“Son, I really do not believe you are recovered enough to go to a country ball,” the duke reiterated for the fourth or fifth time. “Your neighbors will certainly understand your not attending.”
“I’m fine, father. I hope you and Mother will come with me. I overheard Baron Upton inviting you the other day.”
“Why is this so important?”
“This is my first outing after regaining my sight. I can face all the curious at one time and get it over with.”
And see Ellie.
She hadn’t been able to visit, not with his parents in residence. He thought about her every day. The feel and taste of her haunted him. Were there any consequences to their actions? He needed—no, he wanted—to know.
His eyesight continued to improve and was now as good as ever. He’d hoped she would send him a message, but knew that wasn’t possible, either. Tonight, he intended to see her and talk with her.
“Booth, you make a fine valet,” Rafe said as he studied himself in the mirror.
The last week he’d spent much time outdoors, and his paleness had been replaced by tanned skin which the whiteness of his cravat intensified. His coat and trousers were a hunter’s green and his vest white with gold thread. Tonight, he appeared every inch the duke’s heir.
“If you insist on going, then your mother and I will accompany you. She thought I’d not be able to dissuade you. I’m sure she’s almost ready. Let’s go downstairs and have a glass of brandy while we wait.”
“We’ve missed dinner,” Rafe said as they stood in his study. “If we don’t hurry we’ll miss a good part of the dance also.”
“I shan’t keep you waiting.” His stepmother smiled from the doorway. “I’m ready.”
* * * *
Ellie hid behind a large fern and fanned herself. Lord Marshall and Turner had kept her dancing every set. Lord Turner had gone to get her some lemonade, and she took the opportunity to run away. Both men had suggested a walk outside, but she’d delayed the outing since she hadn’t decided which man’s offer to accept.
Lord Turner, a marquis, had been married once for a short time and lost his wife during childbirth. He was a quiet, plain, unassuming man, but noted as being intelligent and quite involved in political affairs.
Lord Marshall had never been married. He was much more social and an avid hunter. To Ellie there was not much to differentiate between the two men. Lord Marshall’s estate was closer to her parents’, and he and her father had many common interests.
She shrank further into the corner as she spotted Lord Turner looking for her. This was silly. Ellie started to move out from behind the fern when the crowd went quiet and everyone’s gaze went toward the entrance.
Ellie’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the tall, raven-haired man standing beside her parents and his. Rafe. His eyes roamed around the crowd, and Ellie hid again. Her hands went clammy and her stomach queasy at the thought of Rafe seeing her. Her new gown and hairdo had her looking her best, but she did not compare to the golden-haired, rosy-cheeked beauties gathered in this room.
Sliding quietly toward the french windows, she slipped out into the cool air and hurried into the darkness. The damp ground wet her slippers. She pulled her shawl close against the chilly night. All of her was cold, except her face where she was sure her cheeks glowed red with embarrassment. How could she face him after what they’d experienced together?
“Ellie.”
She heard his voice, and her heart sank. Spinning around she confronted him. “How did you find me?”
“Why were you running away?”
“I asked first,” she said and tilted her chin.
His laughter sounded loud in the quiet. “Always ready to defend. Your lovely gown caught my eye just as you flew out the door.”
“I did not fly. I walked calmly outside. It is much cooler out here. The ballroom had become quite stuffy.”
“At just the moment I arrived?”
“You are late.”
“Fashionably,” he quipped and started to advance toward her.
Stepping backward, her foot sank into a small hole, and she lost her balance. His quick hands caught her and pulled her body against his. Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed.
“Let me go.”
“You were pleading the opposite only a week or so ago.”
“I did not plead, and it’s very ungentlemanly of you to say such a thing.”
“I warned you when you came to my residence that there might be consequences. I’m not a gentleman all the time.”
She stared into his dark eyes. They seemed to capture the light from the stars. “It’s true you got back your sight?”
