The Duke's Desire

by Elizabeth Elliot

  Storm nodded. Bonnet shook her head.

  “Oh Storm, that is a terrible idea.”

  “Why? I ruined the poor woman’s bonnet. It is the right thing to do.”

  “Yes, it is, but you are not doing it because it is the right thing to do. You are doing it to impress the woman’s sister and that is why it is a terrible idea.”

  Storm looked at his sister perplexed.

  “I think it is brilliant. What better way to impress a woman than to show kindness to her sister?”

  His sister snickered.

  “I can think of at least twenty better ways without a moment’s thought. I can assure you, that sending a new bonnet to a woman whose name you do not even remember, just to impress her sister, is not going to turn out well.”

  “I think Felicity called her Elly. Is that short for something?”

  Bonnet sighed.

  “Most likely Eleanor or Ellen.”

  “Eleanor. She seemed like an Eleanor. That is a brunettes name if ever I heard one.”

  His sister rolled her eyes.

  “You are impossible.”

  “It is one of my charms.”

  Snorting with laugher, his sister head toward the door.

  “At least you are going to make the start of the season very interesting. Although, if this is how you think you should court a woman, I may have to choose a wife for you after all. You will, no doubt, ruin your own chances.”

  Storm called after her.

  “I assure you that my ability to fetch myself a wife is not in the dire state you feel it is. I am a blasted duke after all. With a blasted fortune. And I will go about it as I seem fit. You will not line up a string of single young ladies at my feet this season Bonnet.”

  Bonnet just smiled.

  “I would not dream of it dear brother. You are a blasted duke, with a blasted fortune after all. Once it becomes obvious that you are seeking a wife the string of single young ladies at your feet will not be my doing at all.”

  She looked to him in such innocence that he knew she was already scheming. With a sigh, he watched her exit the room. Storm doubted that even the Lord could prevent Bonnet from interfering, although he found himself praying just in case. He wanted a biddable woman. A quiet, meek, and pretty woman, who would adore him and who he would adore without having to worry about what her next scheme would be.

  The reality of it all, Storm thought sadly, was simply that they could not continue as they were forever. He needed a wife and an heir. This season, it was time to turn from his rakish ways and face his duty. This season, he would find the right blonde for himself and tuck her away in his arms forever.

  The blonde in the park was exactly what he was looking for. Convinced it would only benefit him to get a head start on the other gentleman, Storm rose and grabbed his coat. He had a bonnet to go purchase. He was right about the gift. What better way to make a good impression than to offer a gift to her sister? Besides, the eldest Pinecrest woman could certainly use a new garment. Even he knew that bonnet he had crushed was in poor condition even before his boot met it.

  Chapter Three

  The next morning, when Eleanor arrived at breakfast, her brother kissed her cheek and helped her fill her plate. Once she was comfortably seated next to him, Marcus looked at her with a gleam in his eyes.

  “There is a package that arrived for you this morning. I had Mrs. Cove bring it to your room. I am curious to learn who it might be from.”

  Eleanor looked at her brother with surprise. She could not remember the last time she had received a package from anyone. Having not a single acquaintance in town there was no reason she should have received anything at all.

  “Perhaps it was delivered to the wrong address.”

  Marcus looked at her with a smirk. Her brother’s golden locks looked a bit disheveled and she barely refrained from brushing a loose lock from his brow. Marcus simply hated being fussed over, which was a shame. If he would only collect himself and actually accepted that he was a duke, he may find himself a woman with a large dowry and have a comfortable life.

  “Maybe it is from that Garret fellow who always followed you around back home. He was quite upset that you would come to London and forget about him.”

  Eleanor rolled her eyes. Garret Frompton was the only man who had ever shown an interest in her. Although she had never told Marcus, Eleanor knew that his only interest was in gaining a wife who would be able to care for his estate while he frolicked around the fields writing the worst poetry in the world. His greatest concern was to find a wife who would sire him an heir so that his family would be pleased and allow him to spend his days as he wished.

