Page 66 of Yours Truly, the Duke
My dream of ardent love, for never yet
Have these same lips had power to whisper thee
How warm hath been my passion: take my flower,
And bid me breathe again.
Fredericka headed down the corridor toward the back door. She had wanted to talk to Wyatt after Jane’s upsetting visit, but once again he hadn’t come home by the time she’d finally drifted off to sleep last night. He might have quietly slipped into the house sometime before dawn, but she didn’t think so. She’d spent the entire night in the drawing room waiting for him on the uncomfortable settee and hadn’t heard so much as a mouse scampering across the floor.
There had been no sight of him before she’d left to go to her appointments for the day. She’d asked Burns if he were home when she returned. The butler hadn’t seen him either. That led her to wonder where the duke was and what he’d been doing the past few days, which caused her to remember he had a mistress. And of course, she then started stewing about that.
She wasn’t kind to Wyatt when they last spoke. She was angry, frightened, and worried at the same time. He’d been too blithe about what happened to Elise and Bella in the park. He’d once said she was too prickly. Maybe she was. At times. And possibly she’d been a little too emotional at the park and that had made him want to seek refuge with a woman who had no worries or responsibilities other than to make him happy. That thought did nothing to lift her spirits. It only served to make her feel terrible.
But then making Wyatt happy was never her goal in their marriage anyway. She had accepted that when she married him.
Fredericka had already served her purpose for him, she thought with a stab of sadness and pinch of jealousy. Perhaps that wouldn’t have bothered her so much if he’d never kissed her. That was definitely his fault. He should have never awakened her to how earth-shatteringly wonderful it felt to be held so tightly in such strong arms and kissed so passionately she would never forget the feeling.
As she stepped outside and onto the patio, sunlight was fading from the afternoon. Dusk would soon be settling across the skies. Rumbling, turbulent gray clouds were gathering from the east and threatening rain. Fredericka breathed in the heavy air as she fitted her brown woolen shawl around her shoulders.
The prospect of ill weather wasn’t going to keep her from seeking the sanctuary of the duke’s well-tended garden for a few minutes of solitude. The grounds of his Mayfair home were lush and inviting no matter the weather. Topiary trees and boxwoods had been trimmed to perfection and positioned like sentinels guarding the house. Paths, bedded with finely crushed stones, wound their way around and through beautiful shapes, shades,and heights of greenery sprinkled with colorful budding flowers and shrubs.
With Miss Litchfield and the children enjoying their evening meal, it was the perfect time to get away and think over her conversation with Jane again. Distant thunder sounded as she started down the five steps, heading to the bench at the back of the grounds. It was secluded by a tall hedge of yew on three sides. It reminded her of a secret garden. A small fountain with a fairy blowing a kiss to a bird held in its outstretched hand stood in the middle of the nook. It was the perfect place to be alone with her thoughts. No squeals, screeches, or calling for Auntie to settle an argument or see a painting.
“Fredericka.”
Startled, she turned. Wyatt stood in the back doorway looking more handsome that ever.He was home.Her stomach rolled and tumbled softly with inviting curls of pleasure at the sight of him.
Wyatt was splendidly dressed in a crisp white shirt, neckcloth beautifully tied, dark red waistcoat, and black coat and trousers. He looked as if he had just washed. The ends of his hair were still damp. An amazing thought flashed sharp, brilliant, and quick as lightning through her mind. What would it feel like to press her lips to Wyatt’s cool, razor-fresh cheek and inhale the scent left behind by his shaving soap? Would his skin be as smooth as it looked, or would there be a faint trace of beard stubble to tickle her lips?
“Good evening,” she answered, pushing the intimate thoughts away as she looked at him. “I didn’t know you were here.”
He stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
“I saw you walking down the corridor when I came in. Burns said you were looking for me earlier.”
For days, she thought. “Not really,” she answered softly, and pulled her shawl higher on the back of her neck.
An attractive chuckle passed his lips. “That means you were.”
“You are impossible at times,” she replied, a little miffed he seemed to know her so well and could easily stir her senses like the most fragrant of roses. His easy-going tone was helping her relax. “Of course I’ve been looking for you. Did you once stop to think I might need to talk to you? I haven’t seen you in days.”
Wyatt tilted his head and grinned at her in a rather mischievous manner that caused his eyes to sparkle invitingly. “You can always ask Burns where I am, or when I’m expected. Only—there may be one problem.”
“Ah,” she said in a guileless tone, trying to hold on to her frustration despite his endearing approach. “The butler seldom knows where you are or when you will return.”
“But he always knows how to get in touch with me. I received no messages from you.”
He watched her patiently as if he assumed she would say more, so she obliged him and added, “Just so you know, I didn’t care where you were. I just wondered when you would return.”
His brow lifted slightly suspiciously. Thunder sounded again as he hurried down the steps and stopped in front of her. “It wasn’t my intention to be unavailable to you.” He smiled sweetly at her. “The Brass Deck had a tournament this weekend. I should have told you. We’ve been training and playing. It was easier to stay at my club because we start our practices early. I’ll be heading back to the club shortly for card games to finish the competition.”
If what he said was true and he was going to his club, it was a shame only a group of men would be seeinghow handsome he was. Suddenly she was reminded of when he was so passionate with her in his book room. He had leaned his hard, muscular body into hers and covered her cheek and neck with eager, delicious kisses that even now caused a shiver of delight to course through her. Unsure of all she was feeling and desiring that night, she hadn’t returned his forward advances, only enjoyed them. Now he looked so inviting with his fresh-washed appeal, she wished she had tasted his skin too.
“You’re looking lovely this evening,” he said, gazing warmly into her eyes.
Scattering her errant thoughts and swallowing hard, she sighed, not wanting to be further charmed by him. Her insides always felt tumultuous when he was near and her breathing never seemed to be at a peaceful rate.
“I haven’t looked into a mirror since early morning, Your Grace. After shopping and interviews at the employment agency for most of the day, I have no doubt I look like a kitten who’s been chased around the neighborhood by a mastiff.”
