“Then be off and make me more money,” William said with a laugh.
The butcher gave him another bow, rushed back inside, and was soon back to chopping a large portion of what Marianne assumed was a side of venison.
Marianne pursed her lips, but she used the conversation to ask the question that burned in her mind. “So, you spoke with the Dowager Duchess?” she asked nonchalantly as they returned to their leisurely stroll. He nodded, and when he did not elaborate, she continued. “It appears it went well? With her, I mean.”
William stopped and turned toward her, and for the first time she saw a scowl on his lips that he directed at her. “She is a kind woman, lovely and misunderstood,” he said with a touch of anger behind his words. “I will be doing business with her in the future, so you may as well acclimate yourself to it.”
His sharp words brought tears to her eyes. She blinked them back but not before he noticed. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Marianne, I am sorry. Please understand that I am under great pressure. But I still should not have spoken to you in that way.”
She nodded. “I am simply worried for you,” she said.
“I know, and I can assure you that the woman only has my best interests in mind.”
Somehow, his words did not encourage any more now than they had before. She did not believe William would fall for the woman’s charms of seduction, but he could be led as easily as a lamb to slaughter, for he was much too new to the ways of the aristocracy—and women such as the Dowager Duchess of Durryham.
“We are having a dinner soon,” William said as if the previous incident had not taken place.
“We?” Marianne asked.
“Well, I am hosting it, of course, but it was Sofia’s idea.” The fact that he referred to the woman by her Christian name did not escape her notice, although she said nothing on the matter. “You and your family will be invited. In fact, I already told your father of it earlier when we were talking.”
“I look forward to it,” she said absentmindedly.
“I want you to wear those jewels,” he said as he flicked the chestnut-sized pendent. “Now, come, there is something else I want to share with you.”
***
Their leisurely stroll soon became a quick walk, and Marianne worried she would stumble as they made their way to the cobbled street. This time as passersby looked at him, she wondered what they truly thought, for she noticed more scrutiny on their faces than earlier.
William must have sensed her thoughts, for his words spoke directly to her heart. “I do not care what they think,” he said. “It does not matter, nor does it concern them. It is what we know that matters.”
She nodded. He was right. She had never been one to be concerned for the thoughts of others, so why should she begin now? “I agree. I forgot that rules are meant to be broken.” She smiled up at him and her mind turned to when they had met in the library that final night before she returned home. The memory held a feeling of freedom, and she would not deny him, or herself, that feeling again. “Now, tell me, why are we standing in the middle of the street?”
“All of these shops,” he said as he spun around in a circle, “are mine. That is, I own them, buildings and all.”
Marianne stared around her in shock. She had never realized how vast his wealth was, but it was great, indeed.”
“My grandfather and the Dowager Duchess had plans to expand, to bring in new shops and businesses for the village. It was his dream, one which I will continue, for I believe he wished to give everyone the chance for employment.”
“I am proud for you,” Marianne said as she placed a hand on his arm. “You have already made great gains that I could never have imagined possible, especially in such a short time.”
He stared down at her. “It is because of people such as yourself that I have become the Duke who stands before you. The Duke that people look to, admire, and strive to be like.”
Marianne shook her head, confused at his words once again. “I do not understand.”
He laughed, and the sound hurt her, for it was as dismissive as the words which followed. “There is no need to try to understand the ways of a Duke,” he said. “Sofia told me as much. But know this,” his smile widened into a grin, “like the butcher, many here need their Duke to be strong and to be a great leader. One who will allow them to have peaceful nights of sleep. Do you not see, Marianne? That is my role as a Duke; I must hold my head high, to let them stare in awe and whisper about my deeds. For it is that which I can provide that will make them happy, and in that endeavor I will not fail.”
“I…that is…good,” Marianne said, unsure as to how to respond. He had indeed changed, for she had never seen this side of him, nor had she had an inclination that he had been thinking as such.
“With you on my arm, and Sofia’s wisdom as a Dowager Duchess guiding me, there is no doubt I will become a far greater Duke than my grandfather could have ever dreamed of being.” He took her hands in his. “All I need to make my life complete is to know you believe in me, as well. Do you believe in me or do you not?”
Worry coursed through her veins, and she considered advising him to take another look at himself, to see that he had changed. As she had suspected, the Dowager Duchess seemed to have taken some sort of hold on him, for the way he spoke of himself and the burden he wished to place upon himself for the village was beyond what could have been expected for any one man, even one in his position.
However, peering into his eyes, she saw the man for whom she cared, and she found herself nodding, a smile on her lips. “I do believe in you,” she said. It was not an untruth, and perhaps she was being hasty in her judgment of him. “And I will remain by your side.”
“That was what I needed to hear,” he said, offering her his arm. She slipped her arm through his. “Now, come, let me introduce you to a few more people, and then you may purchase a new dress in the dress shop I also own.”
Chapter Fifteen
William came to call on Marianne twice in the following two weeks, and she was delighted. During the first visit, they remained in the parlor as rain beat against the window, discussing the latest books they had read.
