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The Duke And I 46.
"Hold your head up and smile woman," Henry growled when Cassy hung back at the top of the steps leading to Theresa's imposing home. His hand gripped her wrist so tightly she almost gasped, and she felt like jerking away and fleeing back down the steps to the waiting carriage. There was a long line of carriages in the street outside her home; it was obvious the ton had gathered to see how Henry's duchess would juggle both her lover and her furious husband.Gaslights burned brightly, adding to the sooty air that hung over the city, casting hazy shadows in the gloom. The lights on the elegant coaches and carriages shimmered like earthbound fireflies, and the streets were alive with the glitter of jewels and the shimmer of fine garments.If not for the cold dread in the pit of her stomach, Cassy might have enjoyed the sight of London finery. As it was, she felt only a shivering apprehension at Henry's cold rage and implacable face. They'd ridden from the townhouse on Park lane to Theresa's
The Duke And I 47.
"Did you ever stop to think that perhaps I might want to talk to someone who at least pretends to like me?" Cassy countered, her eyes clashing with Henry's. "Zack has never said or done anything out of the way, and when I talk to him, I don't have to watch every word I say!""That's because he doesn't care who is in your bed. I do," Henry grated furiously, glaring back at her over the rim of his brandy snifter.The ride back from Theresa's ball had been just as quiet as the ride there and Henry had given Cassy no opportunity to evade him as he'd propelled her up the stairs and into his bed-chamber. Now, he stood watching her like a hungry predator, his eyes as green and narrowed and watchful as a panther's.Shifting uneasily, Cassy edged toward the door connecting their bedchambers, well aware that he was watching her with a coolly lifted brow. "I don't suppose," she said when he remained across the room, "that it would do me any good to care whose bed you slept in?" She refused to all
The Duke And I 48.
This time, when he made love to her, Henry lingered over her for hours, holding himself back while he guided Cassy to peak after peak of trembling ecstasy, and then joining her there.Dawn was already streaking the purple sky with wide pink slices when Henry made love to her for the last time and finally fell into a deep slumber. Cautiously lifting his imprisoning arm from around her waist, Cassy inched forward and slid out from beneath the sheets. Her body, unused to such vigorous lovemaking, felt weak, limp, and deliciously weary as she walked silently around to his side of the bed and picked up her satin dressing gown. Sliding her arms into the sleeves, she wrapped the gown around her, then hesitated, looking down at her husband. His hair was inky against the gleaming whiteness of the pillow, and sleep softened the rugged contours of his tanned face, making him look almost boyish.The sheet had slid down to his hips, exposing to her view the full expanse of his broad, muscled chest
The Duke And I 49.
"Have you heard from him at all?" Theresa asked Cassy as they ambled along the Steyne. A bracing sea breeze drifted over them, lifting tendrils of their hair and thin skirts in a pretty fashion."No," Cassy said, shrugging so Theresa wouldn't see the pain in her eyes. "Just that short note from Sheldon informing me that his grace owns a house on marine parade in case I wish to use it.""How affectionate," Theresa said wryly. "He really is angry with you, isn't he?"She shuddered lightly. "It would seem so. That last night..." She paused, remembering with a sharp ache how loving he'd been. How he'd hurt her the very next morning. And now he didn't care that she had left him.Noting her friend's slight flinch, Theresa tried to distract her. "Look. There's the pavilion the regent has almost finished decorating."Glad to be distracted, Cassy looked where Theresa was pointing and saw the unusual structure that sat in the midst of ten acres of lawn, minarets, pinnacles, and cupolas, all desi
The Duke And I 50.
