Chapter Five

Dinah awoke, wrapped in a delicious warmth. Before she opened her eyes, she realized it was not the bedclothes, but Drake Andrews who warmed her. She lay in his arms, her eyes remining closed so she could relish the feel of his hard body encircling hers. She had never felt as safe as she did in this moment.

What he had done to her was simply incredible. She knew Pippa and Georgina had wed for love, and that their husbands now cared for her daughters in such a fashion. It made her happy to realize her twins were settled with such good, loving men. She wanted the same for her other daughters and her nieces, as well.

And she wanted it for herself.

Drake stirred feelings within her which she had not known could exist. Dinah knew he would continue to open her eyes to all manner of sensual things in the short time they would have together. She had always been practical in nature. The sea captain would only be in England for a brief while. She could not grow overly fond of him. Nor attach herself to him, for he would be gone before she knew it. Besides, as he had pointed out to her, they came from vastly different worlds. Even if she could convince him they might have a future together, it would affect her own girls' futures. Dinah had worked too hard raising her family, and she could not risk her reputation by becoming publicly involved with Captain Andrews. She wanted good matches for her girls. Hopefully, the four would make love matches as her twins had.

But for now, she would enjoy the limited time she had with Drake.

Lazily, she stretched, opening her eyes, feeling his arms tighten slightly about her.

"Did I sleep for very long?" she asked him.

"Barely two hours," he informed her.

Reluctantly, she sat up, pushing away from his hard, muscular body. "I am sorry I held you hostage during that time, Drake. I know you must have other things to do while you are ashore for a brief while."

He smiled at her, a wistful smile that caused tenderness to rise within her. "I was happy to spend the time with you, Dinah. I do have obligations which must be seen to, though."

"You will call tomorrow, won't you?" she asked anxiously.

He shook his head. "No, I have been away from my ship too long. There are things I neglected to do today that must be taken care of tomorrow."

"I am sorry I kept you from your duties, Captain Andrews." She hesitated. "Will you have any time to spend with me before you depart?"

She saw hesitation in his eyes and understood something had changed between them. What, she did not know, but it seemed he was reluctant to continue being her guide into the art of lovemaking.

Standing, Dinah tamped down the vast array of emotions swirling within her. "I understand that I have asked the impossible of you, Captain. I never should have been as brazen as I was, practically demanding that you initiate me into the ways of lovemaking. I do thank you for what you showed me today. You are under no obligation to call upon me again."

He rose, one hand coming to cradle her cheek. "I do not regret a moment of the time we had today. And if you are still willing, I will teach you what you need to know so that in your next marriage, you can be more satisfied physically, if not actually happier."

Her pulse began to pound. "You really do not need to do that," she told him. "I understand it is a commitment of time on your part because I am such a novice. You must have other women you wish to see. Old friends you wish to call upon. Business to attend to."

"Anything I have to do fades when compared to wanting to spend time with you, Duchess. We can be together some of tomorrow if you wish. I will make that happen."

While she yearned to be with him physically, she truly wanted to learn more about the man before her.

"Would you take me to Gunter's?" she asked.

He frowned. "I am not familiar with this establishment."

Dinah chuckled. "Oh, it is a favorite of mine. They serve the most marvelous ices."

"Ices? What are those?"

She explained to him what ices were and told him a few of her favorite flavors. "You must try one. I know you will like it."

He gazed intently at her. "That would mean being seen together in public."

"I know," she said quickly. "I have no objection to it—unless you do."

Drake looked at her longingly, and she had the feeling he was waging a battle within himself.

Finally, he said, "What time should I call upon you?"

"How about one o'clock tomorrow afternoon? Would that give you time to handle the business you must attend to?"

"I will make it happen."

He bent, his lips softly brushing against hers.

Lifting his head, he said, "Good night, Dinah."

Drake moved away from her, opening the door to the winter parlor. She watched him go, thinking what a fine figure he cut in his captain's uniform.

She took a seat again, contemplating how she might sneak him up to her bedchamber. Servants were everywhere in the household. She wasn't certain if she would be up to the task. Like it or not, she cared for the good opinion of the servants. Would they think less of her if they knew she coupled with a sinfully handsome sea captain?

Dinah stood, heading to her bedchamber. When she arrived, her maid waited for her, as did the ballgown she was to have worn to tonight's event.

Letty rose. "I knew you had a guest for dinner, Your Grace, but I didn't know you wouldn't go to tonight's ball. I kept the gown out, ready in case you changed your mind."

"The ball started long ago, Letty. It is too late for me to go. Besides, I find myself rather tired this evening. I think I have been going to too many events. I may cut back on my appearances at them."