  “I would rather be a spinster than marry him. Really, I wish you would be a bit firmer with him. He is convinced that you approve of the match. In truth, I would not be surprised if he has already picked out names for our children.”

  Marcus laughed. Eleanor could not help but smile when her brother was so filled with humor. Since their father died, he had tried to take on his new responsibilities, but her brother had never been the sort of gentleman who thrived under pressure. She loved her brother, but the weight of the world seemed to have landed on his shoulders when their father passed and he was not carrying it well. To see him laugh was like a breath of fresh air, even if it was at her expense.

  “I almost would be agreeable if it meant getting you off my hands. You are a very impertinent chit.”

  With a glare, she scolded him.

  “You would not last a day without me. If it were not for me we would surely be in the poor house by now.”

  It was the truth. But it was cruel of her to say it out loud. Her brother flinched and she instantly reached for his hand. What had possessed her to ruin the rare happiness that her brother had been showing? She really should learn how to control her tongue. Placing her hand on his arm, she sighed.

  “I did not mean that. It was wrong. Please, accept my apologies. It was poor papa that led us to this state we are in. You have doing the best you can to keep our family together.”

  Eleanor let herself dwell on the memories of her childhood. Memories that were filled with pretty dresses and extravagant gifts from her father. It was not until her father died that she had learned that he had not saved an inkling of their fortune. It was so like him to disregard the future. Marcus, had indeed, done a remarkable job of keeping them together, until now. Her brother sighed.

  “No. You are right. I may be able to scrounge for the money to survive, but you are the only one that knows how to spend it so that it is put to the best use. I really would be lost without you.”

  Taking a serious tone Eleanor met her brothers’ gaze.

  “I have done well until now, but if neither you nor Felicity marries well this season, I do not know how we shall survive.”

  Which was the reason they had come to London in the first place she thought. Eleanor had managed to keep their funds from dwindling so far, but every sent was being spent to give Felicity her season and if she did not marry someone of good fortune, the future would be bleak indeed. Marcus squeezed her hand.

  “You should not exclude yourself. I know you have said that you will be happy with the life of a governess, but you could find a match here as well.”

  She rolled her eyes. He was always kind although they both knew the truth. She would be a spinster. It was something that Eleanor had known since her father had passed. Something that she always knew when she stood next to her sister and saw what beauty truly was.

  “I have not the charm, nor beauty that you and my sister have.”

  Although she did hold out hope that her brother would be collect himself enough to catch the eye of a lovely woman, it was only Felicity who they needed to ensure found a match. Marcus intended to purchase a commission and become a soldier and Eleanor could find a position as a governess, but marriage was Felicity’s only chance to have the life she deserved. It was amazing that her sister had not realized how dire their fin
ances were. She and Marcus had agreed not to tell Felicity unless it was absolutely necessary.

  “You think too poorly of yourself.”

  She would have responded but, with the laughter of a woman without a worry in the world, Felicity entered.

  “Oh, Good morning. How are my two most favorite people today?”

  “Wonderful. And you?”

  Kissing her brother’s cheek Felicity beamed.

  “Oh, I am so excited. London seems beautiful. I cannot wait until we attend the first ball of the season.”

  As she prattled on Eleanor’s thoughts drifted away. She wondered about her package for ten minutes before finally giving up and excusing herself to go see who it was from. Hurrying to her room she prayed that it was not from Garret Frompton. Slipping quietly into her bedchamber she noticed the huge package on the table and her eyes widened. When she opened it, she found a pale blue bonnet that was far lovelier than the one she had ruined the previous day.

  - Miss Eleanor Pinecrest

  My boots are terribly sorry for having ruined your bonnet and offer a replacement. I have enclosed a pin so that you need not worry about how loose the ribbons are tied.

