Lord Love a Duke

by Renee Reynolds

  Bristol stepped to follow and make another comment when he was joined by his friends, the cousins Hertford and Aylesford. “You two could go back and forward all day,” commented the Marquis. “We shall save the remainder of the day for you ladies and gentlemen and remove this buzzing annoyance,” he added, grabbing Bristol by the arm and walking him away from the group and down onto the lawn.

  “I thought it my assigned duty to keep tabs on those two silly chits,” hissed Bristol, perturbed at being scolded and led away as a child.

  “It is, but the task can be done from afar. If you ride too close you will spook those mares,” counseled Hertford. “Let us join the general picnic and suffer in silent observation.”

  The trio of LOO members watched at a distance as Miranda and Juliet charmed their gentlemen attendants. The gentlemen were soon joined by the Duke and he followed the gazes of his friend to see the ladies and their escorts. “What are Dartmouth and Torrington about?” he asked as he began to glower at the exchange of laughter and smiles among the quartet.

  “It seems the Duchess has engaged those two gentlemen to accompany your sister and mine on today's adventures in strawberry picking. Not only am I forced to watch my sister for some nefarious plot-making, now I must do so while tramping about the strawberry vines, butterflies, baskets, and bonnets,” groused Bristol, his pride still stinging a bit from his earlier exchange with his sister.

  Jonas looked over the two couples and his eyes narrowed in deliberation. It seemed Lady Juliet was far too content to be on the arm of the Earl of Dartmouth if her smiles and demure looks were to be believed. For a lady who had just professed her abhorrence of marriage, she was certainly playing the part of an attentive miss with perfection. He crossed his arms over his chest and glowered at the scene. He paid scant attention to the subsequent arrival of his mother and her announcement of instructions for the day. Thus informed, the scattered groups descended the steps of the terrace to walk the approximate half-mile to the strawberry fields behind the house.

  Servants scurried to arrange multiple eating areas, laying them out under the trees to the south of the strawberry fields, while footmen proceeded to set up a large white canopy to cover the tables that would hold the huge array of lunch delicacies. The kitchen staff soon arrived to begin covering two large tables with a variety of cold meats, cheeses, breads, and cream for the berries. A light wine and lemonade would provide a refreshing thirst quenching when required.

  The guests moved into the carefully maintained rows of strawberry plants with the ladies picking the choicest fruits while the men dutifully held their baskets. Jonas could hear Lady Juliet's laugh as it carried on the wind while she obviously enjoyed her company. He barely spared a glance for his sister, not bothering to take notice if she held an interest in the Viscount, focusing his attention instead on her friend. His contemplation was interrupted by the Marquis of Hertford.

  “I suppose we should make an effort to aid those ladies without help in the fields. I see Lady Margaret and Miss Gates are going it alone.” None of his friends made a move, so he made it for them. “I nominate Bristol and Aylesford. All in favor,” he asked quickly, not bothering to wait for any responses before he concluded the matter. “Motion carries. Bristol and Aylesford will assist the friendless ladies while I go scout out the lunch provisions.” He left the group and moved toward the canopied area.

  “Blast that Hertford! He's too quick to volunteer others then make his hasty retreat,” grumbled Aylesford as he grabbed the Earl of Bristol's arm and drug him into the fields in search of their assigned maidens. The two shoved and tried to trip each other on the way, looking more like boys than the men their age would make them.

  The Duke remained oblivious to it all as his vision and thoughts were consumed with observation of Lady Juliet. Nothing in her manner was forward or improper, but he did not like the solicitous behavior of the Earl, nor the barely suppressed interest he saw there. The man was a rake and notorious flirt. Jonas grudgingly admitted to himself that Dartmouth did have some scruples and was not known to dally outside the demimonde, but Lady Juliet was enough to tempt any man. So deep in thought and growing irritation was he that he failed to notice the arrival of the Countess of Ashford when she appeared at his side.

  “Dorset, I fear the dour look on your face as you stare at your sister will do nothing to encourage the young bucks you have so carefully invited to pursue her,” she murmured for his ears only. Jonas started, dropping his arms and turning to face the dowager.

  “My lady, forgive me, I did not hear you approach,” he began after making a slight bow. “You mistake me. I am happy to see Miranda actually engaging 'the enemy,' so to speak.”

  The Countess's eyes searched his face as she considered her next words carefully. Jonas felt himself squirming under her stare. “Hmm. Your countenance was quite morose on my arrival and I naturally assumed it made you uneasy to watch your sister plotting her course to marriage. Whatever else could have made you so glum, Your Grace?”

  Jonas felt caught like a child, as when his governess discovered his collection of worms in the schoolroom quill box. There was no ready explanation, certainly no reasonable explanation, for his fixation on the two couples. Certainly not one he was willing to admit so early in the exploration of his new feelings. He imitated what he hoped was a sincere smile and prevaricated. “Perhaps you are correct, my lady. While I would like to see Miranda married and settled sooner rather than later, watching it so closely may be more difficult than I realized. I should occupy myself elsewhere and leave the visual chaperoning to my mother.”

