The manor was in quite an upheaval preparing for its impending guests. It seemed that Lord Cornelius had also made quite an impact on the staff of the manor. Hearing about him made Evie wish that she were his intended. He seemed to be exactly the kind of man that one would wish to find herself betrothed to. Not just in position. If he were half as handsome as his elder brother, he may just be perfect. Evie lamented her luck and did her part to ready the home.
The Duke seemed to be much more busy in those days. He would rarely be present at the dinner table. Grace made mentioned that he may be planning a trip. Evie was to be invited. She tried to think of the last time she had been anywhere of consequence. Her family had only been able to spend time away from home boarding with others. It was not entirely unpleasant, but a far cry from a trip with a Duke.
It did occur to her that any trip would take her away from any real prospects. While she may encounter some suitors, it will be increasingly difficult to conceal her status under the given circumstances. She could not become entirely enthralled in her current position. Especially if Grace were to move on to Lord Cornelius’ home. He would have his own wife to assume responsibility for Grace, which would send Evie back to her home. She had to remain focused on her main goal, which was to secure her future.
Evie received word from Lucy that she had indeed secured a dinner at their aunt’s home. Evie was very surprised by the news. She had thought it quite an impossible feat. Even if it were possible she would not have thought it so easily won. Yet Lucy had always been strong-willed. She accomplished many things that were difficult for others. It appeared that Evie would need to depart the day after the dinner with Lord Cornelius. This would not be a problem as Grace was expected elsewhere also at that time. Evie sent back word that she would be present.
She found herself nervous. It had been quite some time since she had any significant contact with her father’s relatives. They had only interacted with one of her father’s cousins. He was much older and of whimsical manner. Otherwise, their family relations were primarily with her mother’s family. Even there the contact had been limited. Considering her father’s fate, people were hesitant to associate themselves with him. It had been difficult on them all.
Evie thought of the last time she had seen her father’s younger sister. It had been many years, when she was still only a little girl. She was not quite sure what the occasion had been, but she did remember her aunt’s relatively cold demeanor. She was not looking forward to the dinner, but she had made her sister a promise. She could not be sure if Hannah had some prior engagement so it might just be the two of them.
Evie also noticed a bit of a change in the Duke when she did have occasion to see him. Word had begun to travel that he may have returned to his former playboy ways. It was being said that he had taken up with several ladies either widowed or of advancing age. Initially, Evie did not think much of it, however it did remind her of Duke Charles.
She wondered if any of the women His Grace encountered believed they would be the next Duchess of Geiser. She hoped no one would experience the ache she felt when she had been carted aside. She had heard of other widowers who had taken a similar path following the loss of their wives. She had also witnessed the scandal casted upon those ladies unfortunate enough to fall prey to them.
Suddenly, it made sense that he spent so much time away. Evie tried to rationalize the man she so often heard Grace speak of with the man that she was beginning to get word about through correspondence with her sisters and friends. He certainly presented himself as the proper Duke and yet it seemed that outside of that, his behavior was anything but. She tried not to judge, but it was difficult.
All the same, Evie became caught up in participation of the younger Wellington. The more she heard of him the more she hoped that the words were true and it was not simply some illusion like with the Duke. She heard that His Grace had also invited friends to the dinner party. She hoped that none would be eligible bachelors. Either way, she set aside a dress from Miss Price that she thought to be proper for the occasion and hoped vaguely that Grace might not like Lord Cornelius’ fiancé. She knew it wasn’t right, but not only was she counting upon continuing her position, but she had grown attached to Grace. She hoped that she would not be soon telling her goodbye.
Chapter 9
The Duke was aware of the talk that was beginning to spread about him once again. It was much like before except now with a more scandalous air. Many saw it as improper for him to carry on as such so soon after the passing of his wife. Some seemed to believe that he had carried on in such a way throughout the entirety of his marriage.
Of course that was not true, but once petty gossip began to spread it took on a life of its own. Thaddeus did not waste his time trying to correct anyone. He knew his attempts would be feeble. People were enjoying spreading the news and compounding it with their own juicy details. They would only become even more incensed if he were to interrupt their efforts. It was just talk. As long as it did not interfere with his business, he was unmoved.
While it did not interfere with his business dealings, it did interfere with his social time. Women became aware of what it would mean to be seen interacting with him and would no longer engage in conversation with him at parties. Thaddeus found this a nuisance, yet he was able to keep up correspondence by letter which led to some secret rendezvous with more daring ladies.
The day arrived for Cornelius and his intended to come to dinner and Thaddeus found himself gritting his teeth. The rest of the house was all a-twitter with the impending guests, most of all Grace. Grace and Cornelius had always gotten on so well. Thaddeus had been too much older and into his own social engagements to play about with them. He thought it might be good for Grace to see him. It had been some time, as Cornelius had been unable to attend Abigail’s funeral.
