The Perfect Duchess

by Jen YatesNZ

  Stopping to draw a calming breath, she shoved a long strand of hair back off her forehead and continued.

  ‘Melissa said Chumsley mentioned a wager! I’m not some strumpet from the stews to be fought over! Have they no sense of who we are and what that should mean? Dominic at least! No, Mama. It’s not to be borne!’

  ‘You—will—not—cry off, Sherida,’ Augusta said, her voice laced with steel. ‘You have your own reputation to think of. We’ve already had this discussion. What will be said of you if, after the particular attention the Duke paid you at the Kilminster ball, not to mention fighting for your honor, you jilted him? It’ll be said nothing and no one is good enough for you. Then what will you have left? The likes of that cad, Pritchard, that’s what!’

  Augusta broke off abruptly, as if she heard the note of hysteria in her own voice. Sheri said nothing. The name ‘Pritchard’ was enough to send her into a fit of hysteria!

  ‘Sher,’ Augusta said, her voice suddenly soft with persuasion, pleading, ‘you can’t falter now. You’ve always had the bearing and the forbearance of a Duchess. This will be good practice for whatever your life as Her Grace of Wolverton throws at you.’

  Sheri stared long and hard at her mother and seeing no easing of the determination staring back at her, rose abruptly to her feet.

  It’d seem she was nothing more than the coin of a wager. Damn the Duke of Wolverton and damn her foolish heart for still wanting to be his wife—at any price.

  ‘I’m going to my room—and I do not want to see him when he comes.’

  As she climbed the stairs she reminded herself she wasn’t the helpless kind of female who lived at the mercy of her passions, unable to stick to a decision. And if she was honest with herself, she’d admit relief Mama resolutely refused to see any way she could cry off. In her deepest heart she didn’t want to! What a pathetic creature she was!

  And it was all Dom’s fault. She’d not spend another moment thinking or worrying herself ill about it. Jassie had lent her a copy of ‘Emma’ by Miss Jane Austen and it was waiting on her escritoire for a moment just such as this.

  …

  It was still morning in Society’s terms when Dom arrived in Grosvenor Square. He’d slept longer than he’d intended and downed the bitter restorative concoction Patchett had served him as breakfast.

  Lomas ushered him into the library, where Aunt Gussy rose to greet him. Augusta would be well pleased Sheri had accepted his hand. She’d also be feeling a little smug.

  ‘I’m sorry I’m later than I intended to be, Aunt Gussy,’ he said, bowing low over her hand. ‘I was—unavoidably delayed.’

  ‘No need to disseminate, Your Grace,’ she said, her smile quickly replaced by a stern frown. ‘News of your activities after you left here last night are already circulating. I’ve had to be very firm in settling Sheri down and I have a few things to say to you! But first, you shall state the business that brings you here—or I could be left looking the presumptuous fool.’

  ‘What have you heard and from where did you hear it?’

  ‘Not me, my boy. Sheri. She went to Bond Street this morning where I understand she was accosted by the young Ladies Wyvern. She returned home in a choleric state such as she rarely allows herself to display.’

  A curse on all Wyverns!

  ‘Where is she? May I talk with her?’

  ‘No, Your Grace.’ Augusta was sterner than he’d ever known her. ‘She has refused to see you this afternoon. I managed to convince her crying off was definitely not an option, but she needs time to cool down. Sheri rarely allows herself to be overcome by her emotions, but when she does it’s usually with good reason and she’s best left to work her way through in her own time. I’ve more advice for you, Dominic,’ she said, her voice softening, ‘but perhaps we should deal with the business side of this meeting first?’

  Leaning towards him, she laid her hand on his arm.

  ‘I wish your Mama was here to see this day, Dominic. It would’ve pleased her so. We used to talk, you know, her and I, and though we thought you could be well married by the time Sheri made her come-out, we still fantasized she might marry either you or Arthur. We never considered St. Rock—well—he was so much older,’ she finished, carefully skirting round that which was never mentioned about St. Rock.

  She was off-setting him at every turn, first with the fact gossip about last night’s piece of madness had already reached Sheri and now she reminded him his own dear Mama was not around to applaud the day he finally took as wife the daughter of her very good friend.