“As good as new. Come inside where I can see you better.”
“You’ve seen me many times before.”
“When you were a young girl, but not as the woman who came to me and pushed herself into my life.”
Heat flushed Ellie’s cheeks. “You’re embarrassing me. Go away. No one knows about us and there are no consequences. You are free to take up your life as if I’d never visited you.”
“But I am responsible for what happened between us. It is up to me to rectify my mistakes.”
Her heart sank at his words. She was a mistake? Well, she refused to have a man marry her because he felt he had a responsibility to her. She swallowed around the tightness in her throat.
“You do not have to worry. Lord Marshall has asked to court me and my father has agreed. He will make me a very proper husband. You can forget all about the silly girl who invaded your life. Pretend it never occurred.”
“You are going to marry me,” Rafe said.
“Why? Guilt is not a good enough reason to wed.” Ellie walked around him to go back inside.
“Wait.” He reached out and grabbed hold of her shoulder.
She flinched. Her bruise hadn’t gone away. She’d covered it with her shawl, but the soreness and discoloration still remained.
Rafe glanced at her, puzzled, then stepped up and pulled her shawl from her shoulders. “Booth told me you helped get me out of the fire. He did not mention your injury.”
“It is nothing.” Ellie pulled her wrap back around her.
“Saving my life is nothing? My parents would not agree.”
“No one knows or needs to. As I said you are free to pick up your life just as it was before you were injured.”
“Come with me.” He held out his arm.
“No. You go inside first. I don’t want anyone to see us returning together.”
Rafe clasped his hands around her cheeks and tilted her face toward his. “You will marry me,” he repeated then bent to scatter light kisses across her forehead, cheeks, chin, and mouth.
Ellie couldn’t stop the sigh from escaping between her lips. Rafe pulled her body tight against his. She felt the evidence of his desire against her stomach. Sadness overwhelmed her. That didn’t mean he loved her. He’d marry her out of obligation, and then she’d have to watch as he admired the beauties of the ton and began to regret his impulsive decision.
“You are not obligated to marry me.” She said the words to relieve him of any lingering guilt, but her heart ached.
“And how will you explain to your future husband that you are not a virgin.”
“He will never know.”
Rafe’s harsh laugh echoed in the still night air. Ellie glanced nervously at the french windows, certain people would look out and find them together. “Be quiet,” she whispered.
“Come inside. I need to talk with your father.”
“No.”
“Shall I tell him of your visits to see me or just ask for your hand?”
“Neither.” Ellie stomped away and went through the windows into the candlelit room. She swung around to face him when he followed behind her.
“Look at me. I am not what you want for your wife. I hate social obligations and I’m always getting into some faux pas. Think about what you are doing.”
&nbs
p; * * * *
Rafe studied her from her shiny, brown hair to her emerald eyes, sparking now with anger and a hint of hurt seen when he looked deeply into them. His gaze moved down to admire her soft, well-rounded figure. Her green and white gown emphasized her golden skin and lush curves. The young girl had grown into a beauty and didn’t know it.
Some might say she didn’t have the polished beauty of the golden ideal. But she was his gypsy, and he’d not let anyone else have her, whatever it took. He clasped her hand to lead her across the room to where her parents stood.
“Lord Upton, I’d like to talk with you regarding Miss Upton.”
Her parents glanced from him to their daughter. He swallowed the smile when he saw Ellie’s expression.
“Father, I’d prefer you speak with Lord Marshall first. I’ve tried to explain to Lord Leyland that I am all but engaged to Harvey, but he insists on meeting with you anyway.”
“And Lord Marshall is your choice for a husband, daughter?”
Her father eyed her speculatively.
* * * *
Ellie swallowed around the lump in her throat. Rafe did not love her. His upbringing made him feel obligated to her. She could not bear being his wife without his love.
“Yes, Father. Harvey is my choice.”
