Chapter Seven

Agitatedly, Gavin gnashed his teeth as he watched her left the room without a care in the world. She was deliberately trying his patience. And she was well succeeds.

She seems to enjoy herself returning his intentional provoking comments with her own aggravations.

Gavin felt he was completely unease knowing that Julianne will be with Hastings tomorrow. What will they do tomorrow? Will she be laughing with him while he will be like sitting on nails throughout his meetings with the brokers?

Gavin realized that Julianne was not like Daniela or other women he came acquainted with. Most of them will succumb to his command and agree with whatever decision he decides upon them, even with Daniela who was known as the most spoiled among his past women. But not Julianne Cosgrove. Gavin reflected as he drowned his last claret. She was determined in her course of action and stand firm in what she believes in. And she was pig headed at that. In spite of his resentments towards Julianne's firm declaration that she will be with Hastings on the morrow, Gavin's lips curled in humor of the situation. Yes. She was pig headed. She was pig headed golden haired beauty with flashing blue eyes that drove his patience over the edge. But she was his pig headed golden haired beauty with flashing blue eyes that drove his patience over the edge. Not Hastings', nor Sandhurst's either. Or any other male for that matter.

Gavin nearly choked at the stunned clarity.

He was possessive. He was a jealous lout. The duke wondered what brings that on. He never experienced those emotions before, even with Daniela who he believed to be madly in love before.

The duke suddenly felt disgusted with himself. Could it be? Could he really be infatuated with Julianne? Gavin felt sick. Swiftly, he informed Swinton to carry on the festivities without them and instructed the butler to spread the leftover meals to the other staff who was not in attendance.

He excused himself and made his way to Julianne's library. Earlier this evening he discovered a small bottle of rum hiding somewhere between the books. He felt he needed something to take his mind off from Julianne and her suitor.

Gavin blanched visibly at the thought as he watched the modest amount of rum swirling in his glass.

Julianne and her suitor. The duke sighed as he tried to bolt out the image of Julianne laughing and frolicking with Hastings. She never laughed when she was with him. She never do so much as smiling to him tenderly as she does with Edward.

What is wrong with him? Gavin sighed again as he gloomily recalled how Julianne was always eyeing him distrustfully.

The duke mentally berated himself for being easily fooled by a pretty face. Again.

His heart sunk anew as he remembered their agreement. He wondered if he was making the right choice by concurring to Julianne's atrocious demands. He was not to set his foot again in Long Bennington if the plan met with success. And to give up his stake over the Hall and properties.

The duke suddenly felt angry. Of course he shall not be a penniless vagrant if he could not get Ledbury's estates. It was when Julianne ordered him to not show his face again that irked him.

That was what made Gavin seething with uncontrollable rage. Was he that terrible as Julianne could not stand his presence? Remembering how Julianne never as much as laughing with him, Gavin shook his dark head in contempt. Julianne was right. He is a monster. Had his failure in courtship with Daniela changed him so much? Gavin wondered as he stalked to the fireplace and stared at the dying embers.

Yet he couldn't help himself. Gavin mused as he tossed back his last drop of rum. He felt he couldn't bring himself to trust women again.

The duke sighed as he rubbed his arms to ward off the chill to the suddenly cold library. He could still hear the distinct laughter and chatters of the servants who was still enjoying the celebration.

But if Julianne loathe him so much, why did she reacted passionately to his kisses and touch?

Gavin recalled the way she returned his kisses in equal enthusiasm. The way she sighed as she lifted her plump lips to commence their first kiss in her back parlor. Gavin stiffened as he felt his body reacted to the memory. He never felt this sensation whenever he is with Daniela. Of course, there were few stolen kisses but he never craved for more.

The duke furrowed his brows in confusion. Could he be? He wondered not believing. Gavin tried to convinced himself that it was only lust that he felt for Julianne. Not infatuation.

Gavin chuckled to himself. Yes, only lust. Nothing more. Nothing less. The duke relaxed a bit at his own conclusion.

