Eleanor wanted to argue, but it seemed like an inappropriate thing to do.
“I will not wear it.”
“You are a stubborn woman.”
“And I cannot believe that your godson sent you over here to order me about.”
And, to her surprise, the dowager laughed.
“Oh, Miss Pinecrest, you are charming.”
Whatever Eleanor had expected the Dowager to say, it was not that.
“You are right. Storm should fight his own battles.”
And then, Lady Garrington, linked her arm through Eleanor’s and motioned toward the seating area. Having no ability nor inclination to escape the woman, Eleanor strolled back toward her seat as Lady Garrington continued to speak.
“Are you enjoying the entertainment?”
Smiling Eleanor nodded.
“Very much. This is the first event we have attended and it is a splendid way to start the season. My sister was so excited to have received the invitation. We are very grateful.”
Nodding, Lady Garrington motioned toward the group of Westbrooks that had now seemed to have reassemble. Eleanor was glad to see Felicity and Marcus were with them still.
“Your family will be great friends. You will be surprised at how many invitations will be arriving. I believe Peaches’ come out ball is next week. Perhaps your sister should make her debut there as well. They seem to have formed a quick bond.”
“Oh, we could not possibly impose.”
Laughing, Lady Garrington smiled.
“It would actually be a help. I know Peaches very well. She does not want to make a match this season. Your sister will help divide the suitors. I will speak to Bonnet about it after the rest of the show and, being unwed yourself, I will be happy to also watch over you and your sister at the upcoming balls. I do not believe you have had your own season yet.”
Eleanor tried not to grimace.
“My father passed just as I was about to make my debut. After the mourning, my brother and I felt it best to wait until Felicity was of age, before coming to London.”
The older woman studied her for a moment and Eleanor wondered what the woman must be thinking of her.
“I see. Well, Miss Pinecrest, I will help you both in any way I can. Intermission is nearly over. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the evening. If I do not have the pleasure of speaking to you again I must beg you take it easy on Storm. He has had a hard go of things at times, and misplaced as they may be, his intentions are usually good.”
Then, as quickly as she appeared, the dowager was gone.
Storm had spent the intermission watching the elder Pinecrest woman. First with his brother, then with his Aunt, and finally as she sat alone for the last few moments waiting for the musicale to begin again. She confused him in so many ways. When she smiled, it seemed to always be sincere and when she laughed, you could see the mirth in her eyes. It was uncommon for a woman to display such emotions while at a social event. Though, uncommon did seem to be a word that suited her. As he watched her talking with his brother at the punchbowl, he wondered what had caused her such amusement. Still, he resisted the urge to join them at the punch table. He even resisted approaching her when Aunt Garrington was scolding her about the bonnet as he asked. But when she was suddenly alone he felt a twinge of pity. And a twinge of envy. When was the last time he had a moment to sit by himself in a room full of people? Never, he suspected.
“Tell me, Miss Pinecrest, why is it that you have not been to London before?”
Pulled abruptly from her thoughts, she looked to him confused.
“I have been to London many time, your grace.”
He frowned, but then, with a sigh, the woman continued.
“My father used to take us here often, but he passed away right before I would have had my own season and Marcus and I felt it best to stay in the country for our mourning period.”
Taking a seat beside her, he found himself reaching for her hand to console her.
“I am sorry for your loss. We lost our parents as well.”
She returned the condolences and Storm realized at once that their conversation was turning out to be as dreary as her clothing. He had not come over to her to cause her heartache, and yet, there was actually something comforting in the silence that followed. Storm could not remember a time when he found comfort in silence. The rest of the crowds seemed to be filtering into their seats again and Storm knew that they would not have much more time to speak. Before their families joined them, though, he wanted to at least solicit one laugh from the woman, but he seemed to be unable to think of anything witty to say. Finally, as their families took their seat and the next performer took to the stage, he leaned toward her and whispered the only think he could think would make her smile.
“My father would have scolded me for quite some time about attacking a woman with chestnuts, if that is any consolation.”
He saw a smile spread to her lips and with a sly look she leaned in to whisper softly back.
