A Solitary Duke

by Fenella J Miller

  She walked demurely behind her parents along the red carpet and into the spacious entrance hall. Daisy took her cloak and fussed around shaking out non-existent creases in her gown. The main reception room in this establishment was obviously upstairs and the three of them joined the queue waiting to be received. They were told where they would find the requisite retiring rooms when they needed them – they were somewhere down the long corridor on this floor.

  ‘Good heavens, my dear, this is an informal gathering indeed. It would appear that we make our own way in with no announcement of any sort on our arrival,’ Papa said with an approving nod.

  This suited her better as then she could slip in without being the centre of attention. She was already aware that she was attracting a deal of notice from those they passed and this could only be because word of her imaginary engagement had spread ahead of her arrival. No doubt that was due to the duke as well as all the other irritations he had perpetrated.

  Her parents seemed unaware that she had dropped behind and she let them go on without her. Then he was at her side looking quite magnificent in his evening rig.

  ‘I’ve been waiting for you, sweetheart, as I wish to escort you for the entire evening. Might I be permitted to say that you look quite ravissante tonight. I’m going to have to guard you carefully if you’re not to be snatched away from me.’

  ‘I expect news of our engagement…’

  ‘Is that why you think people are looking in your direction? They are staring because you’re the most beautiful young lady here tonight. I cannot tell you how proud it makes me to have even the smallest claim on you.’ His words were sincere and his smile genuine.

  ‘Are you quite sure? I made sure not to look in the glass tonight. I can’t believe it’s true. I’ve always considered myself a plain, beanpole of a girl.’

  He pulled her arm through his. ‘Come, I’ll take you to the nearest mirror so you can see for herself what all the fuss is about.’

  *

  This was going better than he’d dared hope. He couldn’t believe that his darling girl was genuinely unaware of how lovely she was. It was one of the many things that endeared her to him. Taking her to one side also gave him the perfect opportunity to offer her the ring in the hope that she might agree to wear it.

  There was an overmantel mirror in a nearby chamber, this wouldn’t give her the full effect but was sufficient to prove his point. He led her to it and then stood behind her.

  He watched with amusement as her eyes widened. How could she not know how beautiful she was? Then he was once more surprised by her comment.

  ‘Seeing you reflected there, Edwin, makes me realise just how incredibly handsome you are. I’ll be the envy of every girl here tonight and not just because of your status.’

  ‘I’ve brought you here to gaze at yourself not me, sweetheart.’

  She giggled. ‘Yes, I do look quite pleasing. My maid has done an excellent job. Mama selected my gowns and she too must be thanked for I own I wouldn’t have chosen anything as elegant myself.’ She twisted within his loose hold and smiled up at him. ‘Do you know I wished I had one of my hideous purple and yellow gowns so I could shock you tonight? Now, I’m glad I’ve not let you down.’

  He dipped into his waistcoat pocket and produced the ring. ‘This matches your eyes; I hope you’re prepared to wear it for me as people will expect to see one on your finger. I understand if you’re reluctant…’

  ‘Fiddlesticks to that! I’ll wear it because I wish to not because other people expect it. Will it fit over my glove as I fear I’ll cause another scandal if I’m not wearing them?’

  ‘Shall we see?’ He slipped it over her finger and it fitted perfectly even with the thin material of her elbow-length gloves. ‘Thank you for not treating me with opprobrium after my display of bad temper this afternoon.’

  She tapped him lightly on his arm with her fan. ‘I fully intended to, but for some inexplicable reason no sooner did I set eyes on you than I forgave you once more. Permit me to say, sir, that you are really the most bad-tempered gentleman I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.’

  His shout of laughter turned every head within a hundred yards. He didn’t care. At that moment he was the happiest man alive and truly believed that somehow against all the odds he would eventually win this lovely girl’s heart.

  She was blissfully unaware that his proprietorial manner was preventing any hopeful young gentleman from coming close to her. He was fortunate that he was a head taller than most, and had perfected his disdainful stare over the years.