But he abruptly stopped himself. If it was only lust, why in god's teeth that he dreaded the day where he was not permitted to enter Long Bennington again?

* * * * * * * * *

Gavin deliberately woke up early the next morning despite the fierce pounding in his head. He strode over the wash basin to wash his face with the cold water. Good. He noted as he shivered momentarily from the sudden chill. It chased some of the headache to the back of his head.

The duke dressed hastily as he wanted to catch up with Julianne before she went to the warehouse. He was halfway tucking his boots when he heard the sound of wheels crunching the driveway. Gavin strode towards his bay window and pulled back the curtain just as he watched Julianne's gig pulled away slowly from the courtyard. He hastily glanced at the clock. 5.00 am. Gads. She was not when she said she will leave early.

"Julianne!" Gavin bellowed to no avail as the gig lurched forward into the darkness. "Damn". He threw open the door and raced downstairs nearly knocking Swinton off his feet.

"Julianne!" Gavin shouted to the departing gig. Only a small torch illuminated the pathway as her guide.

Gavin forcefully grabbed Swinton by the collar. "What the hell are you thinking, letting her go by herself?" The duke hissed as he squeezed the butler's throat. Gavin heard someone gasped. Swinton was choking as he tries to answer his question.

"She could have been robbed or murdered or-" Gavin's voice trailed off. He shuddered as he threw a glance into the darkness. Damn her! How dare she make him worry like this? Gavin fumed. He was too old for this.

"Have Kelly ready my horse" The duke ordered releasing Swinton who gratefully slid into the floor. Two young footmen scurried by his side. Another footman who was gawking rushed off to the stables when he received the duke's glowering.

"I will deal with all of you later" Gavin growled as he mounted the restless gelding and kicked the beast.

Within minutes, Gavin rushed into the cold dawn to locate Julianne. His heart gripped in fear as he thought about the danger she is in. How could she be so careless, driving all alone, unescorted?

Gavin was relieved as he noted the telltale sign of the sun rising and he could hear the distinct sound of a wheel crunching the pathway ahead of him.

At last he discovered her before him perched daintily in her seat. The duke was relief when he saw that she was alright.

"Julianne!" He bellowed loudly more in anger rather than respite. It seems that she heard him as she suddenly halted her gig and turned around. Her lovely face registered in surprise when she saw the duke dashing towards her. He looked angry enough to eat her alive. He was in disheveled appearance, he didn't wear his coat and his shirt was not completely tucked in. Julianne could have sworn she never met someone as irresistible as him.

"Your Grace. Good morning" She said carefully, uncertain of his mood. The duke stopped his horse, slid down with a thud and grabbed Julianne forcefully by the arms. He wanted so much to throttle her neck for scaring the wits from his life. Instead, he took her lips into his own, biting and sucking as if he wanted to tell her something. Julianne was caught off guard by his actions but melted anyway in his kiss.

Gavin ended the kiss abruptly as how he initiated it.

"Don't you ever do that again" He hissed.

"Do what?" Julianne asked breathlessly. Her head was spinning.

"Sauntering off on your own. Without an escort" Julianne looked puzzled.

"Why would I ever need an escort?" Julianne ventured as she disengaged from Gavin's strong embrace. She nervously righted her bonnet and smoothed her skirts. The duke was frowning at her in disapproval. His hands was poised on his hips.

"Do you always do this? Leaving on your own into the night?"

Julianne calmly adjusted her gloves as she thought of the best answer. "Why should you be frazzled, you, of all people? My staffs never worries whenever I went to the field or warehouse"

Gavin sighed rather loudly. Oh, the absurdity of it all, he thought and said rather gently. "Julianne. It's different for them. I am your intended. By god! If you keep on doing this, I would get premature gray hair!"

