Thomas hid a small smile. She had not seen his trap, and he had to admit it felt good to know that Aunt Celeste saw how wonderful Gwen was.
“Very well, you can have your all, and I promise not to announce our betrothal at the party.”
These were easy points to give up; he had known they would have to host a party at some point during the season and Gwen was nowhere near accepting his proposal. Not yet, although the thought of her day dreaming about him had given his heart a needed boost.
“But I will continue to do everything in my power to ‘Turn Miss Harding’s head’ as you say.”
Celeste nodded as she accepted his capitulation then cocked an eyebrow and studied him, probably coming to the realization of who had just won their last disagreement.
“Very well,” she said as she turned towards the door. “I will be in the drawing room. Elizabeth and I will need to finalize the attendance list. If that is all, I will leave you to your books.”
Thomas smiled as he limped to her. Reaching down, he took her hand and gave it a short squeeze. “Thank you, Celeste, Thank you for everything.”
She stared up into his eyes for a moment, lost in surprise at his praise. “Yes, yes … well, yes. All right then I will get started. Yes, you are welcome Thomas.” She said as she patted his shoulder.
He noticed a glistening in her eyes and was surprised to find out that it pleased him to know the woman cared what he thought. There might be hope for this family after all.
“If you see Miss Harding can you please ask her to step in?” Her startled look made him smile. “No, I promise, no head turning, not today anyway. I have some questions about the Brookshire accounts. It won’t take long.”
Celeste studied him for a moment trying to decide whether to trust him or not. Finally she nodded. Patted his shoulder once again then left the room calling for Woods, using a parade ground voice that would have made the Sergeant Major proud.
Chapter Eighteen
From a secluded corner of the ballroom, Gwen watched the family greet the guests as they arrived. She had positioned herself so that she could see each new arrival. Her eyes examined each one, looking for her tormenter. Each flash of blond hair and patrician nose made her heart jump and her breath catch until she was able to ensure that he had not arrived.
Thomas looked so tall, so handsome. Both Elizabeth’s and Isabel’s smiles lit up the room. Even Aunt Celeste looked happy as each new arrival was welcomed.
Focus on them she told herself. Do not worry about what might happen. It was doubtful he would attend such a party. From what she had heard he much preferred the brothels and dives of the East London docks.
Gwen watched as other women arrived, their eyes quickly assessing the Duke and then his surroundings. She could just imagine their calculating minds, Money, looks, war hero. What more could a woman ask for? Each batted eyelash, simpering smile, and come hither look was measured and calculated to try and gain his attention.
He acted cordially to each guest, saying a few words then turning to welcome the next group. She wondered if he was even aware of what was being offered. Her heart hurt to think of these women flirting with her Thomas.
They had no idea of who he really was. The kind, strong, caring man dedicated to duty and responsibility. To them, he was a ticket up the social ladder, no more. It made her angry thinking about it as she grit her teeth in frustration.
“Nothing but a bunch of popping jays and their fluff if you ask me,” The Sergeant Major said with a quick nod to the door indicating the arriving guests. He had startled her, coming up from behind while her mind was focused on Thomas.
Gwen smiled up at him. She’d come to really like this man. He said what he thought and was as solid as the cliffs of Dover. What’s more, he cared about Thomas, fiercely loyal, hard-working, and a true friend.
Like her, he didn’t really belong here in this world. He hadn’t been born to it, hadn’t been raised to believe he deserved it. Unlike her, though, it didn’t seem to bother him. He never appeared unsure of himself. Never seemed to worry about what other people thought of him. His only desire seemed to be to make the Duke happy.
“I do believe His Grace would not be pleased to hear you referring to his guests as such,” Gwen said with a twinkle in her eye letting him know she was teasing.
“It wouldn’t be the first time he heard me say so. Besides, I’ve heard him call them worse.”
Gwen laughed but chose to ignore the opening to explore what Thomas had said about the ton. Instead, she decided to ask a question that had been bothering her.
