Seduced by the Brooding Duke Read online

  “Hello?” Probably just a mouse. He turned his head right, and then left, trying to make out any movement in the dark. Finding nothing, he turned on the heel of his boot, and walked back up the cellar stairs.

  Alexander closed the cellar door and once again walked into his office. He glanced at the wall clock and sighed. He placed the list on his desk, turned off the lamp, and pulled the door closed behind him. The list of ale ingredient inventory, which he had collected from the cellar, would have to wait until tomorrow. It was time to head to the main house and get dressed for dinner.

  Chapter 2

  Lady Emily Conner sat on the chair in her room staring into the looking glass before her. She had a scowl on her ten-year-old face as Sarah, her maid, brushed out her long, ginger tresses.

  “I don’t know why he is punishing me,” Emily said to Sarah, who continued to struggle with the knots in her young charge’s hair. “I didn’t run away this time. I was chasing that grey cat.”

  Sarah simply nodded as she continued to rub the heavily-decorated, mother-of-pearl brush across Emily’s head.

  “I don’t like living here, and I don’t like living with my brother,” Emily announced to the otherwise empty room. It was a large room filled with furnishings that most young ladies could only dream of. Most of the items in the room had belonged to Emily’s mother, the late Duchess of Farnworth, which she had inherited upon her mother’s tragic death.

  “Lady Emily, His Grace surely has your best interest in mind,” said Sarah, who was trying to alleviate the tension that was quickly building in the room. “Have you decided what you will wear for dinner?”

  “No,” replied Emily, who never paid much attention to social rules or expectations. As much as her brother was focused and disciplined, young Emily was as unruly and unmotivated as they came. “I would simply wear my night dress if I had my choice.”

  Sarah, who was now used to Emily’s scandalous utterings, didn’t react. Instead, she looked at Emily and smiled. “I am certain we can find something appropriate to appease His Grace.”

  Emily hunched her back and frowned, crossing her arms in front of her. “I will wear the green dinner gown. I think it looks nice with my eyes.”

  “I agree,” Sarah responded. “Your hair is almost perfect, My Lady. Perhaps we can find a green bow to match and complete your look.”

  Sarah stepped away from Emily, who continued to stare at herself and her neatly-brushed hair in the looking glass and walked to the wardrobe. As she opened the door, Emily gasped.

  “Sarah! If I get a new governess, what will happen to you?” Though Emily was mischievous and raised unlike other girls her age, she still appreciated the presence of her maid.

  “I expect I would still remain in the household, Lady Emily. A governess is not meant to help one dress or brush one’s hair,” responded Sarah as she pulled a gorgeous green dress from the wardrobe. “I think this dress will do nicely.”

  “It’s lovely,” agreed Emily, who quickly changed the direction of the conversation once again. “The last governess was not very nice.”

  The truth was, Emily’s previous governess was very nice, but Emily was not an easy charge. In fact, the governess had resigned several months before due to Emily’s behavior. “I’m sure the new governess will be wonderful,” said Sarah. “Here, let me help you with your chemise.”

  Sarah helped Emily dress in silence, as Emily continued to scowl and think about the prospect of a new governess. “We must get you down to dinner, Lady Emily. His Grace will be waiting.”

  Emily made her way down the grand staircase and eventually into the dining room. Every step she took echoed through the mostly-empty house. Even at ten years old, she knew that the life she and her brother led was different than the lives of their peers, and she longed for a loving and supportive family.

  As she entered the dining parlor, her brother was already there looking regal and in charge like the Duke that he was. He looked up as Emily walked into the room, and he nodded in her direction. “You look lovely, Sister,” he muttered in an attempt to start off the meal in a positive manner.

  Emily smiled, not able to help herself after receiving a compliment from her generally-aloof brother. “Thank you,” she said as she was helped into her seat at the opposite end of the table from Alexander. Since it was only the two of them at dinner, and their parents were no longer living, the two siblings sat where their mother and father once did.

  The soup was served to the siblings, and the only sound as they ate was the clink of the silver against the bowls. The only interruption of the silence of the room was the shuffling of the servants as one course was removed and the next brought in.

  “You had quite the adventure today,” Alexander directed his words toward his young sister. “Did you not?”

  Emily sat upright in her chair and addressed her only brother, “It wasn’t an adventure. I was chasing a cat and went a bit farther than intended.”

  Remarkably, Alexander smirked, which was out of character for him, and Emily smiled before speaking “I didn’t mean to cause trouble. Trouble always seems to find me.”

  “That is very true, Sister,” Alexander agreed, “and that is why it is time to find a new governess. This is not a punishment, but instead a way to help you become a lady.”

  Emily was sullen, though she knew her brother was right. People often reminded her that she was not quite like her peers, but Alexander was not like his, either. Both of them were set on a path that was far from normal, and it was out of their hands.

  “I will begin looking for a governess, tomorrow,” explained Alexander. “And it is my hope that we will have someone employed by the end of the week. In the meantime, I don’t want to hear anything more about you running away, or as you put it, chasing cats.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Emily replied, a frown forming across her face. Even the brightly-colored pudding that was set in front of her could not turn that frown upside down, though it didn’t stop her from reaching for a spoon and taking a small bite.

