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

  “Of course, but I don’t want to wait until you have made a full recovery. I promised to keep you safe and the sooner we are married, the easier that will be.” He grinned again, and despite the pain, Piper felt a jolt of desire shoot through her body.

  “When?”

  “Maybe tomorrow.” His smile broadened.

  “Tomorrow! How could I be ready by tomorrow?” She would have sat up in indignation but she was too weak.

  “You don’t have to be ready. I’ll marry you while you lay in this bed. I’ve got both of our families assembled on the boat. Do you remember you told me you wanted the wedding on The Destiny? But I want to keep you safe and I need you by my side to do it and my mother is meddling. This is the easiest solution to all of our—”

  “You’re rambling. That’s normally my job.” She used her good hand to touch his neck. “Tomorrow is fine. But don’t you want me to be beautiful on our wedding day?”

  “You will be. And you will be mine and I will be yours.” His lips came down on hers in a brief kiss.

  The sensation of his lips washed away her worries. “Very well. Tomorrow it is.”

  ***

  A buffet of food was laid in front of Piper throughout the day, though she ate little. In between naps, nearly everyone came to visit though Barrett didn’t let anyone stay for long.

  Even Penelope and Lord Percy came to visit. They offered their congratulations for the nuptials the next day and had the decency to not ask about the timeline.

  The only person who did not come was Barrett’s mother. Neither of them spoke about it but it weighed on Piper.

  Dr. Thompson arrived in the evening to give her laudanum. “It will help you sleep despite the pain. You need your rest.”

  Her brow creased. She didn’t like taking the medicine but tomorrow would be a busy day. Barrett stood next to the doctor. “You should take it my love.”

  A sigh escaped her lips but she gave a single nod and the doctor gave her the drug.

  Dr. Thompson left and Barrett began stripping off his clothes.

  “What are you doing?” Alarm rang in her voice.

  He quirked an eyebrow at her. “You have seen it all before.”

  “I know but the first time we were…” She looked away blushing. “And last night I was feverish. Tomorrow is our wedding and…” She didn’t quite know how to finish.

  “I’ll not sleep apart from you again. The last time I did nearly ended in disaster. I don’t sleep with clothes on so you’ll have to get used to it.”

  Piper peeked through her lashes as he stripped off his pants to climb into the bed. Even as sore as she was, an aching filled her nether regions at the sight of his nudity. How could she possibly sleep with a nude god next to her?

  He began to climb in the bed and Piper’s entire body stiffened. Her arm twinged as she did so. He rolled next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

  “Why are you so tense?” His voice held its usual growl and it actually soothed her a little.

  She looked at him, rolling her eyes. “You’re naked, next to me. I want…” she didn’t know quite how to say the next part but she didn’t have to.

  His lips curved into a devilish smile. “I know, love. But we are going to have to wait a while yet. Your arm has to heal. We’ll have plenty of time for that. Right now we need to get you better. More than I want to make love to you right now, I want to spend the rest of my life doing it.”

  She huffed a breath. “So much waiting.”

  Chuckling, he settled her closer. “I love you so much.”

  That statement melted her bones and she relaxed into him. She closed her eyes and fell sound asleep.

  ***

  Barrett was not nearly as lucky. Her body fit into his like a glove. Her soft curves pressed into all the right places with nothing but a thin nightgown separating them. She was right. It felt like they had waited and wanted each other for a long time. But he would stand many more nights like this if it meant she was safe and in his arms.

  Her hair tickled his nose. He took a deep breath; it smelled of flowers and another scent that was distinctly Piper’s. He buried is nose in the soft curls and inhaled deeply. She sighed in her sleep and snuggled closer.

  The feel of her moving bottom against his pelvis made him rock hard in an instant. He gnashed his teeth together. He lay there for fifteen minutes more as she fell into a deeper sleep and then he decided to get up and take a short walk on the deck. He would never sleep like this.

