Chapter 5

Chapter Five

"I fear I might have spoiled you," Nancy mumbled with a little smile, watching as Dash curled up at her feet while she read a book, refusing Paula's summons to come over and collect a treat.

It had taken a few days for the dog trainer to arrive.

In that time, Nancy had grown acquainted with Dash, obviously so fond of him that she could barely stand the idea of being separated from him for more than a few minutes. And Dash clearly felt the same way if his attachment to his owner was any indication. He always trailed after Nancy, trotting a few steps behind her, hardly ever willing to do anything if his Duchess was not in the vicinity.

Her point of having spoiled him was soon proven. Dash sat up eagerly the moment the treat was placed in her palm, his tail wagging in anticipation.

The Duke was keeping his distance, and she could not tell if it was because of Dash or her, unsure if she preferred things this way.

They had made no more efforts to eat together. There were many things she could endure, but a stiff meal was her limit.

And so, when the butler came in on a warm afternoon to announce the arrival of the dog trainer, Nancy was excited to meet someone else with whom she could converse about something she loved dearly—animals.

"Your Grace, this is Mr. Martin Aldridge, an expert dog trainer. He is highly recommended and will be staying with us throughout the duration of Dash's training. Mr. Aldridge, meet Her Grace, the Duchess of Wexford," Ernest announced.

"It is an absolute honor to meet you, Your Grace." Martin smiled politely, his expression lighting up at the sight of Dash. "And you must be my student! Aren't you a charming little pal?"

There was something about him that appealed to Dash because, for the first time since Nancy had taken the dog in, he willingly left her side, trotting over to Martin curiously.

"Oh, he is a stunning breed. Where did you find him, Your Grace?" the trainer asked.

"The courtyard," Nancy replied, nearly chuckling at the confused expression on the man's face. "He was a stray that had apparently been spotted on numerous occasions roaming around the property. I asked my husband if I could keep him as a companion and was given permission to do so. His Grace insisted on a trainer to ensure that he was always on his best behavior."

"That was an excellent idea. Usually, it is not ideal to take in random strays as they could be carriers of infectious diseases—mostly in the city. He seems to be in excellent health, and he looks about the perfect age to train—just a little over two months," Martin noted, going down on one knee to get a closer look at Dash.

The puppy seemed to like the attention, shuffling closer to his trainer with a little huff.

Martin laughed, bringing his hands up to ruffle Dash's furry, floppy ears, pleased when the puppy stuck his tongue out in excitement.

"He seems eager for his first lesson. Since it is our first day, it will be very brief. I simply want to test how receptive he is to instructions and commands," he said, rising to his feet.

"Oh. That sounds nice. Would it be all right if I join you, Mr. Aldridge?" Nancy asked, wanting to be a part of Dash's training but not wanting to impose or cause any distractions.

"Of course, Your Grace," Martin replied immediately. "I would even go as far as to encourage your presence, as he is more likely to do his best with his owner around. He will most likely want to impress you."

It sounded rather sweet when Nancy thought about it, and she could not wait to witness how the training would go.

"I am more than happy to support him in any way I can," she replied.

"Good." Martin grinned, reaching into the small bag at his hip and pulling out a paper bag and a whistle. "We can begin."

* * *

Sleep had a tendency to elude Richard on some nights.

It felt as though his mind could not find peace in those moments, unable to give him solace in rest as it was plagued by far too many choices, thoughts, and regrets.

That night was one of such nights. He lay in bed, staring up at his ceiling as he recalled his day, hoping that reliving the events that had transpired would hopefully bore him to sleep.

After how his conversation with Nancy had gone the last time they had eaten together, he had resolved not to do it again so soon. He was in dire need of some distance between them until he could remember how to properly talk to a woman, at least.

He had never had such issues before, ever a charmer and a smooth talker. But with his wife, it seemed the fate of his thoughts and opinions had already been decided before he even opened his mouth. She could stun him with a mere few words, and as it had been proven, he found it difficult to refuse her when she made a request to him.

Ernest had informed him that the dog trainer had arrived and had even conducted a quick preliminary training session with Dash, and that the Duchess had also been in attendance.

" He seems adept ," the butler had informed him. " He certainly knew how to handle the pup. Even Her Grace was impressed by how well he seemed to be doing in little time. "

Richard was glad that his plan to keep his wife occupied seemed well underway although a part of him wondered if this was what their marriage was meant to be like for as long as they were together and what it said about him that he was keen on behaving this way towards her.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of scratching at his door, and he sat up, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Is anyone there?" he called, wondering if he had heard a knock and had mistaken it for something else.

Richard received no response, but still, the scratching persisted. Cautiously, he climbed out of bed, walked to his bedroom door, and turned the knob.