Her mother glanced from Ellie to Rafe before turning to her husband. “I have a suggestion. Since Lord Leyland has not had a chance to court our daughter, give both men the next few weeks to convince Eleanor of their sincerity.”
“An excellent suggestion, wife. I invite you, Lord Leyland, and Lord Marshall to meet with me in a fortnight and present your case. Eleanor will receive you both until that time.”
Ellie’s heart missed a beat when she looked into Rafe’s deep, blue eyes that shone with laughter and mischief.
“I will come tomorrow morning and take you for a ride and picnic.” He looked at the Baron. “With your permission, Lord Upton.”
“Fine.”
“This does not make a difference. I shall still choose Harvey,” Ellie whispered at Rafe.
“May the best man win.” Rafe swept her a deep bow and left the room.
Chapter Seven
“Eleanor,” her mother called to Ellie as she started up the stairs to her room. “Join me for tea.” It was not an invitation but a command. Her mother appeared worried.
Ellie followed her into the small sitting room. Outside the light had dimmed and cast shadows across the room. She shivered.
“Sit,” her mother said. She handed her a cup of tea. “Your father just came back from the village. He heard sad news.”
“What?” Ellie leaned forward in her seat. Please don’t let it be anything about Rafe. He had insisted on visiting the next day after the dance, but she’d not heard from him then or since. Lord Marshall had been here every day.
“Lord Leyland’s father died early yesterday morning.”
“But, he was at the dance just the night before and seemed fine,” Ellie protested.
“Apparently he fell ill that night. The doctor saw him. He seemed better then suddenly died a few hours later. The man who talked with your father said they suspect it was his heart.”
Ellie put down her cup and rose.
“Where are you going?”
“I have to see Rafe.”
“They’ve gone. Shortly after the duke’s death they took his body and went to the ducal estate. Your father will go to the services. We will visit later at a more appropriate time.” Her mother reached out and took Ellie’s hand. “I know you lied the other night. You care for him, but things may change. He is a duke now and must think about making a more advantageous match than to a mere baron’s daughter.”
“You are probably right, Mama. It was a foolish dream anyway. Lord Marshall will be an honorable and pleasant husband.”
Her mother chuckled softly. “What a damning statement. There is no need to make any quick decisions. We will wait until after we make a condolence call. If the new duke has decided to look at others for a prospective wife and you don’t prefer Lord Marshall, we will wait through another season for your decision. Your father and I do want you to be as happy as your sisters.”
Ellie excused herself and went upstairs. She stood at her window and stared in the direction of Rafe’s hunting lodge. He’d gone without even a note. Of course he must be very upset about his father. She was being selfish to expect him to write. The duchess must be distraught.
Mama was right. Rafe had different expectations put on him now. He’d merge his title and estate with a family that had comparable money and prestige. Everyone would expect him to do so.
Just when she’d hoped he did care and they might be happy together, fate stepped in and changed it all. Overwhelming sadness swept over her. She paced across her room. She had to get out of here. On impulse, she decided to go riding. After Trudy helped her change into her old riding habit, she hurried to the stables.
Fresh air blew across her face as she raced her horse over the fields. She didn’t think about where she was headed until she saw Rafe’s home come into view. She slowed. Already the place had that empty look. No smoke curled out of the chimney, and all the window drapes were closed. A hawk flew across the clear blue sky and dove suddenly to attack its prey.
She turned away and directed her horse toward the spot where they had picnicked. Nothing had changed. The falls splashed into the small pond, and squirrels ran up the trees at her approach. She stopped, swung off her horse, and tied the reins to a bush. She pulled off her boots and walked around the marshy edge and under the falls. This was her magical place. Closing her eyes, she breathed in. She’d swear she smelled Rafe’s cologne, felt his warm touch. Tears seeped around her closed eyelids. Anguish tightened her throat.
