Ducal Encounters 02 - With the Duke's Approval

by Wendy Soliman

  “Is the table your father misused still in the dining room at Romsey House?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Then it ought to be replaced.”

  Anna was careful not to say she would see to its replacement. She was not yet ready to agree to the marriage. Now that he had revealed so much of his inner self—especially because he had—she was more determined than ever that he would tell her he loved her. Until he could do that, he would never shake off the spectre of his father that so haunted him and live his life on his own terms. Anna accepted it would take more work, more stratagems, than she had anticipated. But at least now, she knew what she was fighting against. Having been kissed by Clarence, she also knew it was a fight well worth undertaking.

  “You may do whatever you like with Romsey House,” he replied, misinterpreting. “It is long overdue for redecoration.”

  Oh, Clarence!

  “We are still a long way from that stage.”

  He sent her a curious glance, obviously not understanding. “Much as I would like to remain here with you, we ought to return to the ball before your family wonder what has become of us.” He reached out a hand, looking far more in control of himself. “And no flirting with anyone other than me, Lady Annalise.”

  “Lord Romsey, I would not dare.”

  He chuckled. “I think there is little you would not dare to do.”

  “I can’t deny that. I have an impulsive nature, you see, although I cannot expect someone of your ilk to understand the joys of reckless behaviour.”

  “You do me an injustice. I am engaged to be married to one of the most impulsive ladies in London, who is rapidly teaching me all there is to know about impulsiveness. I hope I am proving to be a diligent student.”

  “More effort is required yet.”

  He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “I am entirely at your disposal. What would you like to do tomorrow?”

  She probably looked as surprised by the question as she felt. “You are giving up part of your day for me, again? My, sir, I am flattered. But you have Frankie’s papers. I thought they would keep you fully occupied.”

  “I am well able to delegate. I will only read the most sensitive ones myself. I shall spend the morning doing precisely that. In the afternoon, we could—”

  “I want to see your apartment in Moon Street,” she said, demonstrating the impulsiveness she had just assured him was a large part of her.

  He looked shocked. “I cannot take you there.”

  “Why ever not? We are, as you keep pointing out, engaged.”

  “Even so, why would you wish to see it?”

  “I want to learn more about your character. A person reveals a lot about himself through his living arrangements.”

  “I don’t think your brother will approve.”

  She smiled. “I won’t tell him if you don’t.”

  “We shall see. Now come, the dancing.”

  Satisfied to have planted the seed, Anna walked willing along, this time at his side and not dragged by the wrist.

  “Excuse me for a moment,” she said when they reached the chamber set aside for use by the ladies. “I shall be but a moment. I shall find you when I am ready.”

  “No, I will wait here for you.”

  “There’s no need.”

  He fixed her with a look. “There is every need.”

  “Very well, if you insist.” A small part of Anna felt glad he insisted upon taking such good care of her. “I shall not keep you waiting for long.”

  He leaned a broad shoulder against the wall and sent her one of his heart-melting lopsided smiles. “Take all the time you need.”

  Anna walked into the withdrawing room with a light step. She felt she had made huge progress with Clarence in the past half-hour, and already understood him so much better. She ran her tongue across her lower lip. It felt pleasantly bruised and swollen from the passionate nature of his kiss. She fell into the nearest chair, reliving the feel of those lips upon her own, and the quite extraordinary way her entire body had reacted to him. God’s beard, if that was passion then she wanted to know more, a very great deal more.

  She wanted to know what happened next.

  That was why she had suggested going to Clarence’s apartment. If she could rouse his passions, perhaps he would forget himself to the extent he would reveal what was in his heart. It was certainly worth trying. She would not surrender to all his demands if she could possibly stop herself. If she did, it would leave her with no bargaining tools, and he might think less well of her as a consequence. But she was already discovering her half-formed plan to employ her feminine wiles was the very best way to break through Clarence’s reserves.

  She roused herself from her chair and attended to her reasons for visiting the room. There was another lady in the outer chamber when she returned to it. One whom she did not know. Anna nodded politely as she washed her hands, pulled her gloves back on, and carefully adjusted her ring.

  “Congratulations,” the other lady said, her eyes focused on the ring. “It is magnificent.”

  “Thank you so very much.” Anna paused, wondering why the lady was looking at her so intently. “Excuse me, but I don’t think we have been introduced. I am Annalise Sheridan.”

  “Amelia Hardgraves.”

  Hardgraves? Anna knew that name. Frankie had mentioned it once or twice, and not in a particularly complimentary manner. Anna wished she could recall more, but had not been paying particular attention to the conversations.

  “Your husband worked in the diplomatic service with Lord St. John, I collect. I am sorry for your loss, ma’am.”

  “Thank you, but it was several years ago now.”

  “Even so, it must have come as a terrible shock.”

  Anna went to leave the room, but Mrs. Hardgraves stopped her by placing a hand on her arm. “Please do not think I speak out of turn, Lady Annalise, but I would strongly advise you to think carefully before marrying Lord Romsey.”

  “I beg your pardon!” Anna stopped dead in her tracks and frowned at Mrs. Hardgraves. Who the devil did this woman think she was? What right did she have to offer advice?

