As Mr. Seymour entered the foyer, he cast an unpleasant look about. Thaddeus thought perhaps Mr. Seymour had visited before to conduct some business with his father. He could see why he would go on to view the place with distaste. Thaddeus welcomed him with a nod. He said, “Good day to you, Mr. Seymour. I do regret to receive you under these circumstances.”
Mr. Seymour bowed to him and said, “Thank you very much for informing of my daughter’s condition. I do so appreciate it.”
“But of course. If you should like to see her now, she is just this way.”
Thaddeus led Mr. Seymour to where Evie laid. He could tell from the flicker of fear in Mr. Seymour’s face that he did not welcome the sight of his daughter lying in bed in such a way. He walked slowly forward, reaching for her hand when he made it to her sight. Evie stirred and looked up into her father’s face. Thaddeus could see that she seemed quite surprised to see him, not sure if she were in a dream or not. When she looked down at her hand in his, she smiled.
Mr. Seymour said, “Hello, my dear. How are you feeling?”
“Just tired, Father. What are you doing here?”
“His Grace sent along word that you were ill. I came along on my way from town.”
“You didn’t have to do that, Father. I will be fine.”
“It is no trouble at all, dear. No trouble at all.”
Mr. Seymour sat with his daughter for some time. Thaddeus left the room to offer them some privacy. Eventually, Mr. Seymour emerged, looking a bit weary. As Thaddeus met him once more in the foyer, Mr. Seymour asked, “Has the physician offered any explanation?”
“I am afraid not. He has prescribed some medicines to assist in her healing.”
“Has she improved?”
“She has not worsened. I think perhaps that is a positive sign.”
“Very good. Thank you once again for sending word. I shall inform my family of her condition. Good day, My Lord.”
As Mr. Seymour walked away, Thaddeus considered his position. He was a man who had been born and bred as a Baron, suited to life amongst the nobility. Only to eventually find himself losing his title and being regulated to a life amongst more common people. While he remained in somewhat comfortable life, he was far from the position he was bred to be.
Thaddeus wondered what he would have done if such a fate had fallen upon him. He thought that perhaps it should not be so bad. He had a mind for business, certainly he could become a successful merchant. He did not pretend that he would not miss the luxuries to which he was accustomed, but he certainly believed he would be able to survive without being among the peerage.
Thaddeus had also been compelled to question Mr. Seymour about not seeking a writ of summons. He felt strongly that he might be able to again receive one. Yet, it was not Thaddeus’ place to inquire.
As the days bore on, it did appear that Evie’s condition improved. Her color began to return and she started moving around, taking her meals at the table. Thaddeus and Lady Grace watched with great relief as Evie’s health rebounded.
Thaddeus realized that he had some guilt deep down, feeling that he had once again taken a woman that he cared about on a trip only for her to become ill. He did not know what he would have done if Evie had not recovered. He would rather not think about it.
Once Evie was back to her old self, it felt as if the whole house could breathe again. There had been a time of intense waiting; a hope that the manor would not once again turn to one of mourning. Once she was back up to it, she and Lady Grace returned to their social selves. Thaddeus watched with a mixture of relief and another emotion he could not identify.
One afternoon, Grace was gone, but Evie had stayed behind. Evie was beginning to look ahead to the fall to insure that Grace would be prepared. She sat in the library going over a list of things that would need to be taken care of. Thaddeus entered, looking for some documents. When he entered and saw her there in concentration, he first considered leaving her to her privacy. Instead he said, “Good afternoon.”
She returned, “Good afternoon.”
“I am sorry. I did not mean to interrupt.”
“Do I need to say it is alright? It is after all your library.”
“You are more than welcome to it.”
“I do appreciate it, however, I am nearly done, anyway. I have some letters I can go return.”
“I see. I am quite glad to see you up and about”, the Duke said, watching her closely.
She looked up into his face and said, “Yes. I am quite glad to be up and about. Thank you again for providing proper care. I am in your debt.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“Now the season is drawing to a close.”
“Indeed it is. I rather think I should be glad of it. It can prove to be so much.”
“I certainly shall miss it. I have quite enjoyed this season.”
“It has presented some difficulties for me, but I do believe that things are improving.”
“I quite hope so.”
“While I have you here, Miss Evie, I would like to thank you. Your presence here has meant more than you know. Grace has made such progress with you here.”
“You do not have to thank me, Your Grace. It is my duty, but also my pleasure. I am glad to know that I have been effective. I thank you for the position and your generosity.”