  Alexander, who held his glass out for more wine, also had a frown across his face, though his was caused by a much more adult worry. Even though Woodworth had assured them that they had enough inventory, he was still unsure of how they would fill their orders. This was the cost of his success, but for tonight, he could at least take a bit of time to relax after dinner. With only he and Emily in the large home, he relished the quiet time he had to himself.

  He rose from the elaborate table and began to walk from the dining parlor to the sitting room, passing through the entry hall. Just as Alexander walked through the entryway, there was a knock at the door. He turned his head slightly toward the sound but continued to walk toward the sitting room. As he entered, he immediately felt the warmth from the glowing fire, which was customary every night, and he took a seat on the plush sofa.

  “Pardon, Your Grace.” Alexander heard his butler Robert’s voice as the door to the sitting room opened. “The Earl of Kirkwall to see you.”

  “I’ll see him, Robert.”

  “Very good, Your Grace,” Robert responded before gently closing the door behind him. Almost immediately, the door opened again and Graham Brewster, the Earl of Kirkwall, strutted in.

  “Hello, Alexander,” he boomed as he walked closer to Alexander, who now stood to greet his guest. “I’m sorry to just drop in, but I was in the area, and I want to discuss a business deal with you.”

  Graham and Alexander had been friends since they were boys, and Alexander knew that his former schoolmate was impulsive and loud, traits which had served him well through his life, especially after the death of his sister. In fact, Alexander and Graham had both seen tragedy in their lives, which, in Alexander’s opinion, had brought the two men even closer together.

  “It’s quite all right, Graham,” said Alexander, as he held his hand out to shake his friend’s hand. “I was just sitting down to read but catching up with an old friend pleases me more. Have a seat and
a drink?”

  “Yes, that sounds quite wonderful,” replied Graham. In a matter of seconds, Robert had brought the men crystal glasses filled with amber liquid. “Ah, scotch,” the Earl said. “A perfect choice for an evening with a chill in the air, like this one.”

  Already bored with the small talk, Alexander motioned for Graham to follow him, and the men took a seat on opposite chaise lounges with an ornate marble-topped table between them. “What brings you to the area, my friend?” Alexander asked. Graham did not live near Alexander, but often did business in the area. He was a well-liked man with many friends, so he never wanted for a place to stay during his travels.

  “Business, of course. I am working with some local farmers to improve the irrigation systems in the lower valleys. Boring to me, of course, but it’s all in a day’s work,” Graham took a sip of his scotch. “How is business for you? Still going well?”

  “Very well,” replied Alexander. “In fact, it’s going so well that we may need to find new ingredient sources. I am going to be contacting some local farmers myself, in the next couple of days.”

  “That’s the spirit, friend,” said Graham with a nod. “They could use the contracts. Plus, it would help me to see my irrigation work in action. That is one thing that I wanted to speak with you about, in fact.”

  “Your irrigation project?” asked Alexander.

  “Close. The farmers working on the irrigation project,” replied Graham. “I was hoping that you could help some of the families who are struggling.”

  Alexander knew his life-long friend to be a good man, so it didn’t surprise him that Graham would ask for his help. “I will do what I can,” said Alexander. “In fact, as I said, I plan on contacting these farmers to purchase crops from them. It would help everyone involved.”

  “This is excellent news, indeed!” said Graham. “As always, I am willing to help you in any way I can.”

  “I know,” replied Alexander, as he took his last sip of scotch. “It is always good to know that I can rely on you. Actually, I also wanted to mention that I’m looking for a new governess for Emily. Do you know of anyone?”

  Alexander knew that an outgoing and well-liked man such as Graham knew a lot of people, and he might know where Alexander could find a governess.

  “I do not, but I will certainly keep my eyes and ears open,” said Graham, also finishing his glass of scotch. “I have a long ride ahead of me, tonight, so I best be leaving. I thank you for your hospitality.”

  “Of course, my friend,” said Alexander as he rose to his feet. “It is always a pleasure to spend time with you.”

  Graham stood, too, and the two men shook hands and smiled. “I will be in touch, friend,” said Graham. “And I wish you an excellent night.”

  “Same to you,” replied Alexander, as he watched his lifelong friend walk out of the sitting room, followed by the footman. The small amount of scotch, the warm fire, and the large meal were making him feel a bit tired, so he decided to retire for the night.

  After all, tomorrow he had a big day. Not only did he have to focus on inventory, but he also had to find a new governess for Emily.

  Chapter 3

  The cold nip of winter was mostly over, but it was not unusual for the temperature to fall at night this early in the spring. As Laura Irving walked along the dirt path from the barn toward the small farmhouse, she wrapped her shawl closer around her slight body. Though she looked small, Laura was stronger than most other three and twenty year-old women. She had to be. She had a lot of responsibility on her shoulders.

  The night came in quickly, and what little light was left was quickly waning. Laura could see the gas lamp hanging outside of the door to her home which directly in front of her, but she could not see the shadowy figure moving slowly through the brush to her left.