Julianne rolled her eyes heavenward. "You are being dramatic. I am perfectly fine by myself. And I am not your intended, Your Grace. Not when we are alone"

"Do not say otherwise, Julianne. I am your intended" Gavin warned which bring the look of apprehension on her face. Julianne did not have the energy to argue with him today, especially when it was going to be a beautiful day. Instead, she make a move to recollect her reins. "Now if I may, Your Grace. I am already late"

With her words, the duke quickly tied the rein of his horse to the back of her gig. "I will accompany you"

"I told you I do not need your escort" She protested in a small voice. "Besides you should be going back to London to meet with the dealers" Julianne furrowed her brows innocently but inside she fervently hoped the duke will eventually go so that she could have some space.

She decides she would find a small corner somewhere so that she could have some moment to sort things out. It is the very existence of the domineering man that confuses her. He caused an emotional turmoil spiraling within her. Julianne discovered her heart somersaulted 360 degrees whenever she caught sight of him. But sometimes his irritating and thoughtless words ripped her heart into thousand fragments and she convinced herself to hate the duke until the day she died. Yet Julianne tried not to remember the way his kisses and caress had the undesired effect on her.

"Julianne?" She jumped.

"What?"

The duke cocked his dark brows in question. "I said I shall go to London. Only if you promised me that you stay the hell away from Hastings" Gavin paused to await her reaction. "Is that understood?"

Julianne sighed. "I am afraid I have to disappoint you, Your Grace. Johnathan helped me with the running of the estates. I cannot administer the plantation without him"

"Then I shall help you" The duke stated in a firm voice. Julianne groaned inwardly. Oh, now she is in serious trouble.

"There is no need, Your Grace. Johnathan's assistance alone will be fine"

Gavin held up his hand. "My words are final, love. When I returned from London, you and I will work together to manage the estates" Gavin rubbed his chin gleefully as he noticed Julianne had grown silent. "As your betroth, it is imperative that we should spend our days together" Gavin paused as he let his words sunk. "After all, I find you eager to rid of me and get our tale of romance done and over with. Am I correct?" His query was met with silence.

"I shall escort you to the warehouse then I take my leave" Gavin muttered as he took the leather reins from Julianne's grasp. The Duke clicked his tongue and the gig lurched smoothly forward.

Julianne's eyes rounded in astonishment . The man certainly take no for an answer. She certainly did not have the energy to start her day arguing with him which must undoubtedly leave her gloomy all day.

After all, the duke was leaving for the city today and that granted her the space she so desperately needed. That thought lifted her spirits a little.

On the short ride to the warehouse, Julianne learned that the duke was a war veteran who served the Company as a general. After 3 years of serving England he decided to call it quits only to discover that the dukedom has fallen into his unsuspecting shoulders. Gavin chatted easily as if there was no strain between them and Julianne begin to relax. He did not broach the subject of his failed proposal to Daniela which relieved her entirely. She did not want to know the duke's association with the lady. The less she knew, the better. Julianne thought.

She felt oddly perplexed at the duke's casualness with her. Gone was his dictatorial manner, replaced by his easy banter as he questioned more about herself and listened with interest of what she would say. He looked more relaxed and Julianne noticed for the first time the laughter dancing in his deep eyes as he talked about tales and pranks he used to pulled with Edward.

Within minutes Julianne was laughing so hard her cheeks hurt when Gavin told her about how he and Edward released a cage of mice into their literature class just because Edward forgot to finish his homework.

"So then what happened?" Julianne asked between gasps as she wipe a tear from her eyes.

"Before we know it, the whole building was evacuated" Gavin snorted. "I tried to look for Sandhurst everywhere. Tutors and students were running and I also saw Edward, screeching like a girl"

Julianne succumbed to another burst of laughter as her imagination took its poll. She had to cradle her belly to prevent it from hurting more. The image of a teenage Edward running from hordes of mice chasing him down was priceless.

"Of course you cannot disclose to him about his moment" Gavin drawled with a twinkle in his deep set eyes which took her breath away. He looked different from the duke she knew and dislike.

"He will definitely have my head if you do" he said smiling down to her. Julianne realized they had reached their destination.

Gavin gracefully held out his hand to her. Julianne was breathless as she took his hand.

