Chapter Seven

Dinah accepted the hand Drake offered, and stepped into the carriage James had left in town for her use. Drake entered after she did, sitting opposite her.

They had spent almost every waking moment together the past two days. He had made love to her again in the gazebo. In the conservatory. Twice after dining in the winter parlor. Another two times in the drawing room. They had yet to be together in a bed.

She hoped they would be able to accomplish that while at Shadowcrest.

He had arrived this morning with the sheaf of papers to take to his employer. Mr. Barnes had prepared several reports for his employer and was now entrusting Drake to meet with the duchess and discuss them with her. Dinah had sent word that the two of them would be arriving at Shadowcrest around noon today. She only wondered if they would make love in the carriage on the way there. They would have to stop and change the horses about two-thirds of the way there, and that might prove to be an inconvenience to their lovemaking.

Now they had admitted their love for one another, she knew the heartache which lay ahead would be impossible. Still, she put off thinking about a day without Drake in it. In such a short time, he had become such a huge part of her life.

Dinah had sent her regrets to various hostesses, explaining she missed her girls and was traveling to Shadowcrest for several days. She had not attended a ton event since Drake had appeared in her drawing room, so she could only guess at the gossip Lady Cowper spread. It didn't matter to her one whit, though. What she had found with Drake was what she had been searching for the entire Season. No gentleman of the ton had his dashing looks, charm, and intelligence. She had told herself she was open to wedding again, but her heart told her no man of Polite Society held a candle to Drake Andrews.

Between bouts of lovemaking, where she had learned all manner of things and allowed her lover to place her in a variety of positions, they had talked. Really talked. Dinah had never had such deep conversations with anyone. Certainly not her parents, whom she had rarely seen growing up, much less her husband, whom she saw even less. The friends she had amongst the ton were in actuality familiar acquaintances. None of what she discussed with them compared to her talks with Drake.

They spoke of history, a topic both of them were fond of. Since he was so well-read, they had enjoyed arguing over various characters in Shakespeare's plays. He did not know much about politics, a topic which fascinated Dinah, and so she had explained to him issues of the day which Parliament dealt with.

For his part, he explained what life at sea was like. How he had first learned to navigate by the stars. He went into detail about the various positions he'd held on ships and the responsibilities of a first mate and captain. She could have listened to him for hours. She did not know if what he said interested her because it was interesting—or if she merely enjoyed hearing about it because Drake was the one telling her these things.

Regardless, she had come to know him better than anyone else, besides her girls. She had spent years raising them and could almost predict how they would react in any situation. Still, she wondered what the girls would think of their mother having taken a lover.

She desperately wanted him to stay in England, but she realized he was a seaman at heart. Though forced into his profession, he had taken to it. The seas were home to him. It would be impossible for her to accompany him on his vessel. Not only would he be busy with all the varying responsibilities, but she needed to be here. She had the house party to host, where hopefully Lyric and Allegra might find a match. Mirella would make her come-out next spring, and Effie would follow in the one after that. Much as she wished she could leave England and sail with Drake around the world, her own obligations to her girls made that impractical.

Would she be willing to settle for a brief few days or weeks with Drake each time he sailed into port? He himself had said he could be gone as long as a year or two on sea voyages. His feelings for her might change during those long absences. Dinah knew hers would never change for him. If she were only able to snatch small pieces of him in the years to come, she would be willing to do so. She would live for those times and pray the loneliness in-between would not swallow her whole.

Drake moved to her side now, lacing his fingers through hers. Tears sprang to her eyes with the simple, romantic gesture. Everything between them had felt so very right from the beginning. It was unfair they had been placed in such an impossible situation. She knew, however, that attaining the position of captain had been his goal since he was a boy. She could not ask him to give up the sea. If he did, he might grow to resent her. No, she could never keep him from what he loved. She would have to settle for being his second love.

The sea would always be first in his heart.

"Are you excited to see your girls again?" Drake asked.

"I always am. I cannot tell you how hard it was waving goodbye to Pippa, knowing she would be gone for so long."

"From what you say, she has a bit of the adventurer in her."

"She does. Seth, being a former sea captain, will show her everything she has yearned to see. They love one another so much. It brings me such comfort knowing how well he will take care of her. I am ready for her to be home, though. Georgina, too."

"How long will she and Edgethorne honeymoon in Scotland?"

"They weren't really sure. They wed at Shadowcrest and then traveled the short distance to Edgefield, August's country estate in Surrey. He had never seen the property left to him by his mother, but he said she always spoke of Dalmara as being a magical place. They are so very much in love. I think they will stay the rest of the summer. I told them not to worry about being back in time for the house party."

He grinned. "Because it is a party to help your nieces find suitable husbands."

"Very much so."

"Why did they not make their come-outs as scheduled?"