  As she approached the door, it opened before she could reach it. The bald head of her father, Edwin Irving, shot out. Constantly paranoid, he looked at his daughter’s face first with shock, and then with recognition, as he pulled her into the doorway.

  “I thought I heard someone outside, Laura,” Edwin said. “I’m so glad it was you.”

  Laura pulled off her shawl and hung it on a hook next to the door. “I was making sure the barn was locked, Father,” she replied. “We have some valuable crops stored in there.”

  “Yes, yes, Laura. Quite valuable,” Edwin said, still very jumpy. “You just don’t know who might be out and about this late at night.”

  The truth was, Laura was a bit jumpy herself. It had only been a couple of weeks since her brother, James, was murdered, and though she secretly wanted to find the unknown assailants, the darkness of night was a bit frightening. But she knew her father was frightened of more than just the dark; he was also frightened of who might come calling in the late hours. He was a hopeless gambler, and it was all Laura and her frail mother could do to keep the farm afloat. Edwin had gambled away almost all that they had, and now that her brother was gone, responsibility for the farm was falling on her.

  “Supper is almost ready, Laura,” said Alice Irving, her mother. Alice seemed old beyond her years and was ailing with illness. As Laura now spent much of her time trying to keep the farm running, her mother had to take on extra responsibility around the home.

  “It smells delicious, Mother,” said Laura. “I’m certainly ready for a meal.” As Laura walked toward her mother to help bring the food to the table, there was a knock at the door. Immediately, all three of the Irving’s froze in place.

  They want my Father.

  Laura, bringing all of her bravery to the surface, stepped closer to the door, and another knock echoed in.

  As she took the handle and pulled the door toward her, she gasped as she saw the figure standing before her. It was a tall figure, so presumably a man, but the person was covered in a dark wrapping. She was unable to see the figure’s face, but she knew that it was a male when the stranger spoke.

  “I am here to speak with Mr. Edwin Irving,” the strange man said. Edwin, however, was silent and shaking in the corner of the room.

  Stepping inside, without being invited in, the man pulled down the cloak, revealing his face. He was tall and quite handsome with light-colored hair and bright-blue eyes. His clothing was puzzling, of course, and it was obvious that he was doing his best to conceal his identity, though he was no one that the Irving family knew.

  “Edwin, you owe my superior a lot of money,” the mysterious stranger said in a deep voice. “How do you intend on paying?”

  “I…I…will get it…” Edwin stuttered. “We just have to sell some more of our crops.”

  “Sell more crops?” said the man, with a sneer across his striking face. “Couldn’t you have sold crops before? You have owed this money for many months. Now, it’s due.”

  “I just need time, Sir,” muttered Edwin, his voice shaking. Laura, who had run over to her mother when the man stepped into their home, held onto Alice tightly, and tried to be brave.

  “Time is up, Edwin,” replied the man softly, as he moved closer to the frightened farmer. “I have a proposition for you. May I sit?”

  The mystery man walked to the table and without waiting for an answer, pulled out the chair and sat down. “Please, Edwin, join me,” he said, as he motioned toward the table. “Perhaps your lovely daughter and wife should join us, too.”

  Laura and Alice remained standing. The man turned toward the women and said, “It is in your best interest to join our conversation.”

  Laura, realizing that the man was very serious, led her mother to the table. The three Irvings sat in their normal seats, all of them taking note that the stranger was sitting in the chair where James had previously sat.

  “Wonderful,” said the man. “We are all present and accounted for.” He looked around the table at the frightened family and continued. “First, I would like to extend my condolences. Murder is a tragic affair that no family should experience. Right, Laura?”

  He looke
d directly into her eyes. How does he know my name?

  “Yes,” she said quietly. “We miss my brother very much.”

  “Of course you do,” replied the man. “What makes it worse is that you don’t know who committed this horrible crime. It’s sad that your family must endure the loss of James, but also try to get past all of the debt that Edwin has accrued.”

  Laura was still frightened, and she could see that her parents, especially her father, was panicked as well.

  The man spoke again. “I may have a way for you to pay the debt back, but it will take the efforts of all three of you to succeed. If you are all in agreement, once you have completed this…um…mission, my superior will consider all of your debts paid.”

  Laura saw her father look down at his hands, and then listened in horror as he said, “We will do anything. We don’t have the money to pay.”

  Laura was shocked. How could her father agree to do something when he didn’t even know what it was?

  The man chuckled loudly, as if he saw the threat to her family as a joke, and then said, “Edwin, you don’t even know what the mission is, so how can you agree to it? Perhaps if you listen to our plan, you might change your mind.”

  Edwin sat in silence and nodded, still staring at his hands. Laura looked helplessly at her mother, who stared at the stranger with terror in her eyes.

  The man looked around the table and smiled at the family, and then he began to speak. “Your mission is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is kill the Duke of Farnworth.”

  Laura audibly gasped, and her mother cried out. Edwin sat and continued to stare at his hands, displaying no emotion.

  “Shocked?” asked the man, the smile widening on his face. “It’s really not as shocking as you might think when you understand why you must do this. In fact, it’s quite simple. If you don’t kill the Duke of Farnworth, you will all be killed in his place.”