  ‘It would, Aunt Gussy,’ he agreed tersely. ‘Now to business, as you say. Clearly Sheri told you she accepted my hand in marriage last night and I would come to discuss settlements with you this morning. I’ve already sent word to Lord Parmenter in his role as titular head of your family, although I’m sure you expect him to be guided by you in these matters. Nevertheless, I observed the formality of asking his permission and agreement as to the settlements. But if you’re happy with my stated intentions I’ll get my solicitor to draw up the documentation and send it to Parmenter’s solicitor. No doubt the Earl will want to check all is in order before signing. I’ll also have notices put in the papers.’

  Once he’d explained what he would settle on Sheri he returned to that which was burning at the back of his mind.

  ‘Now Aunt Gussy, if you please, what was Sheri told this morning?’

  Augusta pursed her lips and clenched her hands together in her lap.

  ‘I believe one of the Wyvern chits informed her you’d fought a brawl—with that disreputable scoundrel of a cousin of yours and it had something to do with a wager!’

  Biting off an unforgiveable expletive, he leapt to his feet and stormed across to the window.

  What was bloody Chumsley thinking, sharing such tattle with his damned sisters? A greater pair of scatter-wits he’d yet to meet.

  ‘I should really talk to Sheri, Aunt Gussy. Do you think you might prevail upon her to see me? I’ve sent a note to Princess Esterhazy requesting her indulgence and permission to make the announcement of our engagement this evening. I’ve brought a diamond parure from the Wolverton collection I thought would be suitable for Sheri to wear tonight and I’d like the chance to make my peace—and give it to her.’

  Pulling the long flat jewelery box from his inner pocket, he flipped it open for Augusta’s perusal.

  ‘Perfect,’ she breathed. ‘Not too ostentatious—as she’s not the Duchess yet. Your taste is impeccable, Your Grace. But it’s best you leave this with me. I’ll see she wears them tonight. Trust me. Dominic, if she doesn’t see you until tonight she won’t have a chance to make more demands to cry off—and I’ll be present to prevent any such nonsense this evening!’

  He hadn’t imagined Aunt Gussy would be so forceful. She needed to know no one organized or controlled how his life played out, but himself. He turned to face her.

  ‘I’ll be guided by your suggestion not to force an audience with Sheri. I have to believe you know your daughter better than I do. I’d be grateful if you’d see she gets the diamonds along with my apologies for any insult she’s feeling to her sensibilities. I’m aware I need to make amends and apologize in person, which will be difficult if you continue to chaperone her as faithfully as usual.’

  ‘You’d have me abandon her to your protection on the strength of a betrothal? You may be a Duke, Dominic, but your reputation is only marginally whiter than your cousin’s!’

  ‘A little more than marginally, I should hope,’ Dom growled, allowing a hint of steel to creep into his voice. ‘And yes, Aunt Gussy, that’s precisely what I require. Exactly as you did last night when you wished to ensure the outcome you desired; your daughter betrothed to a Duke. What I have to say to Sheri is between her and myself. It’s not the kind of discussion one conducts with one’s future mother-in-law in attendance!’

  ‘Well, she’ll think that peculiar!’

  ‘No more than she did last night—a
nd not if you hint you have a headache when you take the diamonds to her. Then it’ll come as no surprise later this evening it has developed to the point you can no longer endure the crush at the Princess’s soiree. Doubtless caused by an excess of delight at the betrothal and your worry she might yet cry off! That way we could leave early, deposit you here and I’ll take Sheri for an extended drive.’

  Blue eyes snapping, she said, ‘I’m discovering an underhanded side of you I’ve never seen before, Dominic. If you weren’t the Duke of Wolverton I’d think twice about agreeing to this marriage after all!’

  ‘But I am the Duke of Wolverton so you won’t—and I’m as bound to Sheri as if we’d made our vows in the Princess’s salon tonight.—And you’ll develop a headache this afternoon!’

  Augusta sniffed, then to his grim amusement she smiled at him.

