Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Page 3

  She didn’t mean to, but she found herself leaning her back against him. “We don’t have any more money. My mother wants to see me married before we are destitute. She is afraid if she doesn’t, I will never find a suitable husband. She won’t use any funds for herself.”

  “Is that why you were travelling on the Maria?” His soft voice was so close to her ear, it tickled the sensitive skin.

  “She says she is going to marry this complete ninny so he can take care of her. But I told her…” A sob rose in her chest and then broke free from her throat.

  He squeezed her shoulder ever so slightly. “What did you tell her?”

  “That I would just marry a man in Boston. He could take care of me and her as well. We could spend the last of our money on her care.” Another sob rose in her chest. She couldn’t believe how good it felt to say these things. To share with someone. It should have been humiliating to say these things but somehow, he made her feel safe enough to tell him his secrets.

  “But she wants you to find something else?” he prompted.

  “Love. She wants me to find love. It isn’t important to me. I don’t need love.” She spun in his arms to face him. “I need her to be healthy.”

  She realized turning was a mistake the second their eyes met. His liquid brown eyes were filled with an intensity she could not understand but it drew her to him anyway.

  His hands settled back on her shoulders. “I know. You love her deeply.” Then he stopped speaking and slowly his lips descended onto hers.

  They were soft and warm and full of tenderness. He had been right when he said another kiss would make her forget her first. She could barely remember her name with his lips on hers. All too soon he lifted his head.

  Her mind clouded with confusion and her question was in her eyes. He only smiled softly in response and his thumb gently stroked her lips where his had just been. Piper’s eyes fluttered to his mouth. So beautiful.

  A throat cleared behind them. Piper started in surprise and her goblet fell from her hand, over the side of the boat. “Oh! I am so sorry.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Miss Baker. How did the examination go, Dr. Thompson?” He turned towards the other man but one hand slid down her arm and rested on her elbow.

  The doctor frowned slightly and Piper’s heart fluttered in her chest. He looked at Piper.

  “She has consumption. She should have stayed in Boston. She needs rest and she needs care.” Piper heard his words but she wasn’t understanding. How sick was her mother?

  She looked at Barrett but his face was pinched and her heart hammered in her chest. This time it had nothing to do with his presence. “What does that mean?”

  “With the proper care your mother could survive,” Dr. Thompson paused and Piper noted the word could in that sentence. “But at least half the patients with wasting disease eventually die.”

  Piper’s hand covered her mouth and her legs buckled under her. Barrett wrapped her in his arms and held her up.

  “I might be able to save her but it would take considerable resources.” The doctor looked at her and Piper stared back. Tears stung her eyes. She would give her life to save her mother’s but she had no money to give him.

  “Do what you have to, Dr. Thompson. You will be paid for your time,” Barrett said next to her.

  Piper looked at him, her face void of expression. She couldn’t think, couldn’t react. “I don’t—I can’t pay you back now.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go see your mother.” Barrett began half leading her, half carrying her toward the door. Her hands clung to him. She didn’t know how she would repay him but she would find a way.

  Back in the room, her mother had been tucked into Barrett’s very large bed. Lying there, she didn’t look sick, she looked comfortable.

  Piper took a deep breath. She had to be strong for her mother. Straightening her shoulders, she slowly moved herself from Barrett’s side. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm just in case.

  “How are you, Mother?” Piper’s voice came out with false cheer.

  “It doesn’t matter, my dear. What is important now is we get you settled.” Her mother patted the bed next to her.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Mother. I’ll be fine; we need to take care of you.” Piper placed her free hand on her hip.

  “Let’s not fight. Piper, would you be a dear and fetch me some water.”” Her mother smiled at her beseechingly and Piper wanted to stamp her foot at being sent off like a child but her mother couldn’t be denied now. Once again, Piper headed for the door. She glanced at Barrett, as she was leaving. The lamp cast shadows on his face, making him look even more formidable. She had never met a man that made bad look so good.

  TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Barrett Maddox assessed the woman lying in his bed. It was not the usual woman who inhabited the space, he thought ruefully. But then, nothing about this evening had been the usual.

  He usually didn’t save beautiful damsels from thieves. He usually didn’t then offer complete strangers’ passage. And while he kissed nearly any woman he wanted too, he didn’t usually do it when they were incredibly vulnerable and in trouble. Well, sometimes, but usually not.

  But then Piper, herself, was unusual. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Ever. He had travelled around the world and never met another like her. It wasn’t just that she was perfect. Although every detail was absolutely stunning. Those large blue eyes were tilted at the corners in a way that was both innocent and sensual. Her hair was stunningly soft and vibrant. All he could think about was unpinning it, so his hands could get tangled up in that thick mass of curls. Her body was meant for sin, slender but curvy. He closed his eyes thinking about the gentle sway of her hips.

  But her physical appearance wasn’t what was best about her. It was that she was strong and funny. Completely loyal to her mother. Half American, half English just like him. Refined but tough, just like him.

  He had taken advantage of Piper and he knew it. But he guessed, correctly he was sure, her defenses were normally unbreechable. She was normally a perfect lady. His mother would love her if she wasn’t half American. Hell and fire, why was he thinking of Piper and his mother in the same thought?

