Richard Wentworth St. John, the fifth Duke of Carlisle, strode down the back hallway in search of his friend Stephen, the Earl of Brentwood. They had planned to go riding this morning, but his friend was nowhere to be found. The duke suspicioned that Stephen was closeted with his lovely wife somewhere. They hadn’t been married all that long, and, unlike the majority of tonnish couples, the man was quite enamored of sweet Caroline and she with him. So he couldn’t fault the man for wanting some private time with his beautiful bride, which was hard to come by when one was hosting a house party at one’s country estate. Nevertheless, Richard thought, if he didn’t get away from the determined matchmaking mamas and their twittering daughters soon, he was liable to do something quite unforgivably rude, like shoving the lot of them into the fish pond. And his own mama would be completely mortified...again. The duke was not known for his tolerance.

Luckily, as a frequent and welcome guest at the Brentwood’s country home, he knew of Caroline’s private sitting room tucked away in a quiet corner of the second floor. He was certain that that was where Stephen and Caroline had hidden themselves away. Well, enough was enough. Stephen was going to have to forgo his morning cuddle and rescue his friend from certain disaster or at the very least a social faux pas.

As he approached the room, the sound of voices reached his ears, and he paused outside the partially closed door to Caroline’s sitting room as the trill of female laughter emerged. Humph. Sounded more like a morning gossip session between girlfriends than the romantic tete-a-tete he had envisioned. It was obvious Stephen was not there since there was absolutely no deep masculine rumble joining the feminine voices. He was about to knock and ask Caroline if she knew where her husband was when he was startled into stillness by a comment made in the dulcet tones of his friend’s wife. “No, really. It is just too bad of you, dressing like a dowd around all my friends. I almost fell off my chair when you first walked into the parlor last night. What on earth were you thinking?”

A husky chuckle sent an unexpected shiver down Richard’s spine. “Well, what else was I to do when you absolutely refused to take no for an answer to your invitation to this house party? Really, Caro, you know I have no love for the social whirl and absolutely no desire to attract an eligible bachelor, yet you insist on thrusting me into mobs of them at every opportunity. And don’t even try to deny it. We both know it’s the truth, otherwise you would have invited me here when you didn’t have so much company. Ever since you married your Stephen, you have become one of those dreadfully boring matrons who believes that everyone should share in the same connubial bliss. Well, I have become wise to your ways, my friend, so...my disguise. I thought it was rather clever myself.”

“It’s definitely effective, I must say,” came Caroline’s admiring if somewhat annoyed voice. “The spectacles are a particularly good touch. They completely disguise those beautiful eyes of yours.”

“As far as my beautiful eyes go, don’t be a silly chit. You’re a married woman now, Caro. Eyes are eyes.”

“Yes, but yours are such a striking emerald green. I used to long for your eyes, you know, back when we were in school.”

“Gad, well, I’m glad you never took them. I’d be quite blind without them.”

Another trill of laughter. Richard’s mouth curved up in a half smile.

“Anyway, gentlemen these days want blue eyes and blonde hair. Little cupid’s bow mouths and waists the size of a noodle. No, I hardly think even without my ‘disguise’ that the gentlemen would be flocking to me. However, I did think it best not to take any chances.”

“Oh, now you’re just being silly. You have plenty to offer the right man. You’re intelligent and witty, and you know you look quite attractive when you exert yourself.”

“Humph. Whether I do or whether I don’t is beside the point. I don’t want a man, Caro. Whatever would I do with him? I’m quite sure he would get in the way of my amusements. And he’d want to start telling me where to live and how to dress. You know how they are. Why, they actually believe they are in charge of things. Can you imagine? Ugh! No, thank you. I’ll stick to my disguise, thank you very much.”

She, whoever she was, was quite amusing and had a devilish quick wit. Spectacles? He cast around trying to recall which of the ladies he’d met last night wore spectacles, but he couldn’t remember anyone young enough to have been at school with Caroline. There was a moment’s pause, and he could hear a shuffling sound that was soon explained by Caro’s next comment.