Thaddeus had begrudgingly cleared his day in anticipation of their arrival. They were set to come in by afternoon. He presumed they would be retiring to their quarters to rest and clean up for dinner shortly after arrival. He awaited the announcement of their arrival to greet them and then he would be returning to his study to go over his correspondence.
Word came to Thaddeus that it was time and he came out into the entryway to find a gleeful Grace just barely able to contain herself. Beside her stood Evie, looking particularly lovely in a dress and bonnet that seemed to bring out the serene blue of her eyes. She smiled in Thaddeus’ direction and he tried to shake off its effect.
The butler opened the door and in walked Cornelius, escorting his betrothed. As they entered, Thaddeus took heed of the young woman. She was certainly pleasant to the eye, petite, yellow-haired, of delicate features and shining grey eyes. She wore a gown of the latest fashion and an anticipatory grin. Cornelius let go her arm just in time for Grace to come bounding into his. They shared an exuberant greeting, after which Grace took a step back for her introduction. Cornelius turned to his fiancé, saying, “Grace, this is Lady Sarah Wynn. Sarah, this is my darling little sister Grace. And this is…”
Cornelius gestured toward Evie. Grace replied, “Ah, this is Miss Evie. She is staying here as well. Miss Evie, this is my brother Lord Cornelius.” The two of them bowed to one another. Lady Sarah spoke up saying, “It is so lovely to be meeting you. Cornelius has spoken so much about you. He did not exaggerate your beauty. You are a beautiful young woman.”
Grace smiled at her and said, “Thank you. So are you. It is nice to meet you.”
Cornelius then turned to where Thaddeus was standing. He smiled brightly and walked to greet his brother. The two shook hands and then Cornelius turned back for Lady Sarah. He said, “And this, of course, is my elder brother, Thaddeus Wellington, Duke of Geiser. Duke, this is my intended, Lady Sarah Wynn.” Thaddeus gently took her hand and bowed. He said, “Hello and welcome to my home.”
Sarah replied, “Thank you so much. It is lovely to be here. You have such a beautiful estate.”
“Thank you. You are too ki
nd. I take it that the two of you are quite tired from your journey. Miss Turner will show you all where you will be staying. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”
As Thaddeus went to turn away, he felt a strong hand grabbing his arm. He turned back to Cornelius who said, “I was hoping that the two of us might get a moment to speak. Alone.”
“I will be in my study. Come find me there when you are free.”
Thaddeus went off, wondering what his brother might want. On the one hand, he believed that perhaps he may be turning to him to something like fatherly advice. He certainly hoped not. Although Thaddeus had been married for some time, he certainly did not hold himself as an expert. He felt like if his marriage were a success at all, it could be attributed to Abigail. It had not been difficult to be married to her. He had often pitied her for having to be married to him.
He hoped that instead he was simply coming for a brotherly chat. Perhaps as an opportunity to be brought up to date. Their correspondence was always very simple. It was often little more than a perfunctory “I’m alive” swaddled in the normal polite remarks. Thaddeus was not entirely sure what his younger brother was up to most of the time. He had established himself within one of the family’s business hubs closer to the city.
Cornelius could have easily been set up in his own manor to establish his family and conduct his more personal business, accepting his income and performing the duties attached to the family name. That had never been Cornelius’ way. In some ways, Thaddeus admired this, in other’s he felt that it was just another example of how Cornelius remained under his parents’ thumb even after their deaths.
Thaddeus had always wanted his younger brother to be more like he couldn’t. As the eldest, Thaddeus was forced to stand up to a certain standard. Meanwhile, he felt as if Cornelius had the freedom. He could travel, put off being married, and take more leisure. It had frustrated him that his brother had never taken his advice. No matter how much he prodded his younger brother to take advantage of his position, he had simply refused. Now, against Thaddeus’ wishes, he was to marry. Thaddeus would oppose, but he knew it would be no use.
He had just finished his mail when Cornelius came to find him. Thaddeus gestured for Cornelius to take a seat across from his desk. Cornelius took a seat. There were a few moments of awkward silence. Finally he began to speak. He said, “I'm really sorry that I was not able to return for Abigail's service.”
“It's okay, I understand.”
“I'm truly sorry for your loss. I know how much she meant to you.”
“Obviously it was difficult. Thank you for your condolences.”
“I would also like to thank you for taking such good care of Grace. She's doing wonderfully thanks to you.”
“It is thanks to Abigail, her governess, and now Evie.”
“Ah yes, Miss Evie. She seems like such a lovely girl.”
“She is.”
“I wondered at her presence here. What it might mean.”
