The Duke's Ward (The Reluctant Duke Book 1)

by Fenella J Miller

  Lord and Lady Whoever seemed inordinately pleased that they'd come despite their late acceptance of the invitation. There were not that many dukes in the country so he supposed even one not born to the job was better than none at all.

  He nodded, smiled and bowed when appropriate and was heartily sick of the whole business by the time they were able to move towards the ballroom.

  This space had been decked out in all manner of frills, furbelows and flowers for the evening. It looked quite ridiculous in his opinion. The quartet at the far end of the room was tuning up and sounded like four cats in a bag.

  Then he remembered that all he needed to do was look down his nose and walk like a soldier. His lips curved and he couldn't quite hide his amusement.

  Amanda had her hand through his left arm, and walked proudly beside him and tonight her limp was imperceptible. Sarah was on his other side, equally beautiful and equally proud.

  'I'm glad you're no longer scowling, Richard, you look less formidable when you smile,' she told him.

  'Am I looking down my nose sufficiently to impress the other guests with my importance?'

  Sarah giggled and hid her face behind her fan.

  Amanda smiled. 'I was jesting when I said that as you very well know. Mr O'Riley has found us an excellent place where we can keep an eye on things without being trampled on by those wishing to dance.'

  Sarah was the only one amongst them who seemed excited to be there. Patrick looked as uncomfortable as he did and neither Amanda nor Miss Westley appeared enthusiastic about prancing around the ballroom.

  'Is this considered to be a ball or just an informal dance?'

  'To be honest, I'm not sure what this is,' she replied. 'I'm not aware that it's to launch a hopeful daughter on the marriage mart and I can't recall exactly what was written on the invitation, can you?'

  The ladies had now settled like colourful birds upon the frail gilt chairs set out around the edges of the room. If he or Patrick attempted to sit on one it would collapse beneath them, no doubt causing much hilarity to those watching and embarrassment to themselves. Tonight they must both remain on their feet.

  Miss Westley overheard and with a polite smile entered the conversation. 'They have twin sons of marriageable age and this event is in honour of them reaching their majority.' She gestured with her head towards two identical, dark-haired spindly youths in violently striped waistcoats which clashed horribly with their black evening dress.

  Sarah spoke from behind her open fan. 'I do hope I don't have to dance with either of them. I've decided that when and if I do take a husband it will be to a much older gentleman like yourself, Richard, not an unformed boy like those two.'

  He choked back his laughter at being referred to as an older gentleman. 'A wise decision, sweetheart, as I'd not let either of those jackanapes anywhere near you.'

  'It's a sad crush in here already and I fear it will get worse once the dancing starts. Why on earth have they not opened the doors and windows at the far end to let some fresh air in here?'

  'Patrick and I can do that for you, Amanda…'

  Her eyes widened as if he'd said something unpardonable. 'No, you cannot do such a thing. Servants open windows not dukes.' Her smile made him want to take her in his arms. 'And anyway, it's not our business to interfere with the running of the household. It would be the height of bad manners to demand that windows are opened the moment we arrived.'

  The musicians, if one could call them that, struck up a lively air and the two young men, for whom this event had been put on, led out a pair of matching, insipid young ladies.

  'Do I dance with you first, Amanda, or your sister?'

  'I have precedence as I'm the eldest so I suppose it must be me.'

  'I'll remain with Lady Sarah, my lady, so you may join a set with a clear conscience.'

  He was about to hold out his hand and lead her forward when the hostess sailed towards them with half a dozen eager young, and not so young, gentlemen behind her.

  Each of these hopeful suitors was introduced to Amanda and Sarah and he didn't like the look of any of them. One thing he did know, as she had explained it to him, was that if he gave his permission for his charges to dance then they must accept the first gentleman that asked them. If they refused to dance with anyone suitable then they could not dance for the remainder of the evening. The ridiculous rule meant Sarah had the unenviable task of dancing with one of those that had just been introduced.

  She looked to him for guidance and he selected the least objectionable of the six. 'You have my permission to dance with Lord Sydney, Lady Sarah.'

  She held out a hand to this gentleman and he took it eagerly. The disappointed went in search of other partners but would no doubt return.

  *

  So far Amanda hadn't detected any sideways glances or disapproving looks from those assembled. Did this mean that their mother had changed her mind or that any malicious gossip had yet to spread?

  'It's so long since I've danced in public that I fear I might trip over my feet and will tread on your toes, Richard.'

  'As long as I don't step on yours we've nothing to worry about.'

  The other couples eager to join a set moved aside to allow them to take the third place in the first set, behind the twins.

  'I wonder which of them will inherit the title and estates? It must be a bone of contention to find that someone identical to yourself, but born a few minutes earlier, gets everything and you are left with nothing.'

  'Personally, I think one should be able to leave one's money and title to the most deserving in the family rather than the eldest.'

  'I seem to recall from my history lessons when I was a schoolgirl that hundreds of years ago brothers murdered each other in order to inherit.'

  'That's a different thing entirely. However, in other cultures the reigning king, sultan or whatever, did have the choice – no doubt this too led to assassinations.'

