20150618 A Midsummer Night's Kiss epub final

by And Then the Moon) (epub)

  Finally, the sound of clattering hooves sounded outside.

  “Don’t even think about rushing to the window,” Mama said. “No matter how eager you are to see him, you must never let him know.”

  “Why not? I should think he would be pleased to know that I am anxious to see him again.”

  Mama shook her head vehemently. “Never reveal feelings that can later be used against you.”

  Mama had spent a lifetime attempting to moderate Papa’s behavior, but Madalene had no intention of ever marrying a man who would treat her with such a lack of regard. She would rather be alone, which was a good thing since it was quite likely to occur.

  “I do worry about you making such a hasty decision. What if Lord Alstead is not the man you think he is?”

  “Don’t fret, Mama. You can see for yourself in just a moment.”

  Madalene kept her eyes trained on her book as footsteps approached. They stood to greet him. Once Portman introduced Duncan to Mama, Madalene allowed herself to meet his startlingly blue eyes. A sizzle of awareness shot through her. Somehow, he seemed taller and broader in the bright light of day than he had last night. She belatedly set her book on the table next to her and Duncan glanced at the title.

  “Lady Madalene, how lovely to see you again.” He bowed low over her hand and continued to hold it as he turned back to Mama.

  “Lady Gilmanton, it is such a fine day, I brought my curricle in the hope that you might allow Lady Madalene to ride with me in Hyde Park.”

  “Of course, my lord.” She rang the bell and asked the maid to fetch a bonnet for Madalene, likely thinking he wished to propose to her in private. As soon as the maid returned with her bonnet, they were off to the park.

  Rather than allowing the footman to do it, Duncan assisted her in entering the curricle. Though they both wore gloves, the heat from his palm penetrated to her hand, infusing her with warmth. He slipped each of the horses a piece of sugar as he passed in front of them, then walked to the other side of the vehicle and settled in his seat. A man who was kind to animals was likely kind to humans as well. Not that she doubted his integrity, but it was another sign of his character.

  Once he set the horses walking, she said, “It was an excellent idea to bring your curricle. Now we may speak freely. How was your audience with my father?”

  “It went about as expected, though I gained the impression that he did not think you would accept my offer.” He raised a brow.

  “How absurd. Though I suppose I did tell him yesterday that I had yet to meet any viable prospects. But of course, we only met last night.”

  “Yes, well, I thought it would be prudent not to mention that, but he asked where we met and I could not lie. Nevertheless, he gave his permission, so all is well.” He turned and shot her a heart-stopping smile.

  Madalene grasped the side of the curricle as Duncan dodged around a dog that had run into the street.

  Once the road was clear, he eased the team into a trot. “If you are still amenable to our arrangement, we can move forward with our plans.”

  “Yes, of course I am.” Suddenly feeling awkward, she turned away from Duncan.

  He reached over and took her hand. “Don’t lose your courage now. We are only just beginning.”

  It wasn’t that she was losing her courage. It was that she may have miscalculated the outcome of her scheme. She might be able to delay her father’s plans for her for one more season, but what then? There still wouldn’t be anyone who wanted to marry her, and she was no longer certain she would survive the heartache of seeing Duncan happily settled with another woman. What had she been thinking? She was only postponing the inevitable.

  Duncan squeezed her hand. “Madalene, are you unwell?”

  “No. No, I’m fine.”

  “I noticed that you were reading Gulliver’s Travels.”

  She nodded. “I had odd dreams last night about being attacked by the Lilliputians. Of course, Oliver would make short work of them.”

  “And who is Oliver?”

  “My cat.”

  He turned toward her. “You have a cat that lives inside your house?”

  “Of course. He mostly keeps to my chamber. Mama does not appreciate him clawing her draperies.”

  “That I can understand. But it doesn’t seem the sort of thing your father would allow.”

  “He has little interest in the activities of the household. As long as his needs are met, he is satisfied.”

  Duncan pulled back on the reins and slowed the horses to a walk as they entered the park. He might as well just give the horses their heads as there was no danger of them moving any faster than a walk. It seemed that all of London had decided to partake of the sunny afternoon.

  He turned to look at her. “How shall we proceed from here? I must admit I awoke to feelings of guilt over deceiving your parents. What if your father will not allow you to cry off?”

  She hadn’t thought of that. “There isn’t much he can do if I publicly announce I am breaking our engagement.”

  “What reason will you give? If I am unable to emerge with my reputation intact, I will not be able to marry at all.”

  This was becoming much more complicated than she had originally thought. And more painful. “I shall come up with something that won’t paint either of us as a villain.”

  “Or you might end up stuck with me.”

  She turned to meet his eyes. “There are worse fates.”

  Holding her gaze, he said, “Then we are in agreement? We are officially betrothed?”

  If only. “Well, yes, as far as everyone else is concerned, we are.”

  He continued to study her as if searching for the answer to an unasked question.

  Several moments passed before she averted her eyes and removed her list from her reticule. “I’ve made a list of potential brides for you.” She glanced around at the crowd. “A few of them may even be at the park now.”

