The Training of a Marquess

by Sandra Owens

  Claire found herself taking extra breaths on Lady Kensington’s behalf. Wherever did such a small woman store away so many words? Her nerves eased on seeing the amused smile on Chase’s face.

  “It is simple, really, Lady Kensington. I could teach you if you wish.”

  “Oh, my heavens, no. I have no desire to know what my mount thinks of me. I have never been able to achieve even the status of adequate horsewoman, and if a horse is having amusing thoughts of my incompetence, I so do not want to know. It is my size, you see.

  “The few times I have allowed someone to talk me into climbing atop a horse, it was an embarrassment for both me and the wretched animal. There is not enough of me to weigh me down, you see. I bounce atop a horse like a feather in the wind. God invented carriages so that Bensey and I would have a dignified way to get from one place to another without being the entertainment of a snickering beast. I would, however, love to watch you teach Harry how to talk to a horse, if you don’t mind. What a clever skill for Harry to have. Please, my dear, my father was a duke, so call me Lady Anne.”

  They were still standing. Chase and the boys seemed used to Lady Anne’s rambling speech. It might take her time to become accustomed to it, but Claire was captivated by the woman’s charm even though the mere idea of conversing with a duke’s daughter and the mother of an earl and a marquess was beyond her wildest imagination. She curtseyed again Was there more she should do when meeting such a noble woman?

  “Come and have a seat next to me, Lady Derebourne. We shall have a nice chat and become acquainted. I just know we’re going to be good friends, you and I.” She sat on the sofa and patted the space next to her. Claire obediently took a seat.

  “Harry, Bensey, I believe Mr. Edwards is awaiting you. After your lessons, please dress for dinner and you can spend time with your Grandmamma then,” Chase said.

  After they left, Chase settled in a chair close to Claire and she wished he had taken the one near his mother. She was too aware of him and feared she might give herself away.

  “Now then, have my son and grandsons been behaving themselves?”

  Claire nodded, and opened her mouth to speak, but Lady Kensington continued on. “It must have been difficult for you when Kensington…blast, I’ll never remember to call him Derebourne. How could I when he’s been Kensington for so long? What was I saying? Oh, yes. When my son arrived towing along two small boys, it must have overwhelmed you. I know if I were in your place, I would have resented a stranger coming in and taking over my home. It’s obvious the twins like you and that you like them. A friend of the boys is a friend of mine.

  “You have such pretty hair, my dear. It’s almost silver. Very unusual, but striking.” She gave Chase what Claire thought to be a calculating look. “Kensington wrote—” She stopped and sighed. “It’s going to take me forever to imprint Derebourne on my mind. To address him as Derebourne feels like I am speaking of someone else. How should I address you, Kensington?”

  “Whichever you prefer, Mama.”

  “Why, I prefer Kensington, of course. When I say Kensington, I know I am speaking of my son, but, silly me, when I say Derebourne, I am not sure who I am speaking of.” She tapped Claire on the hand. “Do you mind, my dear, if I continue to call him Kensington? I know the Derebourne title is an old one and highly respected, but to me, my son is a Kensington. Of course, when among other company, I’ll have to somehow remember to refer to him as Derebourne.”

  Claire thought she might dance on the rooftop at midnight if this endearing lady asked it of her. “Then you must continue to think of him as Kensington.”

  Lady Kensington bestowed a brilliant smile on her. “When I read Kensington’s letter, I knew I was going to like you.”

  What had Chase said about her?

  “Now, where was I?” Lady Kensington said. “Oh, yes. In his letter to me, he said you will be going to London in a few weeks. I see you are in half mourning, but if you are anything like me, you cannot wait to give your black and lavender gowns to charity. We are going to have such fun ordering you an entirely new wardrobe.