  Despite his dislike of dancing, being partnered by her made it an enjoyable experience. It was a simple country dance and neither of them had missed a step. When the final chords died away, he bowed, she curtsied and he then turned to escort her to the safety of their companions.

  The chairs were empty but a footman stood guard over them. He grinned and sloped off when they arrived. Richard looked around and saw Patrick returning with Miss Westley and they both looked remarkably pleased with themselves.

  Amanda was already seated and he stood behind her so he could speak without being overheard. 'I didn't know he could dance – not something a sergeant major is required to do, unlike an officer. I wonder where he learned the steps?'

  'Miss Westley taught him. I know this as I was asked to play for them. As he was going to be escorting us, he wanted to be proficient and not draw attention to himself by being unable to take a turn on the dance floor.'

  Sarah had scarcely arrived at their side before she was off again with another of those she'd been introduced to earlier.

  'Do I have to dance with anyone else?'

  'You must dance with Miss Westley and I shall dance with Mr O'Riley. Then you must dance with Sarah but I don't see why you have to mingle any more than that.'

  'I intend to dance with you a second time – I believe that's allowed?'

  'As I'm already considered fast because I'm wearing emerald green instead of a pastel shade, I hardly think it matters how many times we dance.'

  'My dear Lady Amanda, I beg you, do not break the rules on your first appearance. I'm sure you don't wish to add fuel to the fire that her grace might be starting.'

  'Thank you for reminding me, I'll not upset the tabbies further. On that subject, I've not noticed other guests viewing us with disfavour – have you?'

  'No, not at all. In fact, they could not have been more conciliatory and friendly.' Miss Westley smiled shyly at Richard. 'For the first time in my life I've been treated as if I deserved to be in this company. I do believe that being a member of your party, your grace, h
as raised my status somewhat.'

  Mr O'Riley nodded vigorously. 'This is the first grand event I've attended and I must say that it's not as unpleasant as I'd expected it to be.'

  Amanda laughed. 'Good heavens, sir, one must not say such things in company. One might think them but not express them out loud.'

  Richard's fingers tightened on the back of her chair. What had alarmed him? She looked over her shoulder and saw a handsome gentleman with dark hair and even darker eyes approaching them. He took one look at her escort's forbidding features and turned away as if going somewhere else entirely.

  'That unfortunate gentleman was coming to ask me to dance with him. Now you have denied me that pleasure, your grace. I thought the object of this exercise was to demonstrate your good nature, good breeding and good gracious...'

  He stared at her as if she was speaking in tongues and then followed the direction of her anguished glance. Mama was approaching like a burgundy ship in full sail, and from her expression it wasn't a friendly visit.

  They were all standing when she arrived. As others were watching Amanda curtsied politely as did her sister and Miss Westley. Richard and Mr O'Riley bowed. Mama merely nodded.

  'Good evening, your grace, would you care to join us?' Richard said smoothly.

  Mama raked him from head to toe and found him wanting. Amanda braced herself for some sort of tirade that would be the main topic of conversation at every breakfast table the following morning.

  'I came to tell you, sir, that I am leaving. I do so because I have no wish to be in the same establishment as yourself.'

  He nodded. 'How kind of you to walk the length of the ballroom in order to inform me. I shall have a list of our future engagements sent to your present domicile so that in future you may avoid another meeting.'

  There was little point in trying to reason with this woman who was like a stranger to them. Amanda dipped again as did the other two and then her mother stalked off with a rustle of silk and bombazine.

  There was a collective sigh of relief that the confrontation had been no worse than it was.

  'Thank goodness Mama didn't raise her voice. I think what happened might well have gone unnoticed,' Sarah said.

  'I hate to disabuse you, my dear, but everyone within earshot heard every word. It will be common knowledge now that the Dowager Duchess of Denchester is at odds with her family.'

  *

  'Is there anything we can do to remedy the situation, Richard? Perhaps things would improve if you reinstated her allowance.'

  'That isn't going to happen. Your mother's becoming a hardened gambler and I must take a stand now if matters are not going to be out of hand in the future.'

  'Quickly, dance with Sarah before the twin with the purple and gold waistcoat arrives to ask her to stand up with him.'

  'Then it will fall to you to dance with him instead. If that's your wish, then I'll follow your command.'

  Sarah needed no second bidding and was at his side in an instant. As they walked to join another set, she whispered to him. 'I'll dance with one other gentleman as well as Mr O'Riley, you still have to dance with Miss Westley, then we can go home, can't we? Please tell me we don't have to stay until supper?'

  'I fear that we do. We must brazen it out as if nothing untoward has taken place, as if the public falling out with your mother is a commonplace occurrence and nothing that bothers us.'

  By the time he and Patrick had danced with all three of the ladies in his party the guests were beginning to drift into the supper room. Miss Westley had gone ahead and reserved a table for them.

  The food might have been delicious but he scarcely noticed. He was as eager as the others to leave. They made their farewells to their host and hostess, nodded and smiled to any who looked their way and finally escaped from the over-perfumed atmosphere and heat of the crowded ballroom.

  Two footmen from his house were waiting to escort them across the square with flaming torches. The girls rushed off together leaving him and Patrick to walk behind.