“So tell me Sergeant Major. Since we are sharing secrets about His Grace. How did he become wounded? I would have thought that a Major would not have been so close to the action to suffer such harm.”
He blanched for a moment, shocking her. She’d never seen him react this way. He quickly recovered though and smiled sadly.
“There is no safe place on a battlefield,” he said with a faraway look. Then he smiled and shook his head slightly.
“He’ll have to be the one to tell you that story, Miss Harding. But please, if you ask him. Be prepared. It was a truly horrible and grisly scene.”
“Of course Sergeant Major, I understand,” Gwen said, her mind flashing to a thousand different scenarios. Each of them worse than the other.
“That’s enough war talk Miss,” The Sergeant Major said with a grumble. “You’ll be having me miss the old times, and I’ll be re-enlisting. No, we must talk of parties and politics. The important things in life.”
Gwen swallowed hard as she realized that she had touched a sensitive nerve. Deciding to change the subject she smiled and said, “Did you know that some of the staff from Brookshire has come to the city to help with this party?”
“I had heard as much,” he said with a curious frown, obviously wondering where she was going with her line of thought.
“Have you heard that Mrs. Rife was among them?”
The frown deepened. “I have heard such a thing,” he said.
“Oh good, I was just wondering. You know, in case you weren’t aware.”
He looked down at her from his imposing height and smiled. “You’re a deep one aren’t you? Nothing goes on in this house without you knowing about it. How does a young lady such as yourself come to be so observant?”
“Oh, Sergeant Major. Even young girls like myself have our own war stories. Our own secrets.”
He tipped his head back and laughed. “I’m sure you do Miss; I’m sure you do.”
She smiled. “Just be careful. She has had such a hard life. She does not deserve to be hurt again.”
His eyes widened, and his smile disappeared. “I can assure you, Miss Harding. Hurting Mrs. Rife is the last thing I will ever do. Believe me.”
Her shoulder’s relaxed as she studied the man next to her. You can take him at his word, she thought. Relaxing she returned to studying the arriving guests.
They stood next to each other for several minutes until they saw the Duke turn and gesture for the Sergeant Major. Thomas caught her eye and offered up a small smile as if to say ‘I’m sorry.'
“That’s my summons, wish me luck,” The Sergeant Major said as he offered her a small bow.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine,” She said as she patted him on the arm.
He smiled back at her then tipped his head to one side. “Will you save me a dance Miss Harding?” he asked, surprising her.
“Um … I don’t know if Aunt Celeste would approve.”
“Of me, or of you?” He asked with a smirk. “It doesn’t matter. She won’t say anything. She’s afraid of me. Worried I’ll steal the silverware or worse, make a rude noise in her presence.”
Gwen laughed. She really did like him. He reminded her of what a kindly uncle would be like if she had ever had a kindly uncle.
“Of course Sergeant Major. If Lady Celeste is amenable, I would enjoy dancing with you.”
The big man smiled from ear to e
ar. “Good, I do so enjoy troubling the Major. It will bother him to no end to see me dancing with you.”
“Oh I’m sure you are mistaken sir,” Gwen said as she tried to slow her heart. The mere thought that Thomas might be jealous of her had sent it to tumbling inside her chest.
“You’ve never seen the way he looks at men when they are near you. If he had his way he’d shoot them all and worry about the consequences later.”
With another smile, he gave her a slight bow then turned to join his employer.
Gwen’s mind raced trying to understand what the old soldier had just said. She glanced at Thomas to see him staring back with furrowed brows as if trying to figure out what was taking the Sergeant Major so long.
Choosing to put The Duke as far away from her thoughts as possible she decided to take one final tour of the room to ensure everything was in place. Aunt Celeste had chosen to forgo a formal dinner before the ball. This had freed up the kitchen staff to focus on the foods to be set out at midnight. This was where a ball was judged in her opinion, and no one had the courage to fight her on it.
