The American and the Duke

Chapter 5 Rowan

I woke up for the third morning in a row. Covered in sweat, so much so that my nightshirt clung to my body. The image of the fiery redhead writhing in my bed from pleasure. My head between her legs, tasting her, pleasuring her. I always woke before I could finish her. My body aching with a need I never knew that I had.  It has been three days since my ball. Three days since I had rescued that beautiful girl from Julian Samuels. I had overheard some of their conversation. And I knew Julian, he took what he wanted no matter the protests of the women. Though I am sure that she could handle herself. I felt my heart stop when I saw her. Her dress hugging her body, her hair hanging in curls down her back. She was stunning, and so I stepped in. Something I almost never did. And for the past three nights she has haunted my dreams. Those enchanting blue eyes, her lush lips. They were so lush, it took all I had not to kiss her. For it was not proper, for I had just met her. But when I turned after it felt like mere moments she was gone. And I was a fool for not getting her name. But I was determined to find her. If it took me the whole season, then so be it. I would find her. There was a need, almost a pull to find her. To get to know her, to feel her body against mine once again.

I made my way down to my father’s study. Since he died, Will and I were going over his documents and records. The overall accounts of my new estates. And to my surprise they were in disarray. He had not managed them well in his last years. I knew he had grown complacent, almost lazy. But this was almost negligible. He and his mistress had spent so much money on lavish parties and trips to the continent.

“Did father even know how much he was charging his tenants,” Will asked, handing me another account. I looked at the document and shook my head. The numbers making my head hurt. Will was always had the head for numbers.

“No, he is charging one family almost double and their land is smaller than the others. These accounts must be inspected and changed,” I replied. Knowing well enough something had to be done. I wanted my lands to be bountiful and profitable.

“What do you suggest brother,” Will asked. I thought for a moment. I could not travel now. Not with father’s will looming over my head. It would have to wait. But could it wait? Something had to be done, especially if our estates and standing remained intact. 

“A trip is necessary, someone must travel to Kent as soon as possible. The estates must be looked over at once. Before this becomes unmanageable,” I replied. Looking at all of these accounts.

“Let me do it brother, I have no interest in the social season. And since you must remain here to find your bride. Let me take this off of you,” Will said. I looked up at him.

“It is a lot to ask of you brother, are you sure,” I asked. He nodded his head and helped me clean up the desk. Organzing the papers and putting them back in the drawers.

“Yes, I hate the London season as you know. And the fresh air will do me good,” he replied. I sighed and sat back in my chair. Looking at my younger brother. I did not know what I would do without him.

“Then I suppose I could spare you, but who else will listen to me rattle on? I will send a letter to Hever, that is where you will start. Keep me updated on your progress,” I said. Will laughed at my statement. 

“I am sure you will find someone else to complain to. And of course, I will send word once I arrive,” he said standing. We both knew that he was the right person for this particular task. Will was good at surveying and taking copious notes on numbers.

“But first one more night at the club,” I said. He laughed and we made our way upstairs to get changed. We reached the gentlemen’s club after eight. As we entered  we were swarmed by papas. Telling me to call on their daughters. Ever since I made it known I needed a wife, they all came flocking like geese. But all I could think about was the girl who I held in my arms but once. The fiery passion that paired well with that fiery red hair.