Never Desire a Duke Read online

  “Do you love me?” It sounded like he did, but she had to be certain.

  “I love you so much it terrifies me,” he told her. “Please go easy on me. My heart is fragile.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek. “I’ve loved you for so long. I never thought this was possible. I...” She swallowed hard. “I’ve always been yours.”

  “Thank God,” he said. “Then you’ll marry me this week?”

  “Isn’t that kind of sudden?”

  “I’ve waited too long for you already,” he told her. “Besides, I think your brother will try to stop us from saying our vows if we wait too long, and I would like to return home sometime. Though we can stay here as long as you like. It’s actually nice here.”

  “I think so too.” She smiled. “Perhaps we can convince Ezra to get a special license for us. It’s too risky for you to go to London.” She didn’t want some ambitious debutante to try and trap her intended before they had a chance to say their vows. Amelia would not give him up to another woman. Ever. She finally had Grant’s love. It almost seemed too good to be true.

  “He’s going to love that...” Grant chuckled.

  “He loves me.” She smiled. “He’ll do it. My brother wants me to be happy, and I am with you.” Ezra would come to appreciate Grant in time. She hoped.

  “Let’s go ask him now. I can’t wait to experience his reaction.” The glee on his face was a bit worrisome. She almost felt sorry for Ezra, but she suspected her brother would be difficult and would deserve whatever Grant had in store for him.

  She wrinkled her nose. “Don’t antagonize him too much.”

  “Don’t take away all my fun,” he drawled. “It’s so entertaining to poke the beast.” He snapped his fingers. “I have a great idea. Where is Beetle?”

  Amelia rolled her eyes. Beetle had taken a disliking to Ezra. If they brought the goose inside, it would distract her brother, but it also might make him less inclined to help him. “Beetle is not coming inside.” She leaned into him. “Wouldn’t you rather stay out here a little longer?” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “We could cuddle or kiss...”

  “That’s a far better idea,” he agreed, then leaned down to press his lips to hers. “My sweet, sweet daisy…” A reminder of their time at the masquerade… The wedding plan could wait until later. Amelia wanted to spend some time alone with her fiancé. She never imagined the Duke of Darling would fall hopelessly in love with her, but sometimes reality outdid the fantasy. She had to rethink her notions on never desiring a duke. Her passion for her duke couldn’t be denied, and she planned on being with him forever.

  Epilogue

  Five years later...

  Grant had purchased Amelia’s cottage from the Carrolton estate. Luckily it wasn’t entailed. It had been his wedding gift to her, and they often returned to the cottage to escape the prying eyes of society. It was a perfect escape, and one they took whenever they could. They usually returned to the cottage for their anniversary.

  This year they couldn’t.

  He wished he could take his wife to their favorite retreat, but she was unable to travel. She’d been heavily pregnant with their third child, and the doctor advised against it.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  Amelia rubbed her enormous belly. “Like this babe needs to be born. I’m ready to no longer be enceinte.”

  He adored her and believed her beautiful no matter what, but this time he was worried. She seemed bigger than with her previous two pregnancies. His mother had been ecstatic to learn he’d married, and he had promptly dismissed her to the dower house. He didn’t bother to tell her when his other children had been born. He’d made her read about the births when they made an announcement in The Times. She would have been disappointed either way...they were girls.

  Lila had been born a year after their marriage, Gillian a year after that. Grant adored his two daughters and would not have wished they had been born boys for anything. They were perfect exactly the way they were. Now they were expecting their third child, and a part of him hoped it was a girl too. He didn’t care one whit if the Darling Dukedom went extinct for a lack of heirs.

  “I’m sure our daughter will be born when she’s ready,” he told her. “You shouldn’t rush her.”

  Amelia glared at him. “I damn well hope she doesn’t take her bloody time.” She nearly growled out the words. “And why are you so certain it’s a girl? It could be a boy. I’m willing to wager it is, Lila and Gillian were not this stubborn.”

  “Of course they weren’t,” he agreed. “They’re angels.” Grant frowned. “Perhaps the babe will take pity on you and come soon.”

  “He better,” she said in an irritated tone. “And once he’s born, he’ll be all yours to deal with. I plan on sleeping for days.”

  He nodded. “I’ll do whatever you want, love.” Grant leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Tell me, and I’ll ensure it is done.” He kept his voice soothing. At the moment, she reminded him a little of Beetle. Any wrong move and she’d attack, and he wouldn’t put it past her to use her teeth. She was practically snarling at him.

  She stiffened and met his gaze. “Take me to bed,” she demanded.

  “Sweetheart,” he kept that same soft tone. “I’d love to, but you’re not in any condition for that.” Amelia’s face lost all color and she groaned as she leaned forward.

  She smacked him. “Please tell me you’re not that stupid. I don’t want you to make love to me. Your son has decided to make an appearance.” She stepped around him and went toward the stairs. “Never mind, I’ll take myself there.”

  Grant rushed after her. How was he to know that the babe had decided it wanted to be born? It wasn’t as if he had any insight to the child’s mind, or how Amelia’s body was reacting. He scooped her up. She formed her hands into tiny fists and pummeled his chest. “Put me down.”

