Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Read online

  Piper changed and then returned downstairs. Champagne was being passed around, of which her aunt was drinking liberally. No one was more excited to have both of her charges engaged than Aunt Lizzie. “To two fine men!” she giggled as she drank to her own toast.

  Even Barrett was laughing. He pulled her down next to him. “How is your mother?”

  “Better.” She grinned.

  He passed her a glass of champagne. “To us and to Ethan and Sybil.” They clinked glasses.

  “You men are going to be family now.” Sybil let out snorting laughs as she clutched her sides.

  The two men glared at each other until Ethan finally hiccupped, “Lord save us!”

  Piper sipped at her champagne, warmth filling her. The four of them laughed and talked. Ethan was regaling them with a story about Barrett outrunning pirates on the southern coast when Piper heard a definite snore. They looked over to see her aunt was sound asleep.

  Sybil giggled. Ethan pulled Sybil into his lap. He whispered into her ear. Piper blushed a little and turned away. Barrett leaned over and whispered into her ear, “Let’s go out into the garden.”

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her up off the couch and towards the French doors. Piper felt the butterflies rise up in her stomach as they stepped out onto the veranda. It was a cool night and she shivered as the air hit her skin.

  Barrett pulled her into his arms and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She was instantly warmed by his heat and his lips on her neck warmed her further.

  He kissed along her jaw towards her ear. “Piper, it could take a few months for me to travel to England. We must wait until I return.”

  “Wait to be married?” Her breath came in short gasps as his tongue traced patterns on her ear.

  “Wait to be intimate.” His teeth grazed her lobe as he said the words and Piper gasped at the sensation.

  Her body was tingling all over and now that they were getting married, she was impatient to belong to him. His lips found hers and they shared a searing kiss.

  “Piper,” he groaned lifting his head.

  She stood on tip toe and pulled his lips back down to hers. She didn’t have to try very hard to convince him. He dipped his head at the light tugging of her hands and took her lips again.

  “I don’t want to wait,” she breathed out.

  “What if I don’t come back for three months?” he said between kisses. “What if I don’t come back at all?”

  Piper stilled. “Why wouldn’t you come back?”

  He looked in her eyes. “My ship could go down. A thousand other things could go wrong. The point is I couldn’t leave you unmarried with a child.”

  “Oh.” Piper bit her lip as she looked at him. She was suddenly filled with nerves instead of excitement. Did he think they wouldn’t actually marry?

  “Don’t look so worried.” He kissed her lips again. “I just want to make sure I am doing what’s best for you. I know your situation has been precarious. We have to take every precaution to make it better and not worse.”

  She nodded her head but Piper still felt some doubt. They had only known each other a short time. What if he went back to England and his family convinced him that marrying her was a mistake? What if he still had doubts? Was that why he didn’t want to bed her?

  She shivered at the thought but Barrett hugged her tighter, “Let’s get you inside.” He nuzzled her neck and Piper leaned in to his warmth. She pressed closer. She hoped she was wrong. Her hands trailed along his muscles and she breathed in his scent. She nuzzled her face into his shoulder and then her lips kissed up his neck.

  She reached his earlobe and took it into her mouth. Then she suckled it. It tasted good. Everything about him was appealing. Her teeth lightly grazed the soft flesh and she felt him suck in his breath.

  “Bloody hell, Piper,” he breathed.

  “I don’t want you to forget me while you’re gone.” She sucked harder. She had offered to be his mistress. She wanted to be with him.

  “My love, there is not a chance in hell.” His lips sought hers and they kissed again, Piper clinging to him. He kissed her a few more times and then slowly set her down.

  “I don’t want to go in yet. I want to make sure you…” her voice trembled.

  He kissed her to quiet her. “Piper, since I have met you, I have assigned my ship’s doctor to care for your mother. I attended more social engagements in the last two weeks than I did in the past two years, and I handed over a small fortune to you. Finally, I have asked you to marry me. There is very little chance I’m going to forget you.”

  “Promise?” She laid her head on his chest.

  “I promise.” He squeezed her and led her back inside.

  TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Piper was still troubled. She barely slept. Part of her wanted to believe he had asked her to marry him because he truly meant it. The other part was worried he had gotten caught up in the moment. That when he went back to London, he would realize he was meant to marry Lady Penelope.

  The next morning, she woke early and headed down to breakfast. Her aunt and cousin were still sleeping so she sat alone.

  The butler entered with a note. The hand writing scratched across the front was clearly that of Barrett’s.

  She opened the letter to see he had requested a formal meeting to discuss terms of the engagement. Piper wasn’t even sure what that meant. Her fear increased. There were terms to the engagement? She would have to discuss it with her aunt when the other woman awoke.

  She sighed to herself. She had the sinking feeling she was moving further from Barrett rather than closer to him. All she had wanted was to be by his side. Now there were terms and separations.

  Sybil walked in beaming. “Is it possible we are both getting married?”

  Piper smiled weakly and her cousin noticed immediately.

  “What is wrong?” Sybil reached for her hand.

  “Barrett has to return to England to tell his family. He says he won’t change his mind but I am afraid his family will convince him marrying me is a bad idea. Maybe it is…” Piper’s voice trailed off.

