“You promised to give me until the end of the season, did you not?” She asked him tersely.
He looked uncomfortable as he cleared his throat once more, a sign he was more nervous than he was letting on. “Yes well…I uh…that is to say things change. I have arranged an advantageous match for you with the Duke of Kerrington.”
“What?” she pushed back from the table furiously, knocking her teacup over in the process but not even paying it an ounce of attention as the warm liquid seeped off the table and onto the floor. Her fists were balled tightly at her sides; she couldn’t believe that what she had just heard could be true. “You don’t even know the Duke of Kerrington.”
“Of course I know him.”
“Know of him maybe,” she pointed out, “but certainly you haven’t made his acquaintance. How could you arrange a match with someone you don’t even know?” Her voice had increasingly gotten louder and louder with each word she shrieked until before she knew it she was yelling loud enough for half of London to hear which only proved to make her father angry.
“Enough! Sit down this instance and show me some respect.” Noelle grudgingly did as she was told.
“You’re not getting any younger Noelle and I’ve let you play your silly games long enough. I gave you plenty of time to pick a gentleman of your choosing but you seemingly couldn’t have been bothered so this is what it has come down to. The duke is a wealthy man with a large estate. You couldn’t have found yourself a better match of that I am sure.”
Noelle closed her eyes and took multiple long breaths, holding them in her lungs before exhaling slowly, trying to force herself to calm down. A thought rose unbidden into her mind of shocking green eyes and a handsome face and she instantly knew the words her father spoke were false, she most definitely could find herself a better match than the Duke of Kerrington—maybe she already had. There had to be a way out of this arrangement. She forced herself to sound calmer than she felt when she finally addressed her father again.
“I thought we had an agreement father, that I could have until the end of the season. Since nothing has been announced as far as an engagement to the duke, maybe you could make good on your word to me and let me have the remainder of my promised time to make up my own mind. If by then I haven’t made a match of mine own choosing, I will agree to go ahead with this—arrangement.” She couldn’t bring herself to utter the word marriage.
“Noelle,” her father was exasperated, “I cannot agree to that.”
“Why not?” she sputtered, “What could be more important than your word?”
She watched as her father reached a fleshy hand up to loosen his expertly tied cravat, “Exactly my point, there is nothing more important than my word—” she looked hopeful for a split second before he continued, “—to the duke that is, and that’s why I will not be going back on it. Do you want me to be taken for the fool?”
Of course she didn’t but neither did she want to spend the rest of her life in a loveless marriage to a man she had never met. She had heard of the infamous Duke of Kerrington, everyone had, but hearing of his reputation as a heartless rake didn’t exactly endear her to the idea of being married to him. Noelle felt like she was losing the battle and she didn’t take to losing well, especially when something so important was at stake.
Turning tear filled eyes on him she asked in a quiet voice, “Why did you do it?”
“Some things aren’t meant for a lady to understand.”
“Try me,” she quipped coolly, trying to gain some sort of understanding.
“Fine, if you think that knowing what motivated the arrangement will make it easier for you to comply then so be it. I wagered your hand in marriage to him in a card game and he won. I knew he needed a wife to provide him an heir and how fortunate for me, I had just the thing that he needed. I figured if he won it would benefit him and you both, seeing as you need a husband whether you’re willing to believe it or not. I didn’t go into the game intending for him to win but he did and I couldn’t very well go back on my word now could I? There, does that make you feel better knowing all the sordid details?” he growled.
“Does it make me feel better to know that you honor your word with a practical stranger more than the agreement you had with your own daughter? Hardly. Nothing you do short of calling off this absurd arrangement will make me feel better.”
“Don’t be so dramatic Noelle. You aren’t the first lady of society to enter in to an arranged marriage and you certainly won’t be the last. And pouting about marrying a duke does not become you my dear, you appear spoiled to complain of it as such a trial. There are many girls out there who would willingly and happily take your place.”
“Then let them,” she quipped before standing once more, “I’ve suddenly lost my appetite, please excuse me.” Before her father could oppose she was walking briskly out of the room. The moment the thick door shut behind her she found her resolve had disappeared. Warm tears trickled down her face obscuring her vision but she forced herself to keep walking lest someone see her and question her actions. The minute she entered her bedchamber she flung herself across her large bed, weeping into her pillow.
She felt betrayed by her father, how could he have done something so selfish? She had always taken pride in the fact that her father allowed her the freedom to dictate her own future, within reason of course. He had strongly encouraged her to find a suitable gentleman to settle down with, one with a title and a good reputation and preferably plenty of wealth, but he had never been one prone to force her into things. This most recent development both shocked and bothered her.
When the tears had finally been spent she rolled onto her back and wiped the remnants of the crying from her face and began pondering on the Duke of Kerrington and everything she had heard of the man. She had to admit that she had never paid attention to much of the gossip of the ton but there was only so much you could avoid and the duke had been the center of many rumors and speculation over the years. The gossip suggested he was a heartless rake bent on seeking his own pleasure and caring little to nothing for the hearts he left shattered in his wake. He was reputed to be cold and held little regard for society and its expectations. No wonder such a man would acquire a wife through gambling. Most men, any gentleman at least, wouldn’t stoop to such a low. At least Noelle hoped that were the truth. Before today she also would’ve thought that no true gentleman would likewise wager his daughters hand, but she had been proven wrong.