  Again the Countess fixed him with a speculative stare but did not pursue the topic further. “Well, then. Take my basket and make yourself useful to me. I find I should like some strawberries today after all.”

  She linked her arm with the Duke's and they strolled into the fields opposite Miranda and Lady Juliet. Despite his declaration, Lady Ashford observed him throwing several glances toward his sister's group. Again she considered that the Duke had developed his own attachment at the mart, or was well on his way to developing one. She smiled secretly to herself at the thought of an alliance between Jonas and her own Juliet.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  There is flattery in friendship.

  William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 3, Scene 7

  Juliet decided she had found a kinsman in Reginald Legge, the Earl of Dartmouth. He was intelligent, good humored, and wickedly wry. He was a renowned rake of the first order but Juliet also knew he avoided all entanglements with innocents, preferring to keep himself to widows, actresses, and singers. Knowing he was no more interested in her than she with him made the time they spent together uncomplicated and vastly entertaining.

  “My lord, I must thank you and Lord Torrington for agreeing to our escort today. I know 'tis not your usual occupation.”

  “I object to your use of the word 'occupation,' Lady Juliet. I have worked tirelessly, you see, to avoid occupation of any kind in my life,” he admonished humorously.

  Juliet wrinkled her brow and pretended to find fault with his response. “So what term would you have me use? Activity? Pastime? No, none of these suit.” She tapped her finger on her bottom lip. “I know – diversion!” she pronounced triumphantly.

  The Earl threw back his head with a full laugh. “That sounds a very sketchy occupation to have, my lady. But I will own to 'diversion' as my favored nomenclature. You will find I rarely diverge from my usual diversions, yet even they are not so diverting as your company has proven.”

  “Oh, points for that bon mot, my lord,” Juliet replied with claps of appreciation and a mock bow. “I see I am in the company of true talent, and that must be shared. Come, let us join Miranda and Lord Torrington so that we may all laugh together.” She made to step nearer her friend and her companion but was stayed by a sudden pressure from the Earl on her arm.

  “Pray hold here a moment as I fear I must speak rather indelicately but I know you wi
ll respect, if not appreciate, my candor,” began Dartmouth in quiet tones. He inclined his head nearer to Juliet to keep his comments for their ears only. “It is not widely known, but I am on a clandestine search for a wife, hence the probable reason for my invitation to this party. I fear I need to dissuade Her Grace from placing Lady Miranda for my notice. I have the care of two younger sisters in possession of more hair than wit, with too little steadying and proper behavior to share betwixt them. I enjoy Lady Miranda's company and spirit but feel I must err on the side of stability and steadfastness in my choice of wife. I need someone with a strong hand and even stronger constitution to help me fight my battles.”

  Juliet's eyes widened at his plain speech but agreed silently that she could give credit for his truthfulness. She could not recommend Miranda as mentor to girls so similar in disposition and age either, and Miranda had no patience for the personality or actions of the elder of the Earl's two sisters, Lady Philippa. Juliet decided to match the Earl's openness and not dissemble. “My Lord, I understand your meaning and will gently steer Miranda's mother on a different course. I have to agree that your needs call for less enthusiasm than that which drives my dearest friend's every thought and deed. I wish you luck on your hunt, of which I will of course speak to no one.”

  The Earl turned to face her fully, so close that Juliet had to tilt her head up to see his face without the obstruction of her bonnet. She found his expression somewhat whimsical. “You cannot know how your words at breakfast earlier deflated my hopes for this house party. In my clandestine search I had begun to take notice of your character, your impeccable behavior, and your intelligence. Our interactions at this party have only strengthened my earlier impressions, with the added benefits of your impressive musical talents and remarkable wit. You have quite crushed me by outlining your fine reasons for not marrying.” He smiled wryly at her startled, wide-eyed look and brazenly drug a finger softly down her cheek. “Fear not, dear lady, that I mean to make an offer. I am not so enamored of matrimony myself. Unfortunately I realize that it must needs be done, for my family's sake. I would in no way attempt to sway you from the noble course you have laid out for yourself.”

  Juliet suddenly knew why the Earl was a successful rogue; he was rather a skilled flirt and flatterer. She was stunned into silence and flitted her eyes about nervously to avoid looking into his. She noticed they had drawn the attention of only one couple, the Duke and her aunt. The former scowled ferociously while the latter smiled with devilish delight. Juliet cursed fluently but silently and felt her face heat with a blush as she returned her gaze to Dartmouth. She opened her mouth to speak but he stopped her with a finger to her lips.

