Winning The Heart 0f The Mischievous Duke (Historical Regency Romance)

by Ella Edon

  * * *

  He'd never thought he'd be standing in a drawing-room, with anyone's father, asking to court his daughter, not even for a pretend courtship. Everyone always said it so casually, how one would go on to seek the lady's hand, but no one mentioned fear was actually involved. He didn't want the encounter with Esther's father to turn out a whole mess, and so he hoped that he would respond well enough not to be thrown out.

  The black rocking chair by the hearth moved on its own when Lord Kendal rose from it. Behind it was a wooden table with horse-like legs which had knitted wear on it. A portrait of Esther, he presumed, was hung on the wall above the wooden table. It should be her. The portrait was of a little girl, not older than ten, seated but unable to hold her laughter. She was perhaps drawn at a moment when she was laughing quite hard. It made him smile as well. She must have been a joyful lass, shy at times, but joyful nonetheless.

  The clump of boots against the floor averted his attention. Lord Kendal stood by the cellar with his brows raised. At that moment, Stefan was reminded of Esther. She did that often, raised her brows at him. On a closer look, Stefan realized that Esther had taken her looks from her papa. Her brown hair, her grey eyes, her skin, and even, most especially, the shape of her lips. Although Lord Kendal had grey hair growing at the sides, his looks didn't differ all that much from Esther's. Stefan nearly laughed in amusement at the discovery. He wondered what it was like, to have a child who looked so much like you. He wondered if Lord Kendal had ever wished Esther was a male, so he could take over the Earldom, or if he had been so happy to have her in his arms when she was born. He wondered about many things that he should have perhaps been curious about before.

  "Scotch, Your Grace?" Lord Kendal raised a bottle of Scottish whiskey midair and turned around, startling Stefan for he had been staring so much. He cleared his throat and almost nodded absently when he recalled his aching head.

  "No thank you, My Lord." He immediately declined.

  Lord Kendal nodded grimly. "I received your letter, Your Grace."

  "As I did yours. Which is why I arrived here as soon as I could."

  Lord Kendal poured himself a little more of the scotch and took a sip. He placed the cup down on the side table and focused his gaze on Stefan. "What are your intentions towards my daughter?"

  Clasping his hands, he inclined his head and spoke. "I wish to know her more through courtship. I have admired her from afar, and I'd simply want to know her a bit more so..."

  "That's all? To know her a bit more?"

  Stefan ridged his brows. "Isn't that what courtship is all about?"

  "Perhaps. But how would you know? You've never considered anyone for courtship and all of a sudden you want my daughter? Tell me, Your Grace." Lord Kendal sat up. "How did the sudden desire blossom so that it led to you wanting to court Lady Esther?"

  Blimey!

  He knew Lord Kendal would certainly drill him, but he hadn't prepared for a full attack.

  "Lord Kendal, I'd have you know that I have only her best interest at heart."

  "Do you now?"

  "Indeed," he said.

  "Of course, you do. Which was why I was the last to know that the infamous Duke of York was officially courting my daughter and with my permission. A permission which I never granted."

  "My apologies for such an impromptu announcement. It was all my fault. I had seen Lord Milway with Esther, and he seemed to be disturbing her, playing mind games with her. I needed to do something that would make him back away. That is the reason why I made that announcement so suddenly."

  "So, you never planned to court my daughter? This whole courtship began as merely something you did out of pity for her?"

  "Your words offend me, My Lord. I have wanted to court Lady Esther for quite some time. But due to my fear that she would reject me, I hid my feelings and kept my distance." He set his jaw straight, clenching his teeth. He needed to act the part, play the role, so he could get it all done with.

  "Certainly not as wounded as I was, when the news got to me, and I found myself utterly in the dark. "

  "I can only beg your pardon, My Lord. When I saw her alone, in the garden, with Lord Milway, I was driven by jealousy and rage. It was which made me announce the courtship. I didn't mean to hurt your honor. At that time, I was trying to protect the Lady Esther, and my own heart."

  Exasperation set in immediately. He had a feeling in his gut that Lord Kendal wasn't going to be nice.

  "What is it that made you attracted to my daughter and all of a sudden desire to court her?"

  Stefan inclined his head again rubbed his hands together and sat straighter. "Lady Esther is...she's not like anyone I've ever known before. She is passionate, kind-hearted, and she cares for others. Watching her every day at the orphanage, giving so much to those little ones, yet asking for nothing in return is truly amazing. I've never met another soul like hers. It drew me to her. Although I met her at the time when she seemed most vulnerable, I saw that there was more to her than meets the eye."

  As the words left his lips, he realized that all those statements were true. That he truly admired the lady she was. That all those things he had said to Lord Kendal were from deep down. He realized that he meant it. And that realization left him flabbergasted so that he stared at Lord Kendal with creased brows and a beating heart.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Miss Elizabeth Robinson was still the same as she had always been: of average height, overweight, though she walked with her shoulders raised high. She had been Esther's chaperone before she left, claiming she had to visit her sister in India. Esther had formed a very strong bond with her. This lady had been part of her journey into society, and Elizabeth had only left when it was announced that Nicholas was courting Esther. So, Esther was stunned to see her former chaperone standing at the entrance of her home.