"You certainly view him as your brother" Gavin was silent as he squeezed her hand lightly assisting her from her seat.

"Yes, I do"

Julianne smiled. "So all the talk about him being a nuisance is only your way of showing how much you care for him?"

Gavin's head whipped at her, certain that he misconstrued her meaning. But when Gavin saw Julianne smile teasingly at him, he relaxed.

"Oh he is truly a nuisance Julianne" Gavin quipped, covering her fingers with his own at the crook of his arm. He could get used to this new but comfortable situation between them. No distrust, no yelling. Gavin found out Julianne appears more lovelier in her relaxed state. She was smiling up to him, her sapphire blue eyes twinkling like a lake in the summer time.

"But I was not jesting when I said to not to get too close to him" Gavin remarked as they strolled to the warehouse. The sun was up but the air was cool and crisp. Laborers and workers were bustling about them, carting and wheeling the produce to and fro.

"I could not promise you that" Julianne sighed as her heart dreaded where the conversation leads. She so much enjoyed the duke's company which was oddly but delightfully surprising. She could not let it go yet.

Julianne lifted her gaze and fixed it on his rugged features. His jaw twitched noticeably as he returned Julianne's gaze with the heat in his eyes.

Her heart thudded excitedly as she realized that she wanted the duke to kiss her again. Julianne was momentarily appalled by herself. Here she was standing in the middle of the countryside flanked by her workers and all she could think of was kissing him.

Gavin's sensuous lips curled knowingly. "My dear Miss Cosgrove. All you do is but to ask" he whispered as his lips descended on hers in a slow kiss. Julianne was so caught up in the moment that she forgot where she was. She opened her mouth slightly to permit his wondrous tongue.

It is when they heard whoops of joy and clapping did they broke apart. Her workers were clapping their hands and the older ladies were wiping tears of joy at the sight both Julianne and Gavin created.

Gavin grinned as he saw his 'betroth' grew beet red and couldn't face the onlookers.

"If you two are quite finished…" Johnathan's sharp voice clipped between the clamoring.

Johnathan shoot her a look of disapproval.

"We have lots of work to do today" he reminded her. "And we are already behind schedule"

Julianne swallowed guiltily at the frost look Johnathan threw her.

The duke seems to sense the hostility and immediately took charge, placing his cool arrogant duke mask instantly.

"I will be away to the city in a few days" Gavin began in a manner of civilization. "I trust you will keep a respectful distance from my intended?" he raised a dark brow deliberately putting his most arrogant expression he could muster.

"Your grace-" Julianne began, her heart sinking as Johnathan reacted.

Gavin shifted his gaze to her. "I discovered that I do not like you to saunter off with another man during my absence, my dear" Gavin paused for the desired effect. Julianne's eyes aglow with resentment while Johnathan was pursing his lips.

"You are embarrassing me" She hissed. Julianne decided she did not like it when the real Duke of Hemington emerged. It seems as if he was having multiple personality. Where was Gavin Rutherford that she kissed willingly just now?. Julianne wondered feverishly.

"What is there to be embarrassed about?" Julianne could have sworn she would scratch his eyes out at his look of nonchalance. "We are betrothed aren't we? When I return from London I shall assist you on the estate and plantation matters" Gavin finished pointedly, smiling down to her totally ignoring Johnathan.

Johnathan squeezed his fist tightly he could have heard his knuckles cracked. "Well, if you don't need me anymore, Jules.." Johnathan made a move to leave.

"Wait, Johnathan. Yes. I do need you" Julianne called but not before throwing a warning scowl to the duke.

"I would appreciate if you could take your leave now, your grace" Julianne stated, her expression solemn but inside she was confused as a new born foal. "As Johnathan said earlier, we are behind schedule. I bid you good day and safe journey" with that said, Julianne turned on her heels and stalked off with Johnathan.

The duke hadn't realized he was grounding his jaw when he felt his jaw muscle ached in protest.