  “Clarence is not an easy man.” Clarence? “Some men are destined for matrimony, others are not. Clarence falls into the latter category. Trust me when I tell you he does not have it in him to make you happy.”

  “How can you possibly say such a thing? You do not know me.”

  “But I know Clarence very well. He carries demons in his soul that will never give him peace.”

  “He told you that?” Please say he didn’t. I so want to be his only confidante.

  “He didn’t need to. It is obvious to anyone who studies him in unguarded moments. Oh, he covers it very well with those charming manners and that devastating smile, but beneath it all he is a very troubled man.”

  “He is not his father,” Anna said, wishing the words back as soon as they slipped past her lips, implying she shared Mrs. Hardgraves’ concerns.

  “Ah, I see you already understand, although I doubt you ever had the misfortune to meet the previous earl. He was poison, Lady Annalise. Wicked, brutal, and unfeeling.” She shuddered. “I dread to think what poor Clarence suffered at his hands as a boy. He never speaks of it.”

  And yet he told me a little about it. That thought gave Anna heart. She turned her attention back to Mrs. Hardgraves. When it occurred to her that she spoke with spite rather than sympathy in her tone, Anna realised the truth.

  “You want him for yourself,” she said accusingly.

  “I do not want matrimony. I have tried it once and have no wish to repeat the experience. And so I can give Clarence what he needs, which is comfort and company when he requires it, freedom when he does not. You, my dear, are too young and inexperienced to know the difference, or to understand his needs. You are very beautiful and have half the ton worshipping at your feet. My advice, for what it is worth, is that you select a husband from that band, someone closer to your own
age.”

  “And you don’t know what you are saying.” Anna was furious, but the need to escape from this woman’s viper tongue superseded the desire to put her in her place. She looked down at her arm, which Mrs. Hardgraves was holding in a vicelike grip. “I don’t think we have anything else to say to one another. Please allow me to pass.”

  “By all means, but remember what I have said. Clarence will not remain true to you for more than five minutes, and you strike me as the type who will demand fidelity.” The woman turned her attention to the mirror and patted her curls into place. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Anna flew out of the room as though it was on fire. She had thought for a moment earlier, when Clarence confided in her, she would be able to make a marriage between them work. Now, with a few spiteful words, all her uncertainties had resurfaced. Mrs. Hardgraves was right. Anna was young and inexperienced, while Clarence was a complex mix of authority and uncertainty. How could she have supposed she possessed the means to keep his demons at bay? She knew so little about him, so little about men in general, in spite of having four older brothers. Tears blinded her as she let the door swing closed behind her and ran straight into Clarence’s arms.

  “What is it?” he asked, frowning. “What has happened to overset you so?”

  “It’s nothing. Let us return to the ballroom.”

  “Not until you tell me what’s wrong,” he replied, wiping a tear from her cheek.

  Anna sensed a presence behind her, and felt Clarence stiffen. “What did she say to you?” he asked.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Recollections of Clarence’s passionate kiss, tempered by the intensity of his controlled anger when he realised Mrs. Hardgraves had cornered her, ensured Anna slept fitfully. Mrs. Hardgraves’ voice taunting her, her intimate knowledge of Clarence and her proprietorial attitude towards him haunted her, making her wonder quite what she had become involved with. She was prepared to do what she could to make Clarence fall in love with her. But she had neither the will nor the experience to fight off his lover. Nor was she willing to share him. On that point, she was fiercely determined. She was aware how many gentlemen entered into dalliances while their wives looked the other way.

  Anna was not prepared to be such a wife.

  She tossed and turned for much of the night and woke late the following morning, a headache threatening. When she found the energy to venture downstairs, the house was unnaturally quiet, and only Frankie was in occupation of the drawing room.

  “Good morning, Anna,” she said, smiling up at her. “Did you enjoy being the centre of attention last night?”

  “Morning?” Anna laughed. “It is almost time for luncheon. I don’t normally sleep so late after a ball. Where is everyone else?”

  “Your mama, Portia and Crista are shopping.” Frankie grinned. “I suspect the duchess is already thinking about things for the baby.”

  Anna smiled, thinking that might explain why Frankie had not accompanied them. Intimate as they now were, Anna had never found the courage to ask Frankie if she was saddened not to have a child of her own. She suspected it must be the case. Every lady aspired to be a mother, did she not? Presumably shopping for baby apparel would be too painful to endure.

  “I am perfectly sure she is. She has waited very patiently for this moment.”

  “Lord Nathanial has accompanied them, not very graciously, I might add.”

  Anna laughed. “I can imagine.”

  “I believe the duke is in his library and your other two brothers have taken themselves off to their club.”

  “That’s good. I was hoping for a quiet word with you.”

  “What is it?” Frankie put her sewing aside and looked more closely at Anna. “You do not look as though you slept well. Has something happened to overset you?”

  “What can you tell me about Mrs. Hardgraves?” Anna asked, seeing no point in prevarication. Their intimate conversation might be interrupted at any moment.

  A flash of anger passed through Frankie’s eyes. “I noticed she was in attendance last night. I hope she didn’t make a nuisance of herself.”

