by S. G. Rogers
“Cavendish has taken great pains to hide his identity for some reason,” Wesley said. “I trust you’ll keep his confidence.”
“You’ve my word as a gentleman.” Mr. Ley signaled the waiter for another round of drinks.
“Where’s Miss Christianson now?” Wesley asked. “I’d like to meet her.”
“You already did, lad, on the way in.”
On the cab ride back to his Belgrave Square townhouse, Wesley was pensive. From the moment he saw Lord James Overton’s photograph, Wesley had debated with himself on how to approach Cavendish. His instincts had always told him there was more to the valet than he was willing to disclose, but the reality was much larger than Wesley had imagined. Part of him wanted to ignore the information altogether, so as not to pry into the man’s affairs. And yet, can I pretend as if nothing has happened? Outside of an overwhelming urge to help Cavendish in some way, Wesley was consumed with the need to know why. What would cause a man to abandon his title, fortune, and identity in favor of a life of servitude?
Cavendish had not yet returned from his afternoon off when Wesley reached his house. After he deposited the newly acquired engagement ring in his bedchamber, Wesley went down to the drawing room for a stiff drink. Just after five o’clock, Cavendish appeared. His cheeks were flushed from his recent walk, and his eyes were brightened by the exercise.
“Millicent said you wished to see me, sir?”
“Yes, come in and have a drink, Cavendish.”
The man chuckled. “Although I appreciate your regard for me, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a duke to drink with his valet.”
“Have it your way, then. In that case, I’ll have a drink with Lord James Overton.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Belle at the Ball
CAVENDISH’S SMILE FADED. “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t know who you mean.”
Wesley waved off his attempt to dissemble. “It’s no good, Cavendish. I saw your photograph at the Explorer’s Club.”
Several long seconds passed.
“You’ll have my resignation in the morning,” Cavendish said finally.
He turned to leave, but Wesley bounded from his chair and caught the man by the sleeve. “I don’t want your resignation, I want the truth.”
Cavendish freed himself from Wesley’s grasp. “I don’t appreciate your snooping into my business, as you Americans say.”
“I didn’t snoop! As a matter of fact, Mr. Ley is a member of the Explorer’s Club, and he figured out who you were first.”
“Nevertheless, if my service has been satisfactory, that’s all you should have been concerned about.”
“I can’t force your confidence, but after what we’ve been through together, I just want to understand.”
Cavendish held Wesley’s gaze a few moments before nodding. “I suppose I owe you that.”
He closed the drawing room doors, went to pour himself a brandy, and then turned to face Wesley.
“When I was a few years older than you are now, I was cocky, arrogant, and convinced of my own superiority. My best friend Archie and I were a team, out to conquer the world. We were also the terror of London debutantes…until the season that Miss Esmé Christianson came out into society. Archie and I both fell madly in love with her, and were rivals for her affection for a short while. To his credit, when she chose me, he was gracious about it. We largely went on as before until I got it into my head she harbored a secret admiration for him. Archie was a strapping, good-looking fellow, and I envied him. It was unfair and unjustified, but I blew up at them both. Archie went off and got himself killed in Africa, and I held myself accountable.”
“How could it have been your fault?” Wesley asked, bewildered. “He was murdered by a poacher.”
“I should’ve been there for him! He was always there to watch my back, and because of my jealousy I let him go off on his own. It was then that I realized my money, the barony, and my position in society meant nothing. I pensioned off my long-suffering valet, Cavendish, gave my title and estate to my younger brother, and went off to seek redemption. My life as a valet was a chance to be useful, teach myself humility, and perhaps improve my character a little.”
“The man I see before me bears no resemblance to what he may have been thirty years ago. Isn’t it time to resume your former life?”
“Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know how to begin. Besides which, I’m quite contented with the way things are. There’s a great deal of satisfaction to be had in serving others, and I do it well.”
“What of Miss Christianson?”