Well there is not much to do anyway since he was already late for his meeting in London. The duke decided not to harass Julianne anymore being driven by his jealousy. He felt that the enlightened moment he shared with Julianne just now was priceless and he was hesitant of destroying it.

Gavin could feel Julianne was slowly opening up to him. That thought brought a smile to his lips all the way to London.

* * * * * * * * *

Days passed grew into a week. It was a blissful content for Julianne but somehow she felt empty. She was not certain what brought that on but in the beginning Julianne thought that it was because Johnathan will be going away for a few years to Italy to continue his study in art and literature. It happened so quickly that Julianne was reluctant to inquire him about his source of funds.

Apparently Johnathan was too excited to finally be able to continue his study and he did not want to miss the opportunity. So Julianne remain silent, doubtful if it is wise to ask Johnathan.

They pretty much clear the air between them although Julianne was not entirely truthful to her friend.

She desperately wanted to tell Johnathan that her so called betrothal was completely a sham but Julianne was hesitant as she recalled the duke's warning not to let many people know about it. The less people know, the better. She wanted so much their plans were met in success so that she gained full control over the estate and plantation. And never to set eyes on the Duke of Hemington again.

Julianne felt that she could not endure anymore of this charade as she started to receive visits from members of the haute ton. Julianne was surprised to realize she had the peer of realm as her neighbors. She did not recognized half of the aristocrats who claimed to be her' fiancé's' relatives. Each of them was a queer lot. Julianne could never follow their lifestyles and felt absolutely out of place.

It was Thursday evening when Julianne was busily entertaining a steady stream of visitors when Swinton announced the Duke of Sandhurst came to visit.

Julianne breathed a sigh of relief and excused herself from the delegates. She made her way to the receiving parlor to meet Edward.

Julianne was glad at least one recognizable face came to visit her, albeit she had known Edward only for a short time.

"Edward. So glad you came" Julianne admonished. The blond god turned and smiled easily when he saw Julianne approaching him.

"I didn't know you missed me that much or I would have come earlier" He teased lightly, kissing her hand.

Julianne gave a throaty laugh. "Oh, you. It's just that everything have been crazy these past weeks"

She replied strolling with Edward to the morning parlor.

Her voice dropped into a whisper. "I have been receiving visitors who claims to be the duke's relatives"

Edward laughed. "You should be warned beforehand Jules" he said taking a seat across from her.

Julianne looked at him worriedly as she rang for refreshments.

"You should know the news of your engagement with Gavin was the talk of the ton as we speak" Edward chuckled at the look of anxious crossing Julianne's lovely face. "The announcement emerged at every newspaper in London" he continued receiving a teacup from Julianne. "It is rumored to be the celebrated wedding of the Season"

Julianne paused to think. Her delicate brows knitted together as she digested the last bit of information.

But her anxiety took the better of her. "Did Daniela been informed about the.." her words trailed off as she meekly gestured with her hands. Embarrassment evident on her face.

Edward laughed as he set his teacup on the table. "Ah my dear Miss Cosgrove. That one subject should not be any of your concern" He paused as he took her small hands and covered it with his larger ones. If Julianne was taken aback by his gesture, she didn't show it. "I wager the news has reach her loud and clear" Edward smiled knowingly.

Julianne was glad at least one recognizable face came to visit her, albeit she had known Edward only for a short time.

"Edward. So glad you came" Julianne admonished. The blond god turned and smiled easily when he saw Julianne approaching him.

"I didn't know you missed me that much or I would have come earlier" He teased lightly, kissing her hand.

Julianne gave a throaty laugh. "Oh, you. It's just that everything have been crazy these past weeks"

She replied strolling with Edward to the morning parlor.

Her voice dropped into a whisper. "I have been receiving visitors who claims to be the duke's relatives"

Edward laughed. "You should be warned beforehand Jules" he said taking a seat across from her.

Julianne looked at him worriedly as she rang for refreshments.

