“I’ll leave you to get started,” he said. “I’ll ride the estate again in the morning and we’ll speak after that.”

  “Very good, Your Grace.”

  “And Woodward. One more thing. My wife . . . is a very curious woman. If she asks about the past—my time here at Linwood—be so good as to tell her you don’t really remember much. That you were merely being kind when you met her. That I hadn’t truly made an impression on you when I was a child.”

  The manager nodded slowly. “Yes, Your Grace. I truly don’t recall much. Only that you were a bit rambunctious and then you went off to school. No one was very clear why you never returned.” He looked away and added, “Your father . . . never mentioned you again.”

  “I see.”

  “Your Grace, Her Grace has already come for a few ledgers early this morning. I gave them to her. I hope that was all right.”

  Anthony didn’t show his surprise. “It’s not a problem, Woodward.”

  It was, though. He’d specifically told her not to engage with them. Every servant in line had heard him suggest to her yesterday that her role was in running the household, not investigating the estate. Naturally, Laurel had ignored his directions. He remembered at school how stubborn both Jeremy and Luke St. Clair had been. Though she hadn’t been raised in their household, Laurel was proving to be the most determined St. Clair of all. One kiss and his plans to marry an unassuming wallflower had flown out the window.

  He left the office, his stomach rumbling. As he passed the grandfather clock in the entryway, he heard it chime four o’clock. He hadn’t realized it was so late.

  Guilt filled him having left her alone all day. Once again, he’d left things poorly with this new wife when he’d walked away from her this morning. She’d desperately wanted to sit in on his meeting with Woodward. He hadn’t wanted her present merely because she wanted to be there so badly. Anthony told himself she would have to learn that she couldn’t get her way every time. She’d already obtained the ledgers behind his back. He would let that pass. Right now, though, he owed his bride a little attention, having abandoned her for most of her first day of being married and coming to a strange place. They could take tea together and he would share some of the improvements he wished to make at Linwood. He’d even be willing to listen to any opinions she might have regarding this. With Laurel, he was certain there would be opinions aplenty.

  He went to the drawing room and rang the bell. A maid appeared. He asked for tea to be brought and for his wife to be found so that she could join him.

  The tea arrived ten minutes later, a maid pushing the cart. Mrs. Wallingford accompanied her.

  “Her Grace isn’t here, Your Grace,” the housekeeper told him. “While you were meeting with Mr. Woodward, she decided to ride out and meet some of the tenants.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Laurel hadn’t wasted a moment. The second she learned Linfield was behind closed doors with Ross Woodward, she told Mrs. Wallingford where she was off to and headed directly to the stables. She’d only been riding for two months now but she had taken to it as she had dancing. Being atop a horse was the most liberating thing in the world.

  The head groom had helped select a mount for her after asking a few questions about her experience. He’d even had two different horses brought out and let her try each one, riding around in a wide loop before returning. They settled on one and he assigned Tam, one of the grooms, to escort her about the estate. Tam led her several places that had the advantage of height so that she could see wide portions of the estate without having to ride so far. Laurel told herself she would travel the entire perimeter tomorrow, seeing more of the land up close.

  Now that she had a good idea of what the property consisted of, she told Tam she wished to meet as many tenants as she could during the rest of the afternoon. She assumed Linfield would be tied up the rest of the day with Mr. Woodward and wanted to make the most of her time.

  Tam’s parents had resided at Linwood since they were both children and had taken over Tam’s father’s cottage and plot of land.

  “Didn’t you have any interest in farming?” she’d asked.

  “No, Your Grace. It’s always been animals for me. Horses, in particular. I was lucky to gain a position in the stables. I get to do what I love and still see my parents every week. My sister, too, since she married last year, one of the tenants on the far east side of the property.”

  “Where are your parents located?”

  “Here to the west.”

  “Then I shall call upon them first.”

  She regretted not having taken time to go to the kitchen to collect some kind of treat for those she visited but she soon learned her company was as cherished as any gift that she might have brought with her. Laurel met Tam’s parents and a dozen other families. Tam also took her to an area between the tenants’ land and the main house, where he introduced her to the blacksmith and his farrier. She learned the blacksmith shoed horses and made various wrought iron products for the farmers and people at Linwood, while the farrier also shoed horses and acted as a type of horse doctor.

  Laurel met the estate’s wheelwright, who built carts and wheels and one of its two gamekeepers. Everyone was interested in her and her marriage to the new, mysterious duke. A few mentioned knowing the former duke and his eldest son. When their names came up, a quietness seem to settle as a blanket. She was smart enough to read between the lines and understand neither man had been fondly looked upon by these farmers and laborers.

  “I promise I will bring my husband back with me tomorrow. He is eager to meet everyone. He would have come with me today but he and Mr. Woodward had a great deal to discuss regarding the estate.”

  Tam finally told her it grew late and they needed to return to the stables. As they rode in the direction of the house, she saw a horse approaching at a fast clip and recognized the rider as Linfield. Her gut told her he was furious with her and she signaled to Tam to come to a halt.

