“Ah yes, Your Grace! That’s the name. Shame that, he was a good officer, but women would always be his downfall exactly as I had feared from the very start”, he began to ramble. “The man was as attached to women as some folk are to cards or horses. Never alone that man, not during the time he spent with me at least.”
All the while as the Colonel went on, the Duke had to bite his tongue from losing all sense of his surroundings.
“Thank you Colonel, I will see you this evening”, he sputtered and dashed out the door as quickly as he could.
The story with Hugh Edwards was an unpleasant one. One that too many men had fallen victim to in the past. He had been tried and arrested for the abduction, assault, and rape of at least seven known female victims within London over the span of one and a half years while he had been stationed there just under a twelvemonth.
The fame and adoration he received had become far too much for his hotheadedness to restrain himself from indulging in. Soon enough, he no longer gave care to those women who actually wanted him but only went after the women whom he truly desired even if they did not desire the same. Women’s reputations had been destroyed, their families shamed, and their safety was put at considerable risk however, and Colonel Bennett could not stand for the loss of such an excellent officer so he turned to the Duke for his assistance.
Being an impartial third party and a strong believer in second chances, he consented to assist in the removal of the wretched man from the prison of London but they were unable to secure him on the regimental force once again. The lawyers decided that his actions had been far too brutal for the allowance of his position back on the force. A man of his persona was not one to be paraded in the streets wearing the colors of the monarchy. So he was released and charged again not long after for the abuse of gambling and alcohol in the streets, this only lasted a few months and he had been released mere weeks ago.
The Duke’s mind went into a complete and utter panic as he recalled these events. No doubt the shrew of a man had told his family that he was stationed in London for training again when in reality he had been locked behind bars. This must be his newest attempt at indulging in women whom he did not deserve.
Rushing to his carriage, he ordered the coachman to take him immediately home so he could prepare himself for the evening. He was determined that he would not allow this courting to continue between Hugh Edwards and Margery Fairchild if there was any way he could stop it.
“Good afternoon Your Grace”, greeted his maids when he arrived at the door.
“Good morning”, he shouted in a huff, no longer concerned about his accuracy or manners.
He stormed up the large staircase and entered his bedroom where his manservant was setting a fire to be started for the evening.
“Put it out Havisham!” he bellowed as the man scuttled out of the way as he had seen the Duke in a tizzy like this before and knew it was best to keep his distance as best he could.
“But sir, you are likely to catch a cold on a night like tonight”, he stammered nervously.
“I said put it out! I am going out this evening and do not intend to be home before sunrise if I can help it”, he stormed unsure of what his exact plan of action was yet. “Help me find my dressing clothes, the Colonel is throwing a ball at Hilliard Hall this evening and I have only just been invited”, he continued, simmering slightly to avoid disturbing his other servants who he had always had the greatest respect for, and sat down to washing his hair.
Chapter 8
The ladies arrived at Hilliard Hall mere moments after the assigned time of seven o’clock. Their excitement was much too great to remain at the inn any longer and when Hugh tried to convince them they should arrive fashionably late Charlotte had gone into an absolute fuss. Being on time was one of her favorite lessons when Margery was her pupil. It was something she held close to her heart, to be punctual and respectable to those being kind to you at all times.
Margery and Hugh had remained close together the entire day and Charlotte was becoming anxious with the hope that her brother would make an offer to her favorite companion that evening at the earliest.
“How splendid this place is Marge!” squealed Charlotte upon entering the main lobby of the great house. “I have not seen a house half so handsome as this. It is so elegant and graciously decorated”, she ran on.
“It is stunning to say the very least my dear Charlotte”, commented Margery, looking around at the art on the walls, the shining floors and most especially at the ornate details on the chandeliers hanging overhead. Lost in the rapture of admiration, the two ladies did not notice at all the constant staring Hugh had been doing on Margery. His eyes were fixed, but not with the intention of marriage as was expected by the two ladies and was only distracted by the sudden swinging open of the front door where a flood of people came hurrying in, anxious for the ball to begin. The musicians started to play and the ball was underway.
Taking Margery by the arm from his sister, Hugh strolled confidently out onto the dance floor twirling her around and making sure every man in his eye sight knew that she was here with him and that their advances would not be welcomed. Margery stiffened slightly at this gesture of being put on such a display and distracted herself in the reflective material of the buttons on Hugh’s suit.
“I wonder if the Duke shall arrive tonight”, Margery wondered out loud, taking Mr. Edwards by total surprise.
“Why on earth would the Duke come here?” he asked her, mildly concerned that she knew of some motives of the Duke which he did not. If the Duke did come here tonight, his dancing with any woman at all would be viewed with sincere mistrust and scandal. Although he knew his own motives as well as any of them, he could not risk losing his chance with Margery by having the Duke look accusingly on at them.
“Oh, he mentioned something about seeing me here tonight, we ran into him at the ribbon shop only before you came in”, she explained as they went up the dance hall. “He is quite the charming man Mr. Edwards, have you not had the chance to meet him before?” she questioned when the music was low enough to speak over.