  ‘I will, Your Grace. Nothing is too good for my daughter, and regardless certain character flaws I’m only just discovering, you’re the best after all. And if I must be devious, I’m thinking it might serve if you were also. Make yourself scarce in the next few weeks. If you’re not about, she can’t argue with you. Or cry off!’

  ‘Now who’s being devious?’ Dom grinned at her. ‘It so happens I do have the matter of my mission for Lord Hadleigh; well, for your brother, the Earl of Astonbury really. Apparently he’s not happy with your nephew, Pritchard, as his heir. I’ve traced an aunt of Sylvaine Walsingham’s up in Lancaster. It’s possible she may have maintained a connection. So, I shall take your advice, Aunt Gussy, and head north. Now I must see my lawyers and put the notices in the papers.’

  Augusta had lost some of her color while he talked and her hands fluttered in her lap with an odd restlessness.

  ‘No need to rush off into that—business, is there? I mean—it’s Astonbury’s own fault if he’s not happy with the heir he’s left with. Though I can well understand why he wouldn’t be! I’d thought you might just head down to Wolverton—or to one of your other estates—Somerset perhaps—just generally keep busy.’

  ‘Any or all of the above, Aunt Gussy,’ he assured her soothingly. ‘Lord Hadleigh is calling in a favor. It could be Astonbury’s doing the same. Whatever the reason, I’ve agreed to track down his grand-daughter, Sylvaine Walsingham. You must leave my life in my hands, you know!’

  ‘Of course, Your Grace.’

  She made a visible effort to rally herself and Dom took the opportunity to make his escape.

  ‘If you’ll excuse me I’ll entrust my gift and my apologies to your expert delivery and call for you and Sheri at 8pm.’

  ‘Thank you, Your Grace,’ she said meekly and followed him into the hall where Lomas was just accepting a huge bunch of pink roses from a person at the door.

  ‘These just came for Lady Sherida, my Lady. Should I send them up?’

  ‘Who are they from, Lomas?’

  ‘Well, that was Lord Baxendene’s man as delivered them, my Lady.’

  ‘How extraordinary,’ Lady Augusta said, and her enquiring gaze swung straight to Dom.

  As if he was supposed to know why his cousin would suddenly be sending Sheri flowers. Although he could probably make an educated guess.

  ‘Pink roses. Would they stand for contrition perhaps?’

  ‘Pshaw!’ Augusta scoffed inelegantly. ‘Baxendene has never heard of such a sentiment much less been known to express it! He’s up to something, that boy—most probably with wicked intent!’

  ‘Sorted,’ Dom said succinctly.

  Augusta favored him with a long, piercing stare, which he returned with a bland one of his own. Then she harrumphed and peremptorily dismissed him.

  ‘It seems I do have the headache,’ she muttered and turned back into the library.

  Dom settled back in his carriage thinking at least he hadn’t made any promise to Sheri not to knock Chumsley’s brains out and if he fleetingly wondered at his sudden uncharacteristic penchant for physically sorting any bastard who insulted Sheri or gave her reason to re-think her decision to accept his hand in marriage, he quashed it and began flexing his knuckles in anticipation.

  Chapter 6

  ‘Mama?’ Sheri murmured as she came into the front parlor just before eight. ‘Are you well? You look quite—wan!’

  ‘I have a headache, Sher. ’Tis nothing.’

  ‘Then you should be taking to your bed not attending the Princess’s soiree. We could send our apologies. We don’t have to attend every soiree and ball there is!’

  ‘We have to attend this one, Sher. Dom has already informed the Princess he intends to make the announcement of your engagement tonight. And as your announcement will certainly add a cachet to her evening, she will be preening already! Imagine the tantrum if we cry off tonight, not to mention the gossip. A simple headache would never suffice! And I don’t intend to miss your triumph either. You’ll only announce your engagement once. Sheri, have I told you how proud and happy you’ve made me?—And those diamonds, my love, are exquisite on you. Dom will be so proud tonight! No one can doubt you are perfect for the role of Duchess.’

  Sheri raised a hand to the precious stones at her throat. With matching bracelet and earrings, they were perfect with the ice blue gown. She’d worn it on purpose, to augment the Heavenly Iceberg facade she had such difficulty maintaining around the Duke of Wolverton.

