The Reluctant Duke (Love's Pride Book 1) (14 page)

He pondered her question as he remembered the last time she had asked the question in Brookshire. Did he feel different?

“I believe I am becoming used to it. In fact, there are times when I find that there are benefits.”

“Such as?” she asked as she played another card. He knew she was trying to distract him from the game but that was all right, all was fair in love, war, and whist.

“Times like this,” he said as he laid a card down. “I wouldn’t have met you if I hadn’t become a Duke.”

Gwen’s hand froze in mid-air as all color drained from her face. Glancing quickly towards Aunt Celeste she made sure that the older woman hadn’t heard his comments. She turned back to look up into his eyes searching for truth. Seeing his seriousness, she quickly looked down at her cards as her cheeks turned red.

Thomas smiled to himself. “Of course there are other benefits, Making sure my agents hire returning soldiers, the ability to help a hospital and foundling home, my votes in the House of Lords. Yes, there are good things about the peerage.”

Gwen continued to stare down at her cards, obviously unable to look him in the eye. Progress he thought, definitely progress.

Gwen furrowed her brow in confusion. Pulling a brush through her hair, she looked into the mirror and tried to see what Thomas saw.

For the life of her she couldn’t understand what he was up to. First he forces his Aunt to hire her as a companion. Then he convinces the Prince Regent to dance with her. He spends the evening playing cards while complimenting her and telling her he’s lucky to have met her. Thinking about it made her insides rumble with worry. What was he up to?

Putting the brush down, she finished dressing. Celeste would be waking soon, and Gwen liked to be ready to help her if necessary. She’d become fond of the older woman. Her tactless comments hid a discerning eye. Not much escaped her attention. Maybe she knew what Thomas was doing and why he was doing it.

As she walked down the stairs, Gwen’s mind continued to wander. She’d always thought that Thomas obtained this position for her so that he would no longer have to interact with her. That he’d gotten what he wanted but to assuage any guilt he had made sure she was sufficiently taken care of. Maybe she’d been wrong. He’d seemed even more attentive since she’d left his household.

Entering the dining room she was surprised to see Aunt Celeste already there. Normally she had breakfast brought to her room before dressing for the day. Gwen preferred to eat at the dining table, she still felt uncomfortable asking the servants to wait on her. She knew they must think she was getting above her station.

Hightower, Celeste’s ancient butler, stood behind her chair and slightly to the left. It was obvious he wasn’t happy about this change and probably blamed her for it. Anything new in the house had to be Gwen’s fault. All had been right with the world until she’d shown up.

“You’re down early,” Gwen said as she prepared a plate for herself.

“I have a lot planned for the day. Sarah and Lady Somerset will be here later this afternoon. I have told the girls to be here as well.”

Gwen paused for a moment trying to remember if she’d forgotten some event, some important ton occurrence. Finally giving up she asked. “Is there something scheduled that I have forgotten?”

Celeste looked up and smiled. That canary eating cat smile she got whenever she had a secret.

“No, my dear, nothing special. I have decided that His Grace needs to have a ball and made inquiries. I believe that a date three weeks from now would be the best time. The twenty-third to be exact. There are no other events or parties scheduled that would outrank or even rival something given by the Duke of Bathurst. So we should be well attended. I have asked Sarah and Lady Somerset to come today to help in making preparations. We must ensure the right people are invited, the right musicians. A thousand details.”

Her fork frozen halfway to her mouth and her eyes the size of teacups Gwen looked at Celeste in fear. “A ball? Here?”

“No, no, at the Ducal residence. Really Guinevere,” Aunt Celeste said with a deep frown. “I need you to be on your toes. There are so many things to do and not near enough time. But we can’t wait much longer, the season will be ending soon, and people will be leaving the city before it gets too hot.”

Gwen looked down in contrition. She really didn’t like disappointing Aunt Celeste. The woman had been so kind, and so helpful. A ball? She must put her concerns, her worries, and all of her fears aside and focus on helping Elizabeth have the best party of the year. Of the last dozen years.

.o0o.

Aunt Celeste drawing room buzzed with female excitement. Elizabeth was thrilled with the idea of the party. Isabel was happy for her friend and suggested that maybe people from around Brookshire could be invited.

“Yes, Baron Jensen and his wife, Mary. I would want them there,” Elizabeth said.