Knowing they had the time, Dinah launched into the sordid story of her brother-in-law and nephew, and how they had wanted to hold Sophie for ransom when Adolphus lost his chance at becoming the next Duke of Seaton with James' return.

"Not only has their father ignored them from birth, but he also never contributed a farthing to their upbringing. When Allegra and Lyric learned just how expensive a come-out is and that James would be paying for everything, they balked at making their debuts into Polite Society."

He brushed his lips against her cheek. "They sound like very thoughtful young ladies."

"I consider them my own since they grew up alongside my four. I am the only mother they have ever known. I am grateful that they are allowing me to host the house party, though. It is an intimate affair, and you get to speak to people at length, getting to know them much better than during the Season."

Dinah explained a little about some of the rules of the ton and how after only a handful of dances, some ladies found themselves betrothed to men without even knowing their Christian names.

Drake shook his head. "I understand how arranged marriages are a part of life, but it's still hard to comprehend so many entering them, barely knowing one another."

"I did so," she reminded him. "I was a dutiful daughter. My father arranged the match, and I went along with it because I truly did not have a choice." She sighed. "I have told my girls they will never suffer in that manner. James, too, has assured them they can have as many Seasons as they wish. No one is pushing them from the safe confines of Shadowcrest. They will wed for love—or not at all."

He slipped his arm about her, drawing her to him. "You are a wonderful mother, Dinah. Though I have never thought of marrying myself, because I spend most of my life at sea, you make me wish I could have had children."

She wished she could have another babe. His babe. Everything she had learned about this man told her he would be an excellent father. Though she longed to approach him about this topic, even she knew it must never come to pass. She thought of the huge scandal which would play out, a widowed duchess having a child out of wedlock. It would ruin her—and her girls. They would suffer because of her indiscretion. Dinah could never allow it.

Even if her heart wished for a babe with Drake Andrews.

Sighing, she rested her head against his shoulder, living in the moment, not allowing herself to think of when they would be separated.

*

Drake savored thefeel of Dinah next to him as the carriage turned and proceeded up the long lane that lead to Shadowcrest. He had come here once before, to bring Dinah back to James, who had been injured fighting a fire at his warehouse. He had briefly met the other members of the family before Dinah and he had set off for London.

Now, he would stay for a few days at his friend's country estate. He was eager to spend time with James and even his employer, the new Duchess of Seaton, beyond the business they would conduct. More than that, he was ready for more time alone with Dinah.

The Dowager Duchess of Seaton had proven to be the most remarkable woman of his acquaintance. Yes, he was physically attracted to her, but it was much more than that. He liked the person she was—clever, interesting, and extremely kind. Before getting to know her, he had thought all ladies of the ton to be the same, but Dinah Strong was a force to be reckoned with. His love for her had only grown stronger in the last few days in her company.

And Drake couldn't begin to think what his life would be like when they parted.

The carriage slowed, coming to a stop in front of the house. Glancing out the window, he saw a beaming James waiting to greet them. His friend was surrounded by four others, all Dinah's girls. Two were her daughters, and the other pair the twin nieces she had raised as her own. He did recall they all possessed what he now thought of as the Strong eyes, a cornflower blue. The nieces resembled one another, one having dark hair like Dinah's twins Pippa and Georgina, the other, hair a dark russet that showed its red in today's sunshine.

The other two daughters, though they had the Strong eyes, looked entirely different from the other women. He saw Lady Mirella, who was a few inches over five feet. Her auburn hair blazed different shades of red outdoors. Lady Euphemia, whom Dinah affectionately called Effie, was tall and lean, with the blond hair of Dinah's own mother.

James himself opened the carriage door, and Dinah gave him her hand. Drake followed close behind her, carrying the satchel Barnes had entrusted to him, watching as she was surrounded by her girls.

He turned to his oldest, dearest friend, and they embraced one another, slapping each other on the back.

"You are now wed to Mrs. Grant," he said, smiling at James. "And I hear congratulations are in order."

"Yes, Sophie will birth our firstborn come the end of September," James shared. "She and Aunt Matty are in the drawing room, awaiting the two of you."

By now, Dinah had joined them. "Come meet the girls again, Captain Andrews."

One by one, she introduced him again to her girls, who made their curtseys to him.

"Thank you for coming to visit James," Lady Effie said. "It gave Mama an excuse to come home and see us."

"I was happy to escort her here. Her Grace has talked about you—all of you—quite a bit to me. She has entertained me these past few days, ever since I returned to England."

He noted James cocked an eyebrow. Drake wanted to deflect any questions and held up the satchel he carried.

"I bear papers from Mr. Barnes at Neptune Shipping," he announced. "Reports that Her Grace is to review. Mr. Barnes knew I was coming for a visit and asked if I would deliver these to Her Grace, as well as give her details about my own voyage."

"Sophie will be delighted to talk business with you, Drake," James said. "But first, come in and let us chat a bit."

Dinah was swept away by the four young women, leaving him to enter the house with James.