  “I have two daughters, but they are not out yet, so I will be able to practice on you and then maybe I’ll get it right with them. It’s only fair I warn you, do not allow me to choose your gowns. For that, you must rely on Kensington. If he says a gown will look lovely on you, you should believe him.” She patted Claire’s hand again. “You mustn’t worry, my dear, you are going to be a smashing success. The gentlemen are going to overwhelm you with their attentions.”

  Claire found herself taking extra breaths again as she tried to keep up with Lady Kensington’s various changes of subjects. She darted a glance at Chase to see his reaction to the last comment. He wasn’t smiling, but she wanted to. Lady Kensington might prove to be an ally in her campaign to win his heart.

  “Do you think so, my lady?”

  Lady Kensington nodded. “I am certain of it. Don’t you agree, Kensington?”

  She smiled at her son with such innocence that Claire realized his mother knew exactly what she was doing. Hadn’t Chase said she had the eyes of a hawk and the instincts of a fox? Did it mean Lady Kensington approved of a match between her and Chase? Yet, how could she? They had only just met.

  “If you are certain of it, Mama, then it must be so. How was your journey? I trust you didn’t have any problems?”

  “You are changing the subject, Kensington. But that reminds me. I met the most interesting family at the coaching inn when we stopped for luncheon.”

  As she regaled them with her story, Claire’s mind drifted. Had he been jealous at the thought of gentlemen paying attention to her? He still hadn’t changed his mind about taking her to London. The closer the time came to go, the more she looked forward to it.

  She had never been to Town and wanted to experience the balls and musicals—wanted to go to the theater, the opera and the museum. But she wanted to do it on Chase’s arm. Whether she got what she wished for would depend on the success of her plan. What would Lady Anne think of The Training of a Marquess?

  ****

  Chase asked himself if he was an idiot for insisting on taking Claire to London and giving her a Season. He was used to his mother’s long-winded stories and had learned to listen with half an ear while his mind contemplated other things. And the only other thing on his mind lately was Lady Claire. What if some man did catch her interest?

  He’d never understood his father fighting a duel over a woman, but for the first time, he could appreciate why a man might do such a foolhardy thing. Of course, his dissolute father hadn’t fought the duel because he had any particular feelings for the woman. He’d only had the misfortunate to have been caught by the woman’s husband and a challenge had ensued.

  Even though he’d sworn to never go down that road, if any man hurt Claire, he would challenge the man without hesitation. He would just have to not let it come to that. As he would be with her and able to watch over her, he’d be able to step in at the slightest hint of trouble.

  If she met someone she wanted to marry and the bloody man was worthy of her, then Chase would give her his blessing and step out of her life. He gave a little grunt of satisfaction. Taking her to London was the right thing to do.

  “Are either of you listening to me?” Lady Anne asked. “And good heavens, Kensington, you sound like you’re growling. Don’t you feel well? Perhaps you should go have a lie down. I know a little nap always helps me when I’m not feeling quite the thing. I had a nice snooze in the carriage and now feel refreshed and quite clearheaded. Off with you, now,” she said, waving her hand at him. “It will give Lady Derebourne and I time to become better acquainted.”

  Chase blinked in confusion. “Off with me?”

  Lady Anne tsked. “The poor creatures can be so dense at times. Go away, Kensington, and leave us ladies alone to have a nice chat.”

  He had serious misgivings about leaving his mother alone with Claire. She hadn’t been here an hour, and alread
y she was meddling. There had been no expectation he’d be able to hide his interest in Claire, but had hoped it would take his mother longer than a few minutes to see it.

  Apparently not.

  He stood. “You’re free to tell her to mind her own business, Claire. In fact, I wish you would.” He walked over to his mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Behave yourself, Mama. I’ll have Mrs. Smithfield send in a pot of tea,” he said and left, closing the door behind him.

  Apprehension stirred up Claire’s nerves again. Why did his mother want to speak to her alone?

  “Now then, my dear.” Lady Anne patted her hand. “How serious is this thing between you and my son?”

  It was the shortest speech Lady Kensington had made since Claire had entered the room. She wished desperately for her to go on talking in her usual fashion, but Lady Kensington kept her mouth closed.