“How do you even see through these things? Good grief. Everything’s a complete blur.”

“I must confess it has been a bit difficult. I swear I nearly sat on Lady Ellwood last night. And everyone’s face is a bit...fuzzy. Sometimes I’m not exactly sure who I’m talking to, but I am managing.” She laughed. “Somewhat.”

“And that mob cap. Heavens, do people still wear those? It’s absolutely dreadful.”

“Well, I am a widow, after all. Not a young girl.”

“Ha! You’re twenty-five not eighty-five. You’re much too young to be dressing like your grandmother and burying yourself in the back of beyond.”

“Darling, Melksham isn’t the back of beyond. We’re actually quite civilized there, you know. And Bath isn’t very far away, and they have a quite lovely social scene.”

“Pooh. Old women and men with imagined illnesses gone to take the waters. Some social scene.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Caro. You know you enjoy visiting Bath whenever you come down.”

“Maybe. I do enjoy visiting the Grand Pump Room.” Richard could hear the reluctant agreement in Caroline’s voice. “But I’m serious, dearest. You are dressed so frumpishly, and all you do is stand against the wall and act like you cannot string two words together. I cannot stand it. Not when I remember how popular you used to be. Remember in school. We all quite hated you, you know. Whenever we went to the dances, all the young men just flocked to you and the rest of us had to make do with the leftovers. We all expected you to make an absolutely brilliant match, with that beautiful black hair and your impressive bosoms.”

“Oh, lord.” More laughter. “Scamp. I think you say outrageous things just to put me to blush. And I believe your own bosoms would rival mine any day. I think we’re much of a size these days.”

“Yes. I can tell you it was a relief when I finally grew some breasts, late bloomer that I was. Stephen quite likes them.”

The lady gasped and let out a peel of laughter. “Heavens, Caro.”

“What? It’s the truth. Anyway, you should have married some outrageously handsome peer and become a leader of the ton. I remember the Roxham twins were quite enamored. And Lord Kemp’s son was forever trying to steal a kiss.”

“Well, that didn’t happen, did it?”

“No. Your papa married you to that ogre right out of school. How old were you? Sixteen? I remember us all being quite shocked.”

“Seventeen. And Edgar wasn’t an ogre. He was--”

“He was an old tightwad who didn’t want you to have any fun. All he wanted was to breed you.”

“Caroline! Really.” He could hear the shocked tone, but thought there was also a touch of humor in the response.

“Well, it’s the truth. What were you? His fourth wife?” Caroline was unrepentant.

“His third.”

“And he blamed you constantly for not giving him an heir. Like you were supposed to do something his other wives couldn’t do, either? It’s obviously the old beast was incapable of fathering children. And to blame you...”

“I know. It wasn’t fair...”

“Not fair? It was outrageous. When you told me some of the things he said to you, I wanted to strangle him with one of my mama’s crocheted stoles.”

Another peal of laughter. “Dear, dear, Caroline. What would I ever do without you to brighten my days?”

“You deserve so much more, my friend. You’re still young. You need to think about marrying again...”

“Never.” The passion in that reply made Richard’s eyes widen.

“Oh, but you would make an absolutely wonderful wife. We’ll find you a man who will spoil you silly and treat you like a queen.”

“I will never marry again. Ever.”

“You can’t judge every man by Edgar Laughton. Just because he was a ninnyhammer of a husband, that doesn’t mean you can’t find one who is perfect.”

“Sweet Caroline, I will never again give any man that kind of power over me. To not be able to control my own money, my own household. To be forever at some man’s beck and call. Told how to act. What to wear. No. I went from my father’s house to my husband’s without knowing any better. But I’ve been on my own for over two years now. Edgar left me quite comfortable, you know. I find that I like making my own decisions. Women are just as capable as men, you know, of deciding how to live their lives.”

“You’ve been reading that Wollstonecraft woman’s book again, haven’t you?”

