A Hint of Scandal

by Rhonda Woodward

  As she straightened, it was Bella’s turn to look at the duke with surprise.

  “In love?” she repeated. “Of course I am not in love, your grace. Why do you say so?”

  The duke looked at Bella with one arched brow raised. “I find you a most unusual young lady, Miss Tichley. It is my understanding from having two younger sisters that young ladies wish to be in love with the men they are going to marry.”

  Frowning at her patient, Bella wondered at the hint of censure she saw in his piercing eyes. She suddenly felt ill at ease discussing this topic with him. Seating herself in the rocking chair so he would not have to strain his neck to look at her, Bella took her time responding to him.

  “In matters of marriage, I believe it is more important to be well suited than to be in love,” she began as he continued to watch her closely. “I think it is more beneficial to the long-term harmony of the married couple if they determine to make themselves agreeable and treat each other with respect. If they have common interests, so much the better. These ingredients constitute a successful marriage, in my opinion,” she finished.

  “You astound me, Miss Tichley. I would say that what you just described would be an ideal relationship with one’s solicitor or secretary, but not one’s spouse.”

  Rocking slightly, Bella digested his words. “But surely, your grace, you would agree that in most cases the first flush of romantic love always fades? Wouldn’t it be better to have started the marriage on a much sturdier foundation?”

  Suddenly she recalled the tryst notes secreted in the pocket of his waistcoat and wondered at his talk of love in marriage.

  “I agree that it would be unwise to marry in haste because of mere infatuation,” he replied. “I know this from the unfortunate situation of my brother, James, who came to regret marrying his hen-witted, troublesome wife, Margaret, before his untimely death.”

  Bella was a little surprised, but touched, that he would share something so personal with her.

  Seeing her expression, the duke smiled slightly. “Surely, Miss Tichley, it is obvious to me that your uncle and aunt love each other, so by what example do you form your opinions?” He returned to his first line of questioning.

  “My uncle and aunt are an exception, as were my parents. But I, too, have seen any number of young couples over the years who have grown to keenly dislike each other’s company after seeming so in love at first. Marriage should be entered into with the most sober and serious consideration, especially for a woman, whose very existence will be dependent upon her husband.”

  “And you believe you are considering your future with Mr. Fortiscue in a sober and serious light?”

  “Very much so.”

  “I see. What in particular do you find appealing in Mr. Fortiscue?”

  Bella looked down to examine her fingernails for a moment. “I am the only practical one in a family of mild eccentrics. I am sure you have noticed that my father lives in ancient Rome, and Tommy lives in the stable. My dearest friend and cousin, Triss, thinks of nothing else but making her come-out. My aunt and uncle Penninghurst, whom I adore, are afraid of their servants.”

  The duke’s laugh was gentle with understanding.

  “So,” she continued, “a life with Mr. Fortiscue, here in Mabry Green, seems very peaceful to me.”

  She saw the amusement fade from his eyes.

  “I see. When may I send you a wedding gift?”

  Bella’s gaze dropped before his.

  “I am not quite sure. You see, Papa has not exactly given his consent.”

  Mr. Tichley’s good sense went up in Westlake’s esteem. The duke watched the soft flush rise to her cheeks and decided not to pursue the subject further.

  “Forgive my intrusion into so personal a matter, Miss Tichley. You see, I look upon you and your entire family as new but dear friends—and am only concerned with your future happiness.”

  Bella was well aware of his gratitude for her care of him, but she also felt that during the last few days a friendship had been growing between them. So she was not offended by these personal questions.

  “Thank you, Your Grace,” Bella said, wondering why she was not more pleased at his declaration of friendship. “Was James your only brother?” she questioned gently.

  “Yes. We were very close, as he was only two years younger than me,” he explained as he readjusted his sling to a more comfortable position. “But he was always a wild one when it came to the horses. One night he rode out too late after too much port. I am the one who found him the next day.”