Maybe all supposed gentleman were merely putting on a façade, and now she was expected to be wed to the one of the greatest cads of them all. For a moment she let herself entertain the idea of living in a world with no titles, a world where she truly was free to make her own decisions and forge her own destiny, a world where she could marry whomever she chose whenever she chose, someone like Soren Johannsen.
The thought of Soren made her sit upright, an idea forming in her mind. She knew that she couldn’t just go ahead and marry the duke without first talking to Soren. She felt an instantaneous need compelling her to go to him, to tell him of her dilemma. She knew where he was staying at and briefly entertained the idea of sending him a note before squelching it, knowing that she’d regret not having a last opportunity to see him. He was set to sail home to America by the end of the week and quickly decided she would do whatever it took to see him again. She reached for the small brass bell sitting on her bedside table and gave it a ring, alerting Hope of her need for assistance.
Hope came scurrying into the room and took one look at Noelle and knew that she had been crying. “Oh milady, whatever is the matter? Are you not feeling well?”
“No I am not.” Noelle replied sadly, her bottom lip quivering. Hope’s concern had made her feel emotional all over again.
“Shall I ring for some tea? Do you need to lie down? I could pull your covers back and help you into bed if you’d like.”
“No, none of that will be necessary, it’s not my body that aches; it’s my heart
. Father has done the most awful thing.” Hope clutched a hand to her heart and waited curiously for Noelle to continue. “He has arranged for me to marry the Duke of Kerrington.”
Though she said it with such disdain, Hope failed to see why that would make Noelle so miserable. Of course she didn’t know the duke but one would presume he was a fine gentleman if her father had seen fit to arrange for his only daughter to marry him. “Pardon milady, but I fail to see the horror in your predicament. Surely you should be honored to marry a duke.”
Noelle snorted, “Ha! You sound like my father. The Duke of Kerrington is reputed to be a cold and uncaring man with frivolous pursuits and I refuse to be wed to someone not of my own choosing.” That part Hope could understand—she couldn’t say she blamed her mistress for not wanting to marry a stranger.
“Well I’m sure this has come as a shock to you but I best say you make the most of the situation seeing as how there’s nothing to be done for it now. Look on the bright side, at least you’ll be a duchess and will have your own large estate to manage and care for.”
Noelle shook her head vehemently, “That’s where you’re wrong, there is something I plan to do about it but I will need your help.”
“Are you sure milady, what could I possibly do?” The minute the words escaped her mouth she was filled with a sick foreboding and she prayed that Noelle wouldn’t ask her to pose as her again.
“I need you to go to the Hampshire’s ball for me tonight so I will be free to go speak to Soren.”
“Can’t you just send him a note?” Hope pled, knowing it would never be that simple of a solution with Noelle.
“I already thought about that but I know a note wouldn’t be enough, I need to see him again. He leaves for America in a matter of days, this could be my last chance to see him before I’m forced to marry.”
“I fail to see the importance of meeting with him again. What do you expect to accomplish?”
“Oh Hope, have you not a romantic bone in your body? He may very well be the only man I will ever love, surely you wouldn’t deny me the opportunity to see him one last time.”
Hope knew she was in trouble, if she didn’t agree to her plan, Noelle would surely force her into it once more. There was only one problem, “I cannot go to the ball in your place, I do not know how to dance.” She hoped and prayed it would be sufficient enough to keep her from being forced to attend the ball.
“Drat, I hadn’t thought of that. I suppose you’ll just have to inform my father that I have taken ill and won’t be able to attend.”
“Taken ill…again? It was only last week that you stayed home with a megrim. You’re father might grow suspicious and insist on calling the doctor.” Hope pointed out.
“Then tell him it’s my monthlies, surely he won’t question that.” Hope felt her cheeks heat at the thought of discussing such personal things with the master of the house. Noelle didn’t seem to notice her discomfort and forged ahead, “I will need to borrow one of your dresses once more and have you pull my hair back into that horribly tight bun. I have no idea how you stand it, it is highly uncomfortable. While I’m gone you’ll just have to stay here in my room so that if anyone comes to question how I am feeling you can answer for me.”
“Do you think it’s wise for you to go?” Hope didn’t think it was but she already knew what Noelle’s answer would be.
“Of course, I have no other choice. Now that you won’t have to attend the ball you can relax.” But Hope knew she wouldn’t be able to relax, not until that troublesome American had left the country for good.
Chapter 6
Noelle pulled her borrowed cloak closely to her body, trying to avoid the chill of the night air against her skin but finding it hard with the thin shabby cloak over her equally worn borrowed dress. She tried to remind herself that any amount of temporary discomfort would be worth it to see Soren again.