  Her fingers tensed on his arm and he looked down. ‘I believe that’s the Dowager Duchess in full sail. I would find her less alarming if she didn’t wear such extraordinary turbans.’

  ‘Be brave, my dear, she’ll not dare say anything impolite.’ He lowered his head and whispered into her ear. ‘I’ve become accustomed to her headgear, but now you mention it, three egret feathers stuck into that burgundy monstrosity is quite extraordinary. Do try not to laugh.’

  This, as it was meant to do, made her giggle. Whatever his unpleasant parent might do or say he was certain Lucy would now be oblivious as she was doing her best not to laugh out loud.

  ‘Your grace, allow me to introduce you to my future wife, Miss Lucy Armitage.’

  Lucy curtsied but the duchess merely nodded. He waited, his expression neutral, to see what would develop. He became uncomfortably aware that everyone in the vicinity was also enthralled by the exchange.

  ‘I am not pleased to meet you, Miss Armitage, I cannot say that I am.’

  The feathers bobbed wildly reminding him of an outraged cockerel in a farmyard. He bit his lip trying not to join Lucy in helpless laughter. She was having difficulty swallowing her giggles and was unable to respond.

  He managed to recover his voice. ‘Are you not, ma’am? I can assure you that the feeling is mutual. Excuse me, the orchestra is about to play and I intend to dance with my betrothed.’

  Once safely on the dance floor he dared to look down. ‘Are you recovered, my love? Can you dance?’

  She nodded and her smile touched his heart. ‘I’m not surprised you are sometimes so unpleasant, Edwin, with that person as your mother.’

  ‘Do you really forgive me for my curmudgeonly outburst this morning?’

  ‘How could I not? You have quite swept me from my feet this evening by your magnificence.’

  They danced twice and then he led her from the floor knowing by rights he should now allow her to dance with anyone else who asked. If he scowled at all who dared advance maybe they would abandon their quest.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lucy had set out determined to be distant with Edwin, to treat him with civility but no more than that. It was impossible to maintain a frosty exterior when he was so charming, so handsome, and so obviously delighted to be in her company.

  She glanced up at him standing behind her chair and prodded him with her fan. ‘If you scowl at all my potential partners in that way, I promise that I’ll dance with the first person who asks me regardless of who they are.’

  He winked and she smiled. He really was quite irresistible tonight. ‘I’ve no wish for you to dance with anyone else but me and if we dance again then it will be impossible for us to dissolve this engagement without damage to your reputation – and I suppose to mine.

  ‘However, as I am the most important person in this establishment I believe I could walk naked through the ballroom and no one would object.’

  She spluttered into her open fan at his outrageous remark. It brought back only too clearly an image of him emerging from the sea last year. She rallied marvellously and hoped her pink cheeks would be put down to the warmth of the room.

  ‘In which case, Edwin, we shall dance as much as we want. I do believe this music is for the waltz. Shall we stand up for that and really set the tabbies talking?’

  ‘I’m game if you are, sweetheart. Do you think we ought to check with your parents that they’r
e happy for you to perform this dance with me?’

  ‘I don’t give a fig for anyone’s opinion but yours. There’s one good thing about doing something so disgraceful, no other gentleman will wish to dance with me after that.’

  He moved smoothly around to stand in front of her and held out his hand. She placed hers in it and he led her onto the floor. There was an audible gasp from those who’d been sitting adjacent to them. An unmarried girl, even one engaged to such a top-lofty person as Edwin, wasn’t supposed to take part as it was only for ladies who were married.

  ‘Is now the time to tell you that I’ve never performed this, in fact I’ve only a very rudimentary grasp of the steps.’

  ‘Just follow my lead, sweetheart, you’ll have no difficulty.’