  Despite the neutral tone in his voice, Bella could sense that this was still a memory that pained him.

  “But his son, Henry, and I are close. He grows more like his father every time I see him. I would like for Tommy and Henry to meet.”

  “I am sure that Tommy would enjoy meeting your nephew,” Bella told him.

  “My youngest sister, Louisa, is engaged to the Duke of Malverton. I am sure she, in particular, is happy that I am alive so that I may escort her up the aisle,” he continued with dry humor.

  Bella laughed and settled a little more comfortably in her chair. “Do you have any other siblings, your grace?”

  “Yes, my sister Alice, Lady Edgeton. She has three little girls, Edwina, Diana, and Caroline. They are all charming and terribly spoiled.”

  “I am certain that their uncle has nothing to do with their being spoiled,” she teased.

  “Me? I would never dream of indulging my nieces and nephew,” he replied with a smile.

  Despite his being a peer of the realm, and a rather formidable one at that, Bella found that she quite liked what she was learning of the duke.

  Chapter Nine

  “Today is going to be a very long day for you, your grace. So I hope you will rest for the remainder of the afternoon until it is time to depart for Penninghurst Park.” Bella saw the duke’s jaw tighten stubbornly at her request, and her heart sank. Although Dr. Pearce had approved this outing, he had also cautioned the duke about doing too much.

  Westlake’s wound was healing, he had pointed out, but the lead ball had caused deep damage, and there was still the risk of infection.

  Bella had not been in favor of accepting the invitation for dinner when the footman had arrived with the note from her aunt. But the duke had insisted that he was feeling well enough for the short trip, which was less than two miles, to the Park.

  Bella did not acquiesce until the doctor had arrived, examined the duke, and grudgingly given his consent to the outing.

  “Miss Tichley, I am feeling quite fit and am in no need of a nap.” The duke’s slight smile softened the authoritative tone in his voice.

  Bella had given up with a shrug, and smiled to herself at the change that was coming over the duke. He was starting to sound more and more regal, though it was still difficult for her to see him as anything other than her patient.

  Later in the day, as she was drying her hair by the fire after her bath, it suddenly occurred to her that very soon the duke would be well enough for the journey back to his home.

  An inexplicable sadness touched Bella at this thought, for she knew that they would probably never meet again.

  She was thoroughly enjoying his company, she mused as she combed her still-damp tresses. The duke was very well-read and very knowledgeable on any number of subjects. She felt he enjoyed their debates on current political issues, and she found that gratifying. The duke was also very witty.

  But it was apparent that he was growing increasingly impatient with his convalescence, and must be anxious to return to his life. It was also time for her to resume the normal routine of her days. Yes, she would miss him, she decided, as she began to twist her hair into its usual coil on the back of her head.

  As she was deciding what gown to wear for the evening, Bella recalled Robert’s objection to ladies wearing vibrant colors. Making a face, she resolutely put the simple gown she had chosen back, and pulled a different gown from the wardrobe.<
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  This choice was also a simply made gown, though the neckline was a little lower than she normally wore. Triss had insisted that it was quite the latest fashion when she had had it made several months ago. The dress was made of sapphire blue berege, and Bella thought the color flattered her eyes.

  As she finished dressing, her thoughts again went to Robert. There really was no way of avoiding the truth, she admitted to herself. She did not feel the same about him.

  It was very odd that something as simple as a discussion about fashion could cause so material a change in her opinion that she could no longer consider a future with him. She also considered the duke’s words about a marriage needing more than respect and common interests to be a success.

  Bella pulled a string of pearls that had belonged to her mother from a silk bag and fastened them around her neck. What was even stranger about this momentous decision was that she was not in the least upset about her change of plans where Robert was concerned.

  Maybe she was a little disappointed, she thought. After all, she had spent a number of years planning a future with Robert Fortiscue. But no longer. At least nothing as formal as an engagement had been announced, Bella mused with relief.

