The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke

by Lucinda Nelson

  They found Cornelius quite stoic. He seemed wholly resolved and steady on his feet. Lord Martin said, “How are you feeling?”

  “I am ready to meet my bride. I do hope that the affair does not prove to be too much. It appears that Lord and Lady Wynn have gone out of their way.”

  Thaddeus said, “I am sure they do not find it out of their way. I dare say they lose no occasion to be opulent.”

  Lord Cornelius turned to Lord Martin and said, “My brother is not fond of my in-laws to be.”

  Lord Martin replied, “I gleaned as much.”

  Thaddeus said, “Well, it appears that there is no need for platitudes. I suppose my brother is better than us both.”

  Lord Cornelius replied, “But of course you will grant me some words. I shall be taking very serious vows.”

  “I wish you luck.”

  Lord Martin added, “And should you wish to abandon the whole endeavor, please do so in the coach on the way to the parish. It would be better not to stop.”

  Lord Cornelius gave Martin a bemused look. At that moment, Lord Wynn broke in and said, “Ah, gentlemen! Good day to you all! And what a good day it shall be. Please do let me know if there is anything you all shall need.”

  Lord Martin replied, “I believe we are quite alright. Thank you for your generosity, Lord Wynn. It is greatly appreciated.”

  “Oh, do not speak of it. Soon we shall be family and it should be all but expected.”

  Lord Wynn walked between Lord Martin and Thaddeus, placing a hand on each other shoulder. Thaddeus grimaced under his touch, causing Cornelius and Martin to both stifle their laughter. Lord Wynn continued, “Owen and I shall go ahead to insure that everything is in place. We will see you all there.”

  He took his leave and Thaddeus gave his brother a final look over. Lord Cornelius looked incredibly distinguished and handsome in his waistcoat. Thaddeus found himself feeling proud. Soon it was time to depart, the three gentlemen boarding the coach and taking the short ride to community parish. As they arrived, they noted the number of people about outside. They pulled up to a door at the side of the building and disembarked.

  The gentlemen entered, looking for their place until the ceremony was set to begin. They found Lord Wynn in conversation with the vicar. As they approached, he turned around to inform them that things would be ready to begin shortly. Finally, Thaddeus detected some tension in his brother. He placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. Lord Cornelius gave him a small smile and nod. Before long, they heard the music that signaled the time for them to enter. They made their way through to the altar.

  As Lord Wellington looked at the number of wedding guests, he could hardly believe their eyes. Lord and Lady Wynn had turned things into quite the spectacle. Lord Cornelius took his place before the Officiate, with Thaddeus beside him. The music fell to a low hum in anticipation of the bride. After some moments of suspense, Lady Grace and Sarah’s sister, Lady Peggy came forward to await the entrance of the bride. Then the music swelled into the wedding march and the guests rose to their feet. Lord Wynn and Lady Sarah began to make their way down the aisle. Lady Sarah looked exquisite in her family's wedding gown. She seemed to glow in the white. Lord Wynn positively beamed beside her.

  They made it up to the offer and Lord Wynn stood up with his daughter’s hand. The Officiate asked, “Who gives this woman to this man?”

  Lord Wynn boomed, “I do.”

  He then handed Lord Cornelius his daughter’s hand and stepped back. The Officiate began to read the rites. As Cornelius and Sarah took their vows, Thaddeus thought on when it had been he who had taken his vows. He could still see Abigail as if she were before him. She had been radiant beneath her wedding cap, her hand quivering slightly in his. As he stood facing her, he believed he reached the point of acceptance. He thought perhaps marriage may not be so dreadful if he would be allowed to hold that pretty little hand forever more. He suffered at the thought.

  Thaddeus thought also of the next time he would stand at the altar. He had no notion of the woman who would stand before him next in wedding white. He only knew that it should never be the same as it had been. His next bride would likely be a proper match, nothing more than that. She would bear him children and be lady of his house, but she would not be a wife to him as Abigail had been. He had been fortunate once, he should not be so fortunate again.

  In what seemed like far too quick a time, the vows had been said, Lord Cornelius had placed a ring upon Lady Sarah’s finger, and they had signed the registry. They were announced Lord and Lady Cornelius Wellington to great applause. The wedding party began to transition out to the coaches to head to Stickland Hall for the celebratory breakfast. Thaddeus felt a great deal of relief. His younger brother was married. He had done his duty by him, providing he and Lady Sarah with a proper bridal tour. The deed was done. The party was to begin.

  Stickland Hall was filled with people. Thaddeus greeted many from his family as well as the other guests. He found himself standing before his cousin, Lord Stephen St. Vincent. Lord Stephen was the cousin to whom Thaddeus’s father had often threatened to give his position. They had been boys together, often to be found in each other’s homes. Thaddeus had seen his cousin sparingly in the last few years, the last time being at Abigail’s memorial. Lord Stephen stepped up to him brightly and said, “Good afternoon, Thaddeus and many congratulations to you! What a momentous occasion.”