  “His Grace approaches, Tam. Why don’t you return to the stables? My husband will see me home safely.” She smiled sweetly, though her insides quaked.

  “Yes, Your Grace. It was a pleasure escorting you today. If you ever need anyone to accompany you again, just ask for me.”

  “I certainly will, Tam.”

  He kicked his horse and rode off, passing Linfield, who turned and looked at the groom. Laurel feared he would stop Tam and berate him but the duke must have thought better of it, riding toward her instead. She remained in place, waiting for him to arrive.

  His horse was reddish-brown, what Luke would have called a bay. Her brother had been the one to teach her to ride and had imparted all kinds of miscellaneous information to her regarding horses. She’d seen this horse attached to the carriage that followed them to Linwood and assumed it was Linfield’s personal favorite. With its great size, she guessed that the animal had been at war with him.

  He pulled up alongside her, his eyes flashing with anger.

  “You went out on the estate.”

  She answered him calmly. “Yes. I wanted to see where my future children would play.”

  “Our children.”

  “Yes. Our children,” she agreed. “I also wanted to meet some of the tenants. They are most eager to make your acquaintance.”

  “I told you the household required your attention.”

  “And I told you that I—we—have an excellent staff,” she snapped. “I’ve already spoken to Cook about menus for the remainder of the week we will be here. That’s a very duchess-y thing to do.” She paused. “I had the time and thought I would use it to see Linwood.”

  “I would have preferred to show it to you myself.”

  She softened. His voice had a catch in it and she realized it might have meant something to him to be the one to show her around. She pictured the little boy he’d been and wished whatever had happened had not affected him the way it had.

  “I only saw a few parts of it. Tam, the groom who accompanied me, led me to a couple of high points so I could see for miles. It’s beautiful, Anthony. You are very fortunate to have such an impressive place.”

  “It’s ours,” he said, his anger subsiding. “One of many properties but the one I believe we’ll spend the most time at. At least until we have children.”

  Laurel frowned. “But I thought you told me that we would raise our children here. I don’t understand.”

  “You know I need an heir. A spare would be even better. Once I have them, I told you that you would be free to—”

  “To what? Take a lover?” she asked, her heart sinking but her anger rising. “Like women of the ton do? Like you will?” Bitter disappointment filled her. “I thought when you said I would have my freedom it meant I would be able to participate in things I am interested in. I would love to do charity work, especially in my former neighborhood. Work with furthering the education of the less fortunate. Help feed the hungry.”

  She shook her head. “I had no idea you merely wanted me for your brood mare. While I didn’t expect you to be entirely faithful because most men aren’t, I would never bring another man to my bed. I want to be a good example to my children. To show them the difference between right and wrong. To have them be kind to others. To teach them to honor their word.”

  Laurel gripped her reins. “You’ll get your heir and spare and then you’re welcome to spend all of your time in London. The children and I will be perfectly happy here at Linwood without you. Go to your other estates. Chase all the lightskirts you wish. Take on as many mistresses as you choose. We won’t need you.”

  With that, she urged her horse on and raced toward the stables. She arrived and dismounted, tossing her reins to Tam, who looked puzzled. Moments later, Linfield rode up and Laurel hurried away, as fast as her skirts would let her. She rounded the stables to head toward the house, knowing she wouldn’t reach it.

  As she expected, a hand seized her elbow, halting her forward motion. Her husband jerked her and she stumbled, her back pressing against the stable wall.

  His other hand gripped her elbow, his body close, blocking her escape. Fury blazed in his blue eyes.

  “I do want an heir,” he ground out. “I want several children. And I want to be a good father to them. The kind of father I never had.”

  His eyes fell to her mouth. “I also want my wife. Only my wife. I plan to honor my marriage vows, Laurel. You are the only woman I want.”

  With that, his mouth took hers roughly. The kiss was one meant to punish her. Hard. Brutal. Angry. Yet it had the opposite effect. Instead of putting her in her place, it only stirred the fire of passion inside her. Within him, as well. Her hands clutched at him, her fingers finding cloth and tightening. He jerked her to him, his mouth devouring her, his kiss deep. Through his clothes she could feel the furnace of his body as hers melted into him. They may not like each other much but the passion they felt for one another was undeniable.

  He broke the kiss, his forehead resting against hers.

  “I don’t know why I respond to you like this,” he muttered. “Why I get so angry.”

  “I feel the same,” she replied. “No one has ever infuriated me more—and yet I want you inside me now.”

  He released her elbows and cupped her face. His eyes drank her in. “It’s still daylight, Your Grace. Should we scandalize the servants and retreat to your bedchamber?”

  Her mind shouted no but her body betrayed her when her lips whispered, “Yes.”

  Disregarding every rule of propriety, he scooped her into his arms and strode toward the house. Flabbergasted, she remained mute as he entered the house and trotted up the stairs. They passed a maid whose jaw dropped. Laurel buried her face against her husband’s chest, muffling her laughter. She didn’t know if any other servants observed their outrageous behavior because she didn’t look up until he set her down safely within her rooms.