“She has come on to aid Grace, of course. After Abigail she needed someone to tend to her matters.”
“Yes. I thought that perhaps she may be here for something else as well.”
“No. That is all.”
“Understood.”
“I see you have gotten word of certain gossip.”
“Somewhat. I understand you have returned to the days before Abigail.”
“It is no business of anyone else’s.”
“Of course. I was only concerned.”
“You needn’t be.”
“I am sure that you will be able to find another wife soon.”
“I am not looking.”
“But of course you shall marry again. A family is important.”
“You sound like Father.”
“I know that it was he who pressured you to marry before, but it worked out for you quite well.”
“That was because of Abigail, not because of marriage. Had I married anyone else I should have been quite miserable.”
“I see your opinions on the matter have not changed.”
“Nor have yours, in spite of my advice.”
“I understand what your beliefs are, but you must also understand mine. It is only right that as a man of position that I seek to conduct myself in a respectable manner. The highest honor a man can have is his wife and children, after all.”
“The highest honor a man can have is a life well-lived. It is not that I told you to never marry. I simply believe that you should want to experience more before you do.”
“So you shall not bestow your blessing upon my marriage?”
“Of course I shall. You are a man. It is your decision to make. However, as your elder brother and the head of this family it is up to me to advice you in anyway I can. What you do with that advice is entirely up to you.”
“You will be surprised to find that I ventured to take your advice. I did some traveling. Had my own affairs. I was not looking for a wife. Not at this time. Until I met Sarah.”
“Did she remind you of mother?”
“No. Actually she reminded me of Abigail. I am sure you can tell already that she is of gentle manner. It is true that Mother and Father would have approved. The Wynn family is very well-respected. But I did not realize what family she was a part of until later. It was just something about her. You must understand.”
Thaddeus did. He thought back to what it had been like to first meet Abigail. He had to admit that if Cornelius had found anything even close to that then perhaps he were making the right decision. He nodded and said, “Yes, well as I said before, if this is your decision, then I shall support you. You are positioned to receive your full inheritance upon marriage, as designated by Father.”
“I understand. I still wish to continue my work at the offices.”
‘That is quite your decision. Will you be living in town?”
“No. I have secured a home more well-suited for family. I look forward to receiving you once Sarah has properly fitted it.”
“Of course. Well, brother, it would seem that you are all set.”
“If I can be honest, I have some concerns.”
“Such as?”
“I don’t know how to be a husband. I would like to provide for my wife and family, but I do not know what it is like to be head of household with the staff necessary to maintain a family.”
“Well, I have no children, but I can assure you that maintaining a household is not so difficult as you might think. You must keep your accounts in order and make sure that your family is well-tended.”
“That simple, huh?”
“Not always, but I know that you are capable.”
It was as close to a brotherly moment as the two of them had shared in quite some time. At that moment Thaddeus was able to see Cornelius as a man. He could admit that he had similar worries when he had taken over his own household. It was only natural that a man has some apprehension when taking on such responsibility. Thaddeus was glad to offer his brother some comfort. It was at that moment that he felt the absence of his father. He knew his father would have spoken differently, but he spoke for what he thought best.
The two men continued to talk in more general terms. Thaddeus updated Cornelius on the family business holdings. Afterwards, they each went to their rooms in preparation for dinner. Shortly before dinner was ready, Lord Martin and his wife Lady Phoebe arrived. They went into the sitting room for conversation before dinner was served and then the party moved to the dining room.
As they began the first course, they all became more acquainted with Sarah. She spoke somewhat of her background as well as the plans for the wedding. It would be taking place in just a few months’ time. She invited them all to her parents' home so that the families could meet. Thaddeus simply nodded impassively, not showing any signs whatsoever of his feelings. Grace seemed smitten with Sarah as well.
Thaddeus noticed that Evie spoke very little. He thought perhaps she was being respectful of the family. He
found his eyes occasionally seeking her out, seated between Grace and Phoebe. By the conclusion of dinner Thaddeus understood why Sarah reminded Cornelius of Abigail. She certainly appeared to be kind, well-bred, and of good humor. He believed she should make a good wife.
Following dinner, they moved back into the salon for coffee and dessert. Grace and Sarah chatted away like old friends. Evie was drawn into conversation with Phoebe and Martin, while Thaddeus looked on. He could not name his feelings at the moment. Only that he felt Abigail's absence very strongly at that time. He knew that if she were alive that she would be sitting among them holding court. Thaddeus felt removed from them all.
It seemed that Evie became aware of this. Thaddeus looked up and Evie was holding out a piece of cake for him. He took it and said, “Thank you.”
“It seemed as if you might need it.”
“I'm sorry. I do not mean to disturb you.”
The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke Page 6