  “Good afternoon. Yes, indeed it is. I am glad to see you. Thank you for coming.”

  “Oh, but of course. It was of great importance to me that I should make it here. You know that Lord Cornelius and yourself are quite as brothers to me.”

  “I appreciate you saying so. Please enjoy the festivities and should I not have the occasion to bid thee farewell, safe travels to you.”

  Thaddeus went to move on, but Lord Stephen held his hand and continued, “I know you are very proud of Lord Cornelius.”

  “Indeed I am.”

  “It is such a pity that your parents could not be here. I know they should be very proud as well.”

  “Yes.”

  “I was most unhappy to hear about certain unfortunate recent events. I apologize that I did not come to call on you or at least send a letter.”

  Thaddeus felt his temper flaring. There had been a reason that his father had invoked Lord Stephen as his threat of choice. Lord Stephen’s father had always wished for greater ranking and holdings for himself and, when he did not accomplish it, he sought it through his son. Lord Stephen was the son Thaddeus’s father would have liked to have. He could be equally as shrewd and gluttonous. Part of the reason Thaddeus had lost touch with him was because he felt that Lord Stephen was not trustworthy. He would be looking for any occasion to position himself as the more worthy heir to the Wellington family holdings. He did have political ambitions and was rumored to have engaged in some questionable business dealings which gained him a great deal of equity at another man’s detriment.

  Thaddeus knew exactly what he was getting at and had no interest in following that course of conversation. He said, “It is quite fine. The situation has been handled and set behind me. Now if you would excuse me I must greet the other guests.”

  Lord Stephen replied, “It’s just that I know times have been difficult as of late and I should like to offer greater comfort. Perhaps I shall call upon you at Wellington Manor.”

  “Yes, I look forward to you. Please excuse me.”

  Before Lord Stephen could hold him any longer, Thaddeus broke away. He had no doubt that Lord Stephen would be coming to call. He should not be happy for the visit. Thankfully, soon he would be taking Lady Grace to the seaside and there would be some time before Lord Stephen could call upon him. Thaddeus moved about the guests, stopping to greet those with whom he was familiar and receive introductions from others. The party transitioned from breakfast and once again became the celebration of the night before, this time with even more people. At midday, it was time to send off the newly m
inted Lord and Lady Cornelius Wellington. Thaddeus shook his younger brother’s hand, stepping aside so that he could be embraced by Lady Grace. He then took the hand of his new sister-in-law and bowed. She beamed up at him. Then the coach was off, taking them along to the first of their many stops along the tour.

  Thaddeus soon found Lady and Lord Wynn and told them, “Pardon me, but unfortunately we must also take our leave. We have further obligations and we have quite a bit of travel before us.”

  Lord Wynn replied, “Oh no! I should have liked the opportunity to converse with you further. Then again, we shall have plenty of time for that. We are, after all, family now.”

  Thaddeus responded with a nod and went to meet his footman at the coach. Lady Grace was coming along, bidding farewell to Lady Peggy and other remaining guests. The two boarded the coach and got on down the road. Thaddeus was all too happy to quit the place. He had no desire to dawdle any further. He would be returning home, making a short trip to London, and then they would be off to the seaside. He felt that the trip was exactly what he needed. The fresh sea air would offer him clarity and refreshment.

  Chapter 24

  The time came for the trip to the seaside resort. From the first mention of it, Evie had been excited and yet with recent events, she felt herself deflated. She hoped that the seaside would offer enough space to remove her from the Duke’s company.

  Lady Grace remained in high spirits about the trip and chattered on about all of her plans once they arrived. It seemed that her friends would also be there and she could not wait to spend her days on the beach with her companions.

  The trip gained renewed promise once Evie learned that Lady Isabella would be at the same resort. It seemed that an uncle’s family would be making the trip and being that she were staying in their home at the time, she had decided to join them. Evie thought that perhaps it would be a pleasant trip after all. Through Thaddeus’s Steward she was informed of the time to depart and at the appointed time she and Lady Grace produced themselves at the coach.

  It was a two days’ trip to the seaside. Aside from some conversation between Lady Grace and Evie, the ride was entirely silent, even at the mandatory stops. Evie and Thaddeus barely looked at each other and exchanged only the most precursory of words. Evie got the sense that Thaddeus was upset with her. She did not understand it, but thought it was best. If he remained upset, he would hopefully make no further advances.

  Just when Evie was not sure how much more time she could stand to remain in the coach, she caught the first scent of the sea. She watched as they came closer, enthralled by the boundless horizon of blue. They arrived to the lavish resort, where many other coaches had made their journey.

  Evie could hardly believe her eyes. The place was so grand and beautiful, perhaps the most wonderful place she had ever seen. The resort was almost entirely white and all about were well to do people in elegant, leisure dress. They were escorted to their rooms, which overlooked the sea, and cleaned up for dinner.