“I’m past my prime and would hold no attraction for her whatsoever. At any rate, she’s most certainly spoken for.”
Wesley shook his head. “She’s unmarried and very handsome. I met her today.”
A shadow passed over Cavendish’s face. “Esmé was the most dazzling woman I’d ever beheld. I was never quite sure what she saw in me.”
“She’s still dazzling, Cavendish.”
“Be that as it may.”
“I can’t predict whether you could successfully rekindle your romance, but I’ve noticed women flock to you.” Wesley grinned. “You’ll never know unless you try.”
“Stop it, lad!”
His heated reply took Wesley aback.
“Don’t you realize how many nights I’ve lain awake, torturing myself with what could have been?” Cavendish exclaimed. “I’m not worthy of her and I never will be! Please, let’s not discuss it further.”
“You’re wrong, Cavendish, but you’ll hear no more about her from me.”
Cavendish put down his brandy snifter. “Do I still have a position as your valet?”
“Only until you can train your replacement.”
He averted his eyes. “I understand.”
“You must have a loftier position and a raise if you wish to continue working for me. How does Master Tutor sound?”
“It sounds very well…but why not simply discharge me? You’ve every reason.”
“We’re family, Cavendish. As far as I’m concerned, you may work for me as long as you desire. By the way, what should I call you now that I know who you are?”
“You may call me James, if you like.”
“And I would prefer if you called me Wesley.”
“As you wish. It’s time for you to dress for dinner, Wesley.”
“I’ll be along directly.”
James bowed and left the room. Wesley frowned at the emerald green absinthe cocktail in his hand before draining his glass. James has more than paid the price for any slights he may have inflicted thirty years ago. I won’t rest until he takes his life back completely—even if I risk losing his friendship.
Caisteal Park had been buzzing with activity for days. The Van Eycks and Egermanns arrived the afternoon of the ball, and after they’d had tea, everyone went to their rooms to dress for the party. Louise and Stephen stayed behind for a few minutes to speak with Wesley.
“Promise you’ll give us a more extensive tour of the place tomorrow?” Louise begged. “It’s so terribly splendid.”
“We’re going to be here a whole week, Louise,” Stephen said. “Perhaps Wesley can spread out the tour over several days to prolong our excitement as long as possible.”
Wesley gave Stephen a reproving glance. “It will take several days to see the entire estate, and it’s worth it.”
Stephen clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Undoubtedly. What I’ve seen so far has been superlative, and I’m extremely jealous.”
“And I’m extremely anxious to see Annabelle,” Louise said. “I can’t wait to show her my new ball gown.”
“After all that’s happened, you’re most concerned with a dress?” Stephen asked.
“Not most concerned, no.” Louise giggled. “But I do want her to see it, nonetheless.”
Wesley escorted his friends to their rooms and continued on to his own. Since he had been unable to hire another valet on such short notice, James had con
tinued with his duties. He’d laid out Wesley’s formal attire for the evening, with a black tailcoat and matching trousers, a white waistcoat, white dress shirt, and a white bow tie. Wesley bathed and donned his evening clothes, but as the time drew near for him to go down to the ballroom, he was beset by nerves. While James expertly tied his bow tie, Wesley took a deep breath to calm his jitters.
“Worried about the ball?” James asked.
“No, I’m sure it will go off without a hitch. My mother has done a marvelous job coordinating everything, and I’ve never seen her in finer form.”
“Then what is it?”
Wesley’s gaze slid to the sparkling engagement ring resting on the dresser. “I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before.”
“Stiff upper lip and so forth,” James said. “You’ll do fine, lad.” He used a clothing brush to brush Wesley’s shoulders.
“It’s going to be fun, introducing you as Lord Overton tonight.”
“Your friends only know me as Cavendish.”
“My friends don’t really know you at all, do they? Tonight will be your coming out party, and the ladies are counting on you as a dance partner.”
“Speaking of which, I must go dress.” James paused before he left. “You know, I’m rather looking forward to being myself for the evening.”