  “Let’s concentrate on securing our marriage arrangements before we move on to matchmaking.”

  “But…this was our agreement—for me to help you find a suitable wife.”

  “It hardly seems a fair trade. I don’t seem to be doing much in return.”

  “You have no idea what a relief it is to have my father’s focus on something else, regardless of how long my reprieve lasts.” She unfolded the paper and flattened it against her lap.

  “Madalene, I meant it when I said I wanted to wait to start discussing my prospects. This is all a bit much for me. One thing at a time, please.”

  “Very well. Then you may as well take me home.”

  Placing his hand over his heart as if he had been injured, he said, “I beg your pardon. You don’t wish to spend the afternoon with your intended?”

  “My apologies, my lord. It was not my goal to injure your pride. But if there is nothing for us to discuss, I don’t see the point in—”

  “What is your favorite book?”

  He raised his brows and she couldn’t help but laugh. “It changes with my moods, but for now, I have to say The Mysteries of Udolpho. What is yours?”

  He cast his eyes skyward. “It’s so difficult to choose just one. May I pick two?”

  Biting back a giggle, she shook her head.

  “Then I’ll have to say The Odyssey.”

  It wasn’t a bad choice, but not necessarily what she would have expected from him. Something more whimsical would suit him better. The heaviness of his scrutiny caused her cheeks to fill with heat.

  “Is there something wrong with my choice?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “No, of course not. What is your next question?”

  “You mean I have to come up with all of the questions?”

  “Yes, because you are the one who chose the topic.”

  “So that’s how it’s going
to be. Let’s see…favorite opera?”

  “The Marriage of Figaro.”

  “Can there be nothing between us that doesn’t involve marriage?”

  She turned to him, but he was in jest. His mischievous grin sent her stomach fluttering. “I await your answer.”

  “The Magic Flute.” He steered the horses toward a shady area under the trees. “Favorite color?” he called over his shoulder as he climbed from the curricle and lifted the hoof of one of his horses.

  “Blue.” The exact shade of blue as his eyes. “And yours is?”

  “Brown,” he said without hesitation.

  “Brown?” She frowned. “How can your favorite color be brown?”

  He dropped the horse’s hoof and looked up at her. “I’ve recently developed a fondness for it. Especially brown eyes with a touch of honey in them.”

  Her face flooded with heat yet again. She could only imagine how flushed she was given her pale skin. How did he know she had been referring to his eyes?

  “Madalene?”

  She spun around. “Anne. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” She was on horseback, her always impatient older brother lurking behind her.

  “I could say the same for you.”

  Anne was one of the ladies she thought might be a perfect match for Duncan, but she had intended to discuss it with her before suggesting it to him.

  “Have you been introduced to Lord Alstead?”

  Anne’s eyes became impossibly wide. “Yes. Last night, at the ball.” She nodded to Duncan. “How do you do, my lord?”

  “I am well, thank you, Lady Anne.” He turned and acknowledged Anne’s brother. “Derry.”

  “Alstead.” He nodded to Duncan. “Anne, we need to be getting home.”

  Anne rolled her eyes at Madalene. “I’ll call on you tomorrow. It appears we have much to discuss.”

  Duncan glanced up at the sky and Madalene followed suit. The dark clouds that had been on the far horizon earlier had moved much closer.

  “We’d best be on our way if we’re to avoid the rain.” He handed her into the curricle and dropped onto the seat beside her.

  Unfortunately, it seemed that everyone in the park had been caught unawares and was also leaving at the same time. They moved at the speed of a turtle.

  After glancing about at the crush of people and horses, Duncan said, “I’m beginning to see why my cousin sold the townhouse in favor of staying in Hampshire. Is London always so crowded?”

  “I’m afraid so. But the delay will give us time to discuss some of your prospects.”

  “You’re not going to rest until I allow you to begin your matchmaking, are you?”

  “Probably not,” she admitted.

  “Very well. Who do you have in mind?”

  “Lady Anne. She is my closest friend and I think you two would get along well.”

  “I’m not sure—”

  Thunder boomed, and before she knew what was happening, Duncan had shoved her roughly against the seat and lay on top of her.

  “Ooof.” Her breath exited in a rush. His breathing was labored and his weight pressed into her, preventing her from moving. “Duncan?”

  There was no response from him. His eyes were wide and unseeing. She wiggled until she was able to free one arm. Placing her palm against his cheek, she tried to reach him, to bring him back to the present. “Duncan, it’s just thunder.”

  He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I forget where I am.”

  She brushed his hair back from his face, just like she would to soothe a frightened child. “It’s all right.” The warm weight of him and his citrus scent wrapped her in a cocoon of contentment she never wanted to escape.

  He leapt up abruptly. “No, it’s not. Are you injured?”

  “I’m perfectly fine.” She sat up and smoothed her skirts. A quick glance around did not reveal anyone paying undue attention to them. Everyone seemed focused on getting out of the park before the rain started.

  Duncan resumed his seat and picked up the reins. A muscle twitched in his jaw, but he did not speak.