“Very well, we will add them to the list. Is there anyone else?” Aunt Celeste asked.

“Mr. Moore,” Elizabeth said shooting her friend Isabel a look.

“The Vicar, at a London Ball. I don’t think so, what are you thinking girl. This is high ton, very high.”

“He is the son of Viscount Ponderha,” Isabel interjected with a soft voice.

“And I would like him there, he is a good friend,” Elizabeth added.

Celeste looked back and forth between the two girls. “The Son of a Viscount, I wasn’t aware. Very well, we will add him to the list.” Both Elizabeth and Isabel smiled.

Lady Sarah began talking to Lady Somerset about how much staff they would need for the event.

“I will send mine over to help,” Celeste said as she took a sip of tea. She had a staff of four, Butler, Cook, Maid and one footman. Celeste insisted on maintaining a footman; it was the difference between the Gentry and the Nobility she liked to say.

Gwen shuddered internally thinking about Old Hightower fitting in with Woods. She wondered if she would be asked to help, what were a companion’s responsibilities in matters like these?

“Maybe staff could be brought in from Brookshire, My Lady,” Gwen interjected hoping to obtain more information.

“Yes, yes, that would be good,” Celeste said before returning to the discussion about who should be invited.

“Obviously all of the peers in town, Dukes, Earls, Marquis, and Viscounts. Maybe a Baron or two. Don’t you think Sarah? The Prince of course but I shouldn’t expect him to actually come.”

Folding her hands in her lap Gwen ignored the conversation as she tried to gain control of her racing heart. Would the Earl of Grainbell come to the party? Was he still alive? Would he recognize her if he did? What would she do? This and a thousand other thoughts tumbled through her brain, all of them fighting to control her mind, taking her to another time, another place. A dark time that chilled her to the bone. Would she ever be over that night she wondered.

Struggling to control her shaking fingers she took another sip of tea as she tried to calm her racing breath.

“ … What do you think Guinevere?” Celeste asked.

Gwen jumped back into the present, dragging her brain out of the dark fluffy clouds they’d wandered into. “Um, I’m sorry Aunt Celeste, what was that?” She said.

Aunt Celeste pursed her lips and shook her head, obviously disappointed once again.

“I said, we will have to go shopping for new gowns. They must be special.”

“Yes, of course,” Gwen answered. What did Thomas think of all this she wondered? Did he even know?”

.o0o.

Thomas slammed the ledger closed as Celeste walked into his study unannounced. Woods held the door and shot him an apologetic glance as if to say sorry, but I couldn’t stop her.

“We need to talk,” she said as she removed her gloves.

“Nice to see you too Celeste,” Thomas said with a smirk.

“Yes, yes,” she answered as she turned to make sure that Woods had left and closed the door behind him. “We need to discuss Guinevere. You have her head collecting stardust. I need her; I can’t have her day dreaming about you all the time. If we are going to have a successful ball, I will need her help.”

He pushed the ledger under another set of books and turned to face his aunt. So Gwen was daydreaming about him. Good, he shouldn’t be the only one.

“I am sure you are mistaken,”

“Thomas, I believe I know when a girl is over the moon for a man. I was young once. That girl thinks of nothing but you.

“Well, good, isn’t that what we wanted. And what ball?”

“Yes, yes, but it is too soon. As for the ball, His Grace, the Duke of Bathurst will be having a formal ball on the twenty-third of this month. Only the top of the top will be in attendance. Everyone will be there. They will want to see the new Duke and his beautiful young sister. Both of whom are very eligible I might add. Yes, yes, everyone will be there.”

His stomach dropped, and his shoulders bunched as someone had punched him in the back.

“I am? I don’t remember agreeing to this.”

“Really Thomas, You told me I was to bring Elizabeth out. To introduce her to society. Hopefully with the idea of finding her a suitable match. No family is going to want to take on an unproven young woman barely out of the schoolroom. They will want to see how she performs, judge her by how well her party is attended. Those type of things. Don’t you know anything about this? Elizabeth does and is looking forward to the challenge. I must say, I am rather proud of her.”

Thomas shook his head as his heart skipped a beat. People, drama, staff running around making everything just so perfect. All of it senseless nonsense that didn’t mean a thing.

“What does this have to do with Miss Harding? Where is she by the way?”