"You should know the news of your engagement with Gavin was the talk of the ton as we speak" Edward chuckled at the look of anxious crossing Julianne's lovely face. "The announcement emerged at every newspaper in London" he continued receiving a teacup from Julianne. "It is rumored to be the celebrated wedding of the Season"

Julianne paused to think. Her delicate brows knitted together as she digested the last bit of information.

But her anxiety took the better of her. "Did Daniela been informed about the.." her words trailed off as she meekly gestured with her hands. Embarrassment evident on her face.

Edward laughed as he set his teacup on the table. "Ah my dear Miss Cosgrove. That one subject should not be any of your concern" He paused as he took her small hands and covered it with his larger ones. If Julianne was taken aback by his gesture, she didn't show it. "I wager the news has reach her loud and clear" Edward smiled knowingly.

"Edward-"

"Julianne, please let me finish" Edward only took a minute of his time to compose himself.

"I realized I have already reached the prime age of settling down" he paused as he gazed soul deep into her bluer ones. Julianne managed to swallow the lump in her throat as she waited his next remark.

"I know we have only met and we don't really know each other well but I will try my very best to be a good companion, a strong provider and a loving husband to you"

Julianne froze as she couldn't really believe her ears. "Wh-what are you saying?"

Edward smiled. "Would you grant me the honor of becoming my duchess, Miss Cosgrove?"

"But-but my betroth to the duke-"

"Which will in no doubt ends in the coming days" Edward cut in, admiring the blush that spread from the roots of her hair to her toes.

Julianne slumped back in her seat, extracting her hands from Edward's grasp. She felt confused at the turn of the events. First she was having a normal conversation with Edward and having tea. Next he was asking her hand in marriage. She was overwhelmed with myriad of doubts and questions.

Edward was looking expectantly at her. What could she say?

Suddenly the image of Gavin materialized in her head. His rugged handsome face with jet black hair and deep set green eyes. She remembered the way his lips curled as she silently begged him to kiss her.

She realized she misses the pompous cad. Terribly.

"Jules?" Julianne snapped back to the present.

"I'm sorry Edward but I really do not need to be married for any reason" she began, looking down into her hands.

"Is it because of Hemington?" Julianne raised her head to see if Edward was mocking her but his mouth curved into a smile although his expression remained serious.

Julianne shook her head hesitantly. "No. This has got nothing to do with him" she began although she felt she was not totally being honest to herself.

"I-I'm sorry-"

Edward took her cold hands and said quietly. "Hey. Don't worry about it ok? You can always come to me as my offer will always stands for you"

Julianne raised her head to gaze at the blond god. No wonder Gavin loved him like a brother. He had a heart of gold. Edward was the exact opposite of the Duke of Hemington. Like night and day.

Julianne gave him a heartfelt smile. She hoped it will not be awkward after this. Julianne thought as she mentally crossed her fingers.

"May I ask something?" At the nod from Edward, Julianne took a deep breath.

"Why..me?" Edward laughed as he settled more comfortably in his seat.

"Frankly speaking. I found you to be a breath of fresh air from all the women I knew back in London" Edward winked mischievously which caused Julianne to blush.

"But don't get me wrong, the women in the city were more practiced in their smiles and they seem to be programmed by their parents on how to act around a man in order to snagged themselves a rich husband" Edward paused looking at her, grinning he continued, "As I said before to you, I am looking for someone with beauty and brains to match. Apparently they lack both of it"

Julianne quietly sipped her tea as her mind reeled the information Edward supplied.

"Take Daniela for instance. She certainly is pretty and have brains but unfortunately she directed her wit to a more fiendish scheme."

"And how do you know that I was not plotting the same scheme as Daniela, playing coy and the modest girl?" Julianne voiced out, her tone rich in challenge.

Edward smiled. This is what he so admired about Julianne. She was so full of life and sincere yet she was not a naivete.

"You are an independent woman, Jules. You certainly do not need a rich husband to pay for your keeps" Edward chuckled. "I am sure you can outshine the Prince Regent just by a mere heartbeat"

Julianne smiled. She was glad Edward took no offense of her turning down his proposal.