  - Yours, the Duke of Wakefield

  Looking to the fine bonnet once again Eleanor sat on her bed in bewilderment. Surely this was not proper. She could not possibly accept such a gift. It was all just an accident. Even to her country eye she knew that this was a very expensive apology. She would have to return it. Today. Immediately, so that she had no time to ponder about how much she truly wanted the beautiful item. All their funds had gone to purchase a new wardrobe for Felicity and she wanted one for herself so badly it stung. She had to return it. He should have known better. Society had rules about such gifts. It would be on thing if she believed he wanted to court her, but she knew he was far more interesting in Felicity. Frowning she wondered how she would be able to locate where his residence was. Suspecting that he was rather well known, Eleanor rung for the housekeeper.

  Two Eleanor stood at the base of the porch steps, hatbox in hand. She had found out where Lord Wakefield lived and was told that there were women in residence so it would not appear odd to pay a call to the home. The relief of knowing that she would not cause a scandal still did not settle her nerves. She had already walked up to the door and back down four times. This was very uncharacteristic of her. Eleanor was gathering her courage to make her fifth attempt when someone cleared his throat next to her.

  Turning toward her new companion, Eleanor nearly lost her breath for the second time in two days. Goodness, was every man in London going to be so unreasonably attractive? Although this man was very different in constitution than Lord Wakefield he was equally as handsome. And, in her opinion, far more… free? It had not taken her long to realize that Lord Wakefield seemed weighed down by responsibility, whereas this gentleman seemed much more relaxed.

  “I could not help but notice that you have spent an unusual amount of time at the door. Are they refusing you entry?”

  Eleanor blushed.

  “I um… have not knocked yet.”

  The man casually leaned against the balustrade next to her.

  “I see,” he smiled, his green eyes full of mirth, “And why would that be Miss…?”

  “Pinecrest,” she blurted out.

  “Ah… so you are the infamous Miss Pinecrest.”

  Surprised, Eleanor looked to him curiously. Had Lord Wakefield really been speaking about her?

  “My brother mentioned your meeting in the park. I thought, for some reason, you were blonde.”

  The pain in her heart was acute. Eleanor, not for the first time in her life, corrected him.

  “That is my sister.”

  The man seemed to blush. She knew that this was the point in the conversation where she usually said something humorous to make the situation less awkward. After all, she should be happy that a gentleman such as Lord Wakefield spoke of her sister to others. It just irked her. Eleanor did not find much to like about most gentlemen, but she had thought Lord Wakefield was different. He had been so kind to her, and he did not yell at his brother for running into her. Most gentlemen would have been scolded the youngster. So, putting on her most charming smile, she laughed.

  “I shall make you a deal… Lord?”

  “Mister Westbrook.”

  “Very well, Mister Westbrook, I shall not mention that you have confirmed my suspicions of Lord Wakefield’s interest in my sister, if you will not mention my standing out here for the past twenty minutes.”

  The man ginned at her with such charm Eleanor thought she may swoon right where she stood.

  “Miss Pinecrest, you may be the best addition to this season yet.”

  Eleanor laughed.

  “Now that I simply cannot believe.”

  Leaning toward her he motioned toward the door.

  “Shall we go in?”

  Eleanor frowned. How could she possibly face Lord Wakefield now?

  “I am not sure I should, to be honest.”

  The gentleman beside her smiled and held her gaze.

  “And why is that?”

  Eleanor took a deep breath and smiled weakly.

  “Oh, there are at least a dozen reasons why it would not be wise at all.”

  “Oh?”

  “It is not proper for me to call on his grace, being an unmarried lady. People may gossip.”

  With a lopsided smile, the gentleman motioned to the crowds passing by.

  “I can assure you, standing out here and speaking with me is far more improper. I have four sisters, Miss Pinecrest, two whom are already out and about in society on one about to make her debut. I can assure you, woman coming to this door is not at all scandalous.”

  Eleanor nodded and bit her lower lip.

  “I had not realized the family was so large.”

  The man grinned again. Good Lord he was terribly attractive when he grinned at a woman like that.