“I need her to pay attention. I sent her upstairs with Elizabeth to check her dresses. We need to make sure that our ball gowns look like nothing else she has worn this year. She will be down in but a minute so I must have your assurance that you will leave her alone and stop turning her head.”

Thomas rolled his eyes and shook his head, “In an answer Aunt Celeste, No. I will not stop trying to turn her head. I will continue to do everything in my power to convince her that I am worthy of her, and she should agree to be my wife. If I had my way, we would announce our betrothal at this ball of yours.

“What? No, no. It would ruin everything. It is too soon. I agree she is a wonderful person. Intelligent, sweet, steady. And yes, she will make an acceptable Duchess, but not yet. People are just now beginning to accept her in our circle. This is Elizabeth’s night. You will do nothing to ruin it. I will not have it. Do you hear?”

Thomas hid a small smile. She had not seen his trap, and he had to admit it felt good to know that Aunt Celeste saw how wonderful Gwen was.

“Very well, you can have your all, and I promise not to announce our betrothal at the party.”

These were easy points to give up; he had known they would have to host a party at some point during the season and Gwen was nowhere near accepting his proposal. Not yet, although the thought of her day dreaming about him had given his heart a needed boost.

“But I will continue to do everything in my power to ‘Turn Miss Harding’s head’ as you say.”

Celeste nodded as she accepted his capitulation then cocked an eyebrow and studied him, probably coming to the realization of who had just won their last disagreement.

“Very well,” she said as she turned towards the door. “I will be in the drawing room. Elizabeth and I will need to finalize the attendance list. If that is all, I will leave you to your books.”

Thomas smiled as he limped to her. Reaching down, he took her hand and gave it a short squeeze. “Thank you, Celeste, Thank you for everything.”

She stared up into his eyes for a moment, lost in surprise at his praise. “Yes, yes … well, yes. All right then I will get started. Yes, you are welcome Thomas.” She said as she patted his shoulder.

He noticed a glistening in her eyes and was surprised to find out that it pleased him to know the woman cared what he thought. There might be hope for this family after all.

“If you see Miss Harding can you please ask her to step in?” Her startled look made him smile. “No, I promise, no head turning, not today anyway. I have some questions about the Brookshire accounts. It won’t take long.”

Celeste studied him for a moment trying to decide whether to trust him or not. Finally she nodded. Patted his shoulder once again then left the room calling for Woods, using a parade ground voice that would have made the Sergeant Major proud.

From a secluded corner of the ballroom, Gwen watched the family greet the guests as they arrived. She had positioned herself so that she could see each new arrival. Her eyes examined each one, looking for her tormenter. Each flash of blond hair and patrician nose made her heart jump and her breath catch until she was able to ensure that he had not arrived.

Thomas looked so tall, so handsome. Both Elizabeth’s and Isabel’s smiles lit up the room. Even Aunt Celeste looked happy as each new arrival was welcomed.

Focus on them she told herself. Do not worry about what might happen. It was doubtful he would attend such a party. From what she had heard he much preferred the brothels and dives of the East London docks.

Gwen watched as other women arrived, their eyes quickly assessing the Duke and then his surroundings. She could just imagine their calculating minds, Money, looks, war hero. What more could a woman ask for? Each batted eyelash, simpering smile, and come hither look was measured and calculated to try and gain his attention.

He acted cordially to each guest, saying a few words then turning to welcome the next group. She wondered if he was even aware of what was being offered. Her heart hurt to think of these women flirting with her Thomas.

They had no idea of who he really was. The kind, strong, caring man dedicated to duty and responsibility. To them, he was a ticket up the social ladder, no more. It made her angry thinking about it as she grit her teeth in frustration.

“Nothing but a bunch of popping jays and their fluff if you ask me,” The Sergeant Major said with a quick nod to the door indicating the arriving guests. He had startled her, coming up from behind while her mind was focused on Thomas.

Gwen smiled up at him. She’d come to really like this man. He said what he thought and was as solid as the cliffs of Dover. What’s more, he cared about Thomas, fiercely loyal, hard-working, and a true friend.

Like her, he didn’t really belong here in this world. He hadn’t been born to it, hadn’t been raised to believe he deserved it. Unlike her, though, it didn’t seem to bother him. He never appeared unsure of himself. Never seemed to worry about what other people thought of him. His only desire seemed to be to make the Duke happy.