Edward reached over her hands again, his expression sober. "I just wanted you to know that I shall always be here if you ever need me" he blinked. "Is Hemington treating you right?"

Julianne shrugged her shoulders. "I could not say no to that"

Edward grinned as he casually examined her hands. "I remembered he extracted the ancestral diamond ring from the Bank weeks ago" he frowned and looked up. "He didn't gave it to you to wear?"

Julianne withdrew her hands and reached for the tray biscuits, holding the tray aloft to Edward, she muttered . "The day he left for London, I took it off"

She shrugged as she settled the tray on the table and took one herself. "I thought there is no point for me to wear it if he's not around"

Edward blinked and laughed heartily. "Hemington was not joking when he said that you are one pig headed woman"

Julianne grinned brushing the biscuits crumbs off her skirts. "That's affirmed the saying the pot calling the kettle black"

They both snorted and broke down in a roar of laughter.

"Oh my lord. I never laughed so hard in my life" the duke gasped. He glanced over to Julianne who was still laughing. The sight she created grabbed his gut tight entirely.

Her gold hair glowed brilliantly in the sunshine. Her head was thrown back, exposing her exquisitely shape throat as she clutched her belly. Edward longed to pull her into his arms and show her how exactly a woman as beautiful as her should be treated.

Instead he cleared his throat and chirped good-naturedly. "Why don't we go for a walk? It's such a beautiful day and I want you to show me your roses"

Julianne smiled brightly and sprung to her feet. "Good. I am in desperate need of fresh air anyway.

I hoped to see you answer the duke's questions articulately about the correct soil for growing roses"

The duke's infectious laughter could be heard floating throughout the Hall.

* * * * * * * * *

Gavin sighed loudly as he lay back in his chair. He was back in his townhouse for weeks now and have been attending meetings with the potential brokers. He was restless as the meetings took more of his time than he expected.

Reilly was shuffling his work papers at present, unconsciously mumbling to himself.

"Who is next?" the duke questioned casually.

Reilly looked up from his papers, pushed his glasses slightly and said, "I believe its Heckler and Davidson, Your Grace" he handed him a clutch of papers for Gavin to review.

"They petitioned to build a farmstead and schoolhouses in Langford but they wanted to negotiate the terms"

The duke took the parchment from him. After reading it a few moments, he stated with a raised brow.

"They do point out the necessities" Gavin took a quill from its stand and scribbled a few notes before handing back to Reilly.

"So do you approve?"

"They made an offer we cannot refuse" The duke muttered as he concentrated on the papers before him.

There was silence again as both master and employee absorbed on their work.

"How many have we got?"

Reilly unconsciously pursed his lips together as he sort out the pile of folders and papers on the table.

"20. No. 21. Yes definitely 21, Your Grace" Reilly beamed.

Gavin nodded approvingly. He abruptly stood stretching his aching legs and back.

He strode to his small cabinet where he produced his best brandy and two glasses.

"You drink?" Gavin asked casually as he poured the liquid into the glasses.

Reilly looked up and smiled as he received his glass. "Just a little, Your Grace"

"I thought to say that a congratulations is long overdue, Your Grace" Reilly blurted. Gavin raised his brows but didn't say anything.

"I was quite surprised when I heard the news" Reilly lifted his glass slightly and smiled ruefully.

The duke shrugged as he drained his drink but his insides doing somersaults at the thought of Julianne.

Being apart from her was enough to make his nights sleepless and his days restless. Gavin could not wait until his meetings wrapped up and jumped into his curricle and return to Long Bennington.

There was one thing that made him stayed in the city longer than he expected. The security he felt when Kelly reported to him that Hastings had left the country for Italy. Gavin's lips curled humorlessly, feeling extremely good for himself. Being a man of power and wealth certainly boast its merits.

Gavin made sure that Hastings' ambition to conclude his long overdue study was properly fulfilled.

The duke generously offered the younger man his support financially when he approached him the day before he sets out to London. At first, Hastings was tad suspicious about the duke's sudden generosity.