Enough. She opened her eyes and straightened her spine. Mama might be wrong. She had no intention of giving up, not yet. As her mother had said, she’d know more after their visit. Determined to push away her melancholy mood, she went back around the pond, put on her boots, and swung up onto her mare. Spurring the horse forward, she rode as fast as possible across the open areas between Rafe’s and her home. The wind dried her tears, and her spirits and determination rose. She’d do whatever it took to win Rafe’s love. She laughed at herself. Short of kidnapping him. She chuckled. And that might not be a bad idea.
* * * *
A month went by before Mama finally decided they might visit the duchess and Rafe. Ellie had been instructed to wear dark colors as appropriate to the solemn occasion. Ellie glared at her reflection in the mirror. She’d dressed in her long-sleeved blue gown. Her hair and skin looked dull.
“Are you ready?” Her mother stood in the doorway. “We’ll leave early. It is a good three hours’ drive and we want time to visit before we turn around and head back home.”
“I hate this dress.”
“You look lovely. Come along.”
Ellie followed her mother to the carriage and settled in for the long ride. How would Rafe receive her? The same question had gone round and round in her head last night, keeping her awake.
She’d tried very hard to keep her spirits up these past weeks, but now all her fears swamped her. Her whole life depended on one man’s reaction when he saw her. She’d tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter. If he chose another, she’d go to London for the season and find a husband. All the talking to herself had not seemed to help when faced with her imminent arrival at Rafe’s home.
They both sighted the manor house at the same time. “His home is beautiful,” Ellie said.
“Large and imposing as expected of a duke.” Her mother studied Ellie. “You must not let your feelings show. If he has changed his mind and is not interested, keep your chin up and smile. There’ll be time to cry afterwards, but you’ll still have your pride.”
Just her words made Ellie tear up. She blinked her eyes quickly. “I understand, Mama. You’re right.”
“I’m not worried for myself,” her moth
er said. She patted Ellie’s hand. “I’m concerned for you.”
Ellie nodded. She couldn’t speak through the tightness in her throat. The carriage moved along the curved drive and stopped in front of the large manor house.
Lady Upton had sent a letter. They were expected. The front door opened, and a footman came down the steps. He opened the carriage door.
“Welcome to Leyland Hall,” he said as he assisted them out and down the steps to the ground. Her mother took Ellie’s arm as they ascended the five steps to the front door.
A tall, thin butler motioned for them to enter the foyer. “I will let the duchess know of your arrival.” He turned on his heel and strode down a long passageway to the right.
Ellie studied the magnificent pictures hanging on the walls and the soaring ceiling above them. At the top, windows let in the sunshine. By a far wall, an armor suit stood as though ready to be donned. The light reflected off the silver plates.
“Follow me.” The butler directed Ellie and her mother down the corridor. At the end, he opened a door and announced them.
They entered a large drawing room. French windows covered the wall facing them and dark red drapes hung at either side. The light blinded Ellie temporarily. For a moment, she didn’t see the people sitting to the left of them.
The duchess came across the room. “Welcome, please join us. Our friends, the Templetons, surprised us with a visit.” She took Mama’s arm. “May I introduce my dear friend, Lady Templeton, and her daughter, Lady Lavinia? This is Lady Upton and her daughter, Miss Upton.” The duchess motioned them to sit. “The duke went out with his steward early this morning. He’ll be back at anytime.”
Ellie listened as her mother expressed their sympathy at the loss of the duchess’s husband. The duchess’s eyes darkened. Her hands clenched briefly, but otherwise, she maintained her proper decorum.
Lady Lavinia stared across at Ellie with curiosity in her expression. Ellie smiled pleasantly, all the while noting the woman’s golden hair and expensive, ornate, dark-blue gown. On her the color brought out her sky-blue eyes and smooth, white skin. When the duchess spoke to Lady Lavinia her smile warmed. Her reception to Ellie appeared cool. But perhaps that was Ellie’s own imagination.
Cameron, Paige - The Duke's Blind Temptation (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 6