  'That was an experience I'd prefer not to repeat, your grace. I can't fathom why some folk want to spend every night at an event like that.'

  'Unfortunately, my friend, we're committed to three similar occasions each week that we're here. Just be thankful we don't have to accompany our ladies on morning calls, or be in the drawing room to receive visitors when it's their turn.'

  'For all her bravado, as far as I could discover her grace hasn't spread any unpleasantness about you.'

  'I think that her dramatic departure was meant to indicate her disapproval. I intend to leave it for a few days and then offer an olive branch.'

  He received a letter by express early the following morning that put the irritating business of her grace out of his mind. He was urgently needed at Denchester Hall and had to return there at once.

  He quickly penned a note to Amanda explaining where he'd gone and that he'd return as soon as he could. Then he sent for his man.

  'You must stand escort in my stead, Patrick, I'll be back by the end of the week, hopefully. I'm going to travel post – exorbitantly expensive, but can't be helped.'

  'You can be assured, your grace, that I'll take the best care of your charges in your absence. Miss Westley suggested that we take a drive in the park later this morning.'

  'I think that Lady Amanda will prefer to ride. You will accompany her on my gelding – Lady Elizabeth and Lady Sarah will be safe with Miss Westley in the carriage as long as you remain alongside.'

  Richard dealt with the problems that had occurred when the builders had begun to demolish the main structure. The reclamation of the materials to use in the new building was proving time-consuming and difficult. After discussions with the architects he decided it would be simpler in the long run to start afresh.

  'Just save what you can, but getting on with the work is paramount. I want my new home ready for occupation by the end of next year at the latest.'

  His factor, knowing he would be there, arrived with half a dozen other matters relating to the estates. One was of great interest to him.

  'The tenant for Radley Manor has left and the house is now unoccupied, your grace.'

  'Take me there – it's somewhere I've not yet visited. As Denchester won't be ready for occupation for a considerable time I need to find somewhere else to live meanwhile.' What he meant, but obviously wasn't going to say, was that he wanted an estate where he could start his married life with Amanda.

  Radley was perfect. Larger than the Dower House but of more recent construction so needed little doing to it to make it ready for his new bride. There was ample room for his future sisters-in-law and their retainers and a separate annex which would be ideal for Patrick. He intended that his mother-in-law remain in the Dower House where she belonged.

  He was relishing the peace and quiet of the countryside but knew he must return to his duties in Town. He hadn't enjoyed travelling at breakneck speed in a post-chaise and was determined to ride his second gelding back to London. It would take a day longer but would be worth it as then Patrick would also have a decent mount to ride when he went out.

  He was woken by a thunderous knocking on his bedchamber door. He was awake and out of bed instantly, he snatched up his bedrobe and flung open the door. The butler, more or less dressed, handed him a letter on a silver salver that had arrived by express.

  Richard,

  You must return at once. The most dreadful thing has happened and Beth now finds herself compromised. The young gentleman concerned, the oldest son of Lord Eastham, one of the twins we met the other night, mistook her for Sarah.

  I cannot bear to write any more. I beg you, come immediately.

  Amanda

  Chapter Fifteen

  During the first two days of Richard's absence Amanda was relieved that nothing alarming took place. They attended a musical evening – which was quite excruciating – and both made and received morning calls. There had been no word from their mama and the house seemed
empty with both of them gone. The only drawback to these proceedings was the fact that both of Lord Eastham's twins were now pursuing Sarah. Her sister was no more than polite to either of them but they were proving most insistent. She would be relieved when Richard returned and put a stop to their pretensions.

  Beth was enjoying the few excursions she was allowed to take and no one who didn't know the circumstances would have thought her anything but a lovely young lady, not yet out, enjoying the events of the Season that she was allowed to attend.

  On the third day Miss Westley approached with a suggestion. 'There's to be a firework display at Vauxhall Gardens, Lady Amanda, this evening. I was wondering if we could attend as long as Mr O'Riley and two footmen came with us? Lady Elizabeth is desperate to go and so I agreed to ask you.'

  'The weather's perfect for an outdoor excursion. I see no reason why not. I believe that we need to book a booth where we can have supper and watch in privacy. As long as we don't wander about with the crowds, then I'm sure that his grace wouldn't object to us going.'

  'Do you wish me to make the arrangements, my lady?'

  'Yes, that would be splendid. Miss Bennett is due to arrive at any moment and I've the difficult task of explaining the present circumstances and discovering if she still wishes to be in her grace's employ.'

  Her mother's companion was suitably shocked by the revelation of what had taken place. 'Forgive me, my lady, but as long as I can have a good reference, I'd much prefer to terminate my employment. Whilst I was away I was fortunate to be offered another post, that of companion to a delightful old lady I've known for years. Of course, if things were as they should be, I wouldn't even consider accepting it.'

  'I'll write your reference now, Miss Bennett, and wish you every happiness in your new position.'

  The meeting ended with both satisfied with the outcome. Amanda had also paid the back wages owed and included an extra guinea to pay for travel. She was eagerly anticipating the visit to Vauxhall and both her sisters were overjoyed to be going.