  He stood and glanced back at her. She was so lovely. He had never imagined loving anyone the way he loved her. It almost hurt to feel so deeply. He stroked her good arm. He would spend the rest of his life keeping her safe.

  As he stepped out onto the deck, he saw Penelope and Tom strolling in the moonlight. The Earl’s watchful eye was on them but still they had their heads bent together whispering and smiling. Barrett acknowledged them with a jerk of his head and then went in the opposite direction. He didn’t want to disturb them.

  Unfortunately, that direction took him directly in his mother’s path. She stood at the rail, watching the water slip by.

  “Mother,” his voice grated even his own ears and he grimaced.

  Her eyes were still trained on the water. “I was in love once, too. Before your father. Did I ever tell you that?”

  “No, you didn’t.” Barrett stood stone still. His mother had never once talked about her relationships with anyone to him.

  “I was a good girl. I came to my marriage pure and I never was unfaithful to your father. But the same cannot be said about him. He fell in love with another woman after your brother was born. I saw them together once. He touched her the way you touch Piper.”

  “I see. I am sorry for you, Mother. That must have been terribly difficult.”

  “It doesn’t matter now. I made my choices. A lot of good came out of them. You and your brother. But when I saw them together I thought, why can’t he touch me like that? I gave him two sons. Why can’t he love me? I made him end it with her but it was never the same and he loved her till the day he died. Never me, always her. I could try and force you to do it my way. It’s not all bad. But you will love her forever, won’t you?”

  “Yes, I will.” Barrett stepped closer to his mother.

  “Does Tom feel that way about Penelope?”

  “I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. Tom will get the land and title. It is a good match for him.”

  “Why couldn’t you make a good match?” She wrapped her arms around herself.

  “I have always been my own man. It was either going to be Piper or no one at all. You should know that.”

  She smiled then. “You have my will but in a man’s body.”

  A muscle in his face twitched. He couldn’t believe his mother was saying this. He took another step closer and wrapped his arms around her. He hadn’t done this for fifteen years. It almost surprised him when she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I know you don’t love the idea but I appreciate you not standing in the way. I beg you to try to be kind to Piper.”

  “You will not let me be anything else, I am sure of it.” She hugged her son again and then pulled out a kerchief to dab at her eyes. “I will help Piper get ready tomorrow. Her mother is still not well.”

  “That means a great deal to me, Mother. Thank you.” He gave her one more squeeze and then stepped back.

  He leaned over the rail, looking at the ocean slip by. They were headed out to sea so the Captain could perform the ceremony.

  “Is something wrong?” His mother touched his arm.

  “You and I are not easy people to get along with. This is not Piper’s idea of the perfect wedding but I couldn’t wait any longer. I hope she doesn’t resent me for it.” He grimaced slightly.

  His mother shook her head. “You really are wild about her. I am sure she will be happy just to be your wife. Any woman would be.”

  “Spoken like a true mother.” He pushed off the rail. “I
had better get some sleep. Good night.”

  “Good night.” She continued to stare off the rail. Her body looked curled over, defeated. Barrett had a twinge of regret. He never meant to hurt his mother. But his future called and he headed back to his bride to be.

  ***

  The next morning dawned bright and sunny, the June air already heating up. Barrett woke with the sun and watched Piper sleep for a long time. He didn’t want to disturb her. She needed her rest. Her lips were softly parted as she slowly breathed. At one point he laid his hand on her chest to gently feel the movement of her breathing. It felt like a miracle she had survived. He wanted to cherish this time with her.

  Finally, a soft knock came at the door. Barrett eased himself out of the bed tossed on his clothes. Then he headed for the door.

  Ethan stood in the doorway. “Do you have a minute?”

  “Of course, I am glad you made it back in time for the wedding.”

  “I made it back just before the boat sailed.” Ethan rubbed his face, looking tired and Barrett straightened.

  “What did you find out?”

