Loving Michael (Ebook) Book 4

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Chapter One

Michael Waterstone flexed his fingers, gripped his quill pen and started yet another letter his employer, the Duke of Diable Delamere needed to be finished before the end of the day. In truth, he enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of his work, but sometimes, on days like today, when the winter sun was shining and the sky was a crisp blue he wanted nothing more than to fling his inkpot out the window and climb out after it.
Unfortunately, that was not possible.
The sound of raised voices had him looking toward the door of his office, and carefully returning his dripping pen to the inkpot. His sister Elizabeth’s marriage to the Duke of Diable Delamere was nothing short of miraculous, but one could hardly describe their union as easy.
His sister was intelligent and opinionated. The duke even more so, and half-French, which made their disagreements both frequent and predictable. Michael held his breath as his sister sailed into his office talking over her shoulder at her spouse who didn’t appear to be amused by whatever edict Elizabeth was citing.
“Michael.” Elizabeth came to a halt in front of his desk. “Tell him.”
He took off his spectacles and surveyed his sister. Her grey eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks were flushed red either from the cold or indignation.
“Tell him what?”
Michael nodded to his employer who had taken a stand on the hearthrug in front of the fire with his hands behind his back.
“Your Grace.”
“Good afternoon, Michael.”
Michael had no idea how Elizabeth had the nerve to rile the duke who wasn’t known for his sweetness of temper or his ability to suffer fools gladly.
“Tell His Grace that our mother had no difficulty carrying her children, and that I don’t expect to do so either.”
“I—” Michael risked a glance at the duke whose expression became even more glacial. “I have no idea what you are talking about, Elizabeth.”
“Oh, for goodness sake!” she exclaimed. “Just agree with me.”
“But how can I do that when I have no knowledge about the subject?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Then lie. I’m your sister.”
“Your brother is in my employ, ma belle, “ the duke said softly. “Perhaps he doesn’t wish to be drawn into a discussion of a matter that is surely meant to be resolved privately.”
There was a hint of a warning in the duke’s voice that his wife seemed unable or unwilling to recognize. For the second time in an hour, Michael gazed longingly at the window and contemplated escape.
“I’m merely suggesting that trying to smother me for the duration of my pregnancy is not an option.” Elizabeth snapped.
“You’re breeding?” Michael blurted out. “I do apologize Your Grace, I—”
Elizabeth took off her bonnet and swung around to glare at Michael again. “Yes, Michael, I am. I’m also determined to have a happy and healthy pregnancy, if that man over there,” She pointed at the duke who looked distinctly unamused, “Will simply allow me to do so!”
“Elizabeth…”
Ignoring both her husband and her brother, the duchess turned on her heel and walked out slamming the door behind her.
Michael spoke to his blotter. “She doesn’t mean to be difficult, Your Grace. It’s just then when she’s worried about something she tends to become rather…stubborn.”
“Do you think I don’t know that?” The duke sighed. “I handled her very badly. After her experiences with your mother and stepfather I should have remembered how much she hates feeling trapped. I’ll go up to her. I apologize for placing you in such a difficult situation.”
“I’m used to it, Your Grace.”
“I’m sure you are.” The duke paused at the door and looked back at Michael. “If Angelique arrives early for her appointment, tell her I might be delayed.”
“Yes, your Grace.”
“Thank you.” The duke still lingered. “It will be hard for me not to worry about my duchess. I almost lost her once, and have already buried a son. I am…perhaps a little weary of losing those I love.”
Michael didn’t reply to that startling confession and kept his gaze on his work. Being the duke’s brother-in-law and his secretary was sometimes more complicated than he’d imagined. But anything was better than being trapped in one room wasting away while his mother refused to acknowledge his existence…
With another last glance at the world outside where the sun was being replaced by dark threatening clouds filled with snow, he returned to writing his letters. If he knew the ducal couple, they’d argue passionately and make up their differences in bed. It wasn’t the way he would manage a marriage, but it seemed to work well for them.