There was a moment between them where they looked at each other in gratitude and companionship. Thaddeus once again felt that there was something in Evie that added greatly to the manor. He felt a strong compulsion to reach out and touch her. Yet, he did not want to repeat past mistakes.
Evie rose to take leave of the room. As she walked out she said, “Please excuse me. I really must return some correspondence.” Before departing she smiled up at him and then reached out to touch his hand. It was a quick gesture that was done as soon as it began, yet as she swept from the room the sensation of her touch remained on Thaddeus’ hand. The effect caused something inside of him to stir.
Chapter 28
Being struck ill was quite an ordeal, but Evie was glad to put it behind her. She once again returned to the social scene, glad to be back amongst the celebrations. As the end of the season drew nearer, it seemed that the balls and parties ramped up in preparation the much less active autumn. She quite enjoyed herself.
It had been some time since she had occasion to encounter Lord Boyd. She began to think that he might too be engaged. The idea did not cause her distress, as she began once again spending time with Sir Simon Drake. The two spoke consistently through a few soirees, causing her to believe he may be courting her. He was certainly not concealing his attraction.
Back at Wellington Manor, things seemed to be as good as they had ever been. Following her illness, Thaddeus seemed to be especially amicable with her. Whenever they had occasion to speak, he was very complimentary. Not in a forward way, but simply in a pleasant acquaintance manner. The two were once again able to pass time in a congenial manner.
Evie once more found herself drawn to Thaddeus’s company. She told herself it was simply a pleasure to see how he had rebounded from his scandal. It appeared that he had learned from his mistakes and changed course. She was happy to see it. There was no other reason that she was prone to enjoy his company.
One evening, Evie had found herself in the music room once more with Thaddeus. Unlike before, nothing transpired aside from some piano playing and singing. Evie retired for the evening and went to sleep. That night she had some very vivid dreams.
She dreamt that she was back at the seaside resort. However, this time she was not with Lady Isabella or Lady Grace. In fact it seemed that there was only one other person there with her. She could sense him approaching her along the beach and she smiled, before turning around. There in the sand stood Thaddeus. He was naked to the waist and reaching for her.
She moved forward into his arms and the two embrace. She closed her eyes, inhaling his manly scent. The feel of his touch thrilled her from head to
toe. She pulled back and looked up at him. They stared into each other’s eyes for long moments before bringing their lips together for a passionate kiss.
Evie woke in the morning very confused. She had never had such a vivid dream about a man before. It had felt so real. She felt as if she could still feel his touch on her skin. The whole encounter was disturbing to her.
It took an effort not to once again withdraw from Thaddeus. It was not his fault, yet it somehow felt dangerous to be too near him. She continued to interact with him pleasantly, but from a distance. She was very relieved when they both began to travel and were away from each other.
She wondered to herself what the dream could have meant. Certainly she did not wish for it to come true. It had only been a dream, nothing more. It would never come to fruition. It took quite an effort to shake it off.
Evie received word that both the weddings of her sister Lucy and Lady Isabella would be taking place soon. Evie was not sure how to feel about either of them. She felt as if neither lady would be quite happy on their wedding day. She hoped that at least the festivities would be cheerful.
Evie had been exchanging letters with Lucy regularly to insure her wellbeing. Lucy had even come out to a few soirees, although she remained solemn and withdrawn. Lucy insured Evie that she was content and that she should rather enjoy being wed to Sir Green. Evie remained in disbelief, but hoped that all would end well.
Lady Isabella continued to affect her odd optimism. Evie could not be sure of her true feelings, but she was fairly sure that she remained ill at ease. All the same she would be happy to support her sister and friend on their wedding days. Evie realized that she would soon be the last Seymour sister. The realization did bring her a slight bit of alarm, however, she remained confident that by the close of season she too would be betrothed.
Evie was also lifted because she knew that Lord Boyd would be in attendance, at very least at Lady Isabella’s nuptials, if not Lucy’s as well. She should be happy to see him. She hoped he would still express interest in seeing her as well. Time was certainly getting on. It felt as if at some point in the near future Evie would need to solidify her future once and for all.
Chapter 29
Having avoided it for as long as he could, Thaddeus was at last forced to receive Lord Stephen as his guest. He could make no further excuse. It was time to deal with him, in spite of his preference not to. Thaddeus considered making it a dinner party, but thought it perhaps best to receive Lord Stephen singularly.
Lord Stephen entered Wellington Manor cheerfully, saying, “Ah, the old place! I feel a rush of nostalgia moving about this place. So many memories.”
Thaddeus nodded his head. Lord Stephen turned towards the library and said, “I do believe the library is this way.” He took it upon himself to enter. Thaddeus followed behind him. Lord Stephen walked to the window thoughtfully saying, “I always found it odd that this library has a window. So unusual.”