  Papa will certainly be happy, she thought a little wryly.

  After tying the ribbons to her black chamois slippers, Bella looked at her reflection one more time and was satisfied that she was presentable. She left the small dressing room after collecting her black satin cape, sure that her uncle’s coach was waiting to take them to Penninghurst Park.

  Upon entering the sitting room, she found Papa and Tommy waiting. They were dressed in their best clothes; Tommy had even combed his hair, she noticed with approval.

  “Where is the duke?” Bella asked after glancing around the room.

  “He will be joining us momentarily,” Tommy answered. “He certainly is particular about his clothes,” he added.

  Bella nodded. She was very curious to see what the duke would be wearing this evening.

  It had caused quite a stir in her household when a coach had arrived that morning. Two footmen had brought in a trunk of clothes and other items the Dowager Duchess of Westlake had deemed necessary for her son’s comfort. Tommy had been charged to perform valet duties.

  “He had me help him tie his neckcloth three times. I still don’t think he is satisfied,” Tommy informed them in a loud whisper.

  “Humph. Even my brother does not spend that much time on his appearance,” Bella’s father commented.

  Looking at her father now, Bella was glad to see that he was wearing his neckcloth. One never knew what he might forget, she thought with some chagrin.

  “The duke says a gentleman is known by how he ties his cravat,” Tommy continued.

  At a noise Bella turned, and the smile on her face froze at the sight of the duke as he entered the sitting room.

  He looked magnificent. In spite of the weight he had lost and the sling on his left arm, his evening clothes fit him to near perfection. His black tailcoat was made of some exquisite material, and his double-breasted waistcoat was snowy white. His neckcloth, she noted, was indeed a work of art, with its precise and intricate folds.

  Her eyes traveled back up to his face. The slightly mocking amusement she was coming to know was evident in his eyes as he met her gaze.

  He, in turn, swept her with his intense gaze from head to toe. Bella felt herself blushing at the boldness of his perusal. He suddenly seemed a complete stranger, she thought in confusion. She felt she hardly knew him, and avoided looking in his direction as they all went out to the carriage.

  Papa and Tommy had already entered the vehicle when Bella looked back at the duke in the light of the coach lantern. Again she saw the intimate boldness of his gaze lingering upon her. Her blush intensified, and she did not know where to look or how to respond to the unfamiliar feelings his gaze aroused in her.

  Now he was standing very close to her in the cool evening air, and her senses were assailed by the subtle smoky, woodsy fragrance she associated with him. She kept her eyes fixed on his cravat as she tried to calm the sudden quick beating of her heart, and yet she did not move away from him.

  Then indignation came to her rescue as she recalled the two tryst notes she had found in his pocket.

  “I wish you would not do that, your grace,” she blurted before she thought better.

  “Do what, Miss Tichley?” His husky voice was almost a whisper above her ear.

  “Flirt with me,” she said flatly. “I understand the practice is very fashionable, and in the circles you frequent such behavior is meaningless, but I am unused to it and it makes me uncomfortable.

  “Meaningless flirtation?” he responded, giving her a look of amused indulgence. “And what would the correct Miss Tichley know of flirtation, meaningless or otherwise?”

  “I have no personal experience, but I am aware of your penchant for meeting ladies in atriums,” she said archly, turning to walk the last few steps to the coach. “I know you are bored, your grace, but surely you can find another way to amuse yourself?”

  To her great ire, she heard his deep laugh behind her.

  “Atriums?” he said with another chuckle.

  Bella stopped and turned to look back at him with annoyance.

  “I wondered if you had happened upon those notes,” he continued with amusement warming his cool eyes. “Oh, Arabella, you really are an innocent if you think assignations in atriums have any importance.”

  Afraid that he thought her a naïve fool, Bella lifted her chin to a haughty angle. “I have no desire to discuss such things with you, your grace,” she said in what she hoped was a dismissive tone, and turned back to the carriage.

