“I don’t wish to hide anything from you.” He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles through her gloves.
She held his eyes and shook her head before continuing down the flagstone path.
∫ ∫ ∫
3 1
As Valiant clung to Anthony’s arm, she couldn’t help but recall the wish she’d made on the night of the Reddington Ball. That a man, one she cared for, would take her for a walk in a dark garden.
And she cared for Anthony.
As she glanced up at him under hooded eyes, she noticed an ease in both his demeanor and visage.
“I have never seen the gardens this way,” Anthony said. “They are always beautiful, but this is much more than that.”
“Yes.” It was tranquil yet exciting at the same time. “I’m sorry I accused you of being more than friends with Lady Goody.”
He shrugged and said, “I’m not even sure the lady and I are friends. She doesn’t actually like me, or rather, she didn’t until I brought her son home.”
Valiant could imagine that to be the truth. She’d have likely felt nervous around the man accused of killing her son, but with Mr. Goody’s appearance, there was little reason to fear anymore.
“So, are you done?” she asked. “With your search?”
He shook his head. “No, I plan to go out again and look for the others. I’m hoping I’ll find them around the same town as I found Mr. Goody.”
Yes. She had many questions about that. “Did he speak to you about why he’d stayed away for so long?”
Anthony shook his head. “I don’t believe he’s explained himself to anyone. He claims he simply needed time away, but I don’t believe that to be the truth.”
Valiant wondered if she’d learn anything about Mr. Goody tonight and if whatever he said would help them find Denhallow.
They approached a small opening where a table had been set. White linen, fine china, and candles glittered upon a table. It was enchanting.
The table was set for five. Lord and Lady Goody, along with Mr. Goody, were already waiting.
John Goody looked positively impatient, but his parents only smiled as she and Anthony stepped in front of their seats.
Throughout most of the succulent meal, John Goody remained silent and seemed to brood over his every bite. More than once, he shot daggers at Anthony, and Valiant wondered what that was about.
“My lady,” Lady Goody said. “Have you been enjoying the Season?”
“Oh, yes,” Valiant lied. She’d missed Anthony too terribly to have enjoyed the last few weeks. “It has been one wondrous event after another.”
Lady Goody turned back to her soup with a small smile. “Oh, I’m sure.”
“I did not see you at any events,” Valiant said.
Lady Goody shook her head. “I don’t venture out into society much.”
“Yes, what would be the point?” John said, staring down at his meal. “It isn’t as though they’d accept you.”
Lady Goody paled.
Lord Goody choked on his food.
John turned to Valiant. “The ton thinks very little of my family.”
“Surely, not all.” Valiant turned to Lady Goody. “You must come to the party we are having for Anthony, to celebrate him finding your son. I’ll make it my duty to introduce you to the most respectable women of the ton.”
Lady Goody’s color returned. “Thank you, my lady.”
“That is most kind.” Lord Goody beamed and then turned that warm look to his wife.
A moment passed between the besotted couple.
Even John seemed to relax after that.
Lady Goody turned to Anthony. “I’ve not had the chance to speak to you since John’s return to say more than thank you, but as I can imagine, John’s return has made life easier for you, has it not?”
“In a way,” Anthony said as he sipped his wine. “Of course, they no longer blame me for John’s death, but there are still the others.”
John’s eyes flashed, and he leaned forward. “What say you? The ton thought me dead?”
Valiant turned to him. Had the man been living the last seven years with both his ears and eyes bound? He clearly hadn’t read any of the gossip rags, but of course, most men didn’t.
But surely, his parents had said something since his return?
As if to answer Valiant’s thoughts, Lady Goody said, “We were working to find a way to tell John in the most agreeable light.”
“I didn’t know people thought me dead!” John cried.
Valiant asked him, “What did you think they’d believe when you went missing for seven years?”
John blinked. “I had heard… perhaps I was missing. I hadn’t actually thought anyone cared enough to make up a story.”
“Of course, they cared, John.” Lady Goody reached out and covered her son’s hand. “We all cared.”
John took his hand from his mother and looked at Anthony. “They thought you killed me? Yet here you are, a free man?”
Anthony lifted a brow. “There was no evidence of a crime. There was no body.”
John narrowed his eyes. “I’ve seen men suffer for smaller offenses. It is because you are a duke, and no one dares to blame a duke for anything!”
Anthony simply stared at him.
“John,” Lord Goody said. “I think the more important question is why you never thought to look back once you left.”
“Lord Goody,” his wife called. “Now is not the time.”
“When will be the right time?” he asked his wife plainly. He was clearly growing frustrated by the wait for answers.
“I didn’t look back because I was enjoying my time in the country,” John stated.
Valiant thought a change of subject in order. “Was the food in Stevenage as pleasant as it is here?”
Mr. Goody turned toward Valiant. “It was pleasant enough.”
“But didn’t you miss my cooking?” Lady Goody asked.
Valiant gasped. “You cook, my lady?”
Her son straightened in his chair and banged his fist upon the table. His face turned a red so dark it was nearly purple. “Mother, you do not tell a lady that you prepared a meal with your own hands. That is work for commoners.”