Cassy had no idea what it cost Henry to remain cool. He fought against the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, the relief to see her again, the fear that she would hate him for his harshness to her. He struggled briefly, and finally returned into cool deliberation. He wanted to hug her so tight in his arms, then toss her to her bed and make love to her until the sun rose the next morning. Since he could do neither without looking like a brute or a fool, he chose to cut her with words."Perhaps I should be flattered that you chose to come back to the country instead of going on to London for the small season, but I can't say that I am. I find your presence here a bit inconvenient.""Do you?" she said coldly without turning to look at him. She couldn't look at him, couldn't let him see how easily he could hurt her. "That's unfortunate. I hardly see that could matter to you.""Then you should have researched more carefully. I am giving a little dinner party tomorrow night,
The Duke And I 51
Two days later, Cassy decided to go visit Adeline and share the news with her. But to her utmost surprise, Henry had told everyone not to allow her to leave the house. As if she were his prisoner!Burning with rage, she stepped into his study and found him bent on work."How dare you?!" she seethed angrily.Henry looked up slowly, his eyes hooded and his lips perched in a bored line. "I’ve dared to do a lot of things in my life, Cassandra," he said. "Could you please be more specific?"Cassy placed her palms on the desk, trying and failing to reel her anger in. How dare he sit there nonchalantly after trying to keep her locked up in the house like an animal!"You think you can keep me locked here as you wish?" she asked furiously. "You think I’ll sit back and do as you ask because I live under your roof?""Actually, yes," he said, returning his gaze to the parchment before him and continuing his silent scribbling. His apathetic attitude infuriated Cassy beyond any sense of reasoning, a
The Duke And I 52
As he held Rebecca in his hands and watched his wife leave, Henry quickly pushed Rebecca away from him. He had no idea why he had done it, no idea why he had felt the compelling urge to hug Rebecca and kiss her as soon as he saw her standing in his study.Maybe he was confused at the words she had said, maybe their argument last night had done that. Point is, he had only caught her in the hands of his cousin, and she was drunk, which meant he might have possibly only helped her like they both said. But now, she had caught him kissing another woman, right in their home.He had wanted to hurt her as much as he was hurting, but definitely not the type of hurt he had seen in her eyes when she saw him kissing Rebecca."Leave," he growled angrily at Rebecca, and Sheldon wasted no time in dragging her out, despite her pleading. He had been pained to have seen Cassy seeing the sinful act, but he couldn't move, nor did he have the slightest idea that she had left. Only Ellen did, and it happene
The Duke And I 53
"Why wasn't I told?" Adeline seethed angrily. "Why do I have to find out when things are worse? Henry, do you any idea how helpful I might have been in looking for her?""I don't care to discuss it, Madam," he said coldly, causing her to shiver. "And I'll find my wife myself.""You don't feel it necessary now when she has left already? With a baby? Your baby?" Adeline injected a note of scorn in her voice that made Henry's eyes blaze with fury as she said, "You're a coward, Henry Blake, and I never thought that of you before.""You have no idea what you're talking about!""I most certainly do. You're afraid to admit that you love Cassandra, and you're afraid she doesn't love you back as much as you do. I can tell you that she does."Clasping his hands behind his back, Henry said in a biting tone, "I can tell you, madam, that you are quite mistaken in the matter. Not only does she not care for me; she hates me. If you don't believe me, ask her. I'm certain she will be as free with that
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The Duke And I 60.
April 25, 1822"Twins, your grace," the physician said, smiling wearily at the man sprawled in a chair in his study. "Boys. And healthy they are, bawling their lungs out."Henry stood up slowly, running a hand over the half grown stubble on his jaw. Twins? Boys?"How is my wife?" he asked after an instant of stunned silence."Very tired, as she's so small and it was a hard birth for her, but she's well. There seem to be no problems.""There better not be," Henry growled, fixing the doctor with an intent gaze. "You are to remain here until she has completely recovered. I've heard too many times about women who have died within a few days after a normal birth, and I won't have that happen to Cassandra.""But your grace, I have other patients who need me," the doctor protested. "Lady Auberly is nearly..."Henry wasn't listening. He strode across the room and out the door of his study, taking the stairs two at a time. He eased into Cassy's room, his eyes trying to adjust to the dim light.
The Duke And I 59.
"I love you so much. . . ."His kisses seared her flesh like glowing brands as his mouth moved around her lips. "You're the best thing to had ever happen to me," he murmured against her lips, before capturing them yet again in a searing kiss.It had never occurred to Cassy that he would want her to touch him as he touched her, and the knowledge was thrilling. She put her hands against his tanned chest, slowly spreading her fingers, amazed when her simple touch made his breath catch.Feeling as if her heart would break with the love bursting in it, Cassy answered him with a melting kiss. It was answer enough.Still holding her, he moved onto his side, then he combed his fingers through her rumpled, satiny hair and brushed a tender kiss against her temple. Cassy’s lashes fluttered up and he felt as if he would drown in the deep blue pools of her eyes."How do you feel?" she teased, smiling as she asked him the same question he had once asked her. With tender solemnity, he replied, "I f
The Duke And I 58.
Henry took her home that evening. Cassy smiled all the way back home, looking at him as though he would disappear from her sight. "What is it?" he asked, smiling at her. "Nothing," she replied. "I just want to look at you."His aunt was much too happy to see them returned, and she held Cassy for a bit longer than expected. Jonathan had a long talk with his sister the next day when he arrived, and for the first time since her marriage to Henry, he actually smiled at her husband. "Isn't she amazing?" Adeline asked as she stood beside him by the large hall, both of them gazing at Cassy adoringly as she spoke with the servants; Sheldon and Gabriel included. Ever since they came back, the atmosphere of the estate had changed to a cheerful chatter."She is," Henry agreed without a second thought, and he missed the smile that spread across Adeline's face. "I had no idea she would be this forgiving.""You think she has forgiven you?" Adeline asked swiftly, gazing up at his jade eyes filled
The Duke And I 57.