  “I’m not sure what you mean,” Claire hedged.

  “Don’t be silly, my dear, of course you do. I haven’t seen my son interested in a woman since his wife passed. I want him to be happy, and I think you may be the woman to make it so. He watches you and you sneak looks at him. If you tell me you care for him, then you can count on me to support you. Do you care for him, Lady Derebourne?”

  “I care for him,” she admitted. A heavy weight lifted and she met Lady Kensington’s astute gaze. “I love him, but he thinks I don’t know my own mind.”

  “Why is that?”

  Claire had never talked to anyone other than Chase about her father and her marriage, but she knew Lady Kensington wouldn’t be satisfied until she had the whole story.

  There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Smithfield entered with the teacart, giving Claire time to collect her thoughts. After Claire served her, Lady Kensington set back on the sofa and sipped her tea. Her dainty little feet didn’t touch the floor and Claire’s affection grew for this talkative, diminutive woman.

  “I guess I should start at the beginning,” Claire said.

  “That usually is the best place to start. Though I can talk your ears off…my children have been known to call me Chatty Attie, but that’s neither here nor there. I can manage to keep my mouth closed long enough to listen. Tell me your story, my dear.”

  Claire told her new friend about her father, her husband and her son. She spoke of her sheltered life and how the horses had given her purpose. She told the mother of the man she loved why the stubborn man insisted on taking her to London. And though she hadn’t meant to, she told Lady Kensington about the plan she called The Training of a Marquess.

  The thing that amazed Claire the most—aside from confiding in someone she had just met—was that while she talked, Lady Kensington had not uttered a word. It was probably the reason she said so much. If she’d been interrupted, Claire thought she probably would have been more guarded in what she said.

  “The Training of a Marquess.” Lady Kensington clapped her hands. “I absolutely love it. You must follow through and begin your strategy to ignore him. He will hate it and will follow you around like a neglected puppy trying to get your attention. This is so exciting. I couldn’t be more pleased that I’m here to see this play out. My son needs a good shake up. He doesn’t speak of Teresa, so I’m encouraged he talked to you of her. Did he tell you what happened?”

  “Yes, and it’s an appalling and heartbreaking story. He also told me she never stopped loving Lord Hollingsworth. I know Cha—Lord Derebourne grieved her death, but I don’t think it’s why he vowed never to marry again.”

  Lady Kensington took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes. “He never told me of his vow, but I feared that might have been the way he was thinking.”

  “He told me of his great love for her, but that she never saw him as more than her dear friend. I think if she had returned his feelings, then her loss would have been devastating, but he would have eventually recovered and been open to finding love again. Because she didn’t, he fears trusting his heart to another woman and not having his loved returned. He said he wouldn’t survive it a second time. I can understand his need for self-preservation.”

  “No, Teresa never loved him. She tried, I know she did, but her heart only ever belonged to Hollingsworth. No one could have stopped Kensington from marrying her, but she wasn’t healthy for him. He changed after they married, became completely focused on her, on making her happy to the extent that he lost something of himself. Their life revolved around her and there didn’t seem to be any thought from either of them as to his needs.

  “Don’t think I didn’t like her, I did. She was like a sweet, damaged child that one felt compelled to cherish and protect. I only wish it wasn’t my son who took on her troubles. Have you told him you love him?”

  “No, he isn’t ready to believe it. He thinks I must have a Season and the experience of being courted by other gentlemen before I can be sure of my feelings.”

  “He isn’t altogether wrong, Claire. May I call you Claire? I feel we have shared many confidences today and that we are friends.”

  “Please, I would be honored. I have never had a female friend before and have always wanted one.”

  Lady Anne took Claire’s hand. “Well, now you do have a woman friend. As I was saying, he’s right in that you should experience a Season. Mind you, I’m not saying you don’t know your own heart. There’s no harm in taking some time to have a little fun and proving to Kensington and yourself that there’s no other man for you than him. Because, Claire, friend or not, I will do serious harm to the next woman who dares to hurt my son.”