  The music began in earnest and before she had time to think about it, she was being swirled around the dance floor. There was no opportunity for conversation as there was in other dances. His hand was in the small of her back and she could feel its heat through the thin material of her gown. Even the parts of the dance where they promenaded side by side he was still holding her hand tight in his. She was glowing all over and wanted the experience to go on for ever.

  When the final chords faded, she curtsied deep and he bowed low. Then with a smile that sent heat to a most unusual place he led her from the dance floor. Instead of taking her to the chair she’d been using before, he led her away from the ballroom and out into the reception room where he’d put the ring upon her finger on her arrival.

  She glanced up at him expecting to see him smiling but his expression was grim. What sin had she committed now to make him look so formidable? He glanced down and immediately smiled.

  ‘It’s not you I’m angry with, my love, it’s myself. From the disapproving looks we were receiving from those seated around the floor even the fact that you are engaged to me doesn’t excuse our behaviour.’

  Instinctively she moved closer to him knowing he would protect her. Then she saw not only her grace but also her own mother heading in their direction. If the two of them were united in disapproval then things were really dire.

  ‘I’m going to the ladies retiring room, Edwin, I’m abandoning you to face those two. You’re better equipped than I to deal with the bear-garden jaw they intend to give us.’

  He stepped in front of her which meant she could move away without being seen. The room set aside for repairs and other necessities had been on the ground floor. She didn’t remember exactly their location but no doubt there would be a helpful footman to direct her.

  Unfortunately, the spacious vestibule was deserted. She remembered being told it was down a corridor and moved into the one to her left. Then she heard footsteps behind her and a young man in scarlet regimentals was heading her way. He was an officer, no threat to her, but neither was he any use as he wouldn’t know the whereabouts of the rooms she sought.

  When he saw her, he bowed and came over. ‘Forgive me, ma’am, for speaking to you when we haven’t been introduced. I am Lieutenant, Lord Percival Evesham, at your service.’

  ‘I am Miss Armitage; I’m looking for a footman. Please don’t let me keep you.’

  ‘This is my home, Miss Armitage, I am as good as any footman. I expect that you’re looking for the ladies retiring rooms. Would you allow me to escort you?’

  ‘Thank you, my lord, but the directions are all I require.’ For some reason this young man made her nervous, he was standing just a little too close than she was comfortable with. Why were there no other young ladies coming and going from these rooms?

  She moved away but he followed her. Then she heard feminine voices coming from a completely different direction than the one that she’d intended to investigate. Instantly she dodged past Evesham and all but ran towards the welcome sound.

  Daisy was at her side as Lucy burst in, her face concerned. ‘Is something wrong, miss? You look a bit flustered.’

  ‘I’d forgotten exactly where to come and almost wandered off in the wrong direction. I expected it to be far busier. There are only a few ladies here.’

  After using the facilities, splashing her face with cold water, Lucy was ready to go in search of Edwin but dreaded being accosted by the unwelcome officer. She decided to linger in the privacy and calm of this chamber before venturing outside to face the disapproval of the other guests. Her maid sensed her hesitation

  ‘Miss Armitage, is something troubling you?’

  Lucy drew her to a small alcove away from prying ears and told her the whole.

  ‘It’ll soon blow over, miss, a duke can do no wrong in the eyes of the world. He’ll be sorting things out for you right now. There’s something else bothering you, I can tell.’

  ‘There is, but I think I’m being oversensitive.’ She explained about the encounter with the gentleman who was obviously a younger son of their host.

  Daisy pursed her lips. ‘Things aren’t as they should be in this household, miss, you know how servants like to talk. That officer, Lord Percival, is a hardened drinker and gambler. He’s been told he has to mend his ways or he’ll be disowned.’

  ‘No wonder I thought him predatory. Do you think he was lurking at the bottom of the stairs for an unwary young lady in the hope he could lure her somewhere and compromise her?’

  ‘From what I heard, he’s that desperate he could do anything. He owes thousands and has no way of paying his debts.’