She came to a halt in front of the Madame Cavelle’s milliner shop located on Bond Street. She was familiar with this particular shop, having frequented it often to purchase elaborate bonnets to match some of her favorite gowns. She looked at the familiar red brick façade of the shop before glancing up to see the windows facing the street on the second story of the building were illuminated and appeared welcoming. She could see shadows flicker across the panes on occasion and imagined Soren in the room he was letting from the milliner.
She looked around not exactly sure how to go about gaining entrance to the dwelling above the stairs. She observed the front of the shop, noticing only one entrance, the main door. She walked around the corner of the shop and saw a small door with a brass knob. She cautiously turned the handle and was pleased when the door opened to reveal a narrow staircase leading up to what she hoped would be Soren’s room.
She gathered her cloak and skirts in her hands and carefully ascended the stairs in the darkness. At the top of the landing was another door, presumably the one she was looking for. She reached her hand out from beneath her cloak and rapped on the door. She heard some shuffling and footsteps before the door swung open revealing a surprised Soren.
“Noelle, what a pleasant surprise!” Soren looked even more handsome than she had remembered him. He was still wearing his waistcoat and cravat though his tailcoat had been removed. It felt so good to see him that Noelle momentarily forgot herself and threw her arms around his neck.
“Oh Soren, it’s so good to see you.” She felt his strong arms go around her waist, pulling her close to his warm body and she felt herself shiver in response.
“Darling you’re freezing, I know it’s highly improper, but you must come in and warm up by the fire before you catch a cold.”
Noelle laughed at the absurdity of the situation—going into a gentleman’s home un-chaperoned while impersonating her lady’s maid was beyond the pale but she was doing it anyway. She followed him into the small room where a fire was flickering in the fireplace. He gestured for her to sit in the single chair in the room then went to stoke the flames to roaring before leaning casually against the mantel, turning his brilliant green eyes on her.
“My love, I knew you couldn’t stay away for long, and I can’t say that I mind for I found myself missing you terribly.”
Noelle was warmed more fully by his words than by the fire, “Truly?”
“Truly. Now tell me you missed me too.”
“Oh Soren, I did. I have thought of little else but you since our last meeting.”
“I confess the same. But?” He left the question open, sensing there was more to her visit than just a yearning to see him.
He watched as her beautiful face took on a look of distress, “Oh I’ve been delivered the most horrendous news today by my father. He’s arranged for me to wed the Duke of Kerrington. I knew I had to see you one last time before you set sail and before I…before I am to wed.”
Soren stood abnormally still never once breaking eye contact with Noelle as his thoughts churned in his head. He knew he was being ridiculous to harbor such intense feelings for this girl he had barely met but the thought of her marrying some other man made his blood boil with envy. He had a sudden desire to hold her in his arms and to never let her go. Noelle must have sensed his desire because before he knew what was happening she was in his arms. He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead before reaching up and pulling the pins out of her hair, releasing the braid that had been wound into a bun at the back of her head. He sighed as he watched the golden waves cascade down and around her shoulders.
When he looked into her warm amber eyes he saw a longing in them that must’ve mirrored his own. He reached up and took her lovely face in both of his hands then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. They were warm and soft and completely addicting. Before he knew it he was deepening the kiss and she was responding eagerly. His heart was beating a frantic rhythm that he was sure she could feel through the cloak she was still wearing.
He pulled back long enough to trail kisses along her cheek and towar
ds her ear before whispering huskily, “You aren’t going to marry the duke, you’re going to marry me.”
Noelle tensed in his arms and pulled back slightly so she could look into his face, “What are you talking about?” He wasn’t sure who was more surprised by his proclamation, him or her.
He took her small hands into his much larger ones, “I’m talking about us. I can’t leave you here to marry someone else when I’m in love with you.” He momentarily pondered the possibility that he was truly in love with this girl whom he barely knew, at last concluding that it must’ve been love at first sight.
“Oh Soren I love you too,” she leaned her head against his hard chest, “but I don’t see how that could possibly help now. My father has already arranged things with the duke and he made it perfectly clear that he would not go back on his word. Besides, you’re a foreigner without a title, father would never agree to such a match even if he hadn’t already made this arrangement.”
Soren placed both hands on her shoulders and held her out at arm’s length, “Titles and ranks don’t matter one whit in America—you can sail to the continent with me and we can be married there. I already have a successful shipping company and a modest house in Boston. I believe we could be happy together.”
Noelle’s eyes widened in surprise, her heart beating excitedly at his proposal—could she really do it? Thoughts began to formulate in her mind of what consequences would entail from making such a drastic decision. The first and most obvious consequence being that she wouldn’t have to marry the arrogant duke, she could marry the man she truly loved. That alone was almost enough to persuade her to go along with the outrageous plan. Almost.
But then she thought of the negative consequences—fleeing the country with an unknown, common man would bring disgrace and humiliation upon her family. It could possibly affect Devon’s place in society not to mention how her actions would greatly affect his ability to make a proper match. Her father would be furious and feel betrayed by her actions and she dared hope that he might possibly even be saddened by the absence of his only daughter from his life.
Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington (Ladies of Deception) Page 4