journey of two nights and days, and two inn changeovers. The Manor was his parents’ place to get away when things became too strained in London. The butler and the housekeeper, along with the other servants, came out to greet him. Alexander greeted each and every one in turn. Tom followed behind. The servants greeted him later in the servants’ hall as old friends.

“How are things here?” he asked the butler and the housekeeper.

“We have had no problems at all, Your Grace,” said the butler.

“I wouldn’t quite say that,” said the housekeeper. “We have had some servant problems.”

“Can you clarify?” Alexander asked.

“Nothing too complicated, Your Grace. Mrs. Eden is only making it worse than it is. Two footmen were seen in a brothel. And as is our policy, we do not tolerate such behavior.”

“It does seem quite like a big problem. What decision did you make?” Alexander said as they reached the hall.

“They have been dismissed, as I believe they should have been,” said the butler.

“And we have no footmen,” the housekeeper was not pleased at all.

“Why wasn’t this put to me earlier?” asked Alexander.

“It was, Your Grace. I believe we sent a note three times to your London residence,” said the butler. “Did you not receive it?”

“Oh, my, it does seem as I have neglected my duties here. I have been much preoccupied, but now that I here I will give you my full attention.” And Alexander meant it.

“Very well, Your Grace,” said the butler. The housekeeper seemed pleased too.

* * *

The study was in disarray. Piles of paper lay on the desk in no particular order and there were books everywhere. Alexander remembered telling the butler to keep everything as it was, he didn’t want the maids coming in here to clean or dust. He didn’t want anyone to touch his papers either. The butler agreed.

“Your father was quite particular with his study too, you are quite like him,” the butler had said then.

Alexander wished he had the inclination to tidy his study and have the foresight to put them in order before he left for London two months ago. His thoughts returned to Scarlet. Had he been distracted too much by her to forget his duties here?

Shaking his head in shame, he set to work immediately by tidying his papers and discarding the ones that were no longer relevant. Before he was aware, it had become quite dark. Alexander lit two candles and set them on either side of the desk, when a file he had not seen before caught his attention. The file was a blue, thin case and lay under a stack of other files.

“What is this?” he muttered. He picked it out. Bringing the flame closer, he read the title, Scarlet. Alexander gasped.

Could this be it? Could this file contain all the information Miss Snow and I are searching for?

With his heat beating rapidly, he put the file on the desk and opened it. It was a document with information about her and her parents. Alexander sat in his chair like a statue, unable to move. He was in shock indeed.

I must take this file to Miss Snow. I will go at first light.

With excitement running through him, Alexander was unable to sleep. He had directed Tom to have his boxes packed for the next morning, as they were leaving. “Very well, Your Grace,” said Tom.

“I know what you are thinking,” said Alexander. “I have some information that I must take to London. And before you mention it, I cannot post it. The document is too delicate to be given to a post man.”

“It is not my place to pry,” said Tom. “But we only just arrived, Your Grace. Do you think it is wise to leave so early since you have much work still to do?”

“In this matter, I do not have a choice,” said Alexander.

The valet left Alexander after the day’s duties were finished. Alexander sat on his bed, waiting for the sky to become lighter. There were no clouds and the velvety-blackness comforted him with bright stars, which seemed to befriend him. Among them was his father and mother. He could feel them watching him and for in a long time, Alexander truly felt loved and protected by his father.

Alexander was not superstitious, but now he could not avoid wondering it if it was the spirit of his father who showed him the file. Did he want Scarlet to know about her parents now, after all these years? Oh, Father. If it was you, I am truly grateful for your assistance in finding Miss Snow’s parents.

His thoughts ran through what was in the document. It was quite unbelievable, and he became much more curious. Certainly Scarlet would be pleased and Alexander hoped, not too upset. He could now see that his father was truly a kind man and he wished he had seen that before.

As time moved on, Alexander’s eyes began to feel heavy, and he fell asleep. Tom came inside and rolled him into bed.

“It is early morning, Your Grace,” Tom opened the drapes and a soft orange glow spread across the room.

Alexander yawned. “I just shut my eyes, how can it be morning already?”

“You said you wanted to leave for London,” Tom reminded him.

Alexander’s eyes widened as he remembered the reason. “Oh, but yes, we must leave at once! Dress me quickly, we don’t have time to lose,” said Alexander.

“What about your breakfast?” asked Tom.

“I am certain Cook can pack us some picnic food for the journey, that’s a good idea.” Alexander rang the servants’ bell and the housekeeper appeared.

“Have Cook make us some food to eat in the carriage, Mr. Peters,” he instructed the butler. “I don’t have time to wait and eat breakfast in the Manor today,” Alexander told her.

“Of course, Your Grace. When can we expect you back?” Mrs. Eden asked.

“As soon as I know, I will send word,” Alexander promised. He looked into the looking glass and stared at his face. It showed determination at least. “Right, let’s go downstairs, Tom.”

* * *

Scarlet and Daisy promenaded in the park. They didn’t speak much and seemed to enjoy each other’s company. Scarlet had seen the change in her friend ever since she began to court Lord Thomkins, her Guardian’s closest friend. It did feel strange to her. It was as if Daisy was much more acquainted with her now, and more so than just a friend.

“It is truly lovely to see you so happy,” she said.

“Do I seem that different to you?” Daisy seemed pleased. “Oh, but perhaps that would mean I was quite sad before I began to court Lord Thomkins.” Her face fell.

“Not at all. You had your moments, of course, but then don’t we all?” Scarlet said. “I am only commenting that your behavior is much improved, and I am better for it.”

“How is that?”

“Well, you don’t criticize me anymore or bother yourself with my personal activities,” said Scarlet.

“I don’t believe I did all that,” Daisy said, affronted. Scarlet just smiled at her. “All right, just a little bit then.”

“Come, let’s go home,” said Scarlet. “I am beginning to feel a little cold.”

The ladies walked back to the carriage amiably and carried on with their conversation there as they headed toward Daisy’s Estate first. They hadn’t noticed the sun disappearing or the foreboding dark clouds rolling in. The rains came suddenly upon them, shocking them.

“Oh, dear, this is not good at all,” said Scarlet as the rain became fiercer. A resounding thunderclap made them jump. Daisy took hold of Scarlet’s hand and squeezed it.

They screamed as the carriage suddenly swerved. The wheels missed a deep ditch. But Scarlet and Daisy could not relax. They clung to each other in sheer fright as the driver urged the horses to go faster.

Scarlet rolled down her window, which brought in rain water. “Perhaps you should slow down!”

“Close that window. I am getting wet!” Daisy cried. Scarlet closed it promptly.

“I apologize, Daisy,” she said.

“I am to die in this carriage. Is this the end of me?” Daisy panicked.

“We will not end like this. The rain will stop, and we will be home soon.” Scarlet tried to be hopeful. She hoped she sounded so.

They were coming to a tight turn in the lane. The rain was not relenting, and Scarlet and Daisy were not calming down. They clung to each other now, too frightened.

As they turned the corner, Scarlet heard the driver shout. She saw him being flung off his seat, and then she heard a deafening crunch like something breaking. The carriage tipped to its side. She and Daisy screamed. Scarlet banged her head on the window, she felt pain; did she hurt her head? Darkness clouded over her, and then nothing.