For a long while, Cassy simply stared at him. She could hardly believe that he was actually here, standing before her with his darkened eyes and his tousled hair. "May I come in?" he asked. Cassy stepped aside, knowing there was nothing she could do to stop him. The ruse was over; Zack must have told him where she was. The bastard! How could he betray her like this?Henry walked behind her slowly, unable to take his eyes of her. So she had been at Zack’s this entire time. Zack, who should have had the decency to inform him at once that his wife was hiding here. Zack, who had taken Catherine from him, had also succeeded in taking his wife this time. Fury lashed at his thoughts, but his murderous thoughts were halted immediately whenever he blinked and she came into his view. Cassy lead them into the drawing room she had just vacated with Colin. This time however, she didn’t sit. Neither did Henry. He stood at the doorway, watching her hungrily. He couldn’t soak in the sight of her en
The Duke And I 56.
"Colin?"His name was a whisper on her lips, too light and feathery to be real. It had been too long since she last said the name; too long since she last saw the rugged smile and those beautiful eyes staring down at her. "Colin." She said the name again, as if repeating it would make his presence more real. He looked different, and yet somehow the same. The familiarity hit her like a train, sending her world spinning off its axis. "May I come in?" he asked, a nonchalant smirk perched on the edge of his lips. "I hardly think this is the right spot for old friends to entertain each other.""Of course," she said breathlessly, stepping aside. "Forgive my manners. I’m just so surprised to see you here of all places.""I’m surprised to see you here as well," he said, passing the threshold and stepping into the hallway. "Hardwick never told me about you.""Well I only just came to stay with him a few months ago," she replied, leading him to the drawing room. She could feel his eyes on her
The Duke And I 55.
Jonathan growled as though he would punch Henry without hearing from him. He had a defensive stance, waiting for the best moment to strike."I have no idea," Henry began, his voice cold. "Perhaps you might know where I can find her, Levington?"Jonathan was seething with rage. "Now you see why I was so against the wedding!" he snapped angrily before punching Henry on the face.If Henry heard him, he gave no sign. His attention was on the door. He didn't bother to reply Jonathan, he didn't care how angry he was. He wanted to fight. It had been a long time since he'd felt this fierce urge to battle another man, but he did now. Few of the duels he'd engaged had been of his choosing and fewer still had he anticipated. Most of the time, he had simply refused to back down when pushed and had given his challenger every opportunity to gracefully extract himself from a fight.But now, Henry wanted a fight desperately. He wanted the satisfaction of clashing blades, not the more detached aiming o
The Duke And I 54
Cassy mounted one of the sedate.The raw pain had eased slightly and was duller now, more easily dealt with now that she wasn't expecting anything, now that she wasn't expecting him to follow her. She had given up already on their love.At first, nothing had helped, then for the past week, she had begun taking her life one day at a time, making it through the day and then congratulating herself for it, spending as much time with Zack as possible. Finally, she had begun taking pains with her appearance again and had begun wearing the new clothes that fit her fuller figure. Her breasts were larger, and her waist, though still small, was not as small as it had been. Her hips were fuller, too, swelling in a curve that would hardly be mistaken as boyish now. She had definitely matured, and pregnancy surely did agree with her.But what good did it do to her if Henry was so far away? And why did she miss him so much when it was obvious he did not miss her? He was with his mistresses, and she
The Duke And I 53
"Why wasn't I told?" Adeline seethed angrily. "Why do I have to find out when things are worse? Henry, do you any idea how helpful I might have been in looking for her?""I don't care to discuss it, Madam," he said coldly, causing her to shiver. "And I'll find my wife myself.""You don't feel it necessary now when she has left already? With a baby? Your baby?" Adeline injected a note of scorn in her voice that made Henry's eyes blaze with fury as she said, "You're a coward, Henry Blake, and I never thought that of you before.""You have no idea what you're talking about!""I most certainly do. You're afraid to admit that you love Cassandra, and you're afraid she doesn't love you back as much as you do. I can tell you that she does."Clasping his hands behind his back, Henry said in a biting tone, "I can tell you, madam, that you are quite mistaken in the matter. Not only does she not care for me; she hates me. If you don't believe me, ask her. I'm certain she will be as free with that
The Duke And I 52
As he held Rebecca in his hands and watched his wife leave, Henry quickly pushed Rebecca away from him. He had no idea why he had done it, no idea why he had felt the compelling urge to hug Rebecca and kiss her as soon as he saw her standing in his study.Maybe he was confused at the words she had said, maybe their argument last night had done that. Point is, he had only caught her in the hands of his cousin, and she was drunk, which meant he might have possibly only helped her like they both said. But now, she had caught him kissing another woman, right in their home.He had wanted to hurt her as much as he was hurting, but definitely not the type of hurt he had seen in her eyes when she saw him kissing Rebecca."Leave," he growled angrily at Rebecca, and Sheldon wasted no time in dragging her out, despite her pleading. He had been pained to have seen Cassy seeing the sinful act, but he couldn't move, nor did he have the slightest idea that she had left. Only Ellen did, and it happene