  Somehow she had to get a moment alone with him tonight. If there’d been a bet—she would cry off! He might be everything she’d ever dreamed of as her husband, the only one she’d ever dreamed of, but she had a healthy respect for herself and she’d not have her name bandied about as the latest on-dit!

  Though she was afraid it might already be too late to prevent that!

  ‘Mama, I need to talk with Dom—alone. I can’t go through with this if it’s just some stupid bet between men in their cups! I won’t be held so cheaply!’

  Spots of hectic color flashed in Augusta’s pale cheeks.

  ‘Cheap! You certainly don’t come cheap, my girl, and so His Grace has recognized. You bring a considerable portion to the marriage and he has acknowledged that and the settlements are more than generous. They’re almost foolhardy! Springwoods remains yours as is only right and proper, but he has added a small Townville estate down in Somerset. You will be well provided for, Sheri, whatever befalls.—He’s graciously agreed to provide me with my own home here in town. I can’t go on living in Parmenter House forever. It rightly belongs to your cousin now. We’re lucky he’s allowed us to continue to occupy it.’

  Dom had mentioned the estate in Somerset last night, but it hadn’t registered because she’d been desperate and terrified all at once at the prospect of becoming the Duchess of Wolverton.

  And then it struck her. Lord Baxendene had offered Zeus’s stud service free and his estate in Somerset if she’d—! At the precise moment the heat hit her cheeks a knock on the door was followed by Lomas announcing the Duke of Wolverton.

  …

  Dom paused in the doorway, taking in the stormy-eyed creature facing him. Apparently the afternoon hadn’t been long enough to settle her temper. Her cheeks had a becoming glow and her eyes seemed to have absorbed and magnified every diamond sparkle from the gems at her throat and ears until they blazed like a fireworks display at Vauxhall Gardens. Even the ice blue of her gown seemed more about the intense heat at the heart of the flame than the chilly glow from an ice floe.

  ‘You look magnificent, my dear,’ he said, bowing low over her hand. He didn’t kiss her gloved fingers, nor did he release her hand. In the last few days he’d realized she was susceptible to his touch, a secret she’d kept well-hidden until now. It was a knowledge he intended to exploit.

  Drawing her closer he pressed his lips to her forehead and whispered, ‘The diamonds look exquisite on you, Sher. Would that I had the right to remove them tonight!’

  The blaze in her eyes and cheeks became incandescent—and he couldn’t decide whether it was from anger or desire. A little of both, he suspected.


  Stepping away from Sheri, he turned to greet a rather pale Augusta.

  ‘Aunt Gussy? Are you unwell?’ he asked, bowing over her hand.

  ‘Just a bit of a headache, Your Grace. Hopefully it will pass. But I don’t wish to miss the announcement tonight. I just hope I don’t spoil your night by having to leave early.’

  ‘Aunt Gussy, if you need to leave—at any point—you must let me know. Hopefully you can last until after the announcement and Sheri and I have had at least one dance together.’

  ‘I’ll certainly make sure to last that long,’ the nefarious woman said, and reached for his arm. ‘We’d better get under way then.’

  Offering his other arm to Sheri, he escorted the ladies out to the coach, his mind jangling with warning bells. If there was an underhanded side of him Lady Augusta had never seen, he was discovering there were quite alarming facets to her character; not least among them an ability to act that would have done Drury Lane proud. He also suspected her maid was skilled with make-up.

  He handed her up into the coach and she settled facing the horses, spreading her gown to cover most of the seat. Apparently she still didn’t trust Sheri not to make a point by squashing in beside her Mama.

  Keeping a firm grip of Sheri’s hand he guided her onto the seat with its back to the horses and followed immediately, settling his thigh intimately against hers so the yards of blue silk flowed across his knee—and their hands.

  She tried to pull away and he leaned close to whisper by her ear.

  ‘Don’t fight me. You won’t win.’

  There was a faint hiss of her breath and he imagined she sat grinding her elegant jaw for the rest of the short journey. It was long enough however for the tension and heat from her thigh to transfer to his body, which responded in a predictable way to the knowledge of her submission—though she was likely awaiting her moment to challenge him.