  “Piper. He came to this decision because he loves you. Try not to worry.” Sybil’s voice was sympathetic.

  “We’ve known each other such a short time and he will be gone for so long. How will he remember his feelings for me?” Piper rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers.

  “It takes a lot of trust, doesn’t it?” Sybil shrugged.

  “How are things with you and Ethan?” Piper wanted to change the subject.

  “Wonderful, although we are working out a few hiccups too.” Sybil wrinkled her brow. “His business is here, my life and title are there. You would think falling in love would be easier.”

  It was Piper’s turn too pat her cousin’s hand. “And where did the two of you disappear last night?” Piper whispered with a grin.

  Sybil blushed, looking down in her lap. “Every time I look at him, I completely lose my senses.”

  “I know the feeling.” Piper shook her head.

  Both women quieted as their aunt walked into the room. She looked rather bleary eyed and remained silent as she took a seat at the other end of the table. Her head dropped into her hands. Even Piper had to hide a smile at the sight of her Aunt Lizzie.

  She excused herself and headed back upstairs. Her mother was still asleep and so Piper decided to take the opportunity to read. She had correspondence to catch up on but she honestly didn’t know what to say. Should she write that she may or may not be getting married?

  She sat on the bench at the window of her room and lost herself in the pages of a book. It seemed easier to live someone else’s problems. She didn’t know how long had passed, when she heard a ruckus in the hall.

  She looked up from her book just in time to see Barrett come bursting through the door. As always he was larger than life and she felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of him.

 
“Is everything all right?” She stood wondering why he was there.

  “You didn’t respond to my message.” His gaze was penetrating as he stood so strong and handsome in the doorway.

  She crossed the room and reached out her hands to him. All of her cares suddenly fled as he stood in front of her. She beamed a smile at him. “I’m glad to see you.”

  Every muscle in his face relaxed as he cupped her cheek with his hand and brushed his lips against her forehead. “I was worried when I didn’t hear from you.”

  “Why?” she asked staring up at him with her mouth open.

  He laughed shaking his head. “I am not an easy man to deal with. Some young ladies have been known to be frightened of me. I thought you might have thought better of your answer.”

  “Oh, Barrett, I have spent all last night and all this morning worrying you would change your mind.” She laughed with him

  “Piper,” Aunt Lizzie called. “Piper, Mr. Maddox cannot be up there. Come down this instant.”

  “We’d better go. After that champagne, she’s in a terrible mood.” Piper started to head out the door but he stopped her.

  “When we are together, Piper, everything is right. It’s when we are apart…” he stopped talking, kissing her forehead again.

  “I agree.” She winced as she spoke.

  The corners of his mouth turned down. “I know what you are thinking. My trip to England is going to be a long separation.” He squeezed her. “We are going to have to figure something out.”

  Hope filled her chest. “That would be wonderful. I don’t like being without you.”

  “I don’t either.” He held her hand and then began pulling her down the hall.

  They walked down the stairs hand in hand and then entered the study to find her aunt and another man waiting for them.

  Piper looked at Barrett, who ushered her forward. “Piper, this is my lawyer, Mr. Eggerton. Mr. Eggerton, Miss Piper Baker.”

  “How do you do?” Piper curtseyed and the other man smiled his greeting.

  “Pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you wouldn’t mind having a seat.” The man gestured to a chair.

  Barrett turned to her. “There are some details we need to discuss before I leave for England.”

  Piper swallowed a lump in her throat.

  “I understand you cannot get married before his journey, Miss Baker. These are documents that entitle you to fifty percent of Mr. Maddox’s estate should anything happen to him.” Mr. Eggerton pushed some documents in front of her.

  “Wait, what?” Piper looked up at Barrett. She couldn’t quite comprehend what he had just said but she heard her aunt gasp in the background.

  “I told you, Piper, I won’t leave you uncared for. If something were to happen to me, you and my brother will split the estate.”

  “Barrett you can’t possibly. Nothing is going to happen to you. Your family should…” Piper couldn’t seem to force the words out and she just babbled.

  “Sign the papers, Piper, and we’ll talk about all of it later. I have to resolve our next issue which is how we get you to England so we don’t spend three months apart.”

  Piper felt tears welling up in her eyes. His hand came down lightly on her shoulder and she leaned her cheek against it. Her hand trembled as she held the pen.

  Her aunt came up on the other side of her and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Sign the paper, dear.”

  Piper looked at the other woman and then scratched a shaky signature on the page.

  Barrett gave her a relieved smile and then kissed her cheek. Her aunt patted her other shoulder. Piper tried to digest what she had just done.

  Mr. Eggerton took the papers and placed them in a briefcase. “If there is anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask.” He shook hands with Barrett and walked out of the study.

  As he walked into the entry, Piper heard him greet Ethan, “Good day, Mr. Wright.”

  “What brings you here, Eggerton?” Ethan’s tone was quizzical.

  “Speak with Mr. Maddox.” Eggerton said no more and Piper heard the front door.

  Ethan entered the study as he assessed each of them. Piper knew she looked worried. Her aunt looked radiant and Barrett looked satisfied.