They had strolled through the gardens when he called the second time, and it was as they walked and he told her of his various meetings that she realized that, despite the happiness she saw in his eyes and heard in his voice that he was able to call upon her, the stress of his new role was clearly taking its toll on him. His tired appearance only emphasized it even more.
Now she stood beside her parents amongst the other guests in the foyer of Silver Birch Estates as William made a grand entrance down the stairway. His dark tailcoat complemented his hair, and the air of confidence that he exuded was catching. Yet, like the previous two times she had seen him, there was a tiredness around his eyes, and his jaw, which usually held a smile, was tight.
To her left stood the Dowager Duchess, wearing a light-blue gown with silver threads embroidered throughout and a neckline that was much too low for a woman of her age. Beside her stood Lord Matthew Campbell, the Earl of Wipford, and his wife, Lady Lydia Campbell. On the other side of Marianne’s parents stood Lord and Lady Dowding, the Marquess of Bronstoke. Both were silver-haired and hard of hearing, but Marianne found the latter couple to be endearing, unlike the former who looked down upon Marianne and her parents as if they gave off some sort of foul odor.
William came to a stop at the bottom step, his gaze running over each of them, although he paused and his solemn face lit up when his rested on Marianne.
She returned his subtle nod and hoped that the green gown she had purchased specially to wear with the jewels he had procured for her would please him. It appeared it did, for he gave her an appreciative smile before he broke the gaze and began to speak.
“Distinguished guests,” he said in that authoritative tone he used as of late, “I am happy you have joined me this evening, for tonight we celebrate the relationships we have formed
over business.” He had a complete speech prepared, which he had given her as a form of practice, and she found herself staring at him in awe. Gone was the gardener who spoke without thinking, and in his place stood a Duke so noble, it took her breath away. A gentle nudge from her mother broke Marianne from her thoughts as the guests followed the Duke into the dining room.
The long oak table was beautifully set with crystal wine goblets and a large candelabra in the center, the flames of a dozen candles flickering in it. A footman pulled out a chair for her, and within what seemed like only a few breathes, the women were seated. Beside her sat the Countess of Lesterly, who stifled a yawn, her powdered wig sitting on her head in the fashion of the previous generation.
Soon, all the guests were seated, and William, who had remained standing, looked over them once again.
“In times past,” he said in that formal tone he had adopted, “the Duke’s guests were few, and those who sought his ear would often find the wait long. Each of you may rest in knowing that I am here to listen to whatever needs you may have.” He retook his seat and signaled to a nearby footman, who in turn signaled the other footmen.
Marianne found William’s speech odd and she glanced at her mother to gauge her reaction. However, the woman stared straight ahead, showing no sign of her thoughts. As the footmen poured the wine, Marianne’s father spoke up.
“Your Grace,” he said in a simpering tone that made Marianne cringe, “to be in your home is indeed an honor. To do business with you is yet another.”
William laughed, which caused her father to redden considerably. The Duke raised his glass to her father. “Blithe, always seeking to win me with his words,” William said. A few people gave awkward chuckles. “Do not worry, for you are the first and only man without title I will allow in my home, which should tell you how much I favor you.”
Marianne clenched her fist as the Dowager Duchess let out a laugh. Although her father was prone to excitement when it came to discussions of business, the fact this woman found humor in what William had said angered her. She took a sip of her wine to cover the scowl that spread on her lips.
Lord Dowding asked in his elderly, quaking voice, “Is it true that Your Grace is expanding our village to add new businesses?” When William went to reply, the old man held a hand to his ear in order to hear better.
“Indeed,” William replied with a proud grin. “The Dowager Duchess and I are planning to build and bring about not only new employment for our residents, but also wealth to those who do business with me.”
Marianne glanced around the table to see how they would respond to such an announcement and was annoyed to see that each and every one of them, including her father, wore admiring smiles. The men discussed their ideas for what types of businesses should be included. Then William stood and silence fell around her.
“There is someone I would like to recognize, for she has brought me great joy over the past few weeks.”
Marianne’s breath caught in her throat even as pride washed over her. This had come as an unexpected privilege. She knew he found her opinions important, but not to the point where he would recognize her in such a public fashion.
“I am sure you all know the Dowager Duchess of Durryham. Not only have we begun work on my village, but we are also planning to expand in the areas of agriculture. Which is why I have invited you here tonight, for you will be allowed to join us in this great adventure.”
Marianne could only gape at the man. His town? They would be allowed? His arrogance knew no bounds!
“His Grace is much too kind,” the Dowager Duchess said, red-cheeked, although Marianne suspected it was forced. “Like his grandfather before him, his eye for business is great, and I would like to be the first to officially welcome him to Chertsey.
Applause erupted around the table, and Marianne offered a weak smile when William glanced at her. The conversation around them continued as each course was brought out, and she found she could not wait for the evening to end. All week she had looked forward this night with great anticipation, but truth be told, now that it had arrived, she was not enjoying herself in the slightest.