  “Asher is dead. Your scarred friend, Ian, was at the kidnapping and he is still alive but Asher stabbed him in the gut. I don’t know why. Maybe Piper will know. He’s holed up in a brothel but I don’t know for how long. My guess is he will need more time before he is well enough to move but you may want to act quickly just in case.”

  “Agreed. I gave those men too much time once already. It’s not a mistake I will make again.” Barrett’s hands clenched into fists.

  “When?”

  “As soon as we land in port tomorrow. Get Tom ready, too.”

  Ethan nodded and turned to leave but Barrett called him back. “Wait,” he called as he turned back in the room. He went over to a hutch and pulled out a small box. He brought it back to his friend. “Would you do me the honor of standing next to me today?”

  Ethan slapped him on the back. “Of course, my friend.” Ethan took the box and tucked it in his jacket. “If you will excuse me, I have a bride-to-be who is anxious to see me.”

  Barrett grinned at his friend. Then he returned to the room.

  ***

  Piper woke to the sound of male voices at the door. She pulled the covers up tighter with her good hand and tried to hear what they were saying. The laudanum was making her head fuzzy and it was difficult to make out the words.

  She gingerly moved her body. She was terribly sore but less weak today.

  The door closed and Barrett strode over to the bed. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Better.” She gave him a glowing smile and he dropped down next to her, sitting on the mattress. His lips came down on hers making her toes curl.

  “I’m glad.” He stood, crossing to a tray loaded with food. “How about some breakfast?”

  “I could eat a little. It is our wedding day, are you supposed to be here?”

  “Let them stop me,” he growled.

  “Oh Barrett, I just mean it’s bad luck.” He glowered at her as he brought over the food. Her appetite still wasn’t back but she tried to eat some food for strength.

  “I’ll not leave you alone for any length of time.”

  “Today?” she said as she bit into a strawberry.

  “Any day,” he stated matter-of-factly and Piper nearly choked on her food.

  “You can’t be serious. You have a job and friends and I…”

  “Piper, I’ll never let anything happen to you again.”

  “I know you won’t but don’t overreact, Barrett. Everything will be fine.” She smiled at him to show him all was well.

  “It will be soon enough.” He kissed her temple. “Eat up. I am going to lay out your clothes.”

  “You’re a Duke. Do dukes lay out women’s clothes?” She sighed as she crunched a cold piece of toast. He was being difficult.

  “This duke does. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

  “Oh.” And suddenly he didn’t seem difficult at all.

  “My mother said she would help you dress.” Barrett pulled a cream colored gown out of the wardrobe. It had a long lace off the shoulder sleeve that would cover her wound without being too tight against it.

  “Your mother?” Her joy drained back out of her body.

  “Try not to worry. She assures me she will be civil.”

  “Joy,” she added drily.

  “Should I give you a lecture about being civil too?”

  “I don’t have the energy to be rude. I’ll have to reserve any strength I have for…”

  “Cuddling. There will be nothing else tonight. We must get you well.” His hands rested on his hips. It made his shoulders look even broader.

  Piper said nothing. It was her wedding night. She had no intention of just snuggling.

  ***

  The next few hours passed in a blur as Sybil, her aunt, her mother, and Her Grace prepared her for the wedding. They made her sit and snack while they waited on her. Penelope joined as well. Piper was an only child. Her mother had left her family in England. She had never had a large family buzzing around her like this and it filled her heart.

  She could feel tears pricking her eyes and she tried to hold them back. Barrett’s mother noticed them first. “What is wrong, dear?” Barrett had been right. His mother had been very gracious today.

  “Everything is wonderful. I am being silly. I just, I have never had this. A family around me like this. It is so very wonderful.” Piper wiped a tear from her eye.

  Barrett’s mother shook her head. She uttered, almost begrudgingly, “You really are a darling girl.”

  “Thank you,” Piper replied in surprise. Could it be possible she would get along with her mother-in-law?