The maid tried—and failed—to hide her astonishment and said, "Of course, Your Grace."

"I also may make a short visit to Shadowcrest within the next week," she informed the girl. "I have a few things to put into motion regarding the house party I am planning for the twins. I also miss the girls terribly and would like to see them."

Letty smiled. "I know those girls mean the world to you. Just give the word, and I'll have your things packed in no time."

The servant helped Dinah undress and prepare for bed. She lay awake after Letty left for a long time, reliving every moment she had been with Drake Andrews.

*

Dinah was waitingin the drawing room when Powell informed her Captain Andrews had arrived.

"Have the barouche prepared," she told the butler. "Captain Andrews and I will be going to Gunter's."

"Yes, Your Grace," Powell said, leaving the drawing room. Moments later, the butler escorted her guest in, announcing him.

She rose as Drake crossed the room. He took her hands in his, lifting them and kissing them.

"You look well today, Your Grace," he said, releasing her hands.

"You do, as well, Captain. I hope you were able to attend to the business at hand."

"Last evening and this morning were quite busy," he told her, taking the seat beside her. "I did hear from Mr. Barnes. His report will be completed much sooner than he expected, most like by mid-afternoon tomorrow. I think I will travel to Shadowcrest the following morning to share the report with Her Grace, as well as visit with James."

He said nothing about her accompanying him, and Dinah was afraid to ask, thinking he might have changed his mind about her going with him to Kent.

"I am having the barouche readied to take us to Gunter's. We may eat in it or go inside."

"Eat... in a vehicle?" He frowned. "Is that even done?"

She laughed merrily. "It is only done at Gunter's. It is quite the thing to drive up to Berkeley Square and have a runner appear from Gunter's to hear your request. Many people in the ton find it pleasant to sit outside as they eat their ices."

"Interesting."

"Of course, we can go inside if you wish. It is one of the few places in town where a gentleman may escort a lady and they can dine together. Their sandwiches rival those of our cook's, and their pastries are a delight."

"Dinah, are you certain that you wish to be seen with me in public? I don't want my presence to affect your reputation in any harmful way."

"It is merely an ice we are sharing," she assured him. "And you are a great friend of the duke's. No one will think anything of it."

Powell appeared, informing her the barouche was ready. Drake escorted her outside, handing her up into the open-air vehicle, and taking the seat opposite her. She hid her disappointment, wishing he had sat next to her, but knowing it was more proper for him to sit where he was.

The coachman took up the reins, and they traveled through the busy streets of London. Dinah knew after missing last night's ball that she would most likely have numerous visitors today, seeking to know why she had not been in attendance. She had told Powell that she would not be at home to any visitors today.

Other than Captain Andrews.

They arrived in Berkeley Square, and she had the coachman pull up under a shade tree, telling him he could go and stretch his legs a bit while they enjoyed their ices.

"It is such a pleasant day. I hope you do not mind if we do eat outside."

Drake smiled. "I am happy to do whatever you wish, Your Grace."

A familiar man scurried across the road, dodging traffic to reach them. He stepped up to their vehicle.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace," he greeted. "We have not seen you for a few weeks."

"I had a hankering for one of your ices today. This is Captain Andrews, of the vessel Vesta. He has never experienced an ice before."

The man smiled broadly. "Well, Captain, you are in for quite a treat."

Drake looked at her. "Order for me, Your Grace. I will trust in your good taste."

She gave the server her preference, a lavender ice, and then asked for a chocolate one for her companion.

"I will bring them to you shortly, Your Grace," the man promised, hurrying back across the road and disappearing into the shop.

She glanced about, seeing only one other carriage parked at the square at this time, knowing most others were about to make or receive morning calls at this time of the afternoon. Unfortunately, the one carriage belonged to Lady Cowper, one of the most notorious gossips of the ton. The countess eyed Dinah and Drake with interest.

"We are an object of speculation," she warned. "Do not look over your shoulder, but Lady Cowper is marching our way."

Moments later, the countess appeared beside their carriage. "Your Grace, I am so surprised to see you out and about."

"Whyever so, Lady Cowper? I thought most members of Polite Society knew I had a fondness for Gunter's ices."

"Well, you were absent from last night's ball." The countess glanced to Drake and back at Dinah, eyeing her knowingly. "Others thought you must have suddenly taken ill since no word was sent to your host and hostess."

"As you can see, I am the picture of good health. Might I introduce Captain Andrews to you, Lady Cowper? He served with my stepson for many years and now captains the very vessel His Grace did at one time. Captain Andrews is a great friend of our family."

"Is that so?" the countess asked pointedly, looking at Drake with interest. "You do realize, Captain, that Their Graces have retired to the country to await the birth of their first child."