  “Absolutely, love,” he said. “As soon as we reach our bedchamber.”

  Tears fell down her cheek, and he felt like a right arse. “I’m sorry, love,” he softened his tone. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “I’m so tired,” she said. “I can’t do this.”

  God help him. She would not give up on him. Fear seized his heart, and he was at a loss about what to do. No one had prepared him for something like this. He needed help. First, he’d get her to the bedchamber, then he’d send for the midwife. “You can,” he insisted. “I’ll be here with you, and I’ll do whatever you need. I promise.” He couldn’t make that promise enough. Grant needed her far more than she ever needed him. “I love you.”

  “I love you,” she said. “Not at the moment, but most of the time.”

  He chuckled softly. “I suppose I deserve that.”

  Grant pushed open the door to their bedchamber, then laid her on the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

  “No,” she shouted. “You said you wouldn’t leave me.”

  He had promised he wouldn’t, but he was not equipped to help her with the babe. Surely she understood that... “Dear,” he said in a hushed tone. “You need the midwife.”

  “Send someone for her then,” she said, then let out a loud moan. Grant stared at her and lost all ability to think. “Go now.” She said in a firm tone. “Don’t stand there like a fool. You said we need the midwife. Get her.”

  He nodded like the fool she’d called him and then rushed out of the room. Once he was a few steps away, he breathed easier. How was he going to stay in the room and watch her in agony? “Bartley,” he bellowed for the butler.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” he said in an autocratic tone. “How may I be of assistance.” The butler seemed to appear out of nowhere. Was he skulking in a corner, waiting for Grant to call for him?

  “Send for the midwife. I’ll be upstairs with the duchess.” He glanced toward the staircase. “Send her up when she arrives.”

  “I’ll send one of the footman right away.” Bivens turned and headed to the back of the house. Grant didn�
��t wait to see if he followed his instructions. He raced back upstairs to be by Amelia’s side. She wanted him there, and he’d make sure he was. Even if his heart raced so hard, it might break free from his chest...

  Two days later...

  Amelia sat back in the chair in the bedchamber. She was sore and expected to be that way for several days, maybe weeks. Giving birth this time had taken a lot out of her. Grant had his heir, though. She’d been right, and there was a boy waiting to come into the world.

  But Grant had been right, too.

  She’d given birth to twins. One girl and one boy. They now had three daughters. Lord help them when it was time for their season. Grant would be awful. Much worse than Ezra had ever been... He loved his children, but he doted on his daughters. Amelia hoped he started to pay more attention to their son as he grew older. He shouldn’t be slighted because he was a boy. He had never cared if he had an heir to the dukedom, but now he had one regardless of his wants or needs.

  “How are you feeling,” Grant asked as he entered the room.

  He’d been a wreck as she gave birth. She didn’t know why she’d wanted him with her, but somehow it had felt necessary. He had held her hand and did whatever she asked. She couldn’t ask for a better man to call her husband. “I’m still tired, but I’m feeling a little better.”

  “And how are the new additions to our family?” He peeked into the cradles. She wanted them nearby to nurse them. Especially since she was so tired after their birth.

  “They’re sleeping peacefully,” she said in a weary tone. “Thank God, because I need the break.”

  “We can have the nurse come take them for a while. You shouldn’t be doing so much.” He smiled at her. “You worked hard bringing them into the world, and you deserve to rest.”

  She smiled at him. “I do rest.” She patted the chair next to her. “Come sit with me for a while. There are some things we need to discuss.”

  He did as she requested and settled into the chair. “I’m yours to command.”

  Amelia chuckled. “There’s only one thing I want right now.”

  “Tell me,” he said. “I’ll give you anything.”

  He would. Grant was always generous. She had once believed him to be selfish, but she’d been wrong. Grant put everyone above himself. “Help me name our babies.”

  She wanted him to pick their son’s name. It would help him bond with the boy. “I already have a name picked out for our daughter.”

  “You do?” He grinned. “What is our new princess to be called?”

  “Hope,” she said. Because she had put all her faith in Grant, and Hope was going to help him accept his son.

  “That is perfect.” He sighed. “I like it.”

  “Now I want you to name our son.” She held her breath and waited.

  He frowned. “You’re much better at names. You picked all the girls’ names.”

  She had, and she wondered why. “I think it is time you named one of our children.” Why was he afraid of this? “You will pick the right name.”

  He went over to the cradle and stared at their son. Grant was quiet for several moments, then said in a firm tone. “Kendrick.” He looked at Amelia. “Our son should be named Kendrick.”

  Amelia stood and joined him by the cradles. She glanced down at them, then back up at Grant. “It fits him I think—he looks like he might be bold enough to do it justice.” Amelia turned to Grant. “He is your son after all, and will no doubt rule every room he chooses to enter.” She was so happy she nearly burst with it. This was what she’d always dreamed of with him. Love, family, and so much joy it was overwhelming at times. Amelia couldn’t ask for a better life, and she planned on holding on to it with all she had.