“A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Yes. Wollstonecraft said she did not wish for women to have power over men, but over themselves. Brilliant, isn’t she?”

“Yes, yes, of course. But don’t you long for a family of your own? Children? You would be a wonderful mother.”

“Mayhap I cannot have children. You know I didn’t in the six years I was married.” Richard thought he detected a wistful note in the reply.

“Oh, you and I both know that Edgar was probably to blame for that...even though he tried to make you think it was your fault. I’m not even convinced that he was able to perform his husbandly duties. Was he?”

“Sometimes. Not often, thank God.”

“Don’t you remember how we used to talk of raising our children together? How we could holiday together at the seaside and watch them run in the surf? You longed for a large family then.”

“I remember, but I’m not a child anymore. I’ve put away foolish dreams and am quite content with my reality. No, marriage is not for me.”

“Well, then. If not marriage, you should definitely take a lover.”

“Good lord, Caro. Where do you get your ideas? Does Stephen know the kinds of things that come out of your mouth?”

A giggle. “Oh, yes, indeed. In and out.”

A gasp and then a laugh. “He’s spoiled you rotten, hasn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Richard could easily picture the innocent expression on Caroline’s face. “Anyway, there are many attractive men here, don’t you think? You could take a lover, and no one would know. It’s perfect. You know people do have all kinds of assignations at country house parties with no one the wiser.”

“I don’t think...” Richard could hear the reluctance.

“You know it’s true. House parties are notorious for providing ample opportunities for romantic trysts.”

“Perhaps, but I don’t...”

“Take for instance Carlisle.”

“Carlisle? Good heavens! Do you mean the duke?”

“Yes. He and Stephen are exceedingly good friends, and I find him quite tolerable. He’s very rugged and masculine, isn’t he? Not like some of those ridiculous dandies you see preening and prancing around. And from what the ladies tell me, he definitely knows his way around the boudoir. He would make you an absolutely delicious lover.” Richard raised his brows as his best friend’s wife expressed her appreciation for his...manly attributes. It actually made him a trifle...uncomfortable...to know that she knew so much about his...activities.

“Good lord. No, thank you. I do not want to take a lover, Caroline. And especially not a rake like the Duke of Carlisle. Even in the wilds of Melksham we’ve heard of the notorious Duke and his numerous conquests. Why just last month there was gossip about some Cyprian who caused a scene at a ball. Threw a diamond bracelet at his head, I believe.”

“Oh, twaddle. Who cares about some foolish gossip?”

“I do. You know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

“So what if it is true? You said yourself you’re not looking for a husband. We’re talking a brief connection only. And he is a beautiful man, you must admit.”

Richard could feel his cheeks heating in embarrassment. Good lord, Stephen really did need to take his wife in hand. He leaned forward, surprisingly eager to hear the unknown lady’s opinion of him.

“Indeed. And no doubt has been told that countless times by opera singers and merry widows eager to grace his arm and his bed. I’ve no desire to become the next in a long, long line of castoff ladybirds to the devilish duke.”

“Hmmm...mayhap you’re right. You probably need someone a little less... experienced. How about Lord Brandon, then? Now he’s a very nice man. Quite attractive, too, if you like that studious type. Or Sir Evan Spencer? He’s a terrific horseman, and you know how you love to ride. Stephen admires him greatly. Though I do believe he is a bit of a rake as well. Why is it always that the most interesting men are rakes, do you suppose?”

A heavy sigh. “I told you, Caro, dear. I do not want a lover. Not a husband. Not a man at all.”

“But why ever not?” He could hear Caroline’s disappointment. He also wanted to know the answer to that question. The longer he had listened, the more intrigued he had become.

The lady’s voice dropped to almost a whisper, and Richard had to strain to hear her response. “Truthfully, dearest, I didn’t exactly enjoy the marital act.”

“What? Not at all?” Caroline’s shock reflected his own.

“It was...uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. I have no desire to repeat the experience, I assure you.”