The sureness in her voice about the Duke’s intentions made him look around the room again and again for the remainder of the dance until he could escape the room in case he was spotted. The dance ended and he bowed stiffly, excusing himself for some fresh air.
Although his instant silence had confused her, Margery continued about the house, happily engaged in exploring so much so that she did not notice the Duke’s tall figure, dressed in black pants and jacket, enter the lobby and pass into the dance hall in search of her.
She turned and headed for the balcony where she had seen Hugh exit the dance hall to see if everything was alright. He had left her in quite a state of distraction.
Meanwhile, the Duke spotted Charlotte pass towards the terrace from across the room, the woman standing next to Margery a moment ago who he barely had taken any notice of that afternoon but he was sure it had been her, was now standing alone. He approached her quietly and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
“Your Grace”, she said as she turned around and dropped into a sweet, low curtsey.
“Hello, you are acquainted with Miss Margery Fairchild are you not?” he asked her impatiently.
“I am Your Grace; she is the kindest, most wonderful creature in the entire world. I was her governess when she was a child and we have been inseparable ever since. Have you seen the lady tonight? She looks quite stunning”, she bragged.
“I have not had the pleasure of seeing your friend since this afternoon with the lovely blue ribbons in her hand”, he gestured wishing to continue but had no chance once Charlotte had decided to keep talking about her dear friend.
“I believe she is wandering the house looking for more beautiful things to stare at, she has such a sweet and innocent heart Your Grace”, Charlotte continued.
“Do you know, Miss...” he began in a hurry.
“Edwards”, she answered.
“I am afraid, sir, that I must inform you that my dear Margery is employed for the next two, if not all, of the remaining dances of the evening”, she started.
His face fell and he could not catch a glimpse of those pretty blue ribbons anywhere in the room. He suddenly became very anxious to find her, hopefully not too late to save her from ruin.
“Are you sure?” he asked her again, to be sure that she knew for certain.
“Quite sir, I believe before the evening is over she will be engaged to my brother Hugh. He has been courting her these past few weeks and I cannot help but see them grow closer by the day”, she regaled excitedly.
I must find her, he thought in a panic.
“Thank you for your time, Miss Edwards”, he said, kissing her hand and turning sharply on one heel.
He strode about the house for what felt like hours but had only been a matter of minutes with no luck at finding her. Perhaps she has gone to visit the horses, he thought, remembering her enjoyment when they first met in the woods. Fool! he cursed angrily to himself, She is at a ball, why would she escape to visit the horses? His concern for her was growing and it was making him insane with worry. If that scum of a man had gotten her alone somewhere away from prying eyes...he could not allow himself to think of it and hurried on in his search.
Finally, he had spotted her. He was passing by a small open balcony with plants and bushes and things littering the entire surface of it, but her ribbons were shining in the moonlight just above all of that. Then the light glistened on a button next to her, the gold button of a redcoat uniform; she was with him.
Without thinking, Avery Navarre strode onto the balcony in time to hear her say, “Yes, I will marry you”, while Edwards in turn kissed her on the mouth and reached to yank up her skirt but she protested. In four long strides, the Duke reached them and pulled Edwards back by the collar and began shouting as Margery ran inside, covered in tears, to find Charlotte.
Chapter 9
The Duke slammed his fist into the face of Hugh Edwards with a sound that alerted some nearby men who found their way out onto the terrace to see what the matter was. Through his shouting, the men gathered that Mr. Edwards had attempted to rape a young woman who was there as a guest of the Colonel’s. Colonel Bennett was among these men and tore the two apart demanding to know the exact nature of the disturbance but upon realizing who the two men were, the answer was clear enough for him and he escorted Mr. Edwards out of the building. The Duke had followed in a rage to ensure that the man be dealt with in the most appropriate manner.
Margery had fled into the arms of her beloved Charlotte, hair a mess and tears streaming down her face as her body collapsed in shock when she made contact with her friend. Charlotte took her into the parlor where drink was being held as it contained far fewer guests.
“My girl! Whatever has happened to you, you look a fright! Where is Hugh? Why has he left you alone in such a state?” she exclaimed as Margery sobbed uncontrollably into her handkerchief.
“You…Your...*sniff*…your brother...” she broke off into further sobs of grief and fear trying to explain what had happened to her.
“Did he stop seeing you?” she asked quietly, “Has he left you alone?” she pressed further throwing her friend into an even deeper lapse of agitation.
Just then, Duke Avery Navarre entered the room, red faced, and glossy eyed.
“Is she alright?” he asked Charlotte, who stood up to bow when he entered.
“I don’t know Your Grace; she has not said one sensible word since she came back into the house. Do you know where my brother is? Shall I fetch him?” she asked in a panic.