  They ate on a terrace overlooking the beach. Evie felt entirely refreshed and thoroughly enjoyed her surroundings. She felt a smile on her face that would not leave. It seemed she had found her happy place. As they sat about the table, Lady Isabella approached with her party. Evie made haste to finish eating before excusing herself to go to her cousin. As soon as she gained upon Lady Isabella she exclaimed, “Ah, Lady Evie, just the lady I have been looking for. I have the most marvelous news. It seems that I am betrothed. I shall soon be married.”

  Evie was startled by this development. The last she had spoken to Lady Isabella, she had made no mention of being courted. Evie said, “Congratulations!”

  Lady Isabella responded, “I can see that you are surprised. Not so much as I. Imagine coming home to gather some things for your next trip only to be informed that you were to be wed. It was quite a shock, I can assure.”

  “Oh! May I ask who is your intended?”

  “Oh yes! I am to be the bride of His Grace Emanuel Montgomery. That is Duke Emanuel of Leeds. Isn’t that just splendid?”

  Evie could tell from Lady Isabella’s told that she was incensed. She had come to know Lady Isabella well enough that such an indignity as being told that she was to be married would send her into a rage. She could just imagine the scene once the news had been pronounced. Evie was speechless. Lady Isabella went on, “Oh yes! It seems that upon my return I shall be quickly wedded. You must of course attend. I would not dream of being wed without you. Yes, you, Miss Lucy, Lady Hannah, Lady Lydia, you all must be in attendance for the grand occasion. That is assuming that I am invited. I may very well receive a letter saying that I am already married.”

  Lady Isabella laughed humorlessly and Evie cast down her eyes. She felt quite dreadful for her cousin. Although Lady Isabella had spoken often of being intended to someone she did not know, it was quite another thing entirely to become engaged without your knowledge. She ought to have been given the dignity of a courtship, being allowed to meet the man.

  Evie had begun to fear that her parents might eventually accept an engagement on her behalf as well. It was beginning to seem as if Lucy would be pressured into marriage with Sir Green before long if better prospects were not to materialize. It was Lady Isabella’s way to be sardonic in response to such a blow. Evie supposed she had no choice. It would happen with or without her enthusiasm. Just like that, yet another woman around her would be getting married. Evie did not envy in this circumstance.

  Lady Isabella continued to behave as a happily engaged lady. She told each person that she encountered that she would soon be Lady Montgomery. Evie laughed along, although she was not amused. She would have liked to throw her arms around Lady Isabella and enclose her in a tender embrace. Being of high breeding, Lady Isabella would not have liked it. Then again Evie realized that what Lady Isabella needed was to take her mind off what was to come as much as possible. So she started going out of her way to engage her in most amusing ways.

  Evie began to engage her in her favorite conversation, the gossip of the day. Lady Isabella was always entertained by looking at those around them and going over the talk of the day about them. As common as it may seem, those amongst nobility enjoyed the exchange of less than flattering information, which offered another opportunity for superiority over others. Lady Isabella was less malicious and more poking fun. Evie gestured toward different people around them and Lady Isabella would dispel whatever knowledge she had of them. Evie laughed good-naturedly as encouragement.

  It did not take long for Lady Isabella’s feigned contentment to become more genuine. Evie bade goodnight to smiling Lady Isabella, feeling much better about her state of being. She hoped that for the length of her stay, Lady Isabella would allow the sea to act as a tonic for her frustrations. Perhaps by the time she returned to her home, she would have made peace with her impending marriage.

  The following morning, Lady Grace and Evie set out to breakfast with some of her friends. Thaddeus had gone off to enjoy some sporting at the resort’s athletic clubs. Evie was glad that she would be able to enjoy more time outside of Thaddeus’s presence. She had been successful at ignoring his presence, but it was preferable that it was not necessary. Evie felt much more light and blissful amongst Lady Grace and her friends.

  The group of ladies went back to their rooms to change into more leisurely clobber. There was a gathering of young ladies who would be playing 9 pins, charades, and tabula. As they made their way, they came upon a group of gentlemen. Amongst them was Lord Boyd. Evie stopped in her tracks. She could not believe it. He had made mention of vacationing at the seaside, but to be at the same seaside resort as she seemed like a fantastic coincidence.

  Lord Boyd caught sight of her and stepped forward. He said, “Good afternoon. What a pleasant surprise to find you here, Miss Evie.”

  Evie replied, “It certainly is. How do you do?”

  “The sea breeze does me well. Are you finding your time here enjoyable?”

  “Oh qu
ite. It has been particularly lovely.”

  “I take it you shall be at the soiree tonight.”

  “I do believe I shall attend.”

  “Excellent. I look forward to making your acquaintance there. Good day.”

  “Good day to you too.”

  Lord Boyd bowed his head slightly before continuing on past with his associates. Evie suddenly became aware of heat on her face, hoping that she had not been blushing throughout the whole exchange. She became startled when she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to see Lady Grace had come back for her, the rest of the ladies having continued forward. Lady Grace said, “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, I am sorry. I was just speaking with an associate.”

  “Was that Lord Henry Boyd?”

  “Yes. You are familiar with him?”

  “Yes. Not a great deal, however, he has attended some events over time.”