  Barrett had stayed away most of the morning and Piper wondered where he was getting ready.

  At noon, there was a knock at the door. Sybil answered it and then stepped aside as the captain entered the cabin. “Is it time to come out?” Piper smiled at the older gentlemen.

  “Oh no, Mr. Maddox feels it would be better to have the ceremony in here. Your health. It’s quite hot in the sun on the deck.”

  Piper attempted not to roll her eyes when Her Grace caught her eye. “I wish you the best of luck with him. He is nearly impossible.”

  Barrett stepped in the room. “You must be discussing me.”

  Piper stepped forward. Her aunt had brought a set of diamonds and she sparkled in the light from the port holes. “Barrett, the ceremony will be short, I am sure. It will be nicer outside.”

  He straightened, frowning. “I cannot have you getting sick.”

  “Ask the doctor but I am sure he will tell you a little fresh air is good for me.” She walked up to him with a pretty pout. “Please.”

  A sigh rushed out of his lips. “Very well. For a short time only. We need to take care of you.”

  “Unbelievable,” Her Grace muttered behind her. “I can never get him to do anything I want him to.”

  Piper trained her face into a serious expression but she wanted to burst out laughing. Barrett had told her he couldn’t deny her. Apparently his mother agreed.

  The ladies lined up behind Piper as Ethan and Tom stepped in behind Barrett. The Captain led them to the bow of the boat. The afternoon rays glinted off the water as Piper and Barrett exchanged vows. Piper didn’t even notice the pain in her arm as she agreed to love Barrett for the rest of her life. Her heart could have burst with joy and her feelings set her face aglow.

  Barrett never took his eyes from her face. The corners of his mouth pulled into a smile of love and satisfaction as he held her hands in his much larger ones. His thumbs stroked her wrists. When it was time to kiss the bride, Barrett’s lips lingered over hers for a long time. So long, Piper could feel the company shifting but she couldn’t care. Barrett was hers forever.

  The married couple turned back to their family and cheers erupted. Tears glistened in her eyes. Some women might have wished for a large wedding bu
t she loved the intimacy of this ceremony. The group sat together at a table on the deck and shared a brief meal. Everyone chatted and laughed. It felt like the family she had never had. Barrett finally pulled her up from the table and brought her back to their room.

  He began taking off her jewelry and then her dress. “Are we going to bed already?” She raised her eyebrows, giving him a sly smile.

  He raised his eyebrows back. “You are. You’re taking a rest. You’ve only just gotten better and we need to make sure you stay better.”

  “You’re putting me down for a nap?” She stomped her foot and her arm twinged painfully.

  Crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes pierced into hers. Piper knew she was being difficult this time, but she would only have one wedding day. Finally he spoke, “I’ll lie down with you but just for resting.”

  She turned her back to him so he could undo the ties of her corset. It truly would feel good to get out of these clothes and lie down. She knew Barrett had seen her without her clothes but she blushed a little when he took the last piece of clothing off.

  He turned away but didn’t say anything. She glanced at him and his hands were shaking as he reached for her night dress. “Is everything all right?” she asked innocently.

  She turned to face him and the night dress fell out of his hands. “It was dark the last time.”

  “Yes, and what does that mean?”

  “Piper, you’re stunningly perfect. I’ve never…” his eyes travelled up and down her. Piper was no longer embarrassed. Her own body’s desire was rising to meet his.

  Her hand reached for his. “Kiss me again, Barrett.”

  He hesitated and she stepped closer. They were still holding hands but his other arm slid around her waist. “Just one kiss,” she pleaded.

  His lips drifted towards hers until their lips met and a fire ignited between them. His hand around her waist drifted down to grasp her behind and a groan escaped his lips.

  She smiled against him. She would win again today. “Your shirt is getting in the way.”

  He stepped back and glowered at her. “This is supposed to be a rest.”

  “That is why I need you to take off your own shirt, I can’t do it.”