  “Miss Tichley, I do believe I have never been less bored in my life,” he said just as she stepped into the coach.

  Bella settled herself next to her father as the duke pulled himself into the conveyance and sat next to Tommy. Trying her best to avoid looking at the duke, she fussed with the drawstring of her reticule. She decided the best course she could take was to completely discard the exchange that had just taken place between them. After all, it was only meaningless flirting, she reminded herself harshly.

  Yet as much as she tried to ignore him, she found his amused gaze directed upon her unaccountably disturbing.

  Her uncle’s coach was relatively new and well sprung, but the ride to Penninghurst Park proved more arduous than anyone expected, due to the deep ruts in the road caused by the recent rains.

  As they traveled the few miles to the Park, Bella was growing deeply concerned for the duke, and was having second thoughts about this outing. She now could not help noticing how he had begun to wince as the coach jolted side to side. At one point Tommy was thrown against the duke, and they all heard his sharp intake of breath.

  “Not to worry.” He had dismissed the boy’s profuse apologies. “I am quite well.”

  Bella knew they all released a collective sigh of relief when the coach pulled up to the large half-timbered Tudor mansion.

  Goodson, the family’s ancient butler, opened the door and led the little group across the immense foyer to the drawing room, where Lord and Lady Penninghurst, Lady Beatrice, and their other guests, Lord and Lady Crayton, were enjoying an aperitif before dinner. Lord and Lady Penninghurst immediately set out to make the new arrivals welcome.

  Bella hid a smile when her father presented the duke to her aunt, for it was apparent by the lady’s somewhat flummoxed expression that she was quite bowled over by their imposing guest. He had much the same effect on plump Lady Crayton, who stared at the duke the way some people looked at museum exhibits.

  The sight of Triss, standing behind Uncle David winking, and making head gestures to Bella as her father introduced Lord Crayton to the duke, caught her attention. When the gentlemen, including the duke, moved to stand before the fireplace, Triss came over, grabbed Bella’s arm, and practically dragged her to the other side of the room.

  �
�What is wrong with you? Why have you suddenly developed this tic?” Bella questioned her cousin, who was looking particularly angelic in an evening gown of pink satin.

  “I must speak to you in private before we go in to dinner,” Triss answered, looking around to make sure no one was close enough to listen. “What a day we have had here! Mother is about to have the vapors over the question of protocol. Here she is a countess and she has no notion of what to do with the duke,” Triss said disgustedly.

  Bella laughed at this, not in the least surprised. Her aunt and uncle had entertained the same group of people for the last thirty years, with little attention given to formalities. Any deviation from her normal mode would always throw her aunt into a fit of the worries.

  “But what I really want to speak to you about,” Triss continued, “is that Mother thinks that now that the duke is feeling a little better he should come here for the rest of his convalescence.”

  “I have never considered the idea,” Bella replied in a surprised tone. “But would you not prefer him to be here? It would be much easier for you to practice your skills of flirtation on him this way.”

  Triss did not catch the tease in Bella’s tone and shook her golden curls vehemently. “I would much rather visit him at your home—Mother would constantly be shooing me from him if he were here,” she explained.

  Bella smiled wryly at Triss’s logic and turned her head slightly to look at the duke across the room. Again it struck her how handsome he looked in his elegant evening attire.

  At that moment the duke turned his head and met her gaze. Their eyes held for a moment, and Bella was not aware that she had been holding her breath until a slow, perceptive smile spread across his lips.

  “I told Mother that it would be as if she were questioning your care of the duke if she invited him to stay here now. But she is afraid he will be insulted if she does not—so she doesn’t know what to do,” Triss continued.

  Pulling her attention back to her cousin, Bella took a deep breath to stop her heart from beating so quickly. “Aunt Elizabeth will have to do what she deems best. I shall defer to her wishes in this matter.”