“His Grace speaks to you,” the Countess whispered, and Marianne shook her head to clear her thoughts.
“William?” The moment the name left her lips, she regretted it. A collective gasp resounded in the room, and all went so quiet that the only sound to be heard was the light rustle of skirts as a few of the woman readjusted in their seats with clear discomfort.
William stared at her, his jaw clenched and a redness to his cheeks.
“I am sorry, Your Grace,” she said in a near whisper.
“It appears that dinner has become too formal,” he said, the irritation in his voice sharp and cutting to Marianne’s heart.
She attempted to express her sorrow with her eyes as the footmen collected their plates, but William turned away and began a conversation with the Earl.
Dinner progressed, but Marianne found her appetite had deserted her. William continued to converse with those at the table, keeping the topic of conversation on himself and his self-worth, and those around her had nothing but praise for him.
Marianne, however, said nothing. She had clearly upset him and wished to make it right, but how did one do such a thing? Well, it certainly could not be done at the dinner table, so she would have to wait for an opportunity to present itself.
Once dinner was completed, the men resigned themselves to remain to partake of a port William explained was the finest vintage in the world.
Marianne went to follow her mother to the drawing room, but William came up beside her and leaned in close. “Meet in in the gardens in ten minutes.” His voice was neither angry nor happy, and that only cause her sadness to grow.
***
The Countess and the Marchioness sat talking on the settee, and the Dowager Duchess sat in a chair across from them, a sly smile on her face. Although Marianne had never felt such anger as she felt in this woman’s presence, she had thoughts of strangling the woman. Well, maybe it was not as serious as that, but the malevolence the woman radiated was stifling. However, what upset her the most was the way the woman smiled at William and the manner in which she lavished praise upon him. Granted, jealousy was a large part of it, but a feeling of protection overshadowed that by far.
“You look unwell,” Marianne’s mother said as she came to stand beside her. “Do you need to lie down? Or are you still upset at the slip of your tongue?”
“I am,” Marianne admitted. “I feel foolish.”
“Do not worry. It was a mistake and I have complete confidence that His Grace will look past it.”
Marianne sighed. “You are right. I need some fresh air to clear my embarrassment. Will you excuse me?”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Would you like me to accompany you?”
“Oh, no,” Marianne said quickly. “I will be fine on my own. Enjoy the company here. I will only be out on the veranda.”
This seemed to ease her mother’s mind. “Then go, clear your mind,” she said with a smile. “But do not be out for too long. You do not even have your wrap.”
Marianne kissed her mother’s cheek and then headed to the gardens, hoping that William was not already there waiting for her. Closing the door behind her, she crossed the veranda and walked down the path until she came across William, who was indeed waiting for her, looking up at the night sky. She stood silently at his side for several moments, and when he said nothing, she decided it would be up to her to smooth the wrinkle she had brought between them.
“I am sorry for what I did,” she said, hoping he would have a willing ear to hear the sincerity of her voice. “It was not my intention to embarrass you.” He remained silent but gave a sigh. “William, please forgive me.”
He turned toward her, his face showing a half-smile. “Your apology is accepted,” he said. “However, you must never make that mistake again.”
Alarm built inside her
at his words. Had he changed so completely that his every word was an admonishment when it was not a self-fawning?
“To do so in front of these guests is one thing, but imagine those of even better standing. We are fortunate that Sofia understands your position.”
My position? She thought as her anger rose once again. “Is our relationship based on what Sofia thinks of me?” she asked as tears stung her eyes. She cared not that she used the woman’s given name; if he was to use it, then she would, as well. “Must I meet her approval in everything I do?”
William shook his head as he took her hand in his. “No, of course not,” he said and sighed again. “Marianne, I am tired, confused, and I find myself angry at the smallest things. I wanted this night to be perfect.”
“I understand, and it was until I ruined it.” A lone tear rolled down her cheek, and to her surprise, he brushed it away with his thumb.
“To the contrary, you are the one who made it perfect. Your dress with the new jewelry, just your presence alone has brought me peace.” He gave her a small smile, and she recognized that he was indeed tired. “Forgive me for my sharp words; I did not mean to upset you. It is I that has failed.”
“No, you are not failing. I still worry for you is all. With Sofia always…”
He cut her off. “It brings me joy to know how much you care and understand, for I care for you greatly.” This made her smile, and he kissed her hand. “Can you make arrangements for Julia to chaperone us once more?”
“I am sure she would be happy to,” Marianne replied. “When should she be available?”
“This coming Saturday,” he said. “I will come for you at noon, and we shall enjoy time together, away from all this.” He waved his hand toward the house, and the man she had come to care for with such tremendousness could be seen in his eyes once more.
“I would like that,” she said, all the anger and anxiety she had carried outside with her now floating away into the dark expanse of the sky above them. Then, looking into his eyes, she raised herself onto the tips of her toes and touched her lips to his.
Regency Hearts Boxed Set Page 35