  “I am not in love with you, but I do admire you very much and felt we would rub along quite well together,” he continued, stopping to flash a wide smile that made his face even more handsome. He removed his finger from her lips and grabbed both her hands with his. “There are other suitable ladies upon whom I can prevail, so I am sure to make a match eventually. I felt the need to tell you not to close yourself off from matrimony, however. You have much to recommend you, and not just a pretty face or even prettier dowry.” He paused and the rogue returned in full force. “Although I will confess that those obvious enticements did make it hard for me to pass you by.”

  Juliet blinked in silence then burst into laughter, wrapping her arms around her waist as she shook from its effects. “You must be the most self-assured gentleman I have ever had the pleasure to know, my lord. You oscillate between pretty truths and flummery with such skill I am in awe to observe.” She stopped to take a breath and wipe a tear from the corner of one eye. “I have no doubt your pretty words and even prettier teeth will indeed find you a most suitable wife,” she added with a smirk, twisting his own final comment to give him a verbal pinch.

  “Shall we cry 'friend' and enjoy our day, then, my lady? It seems we understand each other well.”

  “So we shall, my lord.” She stuck out her hand jauntily for a manly shake but he instead bowed low and grasped her hand, feathering a delicate kiss on the tops of her knuckles. They both laughed at this and began to pick strawberries in earnest for some several minutes before Juliet was suddenly struck immobile by an idea she must voice.

  “My lord, as you are not interested in my dearest friend, for reasons we both agree, what say I pique your interest with a worthy candidate? I know you have been introduced to Miss Harriet Shaw, but I am not sure you are aware of how perfectly she fits your requirements. You know already that she is very comely but that most consider her of the bluestocking varietal. She is indeed intelligent but also very unflappable in nature and has experience with children, having three younger siblings. For the cream on the top, may I also make you aware that her family owns a sizable amount of Lancashire?” drawled Juliet. The Earl was suitably intrigued and they proceeded down the row together, heads bent close as Juliet imparted more confidences. Both remained oblivious to the continued attention of the irritated Duke of Dorset and the delighted Countess of Ashford.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  A kind heart he hath: A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.

  William Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor, Act 3, Scene 4

  The Duchess of Dorset had quite cunningly arranged the blankets for seating in groups of no more than four in effort to promote more intimate discussions while still maintaining propriety to the letter. It was thus that Juliet was able to easily contrive the grouping of Miranda and Viscount Torrington, who seemed to be getting along swimmingly, and the newly reintroduced Earl of Dartmouth and one Miss Harriet Shaw. Juliet smiled secretly, silently congratulating herself as a budding matchmaker as she gathered her food choices from the bountiful spread under the canopy. Upon accepting a glass of cool lemonade from a server, she glanced around for seating arrangements of her own and was somewhat dismayed to see few agreeable options. She sensed a presence coming from behind and turned to see the Duke.

  “Do you have a seat already selected, Lady Juliet, or may I ask for the favor of your company?”

  “You may, as I have no prior engagement and would enjoy lunching with you, Your Grace.”

  She saw his eyes light up with some unknown glint and relinquished her plate to him as he offered her his other arm. Juliet placed her hand lightly on his forearm and was struck again by the tingle that raced up her skin from merely touching him. She vowed to think on her strange reaction later, determined now to savor the beautiful weather, enticing food, and new role as marriage facilitator. They wended their way through the trees to a blanket located at the edge of the seating area, somewhat removed from the nearness of the other guests but still in view of all eyes. He set her plate near his own and helped lower her to the ground. He then settled himself near enough that she could feel his heat and smell the scent she had come to identify as his, yet they shared no physical contact.

  “I see this adventure of Mama's has not diminished your appetite, Lady Juliet,” he began as she arranged her skirts modestly.

  Juliet could not stop the laugh from bursting out at his comment. “Is that your delicate way of remarking on the great quantity of food occupying my plate, Your Grace?” she teased in amusement, pointedly glancing down at her delicacy-laden platter. She was surprised to see both of his cheeks flush at her question.

  “Good Lord, no,” he stammered, “I mean, please forgive my indecorous speech and unconscionably rude comment. I only meant to observe that the heat and effort expended today seemed in no way to cause you any difficulty.” He blinked and seemed flummoxed. “That is to say, you seem to have enjoyed your morning.” He ended his painful speech with a muttered oath that Juliet had to strain to hear, but made her smile nonetheless.

  “I must apologize, Your Grace. I only teased the wording of your statement, not your obviously kind sentiments behind it. For some reason, I find myself saying things quite before I think them through when I am in your company. It is most vexing to be so rid
iculous,” she added with a self-deprecating grimace.

  He blinked at her several times and Juliet felt she must have made him terribly ill at ease. She inwardly cursed her loose tongue and vowed to be more judicious and decorous in his presence. The silence began to feel unbearable when he ventured to speak again.

  “I feel the same way, my lady. You are the most intelligent, most talented person I have ever known, and I sometimes feel intimidated just by your presence. I find it funny, in a pitiable way, mind you, that I have been able to find my way verbally sparring from my father's seat in the House of Lords, yet my little sister's friend can often leave me struck dumb.”