“I do believe His Grace would not be pleased to hear you referring to his guests as such,” Gwen said with a twinkle in her eye letting him know she was teasing.

“It wouldn’t be the first time he heard me say so. Besides, I’ve heard him call them worse.”

Gwen laughed but chose to ignore the opening to explore what Thomas had said about the ton. Instead, she decided to ask a question that had been bothering her.

“So tell me Sergeant Major. Since we are sharing secrets about His Grace. How did he become wounded? I would have thought that a Major would not have been so close to the action to suffer such harm.”

He blanched for a moment, shocking her. She’d never seen him react this way. He quickly recovered though and smiled sadly.

“There is no safe place on a battlefield,” he said with a faraway look. Then he smiled and shook his head slightly.

“He’ll have to be the one to tell you that story, Miss Harding. But please, if you ask him. Be prepared. It was a truly horrible and grisly scene.”

“Of course Sergeant Major, I understand,” Gwen said, her mind flashing to a thousand different scenarios. Each of them worse than the other.

“That’s enough war talk Miss,” The Sergeant Major said with a grumble. “You’ll be having me miss the old times, and I’ll be re-enlisting. No, we must talk of parties and politics. The important things in life.”

Gwen swallowed hard as she realized that she had touched a sensitive nerve. Deciding to change the subject she smiled and said, “Did you know that some of the staff from Brookshire has come to the city to help with this party?”

“I had heard as much,” he said with a curious frown, obviously wondering where she was going with her line of thought.

“Have you heard that Mrs. Rife was among them?”

The frown deepened. “I have heard such a thing,” he said.

“Oh good, I was just wondering. You know, in case you weren’t aware.”

He looked down at her from his imposing height and smiled. “You’re a deep one aren’t you? Nothing goes on in this house without you knowing about it. How does a young lady such as yourself come to be so observant?”

“Oh, Sergeant Major. Even young girls like myself have our own war stories. Our own secrets.”

He tipped his head back and laughed. “I’m sure you do Miss; I’m sure you do.”

She smiled. “Just be careful. She has had such a hard life. She does not deserve to be hurt again.”

His eyes widened, and his smile disappeared. “I can assure you, Miss Harding. Hurting Mrs. Rife is the last thing I will ever do. Believe me.”

Her shoulder’s relaxed as she studied the man next to her. You can take him at his word, she thought. Relaxing she returned to studying the arriving guests.

They stood next to each other for several minutes until they saw the Duke turn and gesture for the Sergeant Major. Thomas caught her eye and offered up a small smile as if to say ‘I’m sorry.'

“That’s my summons, wish me luck,” The Sergeant Major said as he offered her a small bow.

“I’m sure you’ll do fine,” She said as she patted him on the arm.

He smiled back at her then tipped his head to one side. “Will you save me a dance Miss Harding?” he asked, surprising her.

“Um … I don’t know if Aunt Celeste would approve.”

“Of me, or of you?” He asked with a smirk. “It doesn’t matter. She won’t say anything. She’s afraid of me. Worried I’ll steal the silverware or worse, make a rude noise in her presence.”

Gwen laughed. She really did like him. He reminded her of what a kindly uncle would be like if she had ever had a kindly uncle.

“Of course Sergeant Major. If Lady Celeste is amenable, I would enjoy dancing with you.”

The big man smiled from ear to ear. “Good, I do so enjoy troubling the Major. It will bother him to no end to see me dancing with you.”

“Oh I’m sure you are mistaken sir,” Gwen said as she tried to slow her heart. The mere thought that Thomas might be jealous of her had sent it to tumbling inside her chest.

“You’ve never seen the way he looks at men when they are near you. If he had his way he’d shoot them all and worry about the consequences later.”

With another smile, he gave her a slight bow then turned to join his employer.

Gwen’s mind raced trying to understand what the old soldier had just said. She glanced at Thomas to see him staring back with furrowed brows as if trying to figure out what was taking the Sergeant Major so long.

Choosing to put The Duke as far away from her thoughts as possible she decided to take one final tour of the room to ensure everything was in place. Aunt Celeste had chosen to forgo a formal dinner before the ball. This had freed up the kitchen staff to focus on the foods to be set out at midnight. This was where a ball was judged in her opinion, and no one had the courage to fight her on it.