  “Indeed. Nine of us in all. It is perhaps fortunate that you met the eldest and youngest first. They are the most challenging to deal with. At least when it comes to the Westbrook men.”

  Eleanor laughed at that and turned her own smile to him.

  “Challenging does not encourage me to want to face either of them again.”

  The gentleman leaned in ever so slightly.

  “I can assure you, although neither has my charm, we Westbrooks are for the most part very amiable and kind. Even my brother. Unless, of course, you set his temper off.”

  Eleanor was saved from a response for, at that moment, the door opened and a young lady came bouncing down the stairs and right into the man’s arms.

  “Oh Hunter! You are home. We missed you so very much.”

  The man collected the woman up and swung her in a circle.

  “I am home indeed. I am sorry that I did not get to see you last night. I arrived late and only Storm was awake.”

  The woman smiled at him and then noticed Eleanor.

  “And who is this? Do not tell me you got married without telling Bonnet. She would kill you!”

  The man laughed.

  “This is Miss Pinecrest, and I would never dare marry without telling Bonnet. We just happened to meet here at the door.”

  The newcomer took Eleanor’s hand and smiled.

  “So, you are Miss Pinecrest. Storm mentioned meeting you in the park. I thought he said you were blonde.”

  Eleanor sighed and watched as Mister Westbrook gently nudged his elbow into the girl’s ribs. As if on cue, Eleanor put on her perfectly believable fake smile and shook her head.

  “I believe he must have been speaking about my sister.”

  The woman blushed and Eleanor could not help but wonder about the gentleman. Storm. It seemed like a completely suitable name for him. His eyes were like two storm clouds just before they soaked the earth. She knew that no matter how bad life may get, a single glance into the blasted man’s eyes and she would be ready to face anything. S
uch a shame he would never give her a second thought.

  “Peaches Westbrook I believe you are supposed to be practicing your pianoforte!”

  Eleanor smiled at the woman who stood with her hand on her hips in the doorway. She imagined they were nearly the same age but clearly this woman had authority.

  “Yes Bonnet. I just saw Hunter and was eager to say hello.”

  The woman smiled.

  “I suppose that is forgivable.”

  Placing a kiss on her brother’s cheek, Eleanor watched her hurry inside.

  “As for you Hunter, you are late.”

  Sheepishly, the gentleman turned to Eleanor.

  “It was entirely Miss Pinecrest’s fault.”

  She was about to protest the accusation when the woman on the stairs smiled.

  “Eleanor. It is truly a pleasure to meet you. Please do come inside. My name is Bonnet, by the way, and you just met my brother Hunter and sister Peaches, who I am assured forgot their manners and never introduced themselves.”

  Eleanor had no choice but to obey. The gentleman offered her his arm and she found herself being escorted into the most beautiful home in all of London. And to top it off, she knew she had found a new friend. Bonnet knew she was not Felicity and for that, Eleanor was sure that they would form a close bond by the end of the season. As she was led into a drawing room Eleanor smiled.

  “So, I see you brought the bonnet with you. I told him that you would not accept it.”

  Having forgotten that she still had the hat box in her hand, Eleanor sighed.

  “It was a kind gesture, truly, but it was my own fault that my bonnet got ruined. And now that I know Lord Wakefield would rather be flattering my sister with gifts, it seems even more inappropriate to accept it.”

  Her new friends shook her head.

  “I did warn him. He can be impossibly stubborn.”

  Seeing a chance to escape, Eleanor held the box out.

  “Will you please tell him that I am grateful for the thought?”

  The woman hesitated when the gentleman himself entered the room. Despite desperately trying to ignore it, Eleanor felt her heart flutter a bit at the sight of him. It was a shame that she found him so attractive. Of course, she could never dream to find herself so fortunate to catch his eye, but at least she could have dreamed about him. Now that she knew he was so fond of her sister, it would only cause her more grief to keep dwelling on how very handsome she was.