  He also usually avoided virgins like the plague. They became attached too easily and had expectations about marriage. He would marry someday, but it would likely be as painful as his parent’s marriage which is why he was putting it off for as long as possible. The women he chose knew the rules. Their relationship would remain casual.

  So why would he have kissed her like that? Because he couldn’t resist. Those lips of hers, so full and sumptuously pink, begged to be kissed.

  “Mr. Maddox, I cannot begin to thank you for all for all of the help you have given us this evening. You are a true gentleman in every sense of the word.” Mrs. Baker smiled at him.

  Except for the part where I kissed your daughter after promising to be chaperoned. He gritted his teeth together in a smile. “Of course. It has been my pleasure.”

  The older woman shook her head. “You’re very kind. I hate to impose on you anymore but…”

  “I have already informed the doctor to care for you.” He stepped towards the woman. She was still very beautiful. Piper greatly resembled her mother.

  “Oh, I don’t want you to help care for me. I need your help with Piper.” She waved her hand airily.

  Barrett felt like lead weights had been attached to his feet. “Piper?”

  She nodded. “You can see how much she needs help. She can’t control the fact she is so beautiful.”

  “Beautiful?” Bloody bullocks, when had he turned into a parrot?

  “Did you notice? It’s hard not to. But she is so innocent. She can’t be left alone. Men will try to take advantage.”

  “Advantage?” He closed his eyes. He was doing it again. Repeating, one word but it was like the woman had read his mind. Any man with half a
brain would try to take advantage of Piper.

  “You know how men can be.” She waved her hand airily again.

  “Yes.” Well, at least he didn’t repeat her word. Barrett was used to being in control of every situation but somehow both Baker women had him at a disadvantage tonight.

  “That is why I need your help. I can’t leave her alone in this world. She would be taken advantage of in a second. She needs a strong hand to guide her until she is married. Someone to keep her out of trouble. To keep other men’s hands off of her.”

  Barrett’s eyes flew open. “Wait, you want me to be Piper’s guardian?”

  “Just until she is married. We don’t have any male family. What is a mother to do? And honestly, it shouldn’t take long. What she lacks in funds she makes up for in other areas. Find the best candidate and send her on her way.” She coughed a little and Barrett was reminded of how sick this woman was.

  On her way. His muscles tightened. He would not repeat her last phrase out loud again. But tension was curling inside him. He couldn’t marry Piper; his father had made a promise for him years ago. While he generally did as he pleased, he had a sense of duty that couldn’t be denied. Still part of him wanted to see her again while another, more sensible part, knew this was a terrible idea. She was more interesting than he cared to admit. “I don’t think…”

  “It is fate you saved us tonight. Our families being old friends. I know it in my heart. Piper is lovely to be with. You might even enjoy her company. She is quite funny and charming. Oh, I just know you have been brought to my side in my final hour.”

  She was good. He had to give her that. To back out now would be nearly impossible. And if he was honest, which he was trying not to be, he didn’t want to say goodbye to Piper. From the instant her eyes had met his, she had sparked his interest. He couldn’t remember ever being so instantly attracted to a woman.

  Keeping other men’s hands off her, that would be easy. He would crush any man who touched her. Keeping his hands off of her, that would be nearly impossible. How could he act as her guardian?

  ***

  Piper shifted outside the door again, trying to hear the conversation. What was taking them so long? What could her mother want to talk to Barrett about? When had she started thinking of him as Barrett? She barely knew the man.

  That wasn’t true, a little voice said in her head. She knew him better than she had known any other man in her adult life.

  This had to be the strangest night of her entire existence. Was is just yesterday she had sat with several suitors? She should have just picked one and married him. Her mother would be safe at home, she would never have been attacked, and she would never have met Barrett Maddox.

  “Are you all right?” she jumped at the sound of his voice. It was like he materialized when she thought his name.

  “Yes, of course. How is my mother, what did she want?” Clasping her hands, she met his gaze.

  His eyes seemed to drink her in. They took in every detail about her. “It doesn’t matter now. We’ll talk about it in the morning. Why don’t you join your mother and try to get some rest? We’ll arrive in New York early tomorrow morning.”

  “Rest?” she bit her lip, “I don’t know how I could possibly be still enough to rest after today. My life will never be the same.” Her voice caught on the final word despite her attempt to keep her emotions under control.

  Barrett reached over and grabbed her by the waist pulling her closer to him. “Try not to worry. She seems well enough for now. She is more concerned about you than herself.”

  “She is always worried about me. I’ll be fine, it’s her we need to worry about.” His arm slid around her waist. “Mr. Maddox, I shouldn’t let you…” her voice trailed off. It felt so good to have his strong arm around her. She was too worried to fight him off. His touch lessoned the knot of tension building in her stomach.

  He ignored her words and pulled her in closer till she was pressed against him and wrapped in his arms. “Whatever happens, I will keep you safe.”

  Tears sprung to her eyes. She leaned in to him then. Her voice was only a whisper, “I’m frightened.”