The door fell open, and at first, he did not see anything, but a whine made him look down at his feet where his wife's puppy was seated.

A chill ran down his spine, and he forced himself to remain calm, reminding himself that his father and the hounds he owned were no more, and that the beast before him appeared to be interested in something other than chasing him around.

"Go away," Richard hissed, making a shooing motion with his hands. "Do not make me call someone to have you removed. Go away!"

The dog did not budge, clearly happier in the doorway of the Duke's room than he would be anywhere else.

"For the love of—go away! How are you even supposed to be useful if you cannot obey basic instructions?" Richard grumbled, irritated beyond belief.

Before he could make another empty threat, the door next to his creaked open, and Nancy stepped out, relieved at the sight of Dash.

"There you are," she sighed. "I couldn't find you suddenly, and I was not sure…" she trailed off, just noticing him.

Richard's attention was fixed on her completely, his initial panic at the sight of the beast forgotten in favor of the sight of his wife in night clothes.

It was obvious she had not expected to find anyone awake at such a late hour, or she had not expected to go too far because she had not taken a dressing gown with her and was simply clad in a nightdress.

A nightdress that clung to her voluptuous curves deliciously.

With this being the first time he had seen her in so little clothing, the wave of desire that threatened to consume him felt rightfully present.

She looked like a goddess with the way her blonde hair gleamed beautifully, even in the low light in the corridor.

For a long moment, neither of them moved or breathed, locked in a tense stare-off.

Then Richard managed to collect himself and stepped back, gesturing towards the creature that was still at his feet.

"Take your beast away from me."

"Oh, he's hardly a beast, Your Grace. Look at how tiny he is," she replied, stepping forward.

"Size does not negate viciousness," he snapped back.

"Viciousness?" she huffed, "Dash is harmless. Look."

Then, she quickly stepped forward, only to falter slightly as though she could not venture too close to him. Her hesitation melted away quickly though as she called for the dog softly, "Come on boy. Let's go back to bed."

"You keep him in your bed?" he asked.

"Yes. Is that a problem?" she answered as the dog bounded over to her.

"The animals of Wexford are kept in the stables and at the cottage."

"Dash is not a horse or a livestock animal. He's to be my companion," she crossed her arms over her chest, pressing on her full breasts which swelled over the neckline of her nightgown.

She wished to drive him insane.

"He may not be a horse or a chicken but he can make a mess of the house just as easily," he replied.

"He will not make a mess; he's been perfectly well-behaved."

As Richard struggled to keep his eyes fixed on her face, he said, "Animals are unpredictable."

He saw her purse her lips in anger as she rested her arms back to her sides, "I assure you, Your Grace, Dash will not make a mess."

"You cannot ensure that this early. He may wish to chew or claw at the furniture, or worse… Relieve himself on the carpets."

"Oh, must you always contradict me, Your Grace? I told you, the trainer and I are with him at all times. He will not behave the way you've described," she huffed in exasperation.

"I do not wish to contradict you, Duchess. I am merely pointing out the unpleasant possibilities of allowing an animal in your bed," he responded.

"Is that so? Or it is because you'd prefer I'd allow you in my bed instead?" she snapped back.

He blinked, utterly startled by her brazenness. Without meaning to, his eyes lowered back to her chest, the peaks of her nipples poking against the thin fabric of her nightdress.

He wanted to swear under his breath. She was so, so tempting now, showered in the soft moonlight.

He could take her right there, against the wall. All he had to do was lift the nightgown over her head, and she'd be in his arms in all her naked glory. His hands would be able to finally feel the softness of her supple skin, to squeeze all her voluptuous parts, to taste all her sweetness…

His mouth watered at the thought of tasting her, and his manhood throbbed underneath his breeches.

And she did all that to him from a mere suggestion.

" Would you allow me into your bed?" he found himself asking, the darker side of him taking over.

Nancy's lips parted, her cheeks flushing, and he spotted the hesitation in her eyes.

"I…" she began, her voice much softer than he'd ever heard before.

He wondered if she'd sound like that when his head was between her legs.

"Yes?" he responded, taking a step closer.

She licked her lips and he knew right then. He was no stranger to the way women indicated desire, and his wife was beginning to give him all the cues he needed.

But, as she took a step towards him, the small hound beside her barked and their attention shifted towards it.

"What is it, my friend?" Nancy asked.

Richard growled in annoyance at first but when the dog barked a second time, its tail waggling at a rapid speed, his mind darted back to the days of his father's sick games of chase, and his hunger evaporated into the air.

Just as Nancy bent down to see what the beast needed, Richard returned to his chamber, shutting the door behind him.