  Linfield struggled with unfastening her fitted riding jacket and finally jerked it open, buttons flying everywhere. He peeled away her layers of clothing and when she stood naked in front of him he began kissing her hungrily. His hands were everywhere, touching her, sliding up and down her bare back, pulling the pins from her hair. It came tumbling down and he ran his fingers through it, kissing her again and again.

  She began undressing him, undoing buttons and unwinding his cravat. As she pulled it away, she kissed his throat, feeling his pulse jump. He growled and lifted her off her feet, carrying her to her bed and tossing her upon it. She watched as he quickly rid himself of the rest of his clothing before his body covered hers. He made love to her frantically, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. When he entered her, she tensed but felt none of the pain of the night before. Apparently, he had been telling the truth that it only hurt the first time.

  He had her wrap her legs about his waist as he continued thrusting into her. It allowed him to penetrate deeper. His tongue imitated his manhood, plunging into her mouth, plundering and tasting. When her release came, his mouth covered her cry. Soon after, he shuddered violently and collapsed atop her, pushing her into the mattress. She welcomed the weight of him, her arms and legs still wrapped around him.

  He pushed away and left the bed, heading toward their dressing rooms.

  “I will see you at dinner. Eight o’clock. Come to the winter parlor.”

  With that, he was gone.

  *

  Anthony entered the breakfast room, surprised to find Laurel already there. They had dined together last night in a small room that he remembered eating in once on his last birthday at Linwood. His aunt, Constance, had been present and it had been a happy occasion. Even Theodore, who usually wanted all the focus on him, allowed Anthony to bask in the attention he received that night. He had escorted Laurel to her room after they finished eating and left her alone. Though he would have liked nothing more than to stay, he still held back from her. He couldn’t let her see how much she affected him. How he looked forward to her company. She threatened to worm her way into his heart and he would shield it at all costs. While she would make a good duchess and a very good mother, based upon what he had seen, he didn’t want to let down his guard. He needed to keep a part of him separate from her.

  The truth was, Laurel seemed a very good person, despite her humble beginnings. He, on the other hand, still felt like an imposter, allowing everyone to address him as Your Grace as they fawned over him, treating him as if he were someone special. He didn’t feel like a duke. He knew he needed to concentrate on learning more about his vast responsibilities—and focus less on what he wanted to do in bed with his new wife. He hadn’t been a nice man before or after the war. He was afraid if he let Laurel become too close to him, she would see he was a fraud.

  And not want him anymore.

  Anthony seated himself at the head of the table, his wife sitting to his right. Laurel wore a rose-colored gown, which turned her hair raven black and made her emerald eyes stand out. Over dinner, he had shared with her some of the things he’d learned from Woodward and they decided the route to take across the estate today. She wanted him to meet the tenants she’d visited with yesterday. He wasn’t thrilled with the idea. Despite his façade, he was nervous around people. Even at his club, he didn’t say much. The only time he truly felt himself was when he boxed at Gentleman Jack’s, pounding his fists into some poor sparring partner. He supposed violence permeated his soul, burned into him by war. No one could save him since he had no soul left to save.

  He finished his meal and swallowed the last of his coffee.

  “Can you ride out in a quarter hour?” he asked.

  “Yes. Let me change into my riding habit. I’ll meet you at the stables.”

  She left and Anthony, already in his riding clothes, went directly to the stables. His head groom raved about Bucephalus’ splendid lines. He asked for the horse to be saddled and one for his wife, as well.

  “What mount was Her Grace given yesterday?”

  The groom told him and had it brought out with Bucephalus. The horse seemed adequate but he wanted something far better for her. After all, Laurel was a duchess and deserved the best. He wouldn’t have her ride anything but the best horseflesh available, especially when they returned to London. He knew the ton would sink their teeth into her and her reputation as it was. He wanted her dressed in the finest clothes. Wearing the best gems. Riding the best mount.

  He turned and watched her approach. Yesterday, she had worn blue. Today’s riding habit was a rich forest green, the tight riding jacket snug against her breasts. The sweeping skirt hid her beautiful, long legs. Anthony had a vision of them wrapped about his waist and almost grabbed her hand to drag her back to bed. Instead, he greeted her.

  She smiled but went straight to the horse and offered it an apple. A simple gesture but a thoughtful one. His duchess excelled at thoughtfulness. He remembered her seeking out staff at the St. Clair townhouse before they left to come to Linwood, complimenting them on the wedding preparations and thanking them for all they had done for her while she had lived under their roof. She’d been just as gracious when she’d meet her own staff at Linwood and already used the names of various servants. He could barely remember Monkton’s name most days.

  Laurel stroked the horse’s mane and kissed its nose. “That’s my good beauty,” she purred.

  Anthony wished she stroked him. That instead of climbing atop this horse she would mount and ride him.