  "Miss Elizabeth?" Esther called out.

  The woman with a mass of red hair turned to the direction her name had been called and broke into a wide smile. "My Lady."

  Giggling, Esther ran down the hallway and crushed the lady in a hug. Miss Elizabeth raised her hands and patted Esther's back. Esther pulled away almost immediately. "What are you doing here? When did you return to England?"

  "A few days ago, my dear. I received a letter from your father weeks ago, but I was too caught up with Celine, my sister, to return. When I finally understood the importance of the letter, I decided it was high time I returned I left trusting that my work was done. But when I learned the news, I was heartbroken. Hearing that Lord Milway, a fine gentleman that we all knew and loved, had called off the engagement, shocked me! What was the reason? What happened?"

  Esther blinked, opened her mouth to speak but found herself stuttering. "I… Nicholas…" she stopped and took a deep breath. She was so nervous, but not because of Miss Elizabeth. However, Miss Elizabeth's question had reminded her that behind closed doors, Stefan sat with her father. She wanted her father to like Stefan. It bothered her that he would not. She wanted the world to know the real goodness in him.

  "My Lady?" Miss Elizabeth touched her face, worried.

  Esther laughed. She wasn't sure why she was suddenly feeling strange. She took Miss Elizabeth's hand and led her to the salon, down the wide hallway. Once they were inside, she shut the door behind her and turned to a startled Miss Elizabeth. Those eyes, round and huge, reminded her of Miss Elizabeth's first days with her. She had been terrified of her chaperone. But somehow, Miss Elizabeth began to understand her more than anyone.

  "Lady Esther, what is going on?"

  Esther let out a long sigh. "Papa has the Duke of York in the drawing-room with him."

  Miss Elizabeth's shoulders slacked. "He informed me in his note yesterday when he heard of my return."

  Esther walked over to her, and took her by the arm. "He wrote to you about the Duke? What did he say?"

  "Lord Kendal did not speak of him. He simply mentioned that you would need me as your chaperone." Miss Elizabet
h narrowed her eyes. "What is going on?"

  Esther began to pace the room. She halted by the hearth and tilted her head, eager to say something. However, she shook her head and walked on. Miss Elizabeth stood by, looking at her. "Do I need to worry?"

  Esther turned to her and laughed, but it did not calm her. She sighed and shrugged. "Miss Elizabeth, I hope Papa accepts the Duke."

  Miss Elizabeth looked taken aback by her outburst. Then slowly, walked over to her. "This Duke, you like him?"

  Esther blushed. She shook her head a little and cast her lashes down. It was an act, of course, to make Nicholas come running to her. She needed everyone talking about this. Miss Elizabeth was about to speak when a knock came on the door.

  "Come in."

  The door opened gently, and Angus poked his head inside." Lord Kendal would like to see you both."

  Esther hurried out immediately, Miss Elizabeth trailing behind her. When Esther neared the drawing-room, she saw the door open. Slowly, she walked in. Her father was seated on the rocking chair near the hearth, sipping scotch. Stefan sat opposite him, his hands clasped together and his eyes solely on Lord Kendal. Esther's heartbeat increased. There was so much tension in the room.

  "Papa," she called. "You sent for me."

  Lord Kendal sat his scotch aside and sat up. "Esther, the Duke of York has asked to court you. I've had a long talk with him, and he seems fitting for you. However, the choice is not mine to make. Do you accept his offer to court you?"

  Esther blinked, unable to hide her surprise and delight. And with a vigorous nod, she said. "Yes. Yes, of course, I'd love the Duke to court me."

  Lord Kendal nodded, as a small smile stretched on his lips. "Very well, then. Your Grace, I accept your offer to court Lady Esther. And if you do her any harm, beware that I am unforgiving. "

  Stefan seemed cool about it all, somewhat lost in thought. As though he was thinking of something else.

  “Thank you, My Lord,” Stefan said. “I promise you, I will do my best to deserve her.”

  Lord Kendal nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, then. The Duke has also requested to walk with you around the garden. He can, with Miss Elizabeth by your side of course."

  Esther's shoulders nearly slumped in disappointment. Was Miss Elizabeth going to be there? It meant they couldn't celebrate their victory openly, and it bothered her. However, she had a lot to be thankful for, and she was thankful that so far, their plan was going well.

  Stefan rose swiftly, her father rose as well. Stefan walked over to her father and shook his hand while bowing. And with a solemn nod, he announced. "I won't disappoint you, Lord Kendal."

  Her father smiled. "I believe that you won't."

  Stefan turned to her, smiling. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm.

  Esther nodded slowly, still perplexed, but she placed her hand in the curve of his elbow. She could still ask him some questions in the garden.