“It doesn’t have to be just for the evening. You’re a legitimate baron, and you can take your barony back.”
He chuckled. “I’ve already written a letter to my younger brother, informing him of my decision. He’ll be extremely put out when he reads it.”
“Lord Henry Overton blackened your name quite fiercely when Mr. Oakhurst contacted him for a reference. I take it you two don’t get along?”
“Henry has always viewed me as the sole obstacle to his happiness. If I compensate him handsomely for his loss, however, that might waken his brotherly affection.”
“I don’t understand. Didn’t you already give him the entire estate?”
“Only a small fraction, actually. He owns our father’s house, and I arranged for him to have a reasonable sum, paid annually.”
Wesley gave him a look of astonishment. “Are you telling me you’re wealthy?”
“I was distraught thirty years ago, Wesley, not out of my mind. I’ve got enough money for twenty lifetimes.”
“Why you sly boots! You could’ve paid your own way across the Atlantic, couldn’t you?”
“I believe I mentioned in our interview that I was exceedingly economical.” He gave Wesley a wink. “I’ll see you at the ball.”
With her father on one side and her grandfather on the other, Belle sailed through the entrance to Caisteal Park. Even from the courtyard, she could hear the sounds of an orchestra playing chamber music. Anticipation lent energy to her steps.
“This is my first real ball,” she said. “I’m very excited.”
“You’re quite the beauty,” Mr. Oakhurst said.
“Thank you, Papa! I expect no other girl has two distinguished escorts like I have.”
“You flatter me, Annabelle,” Mr. Heathcliff said. “But I would prefer you cover your bodice with your fan at all times.”
“Oh, Grandpapa! Aunt Meg picked this gown out for me, and I intend to do it justice.”
Belle’s pearl-encrusted gown was fashioned of ice-blue tarlatan and satin, with a pointed waist and low square neckline. A small Napoleonic ruff drew the eye toward her décolleté, which was barely covered by a modesty piece of gathered tulle. The slightly puffed sleeves, trimmed with satin ribbons, ended just above the elbow. Long white gloves covered her hands and lower arms, and a simple pearl choker completed her jewelry.
A footman escorted the trio to the ballroom, where Wesley and Lady Frederic were receiving their guests. When Belle caught sight of Wesley, her heart soared. He possesses not only the demeanor of a gentleman, but also the appearance of a prince. I’ve never seen anyone look more handsome.
Wesley took her hand in his. “Welcome, Miss Oakhurst.”
She dipped down into a low curtsy. “Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace.”
He didn’t release her hand right away. “Please save the promenade and first waltz for me.”
“Gladly.”
Wesley greeted Mr. Oakhurst and Mr. Heathcliff, and Belle turned to Lady Frederic. Wesley’s mother wore a black and pink striped gown with a pointed bodice and full, puffed sleeves made of chiffon. A generous number of jet beads and sequins on the fabric sparkled under the lights.
“Good Evening, milady,” Belle said. “You look lovely.”
“As do you, Miss Oakhurst. Thank you for helping me with the guest list. I’m so pleased with all my new acquaintances.”
As soon as Belle entered the ballroom, Louise hastened over. She wore a gorgeous white broché voile fabric gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline that made the most of her pale complexion and smooth skin.
“It’s so good to see you, Annabelle,” Louise exclaimed. “I thought my gown was pretty, but now that I see yours, I feel like a mouse.”
“Nobody could possibly mistake you for a mouse, Louise. You’re splendid.”
“Oh, you’re so nice. I got your letter about Sir Errol, and you’ll have to tell me all the details! But first come say hello to everyone! We came by train from London today, and it was a very merry journey.”
She pulled Belle over to greet Stephen, Carl, Horatio, Stacy, and Eva, and the next few minutes were lost to greetings and animated conversation. Stephen finally maneuvered Belle to one side. “I heard you broke off your engagement,” he said. “Does that mean I’ve got a chance with you now?”
