My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

Something was different today. He was less irritated with her presence, more open. Hadn’t he immediately tucked her hand in his arm? Spoken with her family as though it were completely natural? They were supposed to keep their identities secret. Though, to be fair, his still was. At least to her.

Besides, it did no good to think this way. He was handsome, likely titled. He’d never want her. And she already had a perfectly suitable plan. She ignored the tiny protest in her own mind that declared suitable absolutely dreadful.

They quickly reached Tabbie and Luke’s townhouse, which was just around the corner from the shop. Ushering them into a sitting room, Luke gave his famously rakish smile. “Welcome to our home, Your Grace.”

Tabbie felt as though she’d been socked in the gut. Your Grace? Of course, it made sense. His demand to remain anonymous, his bossy nature, as though used to men following his orders. The opulence of his carriage. But what was a duke doing down at the docklands?

Her eyes round, she looked at him and he gave his head a subtle shake, warning her not to let on that she hadn’t known he was a duke.

She gave a curt nod to show her understanding and clamped her lips closed.

Luke helped Tabbie sit on a settee and Miss Waters was sent to the kitchens as Tricia and Ryker settled across from them. As Tabbie fussed to get comfortable and Luke intently helped her, Tricia leaned over and whispered, “Your Grace, you are the Duke of…?”

“Landon,” he whispered back.

“Enough whispering,” Tabbie called. “I am anxious to see our father, so I’ll beg you to begin.”

Tricia gave a nod and launched into her story of how she ended up at the docklands searching for Fenton.

She tried to lighten it as best she could but she could see Tabbie grow paler with each passing sentence until she was gripping Luke’s hand with a white-knuckle hold that actually looked painful.

“We were very fortunate you were there.” Luke spoke through gritted teeth. Tricia wasn’t certain if he disapproved of her actions or Tabbie’s grip was causing him to clench so.

Tabbie was less diplomatic. “What were you thinking?”

Tricia bristled to match her sister’s irritation. “I was thinking that you would have done the same and I needed to be as strong as you.”

“The docklands?” Tabbie turned to Luke. “Tell her never to do that again.”

“Never do that again.” Luke responded without hesitation. “Tricia, your wellbeing, not to mention your reputation… Not even Tabbie would have—”

“Yes, she would.” Tricia stood then, crossing her arms. “I’ve been dragged along more times than I can count. Besides, you don’t know what it’s been like. I’ve been watching them both die.” The words choked out of her mouth. It was true. Her father had been dying due to the consumption but Fenton to vices. He had always been handsome, charming, and talented. Being older than her she’d looked up to him. When his parents passed, he visited less and less, a sadness about him. She’d tried to get him to confide in her but she was younger and he swore he wouldn’t burden her. She wished she’d pushed harder, maybe he wouldn’t have fallen into such darkness.

Ryker stood too, his hand grasping hers. “You’ve been very brave,” he murmured as his thumb stroked the back of her hand. His eyes were intent upon her and instead of the cold assessment they usually gave, this one was full of understanding, acceptance. It made her warm inside.

“Thank you,” she replied, turning back to her sister. “You’ll be happy to know, His Grace—”

“Call me, Ryker.”

She looked back at him, the same warmth in his gaze. “Ryker took over the search and was far more successful than I. He found Fenton and has delivered him to a sanitarium. The next question will be what to do with him after so that he doesn’t slip away again.”

Luke cleared his throat. “I can help him with that. I’ve several friends who can help an earl in need. Lord Coventry has turned many men around.”

Ryker nodded. “You’re right. He’s just the fellow.”

Relief washed over Tricia. To know in this time of uncertainty one of the men she loved might be saved made her feel so much better. “Thank you,” she breathed, giving Ryker’s hand one last squeeze before he slipped hers out of his grip. Now it was time to do the best they could for the other ailing man in their life. “Tabbie, are you ready to see Father now?”

Chapter Five

Tricia sat in the library waiting for her sister. She’d thought it best to give her older sibling some time alone with their father. It was a lot to take in. Just a month ago, he’d been the picture of health. Before fever and a cough had racked his body. The doctors were sure it was consumption. The only question now was would he live. Tricia had grown more hopeful. He was going longer stretches without fever and he he’d even managed to take a few meals. Still, the change in him was dramatic.

Tabbie entered the room, tears glistening in her eyes. “How could his health have failed so quickly?”

Tricia sh

ook her head. “I don’t know. It’s been…” She didn’t know how to put it in words.

Tabbie squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry if I was short earlier. I was worried about you. What if you were hurt? What if you were ruined?”