Thaddeus simply replied, “Yes.”
Lord Stephen turned back to him and said, “Well, My Lord, how have you been getting on?”
“Well. And yourself.”
“Nothing has much changed. Which I suppose is as it should be.”
“Yes.”
“I must admit that I have been anxious to see you and talk with you privately.”
“I see.”
Lord Stephen sat down and looked up at Thaddeus over his fingertips. He said, “Since the passing of my dear uncle, I have thought a great deal about how it was for us growing up. I took my breeding with the utmost seriousness, while you remained defiant and restless. I know that although you grew to care for Lady Abigail, you were opposed to the marriage, marriage in general. And then you lost your parents, casting you firmly into position.”
“All of those things are true.”
“Many might think that you are fortunate to be in your position. However, I understand that the responsibility of it has always been a burden to you.”
“Being a Duke and head of a family can prove to be challenging.”
“Absolutely. In light of your recent troubles, I thought perhaps I might have some solutions for your dilemma.”
“If you are going to suggest marriage, rest assured, plenty of others have already done so.”
“Oh, no! I was not thinking of marriage. I was thinking of your freedom. Your ability to give up your responsibility, in lieu of your truer desires.”
“How exactly would I go about doing that?”
“Well, as you know, in spite of your breeding and position as eldest son, you do not have to assume the role of Duke. You have the option to refuse the writ of summons. It is possible for you to steward your responsibilities elsewhere.”
“I see. And I suppose you would like to assume stewardship.”
“Well, Cornelius is still so young and I do not believe he would desire to take your place. As I spent my childhood learning by myself, having the strong influence of your father, I feel that I would be the next best thing.”
Thaddeus stared at Stephen, wondering that it had taken him so long to present the idea. Thaddeus’ father had often threaten to give over his position to Stephen, who was well aware of it. Stephen had always been ambitious and cunning. It did not shock Thaddeus that he would attempt to convince him to give up his position.
What Stephen said was very true. Thaddeus had never desired to be Duke, he had simply accepted that he had to be. Even recently, he struggled with the reality of not the business responsibilities and that to his family, but with the societal obligations thrust upon him. He would certainly rather not have to deal with any of it.
Yet, could he really even consider allowing Stephen to take over stewardship for him? Technically, Thaddeus would remain The Duke of Geiser and even be expected to sign any official documents as the true man in the position. However, Stephen would be responsible for everything else, leaving Thaddeus the liberty to do whatever he pleased. He could take trips for weeks, even months at a time. He could marry whoever suited him. It would offer him a great deal of freedom.
Thaddeus knew that Stephen was not concerned with his feelings regarding his position. Stephen simply wanted to take over. His father had been the second born male. That meant that Stephen had less access and power in his position. Of course, he would long to replace Thaddeus. In spite of his selfish motives, Thaddeus could not deny that the proposal had some appeal.
Thaddeus gave nothing away as he looked down at his cousin. He said, “So your solution to my problem is that you take them on in my stead?”
“Absolutely. It would be my honor. You have been through a great deal in the last few years and have done a marvelous job. I just believe that you should be free to fulfill your most intimate desires without the other obligations causing you strain.”
“What of my family? My sister and brother?”
“But of course they would remain well-taken care of. I should not wish to take over, only to perform your duties in the way you would see fit.”
It was a bold idea. One that Thaddeus did not deem altogether unappealing. He thought of how it would feel to be able to forego his most basic responsibilities. Perhaps he could allow Grace to go and live with Cornelius as he had suggested. He might even find another home to live in, leaving Wellington Manor to Stephen’s management. Most importantly, he could marry whomever he might like. Of any position and status.
Thaddeus paused meditatively, then said, “I will admit that there is some promise in the idea. It is something that I shall consider.”
“Excellent! I do believe it is for the best.”
Thaddeus was still dubious of Stephen’s true intentions, but he did not feel that it would be wrong to simply consider it. He thought vaguely of Lord Fitzgerald’s suggestion that he marry Lady Teresa. While that was not such a ghastly suggestion, were he to give up his position he wouldn’t have to. He could not truly give up his position, but he could leave the least pleasant matters to Stephen.
&nb
sp; The pair went on to dinner. Grace and Evie were out for the evening. The two of them continued to talk, with Stephen throwing in more reasons why it would be such a pleasing scenario for Thaddeus. They would potentially have to wait for the following spring, when the House of Lords issued the writs of summons for it to take effect. Yet, it was certainly something to think about.
Chapter 30
The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke Page 22