As a result, Gwen’s stomach rumbled. The last meal she’d had was breakfast that morning. Her stomach had been too nervous at tea time for anything. Her corset was too tight, making it hard to take a deep breath and her feet hurt in the new slippers Elizabeth had insisted she wear. It was going to be a long night.
At least she was wearing her favorite blue dress given to her by Elizabeth. Aunt Celeste had refused to allow her to wear it. Saying that everyone must be in a new dress but Gwen had insisted. Saying that, it was the one dress that made her feel like she belonged. Secretly though. She wanted to wear it because of the way Thomas looked at her when she did.
It had taken weeks of talking, but Aunt Celeste had finally given in with a harrumph and a comment about the younger generation these days.
The drama had been worth it when she walked down the stairs, and Thomas had stared up at her like a long lost treasure. The need, the wanting, in his eyes had given her more courage than anything else could have.
She continued her tour. The footmen were in place. The decorations immaculate and perfectly displayed. The musicians were seated and prepared for the night’s entertainment. Everything was perfect. So why did she feel as if a wall was about to fall on her and all those she cared about.
Finally, Aunt Celeste decided enough was enough and broke the family away from the front door. Any guests arriving after this point would be late and shouldn’t expect to be greeted. It would be their responsibility to find their hosts.
Gwen sighed in relief. He wasn’t coming. Thank you, she said in a silent prayer as she joined them.
“It’s a crush,” Elizabeth said with an excited smile. Gwen knew how much the young girl had worried that no one would show up.
“Yes, my dear,” Aunt Celeste said as she looked out over the crowded room with an imperious stare. “As it should be. Bathurst is a long and distinguished line. You are one of the most sought after young women of the Ton. Between your brother’s fortune, your beauty, and my connections. It could be nothing else.”
“Of course having two additional beautiful women attending,” she continued, indicating Isabel and Gwen with a nod of her head. “Only enhanced the desirability of attending. All three of you must dance with as many men as possible.”
“Is that really necessary,” Thomas said with a frown. “I’m sure Miss Harding wouldn’t enjoy herself. There is no need to force her into your games Celeste.”
Gwen glanced at him from under her brow. Did he really think she didn’t want to dance? Hadn’t he set up that dance with the Prince? Or was it like the Sergeant Major had said. He was jealous when she was around other men.
“Oh, pish Thomas. How else are we to see these young women wed? You do not want old maids in your house. Believe me, I know how tiresome we can be.”
Gwen almost gasped. Wed? Aunt Celeste wanted to marry her off. To someone in the Ton. Did she really think that was possible? Her chest hurt just thinking about the possibility. What would Thomas think if she was to receive a proposal? What would the Ton think?
She would have to inform her intended of her lowly standing. Would someone even then be willing to take her for a bride? And what of Thomas, what would he think, what would he do.
“Do you really think that’s possible?” Elizabeth asked. Saying out loud what both Isabel and Gwen were obviously thinking.”
“Of course my dear. Politics. Everything is politics. A beautiful young woman with close ties to the family. A nice dowry hinted at.” Here she shot Thomas a look then returned to smile at her niece. “Money, power, connections, influence. When you add that to beauty and charm. Yes, I think it is possible.”
Gwen’s head grew faint, and she was worried that she might swoon right there on the edge of the dance floor. What was the old woman up to? Only weeks before she had been ashamed that her nephew had such a woman as a housekeeper now she thought she was good enough to marry someone from the ton.
Or was this her way of getting her away from Thomas. Did she know about their night together?
A small shiver ran up her back as she thought about marriage to someone. It would mean surrendering herself. Giving up any chance of ever being with Thomas again. Could she do it? Marry a man she didn’t love just to obtain protection, security, maybe a family.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Thomas. He stood there like a frowning god. Tall, powerful, confident but unhappy. Did the idea of her marrying someone really bother him that much? Surely he could not expect her to forego an opportunity such as that. Or did he really just want to keep her near so that she was available when he wanted her.