  “That he is.” He looked down at their son and chuckled softly. “Though I think when I write the announcement, I’m going to omit their sex. Let mother wonder if she has a grandson for a little while longer.”

  Amelia shook her head. “You’re a terrible son.”

  “She deserves it,” he insisted with a wicked grin. Then scowled before saying, “She tried to ruin my life.”

  “But it led us to each other. That cannot be all bad...”

  “No,” he agreed, and kissed her lightly. “That’s the only thing I am grateful for, but I’ll never tell her that. She shouldn’t be absolved from her meddling. That way she won’t ever try it again.”

  “All right,” she told him. “I won’t argue with you about it. There are much more pleasant things to look forward to.”

  He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. Not passionately, but sweetly. She sighed and leaned into him. Thankfully, she never followed her own advice to never love him again. She wouldn’t have his love, or their children, if she had. She was blessed.

  One Month later…

  Lord and Lady Carrolton were expected soon, along with their children. Their son, Remy, was a bit wild, but their daughter, Rosemary, was a delight.

  Of course, that might be because Grant got along with females better. He adored his daughters. Though he was starting to appreciate his son. Kendrick had a set of lungs on him that make Grant’s ears nearly bleed, though. He had a discussion with him often about the benefits of a soothing tone. He had to teach the boy right, after all. If he hoped to win the hand of a woman worthy of him, one day, he’d need to properly woo her.

  As to the Viscount of Carrolton... Grant could do without a visit from him, as well. Lady Carrolton was as lovely as always, and much more diplomatic. She hadn’t once tried to push him into a pond or challenge him to a duel. Carrolton held a grudge longer than anyone he knew. Grant had been married to Amelia for over five years now. Surely, her brother had to accept him as part of the family. By denying Grant and Amelia’s marriage, he was making his sister out to be a mistress instead of a wife.

  “Your Grace,” Bartley interrupted Grant’s thoughts. “Lord and Lady Carrolton have arrived, and they’re awaiting you in the blue parlor. The governess has taken the children to the nursery to rest.”

  Grant nodded at him. “Have you sent in tea and cakes?”

  “I have,” the butler answered. “As soon as they arrived, I sent a maid to inform cook. She’s preparing everything now.”

  “Good,” Grant told him. “Send a maid up to inform Her Grace that her brother has arrived. She’ll want to join us for tea.”

  Amelia was still tired a lot these days. The twins kept her busy, and she made time for Lila and Gillian. She laid down for a nap so she could be refreshed when her brother arrived. Grant hated waking her, but she’d be irate if he didn’t. She adored her brother and his wife. Though Grant couldn’t fathom what she saw in Carrolton. The man was more irritating than Beetle.

  Beetle and Bumble had been moved to his home since that was where they resided most of the time. They were doing well and driving the groundskeepers mad. Beetle chased the poor men around daily. Grant swore he could see the little beast smile as he did it. The two geese were living their best lives, and he had to admit even Beetle had wormed his way into Grant’s heart. The devil had helped bring him and Amelia together—even if that hadn’t been Beetle’s original intention. He shook those thoughts away and concentrated on the present.

  Grant left the butler and went to the salon. Lady Carrolton sat in the settee, and Lord Carrolton stared out a nearby window. “It’s bloody raining.”

  “It is England,” Grant drawled. “That’s known to happen.”

  Carrolton spun around and glared at him. “I don’t need your opinion.”

  “Because you’re full of your own?” Grant lifted a brow. He turned to Lady Carrolton and smiled. “How was your trip? He didn’t make it too terrible, did he?” Grant gestured toward her husband.

  She wrinkled her nose. “He hates traveling, but he was determined to come.”

  “Damn right I was,” Carrolton spat out. “Quit flirting with my wife. Aren’t you supposed to be devoted to my sister?”

  Grant turned to him and gr
inned. He loved goading the viscount. “I love Amelia and show her every day how much.” Let Carrolton make of that what he would. “She’s more than pleased.”

  “That I am.” Amelia breezed into the room, looking as lovely as ever. She had on a sunny yellow gown that made her skin glow. He wanted to strip it off her and soak in her sunshine. “Quit being rude, Ezra. When are you going to accept Grant?” Amelia sat next to the viscountess on the settee.

  “When he’s six feet under,” Ezra grumbled.

  “That’s more than rude,” Lady Carrolton chastised him. “Apologize.”

  Grant held back a chuckle. He didn’t blame Carrolton. Not really... If Grant had a sister, he’d be overprotective as well. When his daughters were old enough for a husband, he’d probably threaten to maim or kill their suitors too. Women should be cherished and protected always.

  “I’m sorry,” the viscount mumbled.

  “What was that?” Grant lifted his hand to his ear. “I couldn’t hear you.”

  “I said, I’m sorry,” Carrolton shouted. “You bloody rotten bastard.”

  Grant laughed. “Now that’s more like it.”

  A maid pushed in the tea cart and then left the room. Grant went over and poured a cup of tea and prepared it the way Amelia liked, then carried it over to her. “Would you care for a cup?” he asked Lady Carrolton.

  “Yes, I would,” she replied. “Just milk, please.”