  His chin rested on the top of her head. “I know.” He gave her one more squeeze. “Go in and be with your mother.”

  Piper walked into the cabin, glancing around. The sound of her mother’s ragged breathing filled the room. At least she was getting some rest.

  Piper assessed Barrett’s quarters again. There was a table with maps and weights. She pulled off her gloves and ran her fingers over one of the weights. Barrett’s hand had touched this very object. She picked it up and held it in her hands, almost as if she would feel his warmth in the thing itself.

  Sighing, she set it back down. She began the arduous task of getting herself undressed. She and her mother had let all of their staff go to save money. They usually helped each other change. She wouldn’t wake the other woman now. After she fumbled with the tiny buttons on her dress and managed to untie her corset, she decided to sleep in her shift.

  Laying down on a narrow couch, Piper stared at the coiffured ceiling. Thoughts of her mother and the night’s events played over and over in her mind. She finally fell asleep close to dawn.

  She woke later that morning confused about where she was and why she was awake. She suddenly realized someone was pounding on the door.

  Piper stumbled off the couch and turned a few times to locate where the door was that was being mercilessly beaten. Then she moved towards it, calling out a sleepy. “Who is it?”

  “Barrett,” the sharp voice called back.

  Piper came fully awake. “What is it?” She searched frantically for a dressing robe to wear but could find nothing.

  “Open the door. We’ve arrived in the city and have already unloaded the ship. The tide is rising and the Destiny will leave port soon.” He banged the door again to emphasize his point.

  “My mother is still sleeping. I will wake her. I need to get dressed, I…” She was rambling again.

  The lock clicked and the door swung open. “Piper, I didn’t want to yell through the door. I am sorry to insist but the carriage is…” He stopped talking, his eyes locked on her. She could feel the intensity of his stare as he did a slow appraisal of her.

  Her cheeks filled with color. Too preoccupied, she had left her hair undone while she was sleeping. A great deal of her skin was exposed in the shift. “I had trouble sleeping. I overslept.”

  “I can see that.”

  Piper assessed him in return. He was even more handsome in the light of day. His dark hair was neatly pulled back while his dark eyes sparkled with amber flecks. His nose was slightly hooked but it only added to his dangerous masculinity. His jaw line was strong and hard like the rest of his body. He exuded power; the kind men followed and women sought.

  His face was a mask now. Hers continued to grow redder the longer his appraisal lasted.

  “Who is it Piper?” Her mother called from the bed, coughing.

  “Mr. Maddox, mother. We have to get ready to go.” She called back, their eyes still locked.

  “I will leave you ladies to it.” His eye’s finally released her and he abruptly closed the door.

  Piper pressed her hands to her hot cheeks. Then she turned to help her mother out of bed.

  ***

  A half an hour later, they were dressed. The women stepped out on the deck. Dr. Thompson and Barrett were waiting for them. Piper looked everywhere but at Barrett. It was a warm May afternoon and her cheeks flushed again. Barret came to her mother’s side and helped her down the plank. Dr. Thompson took her arm. He patted her hand in an affectionate way.

  “I’ll take good care of her,” he said as he continued to pat.

  “Thank you,” she replied.

  The four of them climbed into a waiting carriage. Her mother sat down heavily on the seat and the doctor tucked her in with a blanket despite the warm weather.

  “Where are we off to?” Barrett raised his eyebro
ws.

  Piper turned a deep shade of pink. “Oh, ah, two hundred seventy-six Madison Avenue.” How could she not have thought of that? Why couldn’t she think straight?

  His eyes assessed her again. She had loosely plaited her hair because it was all she could do in that short amount of time and without her mother’s aid. A few tendrils had already escaped and were dancing around her face. Her dress was simple but it was a lovely cream color that complemented her complexion. He continued his assault with his gaze till she was blushing again. She attempted to look out the window as they travelled down the streets of New York.

  The scene would have normally occupied her. They were riding through the immigrant section of the city. It thrived with life. Women chatting on the streets, children running about. She barely saw it today. All she could feel was the intensity of his gaze. She blushed even deeper to think he had seen her in her nightdress.

  “Piper dear, tell Mr. Maddox about your cousin Sybil.” Her mother leaned back in her seat. She looked tired this morning. She coughed again.

  Piper bit her lip, looking at her mother. She didn’t want to talk about Sybil. Sybil was exactly right for Barrett Maddox. Beautiful, English, and titled, she would make the perfect duke’s wife. Her cousin was also a woman who needed saving.

  But she wouldn’t deny her mother now. “We will make the introductions. She is a true English lady. She arrived last week from England. Lady Sybil Fairfield, Viscountess of Abberforth.”

  “One of my sister’s daughters. You’ll meet her today.” Mrs. Baker closed her eyes, coughing again.

  “What brings her to New York?” Barrett’s eyes did not stray from Piper.

  Piper looked at her hands. “She wants to participate in New York society. She graciously invited me to join her.” She clasped her hands together, wringing them. Piper knew Barrett understood she was the poor relation her cousin was taking pity on. Sybil was allowing Piper to leach off Sybil’s husband hunt.