“Oh, pish posh. Just because your husband was hamfisted in the bedroom, that doesn’t mean that another man couldn’t make things more pleasurable. Indeed, Stephen is quite the best lover ever, though to be honest, he is the only one I’ve had. But he did tell me that other men weren’t as talented in the boudoir as he.” The last was said with a hint of pity, obviously for all the ladies who would no longer be lucky enough to receive the attentions of the oh-so-talented Earl.

It was all Richard could do not to chuckle aloud at that comment delivered so seriously by his friend’s wife. He would really have to poke a little fun at his friend about his bedroom talent. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time he had heard a married woman complain about her husband’s poor performance between the sheets. Which was one of the reasons he’d always been so successful with the ladies. He’d never subscribed to what he believed was the ridiculous opinion that real ladies should not enjoy themselves in bed.

“No. Caroline. Really. I do not wish for a lover. I am quite content as I am.”

“But, sweetheart, it breaks my heart to think of you rattling around in that big old house all alone with no one for companionship. You’ll grow into one of those bitter old women with a houseful of cats who does nothing all day but sit around and eat macaroons. I couldn’t bear it.”

“I’m hardly alone. I have a housekeeper, a housemaid, a cook, a gardener, and a lady’s maid. I assure you, I have plenty of company. Besides, Rose Cottage is not that large. I haven’t heard a single rattle. And I haven’t got a cat. Well, except for the cook’s tabby and a lovely little mouser that stays in the barn.” A hint of humor again crept into the lady’s voice.

“Oh, servants. It’s not the same. I’m talking about your peers, people you can associate with, not people you order around.”

“I’m not really much of an orderer, Caroline. And I do have friends, you know. My neighbors, the Leyworths, invite me to dine quite frequently. Pastor Merson and his wife call on me every week. And there’s the occasional assembly. Plus I have my charities. Indeed, I assure you I keep myself quite busy.”

“Assemblies and charities! Really. You know that’s not what I mean. Oh, you’re just being difficult.”

“Plus, I always look forward to your visits,” the lady continued, ignoring her friend’s outburst.

“But now that I’ve married, I shan’t get to visit you as often as I used to, you said that yourself. Oh, how can I be happy when I know you’re so very lonely?” Caroline’s voice turned cajoling.

“Well, I was planning on getting a pup. Would that make you feel better than a cat?”

Caroline giggled. “You are too bad, really. A pup?”

“Yes, you know. Perhaps a sweet-faced little mutt. So when I go on my long rambles, I have some company? And you can picture him curled at my feet on cold winter nights as I sit doing my needlework. There. I’ve solved the problem and didn’t even need a man to do it.”

They both broke into laughter again, and Richard’s own mouth curled up.

“Anyway,” Caroline’s friend continued, “I think it’s time you got back to your company. They’re probably all wondering where you’ve disappeared to.”

“Oh, posh. Most of them are probably still abed.” A long-suffering sigh reached Richard’s ears. “But I suppose I should go down and at least put in an appearance in case a few have begun to stir. I can’t believe I let Stephen talk me into this house party. Still, I’m glad we got the chance to spend some time together. Perhaps we could do this every morning while you’re here. I do miss you dreadfully, you know?”

“Me, too.”

Richard could hear the women’s movements as they rose to their feet and, fearing he would be caught eavesdropping, he dashed down the hall. He hadn’t a hope of reaching the stairwell, though, so he turned about halfway down and began strolling leisurely back the way he had come. When the ladies emerged, it appeared he had just arrived and was heading in their direction.

“Ah, Caroline. There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for Stephen. Do you know where he is? We were supposed to go riding this morning.”

“Good morning, Richard. Yes, I believe his new stallion Cesar has a swollen fetlock. One of the stable lads came to fetch him a while ago. He went down to the stables to check on him.”

“That’s a shame. I guess that means the ride is cancelled.”