Drake gave the woman his most charming smile. "I do, Lady Cowper. I simply called upon Her Grace to see how she fares. I will be journeying to Shadowcrest in a couple of days to visit with Their Graces. As you know, Her Grace is my employer, and I have many things to share with her regarding my most recent voyage. I also look forward to spending time with His Grace. We are as close as brothers."

The countess arched a brow. "Are you?"

"We most certainly are," Drake assured the woman, his blinding smile never faltering. "In fact, Her Grace was just telling me how much she misses her daughters and nieces, who are in Kent."

He turned to her. "If you are eager to see them, Your Grace, I would be happy to escort you to Shadowcrest in order for you to have a short visit with them. I will most likely stay a couple of days before heading back to town."

"Why, that would be lovely, Captain Andrews," Dinah responded. "It would give me a small respite from the Season, and I could also put into motion plans for my upcoming house party."

Lady Cowper perked up. "You are holding a house party, Your Grace?"

"I am, my lady, at the end of the Season. My nieces chose not to make their come-outs this spring when Georgina did, but they are eager for the company of society now. I thought a house party would be the best way to introduce them to a select group of people in a more intimate setting."

When no invitation to Lady Cowper was forthcoming, she nodded brusquely. "I see. Well, give my best to Their Graces when you see them."

The countess turned away, not bothering to say farewell to Drake, whose lips twitched in amusement.

"She seems like a difficult person," he commented. "And I'll wager she's a notorious gossip."

"Lady Cowper will let others know we were seen together," Dinah told him. "She will also let it be known that I am holding a house party for Allegra and Lyric. A very exclusive one, to which Lord and Lady Cowper will not be receiving an invitation."

He laughed. "Don't worry. I don't expect an invitation to it myself. I might already be at sea by that time."

The thought of him gone from her life so soon distressed Dinah, but she was determined not to let him see her despondency.

Instead, she brightened. "Why, I see our ices are coming," she declared.

The runner brought them on a tray, handing her lavender ice to her first, along with a spoon and napkin, and then giving Drake his chocolate one.

"Enjoy," the server called cheerfully, leaving them.

She spooned a bite of ice into her mouth, sighing. "There is nothing like a Gunter's ice on a warm summer's day," she proclaimed.

For his part, Drake took a bite, his eyes lighting in delight. "This is incredible. Easily, the best thing I have ever sampled." Eagerly, he took a second bite.

She watched as Lady Cowper's carriage drove past them. Dinah waved to the countess, who curtly bobbed her head in acknowledgement.

Once the countess had gone, Drake surprised her, moving to sit next to her.

"Do you like the chocolate one?" he asked, dipping his spoon into his ice.

"Very much so."

He brought his spoon to her mouth. "Then try some of mine."

Dinah's heart sped up. She opened her mouth, and he slipped the spoon inside it, lifting it so she got the bite, pulling it from her mouth slowly.

Leaning in, he said, "I wish we weren't in public," his voice low so that the driver couldn't hear. "Because I would like to lick your lips and taste you now."

She shivered. "I would like to do the same," she said softly, her gaze locked on him. "Would you like to try a bite of the lavender?"

"Very much so."

Placing her spoon into the ice, she raised the spoon to his lips. He opened, taking the spoon in, his gaze never leaving hers. Gently, Dinah pulled the spoon but he teased her, holding it tight. She pulled harder, freeing it, flustered now. Not knowing what to do, she dipped the spoon into her ice again and took a bite, knowing the utensil had been inside him moments ago. That knowledge caused her cheeks to heat.

They finished their ices in silence, and the man who had brought the ices to them returned to retrieve the empty dishes.

"Did you enjoy your ices?" he asked.

"Very much so," Drake replied for both of them. "I hope we will come again very soon so that I might sample another flavor."

Drake did not return to his original seat. Instead, he stayed beside her. She caught his scent, a potent mix of sandalwood and something inherently masculine, and forced herself to keep her hands folded in her lap instead of pushing them into his hair and pulling him down for a kiss. To do so in public would end all chances her girls had of making good matches. She must be on alert and behave properly.

Even though this man made her want to do very wicked things with him.

The driver returned, and Dinah told him to take them home. When they arrived, Drake exited the barouche and then handed her down.

"I know how busy you are. Thank you for taking the time to see me."

His eyes gleamed at her. "Do you think you can get rid of me that easily, Duchess?"

"I thought—"

"I think you should ask me if I would like to see your gardens."

She wet her lips. "Would you like to see the gardens, Captain Andrews?"

He smiled, a smile that drew her in. "I thought you would never ask, Your Grace."