Lord Goody frowned. “John, calm yourself.”
John ran his fingers through his hair and remained silent, but he by no means calmed down. His nostrils flared in rage. Then he snapped, “This is the reason I didn’t wish to return. If both of you wish to continue on as a pair of bourgeois, then leave me out of it.” He stood and fled from the table.
“John!” Lady Goody stood.
Lord Goody took her hand, his face strained. “Sit, my dear, we have guests.”
Lady Goody looked conflicted. Her gaze moved around the table.
“Actually,” Anthony said. “I did wish to show Lady Beaumont the pond, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes.” Lady Goody took a breath. “Go. Take your time. I won’t be but a moment.” She rushed away before the last of her words could be said.
Lord Goody looked down at the table. “Forgive my son. He hasn’t been himself since his return.”
Anthony gained his feet and nodded at Lord Goody. “Don’t take this upon yourself, my lord. John is a man grown and able to make his own decisions. From what I know of your kindness and astuteness, I’m sure you were a good father to him. Take no blame for this.”
Valiant was surprised.
As was Lord Goody. He nodded his head and said, “Thank you, Your Grace. Please, enjoy the garden. Join us in the house when you are ready.”
A footman came and moved his chair, taking him back toward the house.
Anthony took Valiant in the opposite direction.
She spoke once they were away from the table and the servants who’d begun to clear the meal away. “What you said to Lord Goody was kind.”
“It was the truth,” Anthony said. “The man has always been pleasant. I know malicious men. He is not one of them. Perh
aps, he allowed his wife to indulge John far more than she should, but John got neither his foul temper nor ignorance from either parent.”
Valiant rubbed his arm when it went rigid. She knew where his thoughts had gone. “You’d have liked a father like him, wouldn’t you?”
Anthony nodded. “I can only hope that I am half the father that he is, though I fear I’ve my father within me.”
Valiant did not like that he thought that way. “From what you have said to me, I cannot imagine that you’d be anything like your father. You show no aggression to weaker beings.”
He moaned in the back of his throat and then nodded. “I suppose you could be right.” He glanced at her again. “Do you believe I’d make a good father?”
His question called for an answer that spoke to more than more than one question. To say yes would be to admit that he would make a good father to their children. To say no… “I think you’d make a wonderful father. And a good husband to someone else.”
He smiled and then suddenly, she was being yanked behind a tree.
Her back touched the rough bark.
And then Anthony was crowding her. His arms settled on her hips and prevented her from moving away.
A lantern was strung overhead, but its light barely penetrated the darkness and she only managed to make out half of the strong lines of Anthony’s face.
“I believe it is time for another lesson,” he said.
Her eyes widened, and her heart began to beat at a rapid pace. “A l-lesson in what?”
He moved close enough that his breath brushed her lips. “A lesson in arousal.”
She shivered. “I don’t believe that I do.”
He dropped his head to her throat. “I beg to differ,” he said against her skin right before he placed a light kiss upon her pulse. “Lesson number two.”
Her hands shot out to his jacket and gripped his lapel. She didn’t even bother to pretend that she planned to push him away. “Lesson number two?” she whispered. “What was number one?”
He smiled against her skin. “The first was that you are a very passionate woman whose body is willing and ready.” He ran his tongue up her throat.
Valiant barely managed to press her lips together before a cry broke out.
He kissed her collarbone. “Lesson number two.” He lifted his head and said, “Now we prepare your mind.”
“My mind?” She was dizzy with want.
He kissed her temple and then leaned back to meet her eyes. “You must prepare your mind. It, too, must be willing.”
She didn’t see that ever happening.
He smiled. His white teeth were visible in the dark. “Don’t worry. I know that lesson will take some time.”
“Are there other lessons?” she asked.
“Just one more.” He kissed her nose.
She slid her fingers up to rest on his shoulder and asked, “What is it?”
A silence fell between them.
Then he said, “Your heart.”
Immediately, that very part of her began to race.
He planned to prepare her heart to receive him?
Anthony said, “I’ve no idea how long that will take, but I’m prepared to work at it for eternity.”
Everything inside her melted and she sighed.
Her heart would not take an eternity.
It needed no preparation to receive him.
He was already there.
∫ ∫ ∫
3 2
Valiant was surprised by her visitor a few days later.
And no matter who’d come to visit, she’d decided she was very glad when they did.
If anything, guests meant the ringing of the keys from the pianoforte would cease for the time being.
Everly beamed up at her tutor. “Well, this session was much better than the last, I must say.”
The tutor, far too good and too wise to fight the duchess, put on a tight grin and nodded. “Of course, Your Grace. I believe, in time, you will be an apt player.”
Valiant stood as their guests came into the sitting room.
And was made glad to see Lady Goody… but surprised to see that Mr. Goody had joined them.
Everly’s tutor excused himself quickly, and Everly stood as Valiant introduced them.
Lady Goody asked Everly, “Are you learning to play the piano, Your Grace?”