As a result, Gwen’s stomach rumbled. The last meal she’d had was breakfast that morning. Her stomach had been too nervous at tea time for anything. Her corset was too tight, making it hard to take a deep breath and her feet hurt in the new slippers Elizabeth had insisted she wear. It was going to be a long night.

At least she was wearing her favorite blue dress given to her by Elizabeth. Aunt Celeste had refused to allow her to wear it. Saying that everyone must be in a new dress but Gwen had insisted. Saying that, it was the one dress that made her feel like she belonged. Secretly though. She wanted to wear it because of the way Thomas looked at her when she did.

It had taken weeks of talking, but Aunt Celeste had finally given in with a harrumph and a comment about the younger generation these days.

The drama had been worth it when she walked down the stairs, and Thomas had stared up at her like a long lost treasure. The need, the wanting, in his eyes had given her more courage than anything else could have.

She continued her tour. The footmen were in place. The decorations immaculate and perfectly displayed. The musicians were seated and prepared for the night’s entertainment. Everything was perfect. So why did she feel as if a wall was about to fall on her and all those she cared about.

Finally, Aunt Celeste decided enough was enough and broke the family away from the front door. Any guests arriving after this point would be late and shouldn’t expect to be greeted. It would be their responsibility to find their hosts.

Gwen sighed in relief. He wasn’t coming. Thank you, she said in a silent prayer as she joined them.

“It’s a crush,” Elizabeth said with an excited smile. Gwen knew how much the young girl had worried that no one would show up.

“Yes, my dear,” Aunt Celeste said as she looked out over the crowded room with an imperious stare. “As it should be. Bathurst is a long and distinguished line. You are one of the most sought after young women of the Ton. Between your brother’s fortune, your beauty, and my connections. It could be nothing else.”

“Of course having two additional beautiful women attending,” she continued, indicating Isabel and Gwen with a nod of her head. “Only enhanced the desirability of attending. All three of you must dance with as many men as possible.”

“Is that really necessary,” Thomas said with a frown. “I’m sure Miss Harding wouldn’t enjoy herself. There is no need to force her into your games Celeste.”

Gwen glanced at him from under her brow. Did he really think she didn’t want to dance? Hadn’t he set up that dance with the Prince? Or was it like the Sergeant Major had said. He was jealous when she was around other men.

“Oh, pish Thomas. How else are we to see these young women wed? You do not want old maids in your house. Believe me, I know how tiresome we can be.”

Gwen almost gasped. Wed? Aunt Celeste wanted to marry her off. To someone in the Ton. Did she really think that was possible? Her chest hurt just thinking about the possibility. What would Thomas think if she was to receive a proposal? What would the Ton think?

She would have to inform her intended of her lowly standing. Would someone even then be willing to take her for a bride? And what of Thomas, what would he think, what would he do.

“Do you really think that’s possible?” Elizabeth asked. Saying out loud what both Isabel and Gwen were obviously thinking.”

“Of course my dear. Politics. Everything is politics. A beautiful young woman with close ties to the family. A nice dowry hinted at.” Here she shot Thomas a look then returned to smile at her niece. “Money, power, connections, influence. When you add that to beauty and charm. Yes, I think it is possible.”

Gwen’s head grew faint, and she was worried that she might swoon right there on the edge of the dance floor. What was the old woman up to? Only weeks before she had been ashamed that her nephew had such a woman as a housekeeper now she thought she was good enough to marry someone from the ton.

Or was this her way of getting her away from Thomas. Did she know about their night together?

A small shiver ran up her back as she thought about marriage to someone. It would mean surrendering herself. Giving up any chance of ever being with Thomas again. Could she do it? Marry a man she didn’t love just to obtain protection, security, maybe a family.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Thomas. He stood there like a frowning god. Tall, powerful, confident but unhappy. Did the idea of her marrying someone really bother him that much? Surely he could not expect her to forego an opportunity such as that. Or did he really just want to keep her near so that she was available when he wanted her.

She chastised herself. Thomas wasn’t like that, she thought. He’d had more than enough opportunities to pursue her. To win her to his bed again. If he had wanted too

You’re misreading things she thought. He doesn’t want you she reminded herself. If so, then why the frown?

Aunt Celeste gave the room one last look then nodded to the Musicians. As the music started, Gwen relaxed. What ever happened? At least the monster from her memory had no appeared. At least she could relax and enjoy the evening.