“No”, he said coldly, “Your brother has been escorted out of this place”, he explained to her. A look of wild confusion spread over her face. “Colonel Bennett!” he called over his shoulder to the host of the evening. “Please take Miss Edwards and explain to her the situation pertaining to her brother. Clearly, he has not even been honest with his family about his whereabouts the past twelvemonth if not even longer”. The Colonel took Charlotte by the hand and led her out onto the dance floor where he told her all about her brother’s past troubles, lies, and convictions.
Meanwhile, Avery Navarre sat with Margery until her sobbing subsided before asking her what had really happened before he came out onto the terrace to save her.
“I thought...he…he was a good…a good man”, she stumbled as a few more tears escaped her shining eyes. “He had only just asked me to marry him”, she pleaded as if she would appear to him to be the guilty one.
He could not bear to have her think such a thing of herself. “You are not to blame for this, Miss Fairchild. I assure you, no one believes such a thing of you. Shall I take you home?” he asked softly. “I cannot bear to see you in this state if there is something I may do to help you.” He touched her cheek lightly to wipe it dry.
“No”, she sniffled after a few moments in silence. “I’d like to stay, and perhaps indulge in a drink before I return. I have not had the enjoyment which one hopes to feel at a ball such as this and it would be a terrible waste of a dress”, she concluded.
“Here”, he offered, handing her the smallest cup of punch from the table next to them. “I am certain that Mr. Edwards shall not trouble you again, he has been taken away from here and will not be offered the chance of bail again”, he assured her.
Their silence lasted a little while longer while Margery recovered from her emotional trauma of the early evening.
“Let us have one dance Your Grace. I believe that I owe you that much for what you have done for me”, she said finally.
“Miss Fairchild, I should be honored, but you are in no state to enjoy a dance”, he began, afraid that she would regret this decision.
“Afraid you might not be able to keep up?” she teased, sniffing the last of her sorrows back.
He smiled at her continuous attempt to chastise him for being unable to catch her on the horse all those weeks ago. He admired her perseverance and wit, and its ability to be found even during dark and troubling situations such as these.
Taking her by the hand he whispered, “I will try harder to keep up with you this time, Miss Fairchild but I think without our horses I am at a much greater advantage.” He led her onto the dance floor into a less crowded corner where he hoped they would not be disturbed by onlookers or questions about the attack that just took place.
“You may call me Margery if you like, Your Grace, or Marge for short like Charlotte does”, she said to him. After an event such as the one which just passed between them she felt it necessary to give up the formalities as he had certainly become more than just an acquaintance. His action had earned him the title of friend in her eyes, and he was easily on the way to be overly admired by her.
“I thank you for the opportunity Margery, and you, of course, must call me Avery if you so desire”, he said in return, hoping that this may be a more obvious statement of his affections.
“It is nice to see, Avery, that your slow speed on a horse has not so much affected your pace at dancing”, Margery joked as they went through the motions together.
“It is impossible to be slow when one is dealt with such a quick footed partner such as yourself”, he added admiringly. She really was a splendid dancer, no doubt attributed to her teachings by Miss Charlotte Edwards, he thought. He glanced about hoping to catch sight of Miss Edwards, concerned that she might be in an unpleasant state by now, assuming the Colonel had explained everything to her in full.
The dance went on and their chatter ceased to allow their eyes to wander in the world of the other’s. Margery could sense that he had no ulterior motives in mind except to dance with her until the music stopped and she felt safe in his proximity. The Duke, finally secure in his thoughts of her,
understood that he was the reason she was safe, his actions had brought her comfort and relief. They looked into each other’s eyes with a new sense of appreciation, respect, and interest as they continued up and down the dance hall.
Charlotte and Colonel Bennett looked on from the side of the room nearest the terrace where he confided in her that he had not seen the Duke look so content in a very long time.
This pleased Charlotte, who had spent the last hour or so in complete hysteria about discovering the news regarding her brother and the vile actions he took to make himself happy. Perhaps Margery would still be engaged soon, she considered as she watched the way the Duke smiled tenderly at her friend.
“I am glad that you, Colonel, at any rate, made the attempt to save my brother from himself. I had no idea that any of this had been going on. I simply had not heard from Hugh in quite some time while he must have been imprisoned, and I merely attributed it to his busy schedule in the militia”, she excused herself for her ignorance. The Colonel comforted her as she began to feel ashamed of herself once again and he assured her that she could not have known nor ever expected something of this nature if given no reason for suspicion.
When the ball had come to an end, Duke Navarre escorted the ladies along with Colonel Bennett to their carriage and ensured they arrived safely at the inn before returning to his own home. He did not sleep that evening. He could not do anything but think of the lovely shade of blue the ribbons had been as they danced among the curls of her soft brown hair in the back of Margery’s head.
The next morning when he woke, he ordered for his manservant Havisham to go to the jewelers in town and have a sapphire ring fashioned of the same hue as those lovely ribbons. It felt very impulsive, very sudden, and very unlike him but he had never been so desirous of anything or anyone in his entire life as he felt of Miss Margery Fairchild.
Historical Hearts Romance Collection Page 18