  ‘Then I’m glad that I escaped from his attentions. I must find his grace as he will be wondering what’s become of me. Come with me, bring my cloak and other things as I think it likely I’ll be going home immediately.’

  Once she was safely at the bottom of the grand staircase and could see Edwin waiting for her, she smiled her thanks, picked up her skirts, and ran nimbly to join him.

  ‘I was coming in search of you, my love, is something amiss?’

  She had no intention of telling him about her encounter with the unpleasant officer as he might wish to intervene and a confrontation with the son of their hosts, after what had just happened on the dance floor, would not be a good idea.

  ‘I own I was hiding, I’d no wish to reappear before you’d dealt with the … the situation.’

  ‘What do you think I did?’

  ‘Apologise most profusely? Agree to dance with half a dozen other hopeful young ladies?’

  ‘I did neither. I looked down my nose at both of them, let them say their piece, then nodded and walked away.’

  ‘Oh dear! That’s hardly conciliatory, Edwin. I really don’t want to return to the fray and feel the beady eyes of the disapproving matrons boring into my back the remainder of the evening. I wish to go home immediately.’

  ‘I’ve sent for your carriage. Your maid is waiting with your evening cloak already.’

  ‘Are you not to come with me?’

  ‘I’ll stroll around the ballroom and let it be known that you’ve left. Then after a quarter of an hour I’ll too depart. It’s but a short walk along Brook Street to my home.’

  ‘I don’t regret waltzing with you, it was the most invigorating experience. Almost on a par with swimming with Bruno last summer.’

  ‘Don’t ride on your own in the morning again, Lucy, wait for me and we’ll go out together. I’ll be there at first light.’

  ‘I think if I’m to ride with you then there’s no need to go quite as early. Few people are out before eight o’clock in the morning. I’ll expect you at seven.’

  He lifted her into the carriage, ignoring the steps, and she smiled her thanks. A flash of red in the open doorway caught her eye. Why was Lord Percival spying on them?

  ‘This will become easier, sweetheart, as we become accustomed to each other.’ He was about to step back but then stopped, raised her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. ‘Your father will give us Margate Manor as a wedding gift if we wish to make this a genuine arrangement.’ Then he stepped back, slammed the door shut, and the carriage rocked into motion.

 
; *

  Edwin watched the carriage leave before re-entering the house. He walked through every reception room managing to avoid speaking to anyone, but then saw Ambrose and Sophia and joined them.

  ‘I expect you’re aware of the scandal I caused by waltzing with Lucy.’

  ‘We watched you, anyone could see how much in love the two of you are and, apart from the disgruntled tabbies who’d hoped to entice you into an offer for daughter, the general opinion is one of forgiveness. Who can resist romance when so blatantly displayed?’

  He smiled at Ambrose and nodded to his wife who looked as well as she’d ever done – being in an interesting condition obviously suited her constitution.

  ‘I remember when you first met Sarah, Rochester, you never looked at her like that. I think you were fond of each other but there was no grand passion as there is now.’

  ‘I can’t deny the truth of what you say, my lady, I’d come to the same conclusion myself. It will be a stormy marriage but a happy one.’

  He spent a convivial half an hour with them and Sophia promised to inform Stanfield that Lucy had gone home. Duty done, he made his farewells to his friends and left the party. It was not quite dark so no danger of being waylaid by footpads as the pavements were still milling with other ladies and gentlemen in their finery on their way to their evening entertainment.

  He bounded upstairs and removed his evening clothes. Rogers had put out his garments for the morning but Edwin pulled them on now. It was too early to retire and he had no wish to lurk in his apartment. He had never wandered about the place in his nightgown and didn’t intend to start now.

  He retreated to the study where her grace knew better than to disturb him and sent for sandwiches and claret. With the windows open he could hear the last song of the blackbirds as they settled for the night and a cool breeze drifted in. He wrinkled his nose in distaste – he would never get used to the taint of London’s filth that made every breath unpleasant. There was a distinct chill in the air, but that was to be expected the first week of April.