  * * *

  Miss Elizabeth walked a little bit behind them, giving them a very bit little privacy, which made Esther feel the urge to whisper. Stefan wasn't paying attention to her, however. His focus was on anything and nothing. She wondered what he was thinking about.

  Then she jabbed his sides a little. That caught his attention. He turned to her, a fleeting smile on his face. "Esther."

  She cocked her head to the side, her brow raised. "What did my Papa say? What happened in there?"

  Stefan smirked. "I won him over."

  "How?"

  "I simply said all that he needed to hear." He covered her hand with his own, where it rested on his arm.

  "Do you think he believed you? Papa isn't very fond of you. I'm surprised he's taking all of this well. It's so unlike him."

  Stefan smiled down at her with his blue eyes. She felt as though there was something he wasn't saying, and it bothered her that he was keeping something from her. She touched his hand and stilled him for a moment. She glanced behind her to see if Miss Elizabeth was paying attention. The old woman indeed was. She raised a brow at Esther when their eyes met. Esther blushed and turned back to Stefan.

  "It seems you are hiding something. Let me in on it." She nudged him.

  Stefan stuck his hands in the pocket of his breeches and laughed. "What bothers you so?"

  Esther huffed. "Does my papa like you?"

  "It would seem I have won him over,” he repeated, then changed the subject. “I think my mother is going to throw a ball. I'm not quite sure of the details, but I'd like for you to accompany me."

  "You'll have to ask my Papa."

  Stefan nodded.

  "Would you like to go to the theatre tonight? I'd really like to go."

  Esther let her lips stretch. Then she nodded. The theatre would be a very good place to brew gossip. To make Nicholas aware of them. Nicholas liked the theatre too. And even if he wasn't there, she was sure word would get to him. She giggled and nudged Stefan. "That's a brilliant idea. You know how much I love the theatre."

  "You go there often with your friends. I was thinking just us two, and of course, your chaperone."

  Esther raised a brow. Stefan smiled and shook his head. "What flowers do you like?"

  "Lilies. White lilies," she responded. "They are beautiful. Exotic."

  "I see. What books do you read?"

  Esther shrugged. "I like poetry more than I like books. I think the plays at the theatre are similar to books. Do you not think the same?"

  Stefan shook his head sideways. She was sure he was looking for what he was going to say. But she knew he didn't really like reading books. Alexandra had said something like that. She broke the silence when she knew he was simply short of words. "You do not read, Stefan."

  He touched his neck but refused to look her in the eye. "Pray tell, My Lady, why you seem so certain about that?"

  "Alex told me. You have lots of books in your study, yet you open none. All you do is go through paperwork and then you're out."

  Stefan smirked. "You've been gathering information on me, Lady Esther. Be careful."

  She blushed. Her lashes fluttered, and she wondered how she still remembered. But her blush left quickly as she gathered herself. Stefan was watching her intently, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "It would seem I'm making you uncomfortable."

  "You never make me uncomfortable Stefan. You're all the comfort I need."

  "Do you need me to keep you warm when the weather becomes too cold? I fear I offer more comfort than a hearth."

  "Your Grace," she replied in his tone, eager to beat him at his own game. "I fear the hearth has a fire that burns cold from afar. You’re only human, after all. How do you want to perform that which only a hearth can do?"

  Stefan bit his bottom lip for a second and then nodded once before speaking. "Did I not ever tell you that I am fire, myself? And though I may never be close by, I leave imprints in the memories of those whom I spend even a little time with. So that even when I am absent, mere thoughts of me can warm them. Warm them until all they feel is not just heat, but me."

  Her cheeks flamed, even her neck felt too hot. And as her lashes cast down, her shyness crept out. Her heartbeat raced. Dear Lord, what was she doing? She had been openly flirting with Stefan, and she felt no shame. All she felt was that heat he talked about. It left her stunned.

  * * *

  "I'm not sure I like that Duke," Miss Elizabeth announced, voicing her disapproval. Esther smoothed the skirt of her dress and walked along.

  Miss Elizabeth was to go with both herself and Stefan to the theatre. Esther didn't like the arrangement, but her father had insisted, saying it was right for her chaperone to be by her side in order to avoid unnecessary rumors.

  "You never like anyone, Miss Elizabeth."

  Miss Elizabeth scoffed. "We knew Lord Milway since he was a babe and still, he proved himself a scoundrel! Even though I would never have foreseen this, I take the blame for letting you accept such a gentleman."

  Esther turned to Miss Elizabeth with her brows
creased. "Why do you sound so angry now? What did Papa tell you?"

  Miss Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. "Your Papa thinks something must have happened before the end of your engagement with Lord Milway. But you haven't spoken to anyone about it, dear. He said for a long time, you were sad. And then, all of a sudden it got better. He is happy that all is well, but he cannot help but wonder what has transpired. To be honest, I am also curious. Because I know how pure your soul is, my darling, you would never hurt anyone. So Lord Milway has hurt you."

  Miss Elizabeth gripped her hand. "Tell me, what did he do that you ended it all —"