John Goody cut in with a frown. “Mama, a lady of good breeding like Her Grace does not need tutoring. She clearly gained the talent years ago, just as every young woman of Society should.” John’s words held that air of contempt for his mother that was starting to irritate Valiant. It rubbed against her like pine needles.
Everly, unaware of the hate that the son had for his mother, said, “Actually, I am just starting to learn.” Which was clear to anyone in the vicinity who’d heard a single note that Everly had played. Surely, Mr. Goody had not thought Everly’s playing anywhere close to grand. “There were many things that I either refused to learn or didn’t have time to as a young girl. But I believe it to never be too late.”
Lady Goody easily relaxed in front of the duchess and it was only then that Valiant had realized how very stiff she’d been holding herself.
Valiant called for the tea and invited the guests to sit.
John took care to position himself in a strict posture that some older lords used to make themselves appear more distinguished. It did not flatter the young man, making him look quite pretentious. “I’m glad our discussion revolves around education. My mother lacks every attribute a true lady requires.” He looked at Valiant. “I had hoped you’d be able to help her ready for the party you so graciously invited us to in honor of His Grace, the Duke of Cartelle.” He said Anthony’s title without hiding his scorn.
Lady Goody was wringing her hands together, her face downcast. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Her words were soft. “I didn’t think it wise to take up too much of your time, though John did point out that I might embarrass you later on if you did decide to take me under your wing.”
Valiant shared a look with Everly.
And was not at all surprised to find her gaze narrowed at Mr. John Goody. Her own cheeks had turned red, not with embarrassment, but with undiluted anger.
Everly turned to Lady Goody. “Look at me.”
Lady Goody lifted her gaze.
Everly smiled at her. “Do you feel that position in your chin? That lift?”
Lady Goody nodded.
“Good,” Everly said emphatically. “For no other reason than to bow in greeting are you to ever lower your chin again.”
Lady Goody looked startled. She began to lower her chin, but then popped it up and said, “Yes, Your Grace.”
Everly then turned to Mr. Goody. Only antipathy remained for the man. “You may go.”
John seemed to hesitate but only for a moment before he stood. “Yes. Of course, Your Grace.” Then he turned to Valiant. “May I speak with you before I leave?”
Valiant didn’t wish to speak to him.
Everly spoke to her without taking her gaze off Mr. Goody. “Go and see that Mr. Goody is safely seen to his carriage.”
Valiant didn’t usually take orders, but she knew that in a moment Everly’s cold refinement would burn in a blaze of righteous anger. She was an advocate for women and did not take kindly to the easy dismissal of either their feelings or thoughts.
And in that, Valiant was in agreement with her.
Valiant showed Mr. Goody from the room and started for the foyer. She took on a brisk pace, wishing the man gone from her presence as quickly as possible. “How further can I be of assistance?”
The man crossed his hands behind his back. “Actually, I had hoped you would answer some questions for me. About Lord Cartelle.”
Valiant came to a halt and turned to him. “What about the duke?”
Mr. Goody smiled. “I’ve read every paper that I can get a hold of, but I’ve no one to speak to about my inquiries. My family is completely i
ncompetent and continues to treat me the same. I was hoping you’d be kind enough to answer a few of my questions?” He lifted a brow in hope.
Valiant balled her hands at her side. She’d take no more of his insults toward a family who clearly loved him. “Speak ill of your mother or father again and you will find your invitation to this home taken.”
Mr. Goody’s other brow lifted.
Valiant glared at him. “And I do not mean just to me but also to your mother. If she so much as hints to me that you’ve hurt her feelings again, I will make it so you’ll wish the ton continued to think you dead than the incompetent man who stands before me.”
He stepped back and put a hand on his chest.
She was not done. “I know your greatest wish is to be accepted as a gentleman but let me state that it is neither the suit nor the height of one’s hat that makes them a gentleman. It is his character, honor, and the way he treats those in his care. You have failed on every account.”
Mr. Goody sneered and leaned forward.
For a moment, Valiant felt a flash of fear, but she would not bow down to this man. “Your mother mourned her son, dared to beseech the aid of a man everyone thought dangerous, yet you throw her away as easily as stale bread. You are a fool and unless you correct your abhorrent continence, then you will never be respected by the ton. Never.”
He was ever closer. “Are you done, my lady?”
“Quite.” She turned to the foyer. “We shall see that your mother is returned home safely. You’ve no need to return for her.”
She gasped when his hand shot out and grabbed her.
John Goody stepped before her with eyes void of emotion. “I’ve not asked you my questions yet.”
Fear clogged her throat. She looked down at her arm with meaning before meeting his eyes again.
Slowly, he retracted his hold. “While away, I only read the newspapers from London and never had the inclination to read a woman’s rag until your visit to my home last night. I managed to get a hold of the silly women’s rags and have learned that many assumed Cartelle responsible for the disappearance of the Duke of Astlen, Marquess of Fawley, Earl of Ganden, and the Viscount of Coalwater. And even now, the Duke of Denhallow is nowhere to be found. I do not know the connections Cartelle had to any of the first men to have vanished. I do know that I did not know the duke in an intimate fashion before I left London. However, Denhallow is different.”
The Last Duke (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 17