"So, you have been keeping company with Dinah the past few days," his friend noted.

Not wanting to give away anything about their clandestine relationship, Drake said, "Her Grace has been more than kind to me."

"I recall when the two of you met. I'd never seen a man and woman flirt so in my entire life." James smiled. "And remember, I have seen you in action with women from all parts of the globe."

"Her Grace is a very attractive woman," he replied evenly.

"She is glowing, Drake," James pointed out as they followed the women up the stairs. "I have never seen her this way. And don't tell me it is because of some gentleman she has been seeing during the Season."

His friend knew him all too well. "There is an attraction between us," he began. "Her Grace is unique in every way."

James stopped on the landing of the stairs, staring at Drake. "What have the two of you been up to?"

"I have never been one to kiss and tell," he said brusquely. "But whatever we have done, we know nothing can come of it."

Drake started up the next flight of stairs, but James grasped his elbow, preventing any forward progress.

"Drake, you should not think like that."

He snorted, seeing the women were now out of sight. "What do you want me to say, James? I know my place. And I know Dinah's."

"Dinah, is it?"

"Yes," he spat out. "Dinah. The most extraordinary woman I have ever known."

"Biblically?" his friend teased.

"It is nothing to joke about, James," Drake chastised. "We are as unsuited as a couple might be. I am a child of the streets. She is a bloody duchess."

James took his elbow. "Let me say this. Dinah Strong is the most unpretentious woman you could meet, regardless of her position in Polite Society. If you want to be with her—and she wants the same—make it happen."

"I can't," he said, his throat thick with emotion. "Despite all that we have in common, we are still too different. She has more of her girls to launch into society. I would only be a hindrance." He met his friend's gaze. "Leave it be, James. We have enjoyed one another's company. We will continue to do so until I set sail again. Then it will be over and done."

He broke away, hurrying up the stairs, James catching up. They entered a large drawing room, with several groupings of seats running its entire length. He spied his employer, the former Mrs. Josiah Grant, along with another woman whom he recalled was James' aunt.

"Ah, Captain Andrews," the duchess said, extending her hand.

Drake took it and pressed her fingers lightly. He didn't feel quite right kissing her hand.

"It is good to see you again, Your Grace. I have brought documents and reports from Mr. Barnes for you to peruse."

Her eyes lit up at the talk of business. "Oh, I am glad to hear this, Captain. I always look forward to Mr. Barnes' visits. And we must spend time together so that you might tell me of your maiden voyage as captain of Vesta. I have sent for some tea. Let us enjoy a cup or two, and then we can adjourn to my study."

"I would be happy to meet with you, Your Grace."

The tea arrived, and Dinah assisted the Duchess of Seaton in pouring out since they were such a large group. An enjoyable hour passed, as the girls caught up their mother on news from the neighborhood and asked him questions about his most recent voyage, along with questions about his years with their brother. Drake noted they all referred to James as their brother and not half-brother. He wondered if it was something his friend had requested, or if Dinah had been responsible for bringing these siblings together.

For her part, Dinah told them of several events she had attended since she had last been at Shadowcrest for Lady Georgina's wedding to the Marquess of Edgethorne. Her stories were amusing and lighthearted. Never once did she mention any of her suitors.

James said, "While I know we have all enjoyed this time, I can tell my wife is champing at the bit to talk over business with Captain Andrews."

The duchess smiled fondly at her husband. "You know me all too well. Would you take Captain Andrews to my study, James? I will join him shortly."

He rose. "Thank you for having me. I look forward to your hospitality."

His friend led them from the drawing room and back downstairs, to a bright room filled with a large desk, several chairs, and a settee, as well as a globe of the world and shelves lined with books.

"Sophie has all manner of books here, as well as ledgers from the business. She can add and subtract more quickly in her head than I ever could writing the figures down in front of me. I hope you will have a good talk."

As James left the room, Drake opened the satchel and removed what lay within it. He set items in neat stacks so his employer would easily be able to locate documents as they spoke. Taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk, he wondered where his bedchamber was—and how far away it was from Dinah's. He looked forward to bedding her in an actual bed, though they had been rather creative in finding places to make love this week.

The duchess entered, and he sprang to his feet.

"No need to be so formal, Captain," she said cheerfully. "Thank you for your patience. I find I am in need of a chamber pot at least once an hour. The doctor told me it is because the baby presses against my bladder."

"I see," he said, a bit taken aback at her frankness, but charmed by her, nonetheless. Drake could see why James had been drawn to her.

She took a seat, glancing at the documents laid out on her desk, nodding to herself.

Then she met his gaze. "We will certainly talk business during this time together, Captain, but I have one question for you."

"I am happy to answer anything, Your Grace. You favored me by making me captain of Vesta. I owe you more than I can ever repay."

She smiled at him. "What I would like to know is how long you and Dinah have been in love with one another."