  “How is everyone?” Ethan raised his eyebrows as he asked the question.

  “We are fine. Lady Vesser, could Mr. Wright and I use the study to discuss a few pertinent matters?” Barrett turned to her aunt.

  “Of course.” Aunt Lizzie gave him a glowing smile. Piper cocked one eyebrow. When had Barrett become her aunt’s favorite person?

  ***

  Piper and her aunt left the study and headed for the front living room. Once there, Piper sat heavily in a chair. “What did I just sign, Aunt Lizzie?”

  “You know very well, dear, that Barrett has made you fifty percent heir should something happen to him. I knew the man was silly for you but I had no idea he was in love.”

  “But we’re not even married yet. We’ve never even…” Piper stopped talking and blushed.

  “Well thank goodness for that. Once you are married, you would inherit at least that much. He works in shipping; he knows how volatile ocean crossings can be. He wants to make sure you are cared for on the off chance something happens. I must admit, he has an eye for details. Your father loved your mother dearly but if he had been as careful, you wouldn’t be in this situation now.”

  “Aunt Lizzie, father could not help the entire country sank into a depression,” Piper chastised her aunt.

  “True dear, but mark my words. Mr. Maddox has taken measures to safeguard your future against even a depression.” Her aunt patted her hand again as Sybil walked into the room.

  “What happens to me if he decides to marry someone else? Am I safeguarded against that?” Piper couldn’t quiet the other fear that kicked around her mind.

  “Of course not. Put it out of your head. He has already agreed to marry you.” Her aunt’s voice had an edge. But Piper couldn’t put it out of her head. Barrett was still going to England. They were still going to be apart. And his family could still convince him he had made the wrong choice. Her aunt’s words that she had no protection against that sequence of events only strengthened her fear.

  Sybil looked at her cousin. “Why do you worry so? Aunt Lizzie is right. He has asked you to marry him.”

  “It is different for me, Sybil. You knew right away Ethan wanted you. Barrett held out against the idea of marriage to me. And I don’t have your title or your fortune. Barrett already has a family that is depending on him to make the money. What if he decides he should actually marry a woman who brings wealth to the table instead of just taking his? I shouldn’t have signed the form. I am one more person who needs something from him.”

  Sybil’s brow furrowed. “I hope I bring fortune to the table. Ethan has asked me about my estate and I am embarrassed to admit I don’t know the first thing about it. I have let the estate manager take care of everything.”

  Piper stood and crossed the room to her cousin, the two women embraced.

  ***

  Barrett looked at his friend. There was a lot to say and he was deciding where to begin.

  “I need to ask you a favor. Can you find out more about Asher Grey and the scarred man he was with? I think Asher just wants to marry Piper but I don’t know the other man’s motives. They will both be dealt with shortly.”

  “Of course. You said Asher was already knocked out. Do you think Asher knows he was double-crossed?”

  “I don’t know. Piper was clear he did double-cross Asher though. The question is why. Was it a spur of the moment decision?” Barrett sat down at the desk and ran his fingers through his hair.

  “We will have to start looking for answers. How long do we have until you leave?”

  “Not long. A week. I want to go so I can get back.”

  “That doesn’t give us much time to figure out what is happening and then you will be gone and Piper will be here in New York wit
hout you.” Ethan’s brows furrowed. He looked worried.

  “Damn. I can’t leave Piper here, unprotected.” Barrett rubbed his brow with his thumb and his forefinger.

  “Why was Eggerton here?”

  “You know the business goes to you should anything happen to me, but I have taken the estate and all my assets and divided them between my brother and Piper.” Barrett rubbed the back of his neck.

  Ethan looked at him in surprise. “It will be Piper’s anyway when you marry.”

  “I know but I have this ill feeling I can’t shake about this trip to England and I want to make sure she is taken care of no matter what.” Barrett’s fist tightened as he spoke and he forced it to relax again.

  “No one wanted you to do right by Piper more than me but are you sure this is wise? What if while you’re gone, she marries someone else? What if Asher makes another attempt?” Ethan frowned.

  Barrett shook his head. “There is no other choice. Piper has to come to England. I can’t bring her on the boat with me. I need a little time with my family before Piper arrives and there is no way I can keep my hands off of her for that…” Barrett stopped talking. He was acting like Piper, saying too much. He smiled despite himself thinking of the way she told him whatever was on her mind.

  Ethan grinned back. “I understand. As usual you are lucky to have me because I have the perfect solution. I was planning to cross in a few weeks. Sybil would like to have the wedding in England and I want to start making inquiries about the business and checking on Sybil’s estate.”

  Barrett’s eyes lit with approval. “Excellent idea. That will shorten the time we are apart considerably. I will also be able to help you with the business aspect. It always helps to have a duke in England.”

  “How will your family take the news?” Ethan grimaced.

  “My mother is satisfied with very little. If she didn’t choose my wife herself, she is unlikely to be happy. I will keep the family estate flush with money. My brother will manage it. My mother will have to be content with that.” Barrett meant it. He couldn’t imagine returning to his former life in England now. He and Piper would make their home here in New York.