He turned to look curiously at Caroline’s companion. She was, indeed, quite a frumpish sight. Thick spectacles perched on the end of a small nose, quite concealing the color of her eyes. Her dark hair was tightly pulled back from her face, though here and there a few curls had escaped to frame her face. Her head was covered by a hideously ugly cap, and her dress was an unflattering dull beige that made her skin look sallow and unattractive. It hung on her like a potato sack, completely concealing any womanly curves. It was quite an effective disguise. It was no wonder the other men had not seen through it. If he himself had not overheard the conversation between the two friends, he probably would also have overlooked what he had begun to suspect was a hidden jewel.

Caroline noticed the focus of his attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t think you two have met before. Lilith, Lady Morely, may I present His Grace, the Duke of Carlisle?”

“Your Grace.” She bobbed a curtsy, and he reached to take her hand in his.

“A pleasure, my lady.” Then he bent and dropped a brief kiss to the back of her hand, lingering perhaps a moment longer than was appropriate. She gave him a startled look, and he thought he saw her eyes narrow suspiciously, though it was hard to tell through the thick lenses. What an intriguing little minx. He could barely hide his grin.

* * * *

That afternoon found the duke in the billiard room with his friend having a relaxing game. As he stood to one side waiting on his turn, he decided to do a little prodding to see what he could find out about the utterly unusual Lady Morely.

“I saw your wife earlier today having a nice coze with her friend from Melksham.”

Stephen darted a glance over his shoulder before turning back to take his shot. “Indeed. Caroline was thrilled that Lily was able to join us this week. They don’t get together as much as they like.”

“How do they know one another? They just don’t look...quite compatible.”

Stephen cursed over his missed shot and then crossed over to where his glass of whiskey sat on a nearby table. After taking a drink, he grinned. “Looks can be deceiving, old man.”

So Stephen knew the truth of the matter. “Indeed. I found the lady’s disguise a trifle overdone.”

His friend burst into laughter. “I should have known if anyone could see through her little charade, it would be you.”

He grinned somewhat sheepishly, knowing that if he hadn’t overheard that very private conversation earlier, he would probably still be completely oblivious to the lady’s charms. Now the need to see her without the costume she’d wrapped herself in was gnawing at him. “Tell me, how long has Caroline known the lady?”

“They were in school together before Lily married. She was Lilith Raleigh, daughter of Sir Philip Bassingame before she wed Lord Morely.”

“Ah, yes. The dearly departed. Seems an odd match, even for the peerage. The man had to be a lot older than his bride.” Richard took his shot and then stood back to chalk his cue as Stephen studied the table.

“It was criminal is what it was. Word was that Lily’s father’s pockets were to let. He had a wicked gambling problem.” He walked around to take position and sank his ball with a quiet thunk. “Sold the girl to old Morely, according to the rumor mill. There was a forty year age difference. A shame, really.”

Richard vaguely remembered Edgar Laughton, Lord Morely. He recalled a corpulent, self-righteous man who wore his title as if it gave him leave to crush everyone who he didn’t deem good ton. It must have galled him enormously to not have an heir to pass on his title and lands. At least he had provided for his widow.

“How did he die?”

“Fell dead while riding around his estate on horseback. Heart gave out, I believe.”

“And his widow has been on her own ever since?”

Stephen propped himself against the side of the billiard table. “Yes. They never went out much in society, according to Caroline. He preferred to keep her at home, secluded on their estate in Northampshire. He would occasionally come up to town, but no one ever saw Lily.” His jaw firmed. “Caroline says that he mistreated his wife, and I believe her. Apparently he blamed her for their lack of an heir.”

Richard frowned. “He beat her?” He took a sip of his own drink.

Stephen shrugged. “No one knows for sure. And Lily isn’t talking. I think she prefers to put the whole thing behind her. Why the interest? I wouldn’t think she was quite your type.”

“I wouldn’t have thought so either. But turns out we were both wrong.”