She chastised herself. Thomas wasn’t like that, she thought. He’d had more than enough opportunities to pursue her. To win her to his bed again. If he had wanted too
You’re misreading things she thought. He doesn’t want you she reminded herself. If so, then why the frown?
Aunt Celeste gave the room one last look then nodded to the Musicians. As the music started, Gwen relaxed. What ever happened? At least the monster from her memory had no appeared. At least she could relax and enjoy the evening.
Chapter Nineteen
Gwen used the fan Aunt Celeste had given her to try and cool off. The room had become progressively warmer throughout the night. Even so, it had been a huge success. Elizabeth couldn’t stop smiling. Even Thomas seemed satisfied with how things had gone. He had watched his sister like an Eagle on a mountaintop. Ever ready to swoop in if need be. Somehow he had restrained himself enough to let her enjoy the attention and admiration that surrounded her every move.
Taking a deep breath, Gwen slowly exhaled. Happy with how things had gone. She’d danced several times. Always with respectable, older gentlemen and always with Aunt Celeste’s approval. The music, conversation, and food had all been excellent. Yes, most definitely a successful night.
Smiling to herself, she turned to the Duke to congratulate him on an excellent event. She watched as his brow narrowed into a frown as he looked towards the front entrance.
She shifted to see what he was looking at and gasped. Her hand went to her mouth to try and hide her shock. It was him. Her tormenter, her nightmare. Here. How could this be possible? She felt the blood drain from her face and knew she must be as white as a ghost.
Every prayer, every wishful thought had been shattered. The Earl of Grainbell had entered the Duke’s ballroom and was walking directly towards them.
What should she do? Hide? Run? Faint. A million thoughts flashed through her mind. Memories of that night threatened to overwhelm her. What would Thomas think if he found out? Or Aunt Celeste. They’d need a gallon of smelling salts to revive her.
She glanced behind her; maybe there was a way out. She searched for an idea. Some excuse to leave. Preferably via the garden. Leave and never come back.
“Good evening sir,” that silky voice said, sent chills down her spine t
hat made her shudder and her stomach clench into a knot. No, not here, not now.
Slowly turning she faced forward, steeling herself to accept what must come. He hadn’t changed. Tall and lanky with wispy blond hair and gray eyes. His smile didn’t reach his eyes which darted from side to side, unable to rest on one object. A weasel Gwen thought, that’s what he looks like. Smart, cunning, and completely evil.
“Grainbell,” Thomas said with a slight nod. “Allow me to introduce my Aunt Celeste, My Sister Elizabeth, her friend Isabel, and Lady Marshall’s companion Miss Guinevere Harding. Ladies, the Earl of Grainbell.”
The Earl didn’t show any signs of recognizing her; Gwen thought, as she held her breath. No leer, not even a knowing glance. Maybe he didn’t remember. Maybe someone like him could never imagine the girl he’d attacked only a year earlier could ever appear in his world. Could ever be anywhere near his level.
As the Earl bent over Elizabeth’s hand, he seemed to hesitate. To take a little longer than necessary. Gwen stiffened and had to fight the urge to slap him away. How dare he touch innocent Elizabeth? How dare he even breathe the same air? She caught Thomas shooting her a frown, obviously having picked up on something.
“Lady Marshall, how nice to see you again. Thank you for inviting me tonight. I must say it is a bit of a crush. You must be very pleased.” The Earl said as he rose from kissing Aunt Celeste’s hand.
Aunt Celeste’s frown matched her nephews.
“Grainbell, of course, you are welcome. Although I must admit I am surprised, you chose to attend. These things are not normally your style.”
Gwen loved Aunt Celeste. The woman knew exactly what kind of man she was dealing with. Maybe she could get through this without anyone knowing.
“Very true Lady Marshall,” The Earl said with a smirk. “But even at the places I prefer to spend my time they are talking about the beautiful Lady Elizabeth and Miss Harding and their sweep through the Ton.”
The Reluctant Duke (Love's Pride Book 1) Page 14