As Gavin is a man with a no- nonsense attitude, he firmly told Hastings that he is not thrilled the idea of him working together with Julianne.

Of course his thinly veiled frank confession caught Johnathan off guard but he humbly conceded defeat as he realized that the duke was obviously the dominant male.

Hastings eventually agreed to accept the duke's offer and left the country two days later.

Gavin's men reported that Julianne was unknown of the dealings that had transpired between them and the duke made sure to that. There was no reason for Julianne to know.

"Rumors has it that you wanted to keep your betroth under the rug" Reilly quipped which made Gavin blinked.

"Why would I do that?" The duke turned to refill his glass.

Reilly chuckled. "Gossips are rampant that you are trying to hide your future duchess"

"Miss Cosgrove is busy for the wedding preparation as we speak" Gavin fixed his glare on Reilly's flushed face as if to challenge him to say more. Granted the young squire was gossip prone and his tongue occasionally get the better of him.

"Stacks have been running high at Whites for when will Miss Cosgrove take her first lover" Reilly mumbled rather hurriedly. "I thought you should know that"

Gavin cursed fluently. If there is one thing to avoid such catastrophe, it is when Julianne are victimized for the vulgarity of the ton.

"Who initiated the bet?" Gavin said in a low growl. Reilly pursed his lips nervously.

"I believe it was Radcliffe"

His lips curled. He would have guessed it.

Well, Radcliffe and the boys will definitely in for a disappointment because there was no way in hell he would let that happen. Much less made Julianne even think of doing it.

"Are we done here?" the duke asked instead.

Reilly was silent as he flipped through the thick sheaf of papers. "There is also the matter of your ducal seat in Devon, Your Grace. Shall we start channeling the funds for the renovation?"

"Can we do that after winter?"

The solicitor gazed at him strangely. "Your nuptials will be occurring in two and half months. You do want to have the wedding at the ancestral home do you?"

At Reilly's words Gavin's heart sunk anew. Weeks had passed and he had received a steady stream of people congratulating him. Even Duke Darlington, Daniela's father has seek him out and inquire the whereabouts of his fiancé. Daniela, on the other hand, her behavior had changed. She seemed aloof and keeping a respectful distance.

He was all in all relief that their little play had delivered its target. Yet whenever he climbed into his bed every night, his control fell. He was agitated.

The success of the plan brought to his failure. He would lay every night in his bed, his uttermost thoughts shifted to Julianne. His thoughts varied of how lovely she looked when she donned her dreadful working gown as she administer her roses, how lovely the color of her eyes when she was angry, her flushed, passionate look when they shared their first kiss, the way she cried as she confessed of what her father had done and how musical her laughter was the morning they shared their ride together. Gavin realized he misses her. The duke was not certain of his feelings towards her, but he knew for sure he misses her immensely.

"Your Grace?"

Gavin gave a start. "What?"

"I said mayhap you should send for Miss Cosgrove to London so that you could curb the speculations about your engagement"

The Duke stroked his strong chin as Reilly bravely continued.

"As I said before, the ton are making their own determination about why you are currently keeping Miss Cosgrove in the shadows"

"I need not to prove anything to anybody. It is not any of your nor of their concern" he growled in a low voice , irritated that he should produce Julianne to the public just to satisfy the curiosity of the people who cruelly shunned him a year ago.

Reilly wilted a bit under the Duke's intense glowering. "While that has a merit point, Your Grace. I do believe what I have outlined is for the good of Miss Cosgrove as the aristocratic society was not known to her and vice versa"

Gavin sighed but strangely felt excited at the thought of Julianne coming to London.

"You are dismissed for the day" He muttered curtly as he took his quill pen and started to compose a

brief but instructive letter to Julianne.

There was a quiet shuffling of feet before Reilly spoke again. "You will send for Miss Cosgrove then?"

Gavin was not ascertain but he could detect of anxiety in his voice. The Duke merely grunted his answer but didn't look up. It was all the answer the young solicitor needs. He bowed his head and quietly exited the area.