Stephen got a serious look on his face. “Carlisle, you know I love you like a brother. But if you’re thinking of adding her to your list of conquests, I urge you against such an endeavor. She’s not one of your lightskirts. I wouldn’t have her hurt. My wife would never forgive me if I didn’t look out for her. Especially while she is under my roof.”

“She’s hardly a starry-eyed innocent in need of your protection, Stephen. She’s an experienced widow of two years and, from what I understand, quite able to take care of herself. In fact, I believe she prides herself on her ability to make her own decisions.”

“You seem to have learned an awful lot about her in a very short time. How is that possible?”

“I have my ways, my friend.” He winked at Stephen who just laughed and shook his head. “And I’m certain that she would resent your trying to warn me off her this way.”

“Probably,” he acknowledged with a wry grin. “But she is a good friend of Caro’s so I feel it is my duty to look after her.”

“You think she’s unable to protect herself?”

Stephen chuckled. “Not at all. In fact, perhaps it’s you to whom I should be delivering a warning.”

“Ha. You think a lot of Lady Morely, then?”

“Yes, I do. From everything I’ve learned of her, both from Caroline and others, I think the lady has had a damnable time of it. She has finally found a measure of contentment, and I would not have that disrupted by a chance encounter with you. If your only intention is to toy with the lady and move on, perhaps you should seek out another.”

“Perhaps the lady would not appreciate your protection. Perhaps she might find my attentions...enjoyable. After all,” Richard couldn’t resist, “you’re not the only one with talents in the boudoir.”

Stephen’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and it was all Richard could do not to laugh in his face, but his friend merely nodded. “It is true that the lady might be ripe for an affaire de coeur. And it is certainly not my place to interfere in something so personal. As you said, she is a grown woman and knows her own mind. I just don’t want to see her heartbroken and deserted once the thrill of the chase wears off for you. You’re not exactly known for lengthy entanglements. Or are you thinking of finally getting leg shackled? Now that I think about it, Lily would probably make you a very lovely duchess. She’s intelligent, practical, and quite personable when you get to know her. She knows how to manage a large home and is an experienced hostess, to boot.”

Richard smiled. “I must admit that seeing your marital bliss has almost changed my mind about marriage...”

Stephen shook his head. “Almost?”

“Indeed, almost. Unfortunately, as my mother keeps telling me, I am not getting any younger. I am five-and-thirty, Stephen. It’s time I set up my nursery. I need an heir. So, yes, I am contemplating putting my neck in the parson’s mousetrap.”

The expression on his friend’s face was priceless. “Egads, man. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Quite. I have been ‘looking ‘round’ as my mother calls it for a likely bride. And I have to tell you, my friend, the pickings are very slim indeed. Whey-faced young chits scarce out of the schoolroom who can’t hold an intelligent conversation on anything other than bonnets and dressmakers. Or daring merry widows whose bedroom antics have fueled the gossips for years. I shudder to think what my son would be like with such for a mother. I was beginning to think that you had found the last acceptable candidate in your Caroline, and then, as if a gift from fate, I meet the oh-so-intriguing Lady Morely. There is something quite different about the lady. I haven’t been quite so fascinated by a female in a long time. I think she just might make an acceptable candidate.”

“You need to be aware that she is not eager to marry again.” Stephen offered the warning. “In fact, I’ve heard her tell Caroline that she is adamantly against it.”

“Yes. I am aware of that. But I have a plan to persuade her otherwise.”

“A plan? What is it?”

“Why, I plan to seduce her into marrying me, of course. What else?”

Stephen choked back a laugh. “I still can’t believe you’re considering marrying her. You haven’t even seen her without her...” his hand gestured over his own body, “costume. I’m surprised you’d want to exert yourself without some more concrete proof that the lady is worth it.”

“You’ve seen her without it?”

Stephen smiled. “Yes.”

“Do you think she’s worth the effort?”

“Oh, absolutely. No doubt about it. Though she’s not a diamond of the first water, by any means. Still, the lady does have something...unique to offer.”

He sank the last billiard ball and grinned in satisfaction. “That’s what I thought. She’s perfect.”