  Claire didn’t doubt Lady Anne one bit, but an image of the tiny lady trying to pummel her into the ground made her want to smile. Of course, there were many ways Lady Anne could do harm other than physical. Claire could only respect Lady Anne for wanting to protect her son. She was saved from having to respond by a knock on the door.

  Chase entered and sat in the chair closest to Claire. “The two of you have been closed up in here for well over two hours. I trust by now you know all there is to know of the other. You look none the worse for wear, which must mean you are now bosom friends. What have you been talking about all this time?”

  “Why you, of course,” Lady Anne said and Claire choked in surprise at Lady Anne’s candor.

  “I was afraid of that.” Chase grinned. “Are you all right, Claire? Do you want some water?”

  Claire shook her head. “No, thank you, Cha…Kens… Lord Derebourne.” Bells in hell, she’d never get his name right now.

  “Do not stand on ceremony because of me, Claire. Call him Chase and be done with it.”

  “Yes, Lady Anne,” Claire meekly replied.

  Claire waited for Chase to ask for details of their conversation, but he began to tell Lady Anne of the twin’s activities. Claire excused herself, giving mother and son time alone together.

  Chase turned from watching Claire leave to see a smirk on his mother’s face. “Why are you making faces at me, Mama?”

  “If you believed I wouldn’t notice there’s something between the two of you, son, then you aren’t as intelligent as I thought. I am not blind, you know. She watches you, you watch her. Several times, I thought I could leave the room and neither of you would have noticed. Not that you will ask for it, but I approve wholeheartedly. I like her enormously.

  “How a father could marry his daughter off so young and to a man almost three times her age, I’ll never understand. Of course, I never understood half the things your father did, so what do I know about men? Not enough to fill a teacup, I wager. But that’s neither here nor there.

  “If she can make you happy, if she can give me back the cheerful son I miss ever so much, then in my eyes, she is an angel sent straight from heaven. Come to think of it, she’s exactly what I would imagine an angel to look like with her big blue eyes and silvery hair. Have you ever wondered what angels look like, Kensington?”

  “Not until Claire,” he answered honestly.

  ****

&
nbsp; A deep sense of contentment settled over Claire as she listened to the lively dinner conversation going on around her. With Thomas, dinner had been a quiet affair, the only sounds the clinking of silverware on china. Even in his presence she had been lonely.

  He never asked her how she was, about her day or about anything. If she tried to start a conversation, he would stop eating and set down his fork and knife. He would listen politely, give her an answer if required, and then resume eating.

  Mrs. Smithfield had told her once that his mother taught him it was vulgar to continue eating while a lady spoke. It made Claire nervous to interrupt his dinner, so she had stopped trying to talk to him and her loneliness grew.

  But Thomas’ mother had been wrong. This is how it should be. The Warrens teased and debated, they spoke of things important, and things not so important. The affection they had for one another was there to see, and she badly wanted to belong to them.

  Chase touched her arm, her skin tingling from the contact. “You are being too quiet, Claire. What are you thinking?”

  Conversation stopped as they all turned their attention to at her. Did they care about her thoughts? No one ever had before this man came into her life. It was a new, exhilarating feeling and she found she wanted to be honest with them.

  “I was thinking how much I’m enjoying your conversations. Neither Derebourne or my father encouraged talk at the dinner table, you see, and now I’m wondering why.” She lowered her gaze to her empty plate. So immersed in their discourse, she hadn’t realized she’d cleaned it. Claire gave a self-conscious laugh. “Even the food tastes better when there’s lively dinner conversation.”

  Chase gave her arm a gentle squeeze and then removed his hand. She wanted to pull it back, wanted to keep the touch of him on her skin. She glanced at Lady Anne and saw fondness in her eyes, a look Claire had never seen from her own mother.