His question was asked in a light-hearted manner, so Belle had no qualms about responding in the negative. “I’m no longer engaged, Mr. Van Eyck, but my affections are still focused elsewhere.”
“Pity. Then perhaps you’d do me the honor of introducing me to that girl over there…the one in the pale green gown?”
Belle stifled a laugh. Stephen was staring at pretty Maureen Crane, who was the mayor’s daughter—and the unabashed town flirt.
“Yes, I think you and Miss Crane will get on well together,” Belle said. In fact, Maureen just may wrap Stephen around her little finger.
Just then, Eva gasped. “Is that Cavendish?”
Wesley had escorted James into the ballroom, and was introducing him to his guests. The former valet was impeccably attired in evening wear, much the same as the other gentlemen, but he had a certain graceful swagger in his step that attracted admiring glances from several Mansbury society ladies. His mustache and goatee were gone, and his clean-shaven appearance revealed his extreme good looks.
“Wesley explained how he was Lord Overton now and everything, but he looks so different,” Stacy said.
“Lord Overton is devilishly handsome, isn’t he?” Louise murmured. “And a baron, to boot!”
“I’m a bit shocked,” Belle replied. “He could almost be mistaken for a rake!”
“My heavens, Mother has gone all red in the face,” Stephen whispered. “I’ve never seen her do that before.”
Horatio snorted. “Grandmama is fluttering her fan like a pigeon.”
“Mind your tongue, Horatio,” Carl said. “It’s more like a hummingbird.”
Stacy sighed. “I hope Lord Overton asks me to dance tonight. I’ve never danced better than I do with him.”
Eva cast an impatient look toward the orchestra in the corner. “I wish they’d start the dancing now. I’d love to see who he asks first.”
“It won’t be you, if that’s what you mean,” Stacy said.
Eva pouted. “It won’t be you, either.”
As Wesley chatted with James, Mayor Dougherty, and his wife, he kept one eye on the ballroom entrance. At last, Mr. Ley appeared in the doorway, along with a handsome older woman dressed in a beautiful gown.
“Lord Overton, two special guests have just arrived,” Wesley said. “Will you help me receive them?”
“It would b
e a pleasure, sir.”
James accompanied Wesley toward the ballroom entrance, but when he caught sight of Mr. Ley’s companion, he blanched and stopped dead in his tracks.
“It’s Esmé! Wesley, I can’t do this,” he murmured. “And I can’t believe you broke your word to me.”
“I only promised not to speak of her to you, and I haven’t. As it happens, I met with Miss Christianson again before I left London and she insisted on seeing you. I could hardly withhold an invitation in those circumstances, and so asked Mr. Ley to escort her tonight.”
“Nevertheless—”
“Give her a chance, James, so you’ll have no regrets. Judging from the admiring glances you’re receiving from the ladies tonight, I expect Miss Christianson will have nothing to regret either.”
As James’s eyes rested on his former fiancée, his expression softened. “She’s absolutely breathtaking.”
“You can do it, James. Stiff upper lip,” Wesley said.
“Right you are.”
James threw his shoulders back, strode up to Miss Christianson and bowed. “It’s extraordinarily good to see you again, Esmé.”
Even as her eyes sparkled with emotion, a coquettish smile lifted the corners of Miss Christianson’s lips. She curtsied and gave James her hand.
“I’ve been waiting for your return,” she said.
Delicious shivers spread throughout Belle’s body when Wesley murmured an invitation into her ear. “Come for a walk with me.”
Unnoticed, they slipped from the ballroom and into the garden, where the sounds of polka music could still be heard. Wesley led her into a small gazebo, which was barely illuminated by the lights from the ballroom.
“The ball is a smashing success,” Belle said. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, but I can’t believe your grandfather insisted on dancing the first waltz with you!” Wesley groused. “I couldn’t convince him to yield, despite the fact my name was written on your dance card.”