  Since they were still moving at the pace of a snail, Madalene pried his left hand from the reins and held it between her palms. Despite their gloves, it was cold in contrast to hers. Sweat beaded on his forehead though the air was no longer warm. She rubbed her fingers over the top of his hand, and after a few moments, he flipped his hand over and clasped hers.

  “I’m so sorry. Are you certain I didn’t hurt you?”

  She shook her head. “I am fine. I understand that you were trying to protect me, not injure me.”

  “It’s just…sometimes something happens…a loud noise, a certain sound, and it transports me back to the battlefield. I’ve been having fewer and fewer incidents lately, but clearly I am not yet fully recovered.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I imagine it is of the utmost importance to respond quickly in battle, so your actions are justifiable and even desirable from a strategic standpoint.”

  “Thank you for your understanding.” Lifting her hand to his mouth, he kissed her wrist above her glove, sending a frisson through her.

  Content simply to spend time in his presence, Madalene hoped the congestion wouldn’t clear too quickly.

  Chapter Seven

  Even though he had invited him and had therefore anticipated his presence, Duncan had never been more pleased to see Colebrook. Not only had he been a loyal and resourceful soldier, but he had grown up in this world into which Duncan was trying to fit. There was no better man to help him survive the evening surrounded by Madalene’s family in their box at the Theatre Royale, Covent Garden. Of course he had been to the opera before, but never in London or at so grand a theater.

  “Are you ready?” Colebrook asked.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be, I imagine.”

  “Now would be a good time for me to give you an inspirational speech.” Colebrook debated for a moment. “Huzzah.”

  Duncan laughed. “A battle cry is strangely appropriate in this situation.”

  “Well then, tally ho. Let’s go defeat the wily old fox.”

  Colebrook led the way up to the Gilmanton box. “Just stay focused on your lovely intended and ignore her father. If you are tempted to respond to his taunts, consider how incensed you would become if one of your men retorted when you issued him a dressing down.”

  Duncan nodded as they scaled the final staircase and proceeded to the box. Though Gilmanton was not his superior in the military sense, he certainly viewed Duncan as inferior to him. Of course, he imagined Gilmanton viewed most everyone as his subordinate.

  “Mr. Colebrook, Alstead.” Gilmanton offered them a curt nod as they entered the box. Duncan sought and quickly located Madalene at the front of the box, engaged in conversation with an elderly lady with whom he was unfamiliar. She hadn’t noted his arrival, which was fine with him as it afforded him the opportunity to watch the play of emotions across her expressive face.

  Lady Gilmanton approached. “Lord Alstead, there is someone I would like you to meet.”

  “Of course, my lady. I am at your disposal.”

  She led him to an elderly man in the back corner of the box. “Your Grace, I’d like to present Madalene’s intended, Lord Alstead.”

  Duncan bowed.

  “Lord Alstead, it is my pleasure to present His Grace, the Duke of Weare, who also happens to be Madalene’s grandfather.”

  “I understand you were a major in the army before coming into your title,” he said.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “Very good.”

  Gilmanton shouldered his way over to them. “Your Grace, has my lovely wife told you that Alstead has newly come into his title? In a fortuitous series of events, he inherited from his cousin.”

  “I assure yo
u I would prefer that the late Lord Alstead was here with us to carry on the title himself.” He did not understand why Gilmanton was so preoccupied with how he acquired his title. Being born to the second son of a noble was hardly an unusual occurrence, and he certainly had no control over it. Though his family had chosen to stay in the country and avoid London, he was far from being an outcast. If Gilmanton was so unimpressed with him, why had he given his permission for Madalene to marry him? It didn’t make sense.

  A whiff of jasmine assailed him as Madalene took his arm and inserted herself into the conversation.

  “You’ve done well to choose a soldier, Madalene. They have much more sense than most of these bucks ascending to their titles these days.” The duke glanced at Gilmanton in a manner that made Duncan think perhaps he was not so enamored of his son-in-law. Interesting.

  “I agree. It is also a happy coincidence that Lord Alstead’s estate shares a short border with Gilmanton Place, so I shall never be far away from my family.”

  Gilmanton straightened his coat. “Yes, a happy coincidence indeed.” His steely eyes focused on Duncan, and he sensed an undercurrent of something having to do with the two estates. Perhaps a visit with his solicitor was in order as he had also served his cousin and would be well versed in any issues that may have come up with Gilmanton.

  Madalene tugged on his arm. “Come, I’d like you to meet my grandmother before the opera begins. She won’t admit it, but her eyesight is failing so she prefers to sit in the front row.”

  Duncan had no objection to sitting in the front row as it was currently the furthest point away from Gilmanton.

  Madalene quickly performed the introductions.

  “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I now know who Madalene inherited her beauty from.” He winked at her and she blushed like a young maiden.

  She turned to her granddaughter. “Charming and a military man. You’ve made a wise choice, my dear.”

  She sat next to her grandmother and he took the seat next to Madalene, warmed by the knowledge that Madalene had spoken about him with her grandmother. While the two ladies chatted, he glanced at the program. The Magic Flute was the opera scheduled for that night. He doubted it could be a coincidence. Madalene must have remembered that it was his favorite.