  “As a matter of fact, she warned me against marrying Clarence. She said I could never make him happy and implied I was too young for him.”

  Frankie ground her teeth. “The vindictive witch!”

  “Frankie!” Anna was shocked, and a little alarmed, by her friend’s reaction. “I have never heard you speak like that about anyone before.”

  “That’s because you don’t have the dubious pleasure of being acquainted with Amelia Hardgraves.”

  “I know she is very beautiful.” Anna paused, too embarrassed about the subject matter to meet Frankie’s gaze. “And…er, experienced.”

  “Bah, she is very loose.”

  “She is a widow. She is allowed to be, is she not?”

  “I am a widow.”

  “Yes, but you are nice.”

  Frankie laughed. “Thank you, but not always. If people cross me or behave in a manner I don’t approve of, then I cannot always hold my tongue.”

  “I shall warn Zach.”

  “The duke? What does this have to do with him?”

  But Frankie’s cheeks turned pink, confirming Anna’s suspicions that Frankie was not quite as indifferent towards Zach as she made out. She was always fastidiously correct in her terms of address towards all of her brothers and her mother too, as they were with her. And yet, to Anna, it already felt as though she was a part of the family. It would be very interesting to see if her slightly detached attitude towards Zach, the fact she made a point of not pursuing him and didn’t necessarily agree with every word that fell from his lips, worked to her advantage. Anna ardently hoped she would succeed where so many before her had failed.

  Anna smiled in response to Frankie’s question. “I cannot think.”

  “Regarding Amelia, she had her sights set on Clarence while her husband was still alive, but I happen to know Clarence would never come between a man and his wife, no matter how much encouragement he was given. However, Hardgraves wasn’t cold in his grave before she struck, caught Clarence at a weak time, and…well, I also happen to know he broke the affair off some time ago, but she is reluctant to let him go.”

  “Ah, so they are no longer involved?” Anna felt relieved, but also a little perturbed by Mrs. Hardgraves’ persistence.

  “My dear, even if they had been, he would have set her aside the moment he offered to marry you.”

  “I don’t see why?” Anna shrugged. “I don’t know much about these matters, but I do know it is not unheard of for married men to keep a mistress.”

  “Some married men, certainly, but not Clarence, if that is what concerns you. He is far too honourable, so you may rest easy on that score.”

  “I have never seen him as angry as he was when he realised she had spoken to me. His face lost all expression, and his eyes took on a hard shine that quite startled me. He took a moment to collect himself, and then wanted to know what she had said, but I couldn’t tell him. It was too excruciatingly embarrassing, and so I brushed his concerns aside and insisted upon returning to the ballroom.”

  “It wouldn’t require much imagination for Clarence to work out the nature of her discourse for himself. I think he regretted going anywhere near her very soon after he instigated the affair. Or rather, after she did.”

  Anna was intrigued. “You appear to know a great deal about it.”

  She smiled. “The diplomatic community is very close-knit.”

  “Then it is not very diplomatic for its members to become intimately involved. If this happened fairly recently, your husband was dead and you were no longer moving in those circles, and yet you still know of it.” Anna shook her head. “Definitely not diplomacy at its finest.”

  “I still have a lot of friends from the days when I was married. They keep me appraised of any interesting…er, developments.”

  “Very delicately put,” Anna said, wrinkling her nose.
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  “Bear in mind even diplomats are human, my dear, and have the same needs as lessor mortals.” Frankie’s wicked smile caused Anna to smile also. “They just have to be careful where they turn to satisfy those needs.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Stop pretending to be shocked.” Frankie wagged a finger at Anna. “You are not that innocent. Not if you spent so many hours trailing around after your brothers, spying on their activities.”

  Anna laughed. “That is undeniably true.”

  “So tell me, what happened next?”

  “Well later, when I was dancing with Mr. Brigstock, I noticed Clarence in a corner, in very intense conversation with Mrs. Hardgraves.”

  “Well, of course he was angry, and of course he would take her to task for approaching you. It is the height of bad manners for a mistress—although she was never that to Clarence, more a dalliance—”

  “There is a difference?”

  “A huge difference.”

  “Goodness.” Anna puffed out her cheeks. “I have a lot to learn.”

  “A man sets up a mistress in a property. He pays all the expenses, gives the lady an allowance as well as generous gifts, and usually undertakes to look after any children resulting from the liaison. Quite often, there are written agreements to that effect. A dalliance, on the other hand, such as Clarence had with Amelia Hardgraves, is simply…well, physical. I dare say Clarence gave her gifts, but nothing more. You have nothing to worry about. Amelia wants Clarence. Her feelings are not reciprocated, and that’s an end to the matter. No one, but no one, will make Clarence Vaughan do anything he does not wish to.”

  “I hope you are right about that. The woman made me feel very foolish. I didn’t know what to say to her.”

  “That was what she was relying on. She would know you are innocent, and she was trying to shock you into not taking Clarence. Pay her no heed.”

  “Thank you for the reassurance. I shall try not to think about her again.” Anna paused. “But what if I do marry Clarence. Will he have another dalliance, or take a mistress, do you suppose?”