“And mine would have scolded me about not tying me ribbons.”
Then, just as the performer started to sing, Storm found himself smiling as well. An honest smile. As he settled back into his seat, he wondered who the last person was outside of his family that could cause such a smile. It was most likely prior to his parents passing. Nearly five years. Miss Pinecrest was a very interesting woman indeed.
Chapter Five
Storm approached the Pinecrest residence the next day, bonnet in hand. He knew his aunt had spoken to Eleanor the night before and was sure he would manage to convince the foolish woman to take the hat. As he was guided to the drawing room he noted the house seemed a bit run down but it was not particularly unusual. They had just returned to London, and from what she had stated the previous evening, they had not been to London for a few seasons. When he arrived at his destination, Miss Pinecrest greeted him warmly.
“Good afternoon, Lord Wakefield.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Pinecrest.”
Offering him a seat, Storm found himself lost in a sea of pink and cream pillows. Apparently, he was a sight, for he could not ignore Miss Pinecrest soft giggle after he took a seat among them.
“I have brought your bonnet.”
He held it out to her and was surprised to see she had raised a brow.
“You must be mistaken. I have not lost a bonnet.”
“You know very well it is to replace the one that I ruined.”
Eleanor took her own seat, her stubborn chin tilted toward him.
“As I noted yesterday, I cannot accept it.”
“Stop being so stubborn.”
The woman scowled at him.
“Stop trying to force me to accept something I do not want.”
“It is only a bonnet. I assure you there is no alternate motive.”
At that she nearly snorted. Pouring herself a cup a tea, she motioned to see if he desired one, more out of habit than actual concern for his thirst.
“You wish to court my sister.”
It was a statement, not a question, and Storm saw no reason to lie.
“Yes, I do not see how that is relevant to your bonnet.”
“Of course, you would not.”
She remained silently pouring her tea until he wanted to strangle her, then, politely taking her seat again, she met his gaze.
“I have no desire to accept a gift from a gentleman who wishes to court my sister. It is inappropriate and I assure you, you will gain no favor by the action.”
He was thoroughly offended. He had thought that they had come to some sort of understanding the previous evening. Storm remembered even believing, at one point, that she was almost charming.
“Miss Pinecrest, my desire to court your sister had nothing to do with the fact that I trampled on your bonnet.”
This time he saw anger flash in her eyes.
“You will respect my decision, your grace, or I shall have to ask you to leave.”
This, more
than anything else, was unacceptable. No one dismissed him.
“Ask me to leave?”
“I have no desire to do so, since in all other matter you have been very kind, but I will not sit here and argue about this issue. Felicity will be down in a moment, and for her sake, I daresay we should try to get along.”
Storm did not understand why she was being so stubborn. It was simply a bonnet. But if she wanted to try to fight him on the matter, he was up for the challenge. He was not leaving here with the bonnet.
“You know, as much as I should not say this, Felicity and you would never suit. She is far too young for you and far too naïve. It really is a waste of your time.”
He did not know why it irked him so, and truly, he had started to think that same exact thing just the evening before, but now that he knew the blasted woman was against the match, he was more determined than ever to court her sister.
“At least now it is clear which sister is the charming one.”
“I have never claimed to be charming, your grace, only honest.”
They were both saved from further discussion, by the appearance of the woman in question. Felicity had on an elegant blue day gown that seemed to make her eyes shine with happiness. She was simply stunning. Storm rose to his feet immediately.
“Miss Felicity, you look absolutely breathtaking.”
The girl blushed and curtsied.
“Oh, thank you, your grace.”
Smiling he came up with a brilliant idea.
“I have a gift for you.”
Presenting the package in his hand, he noted a murderous look come from Miss Pinecrest. The blushing girl opened the package and nearly swooned.
“Oh, my goodness, it is so beautiful. Oh, thank you Lord Wakefield. Oh Elly, is it not the most magnificent bonnet you have ever seen?”
“I dare not say.”
Storm met her gaze, but it was clear she had lost the battle. She would never tell her sister to give up something that had clearly pleased her. He could accuse her of having a great many faults, but loving her sister was not one of them. It was clear how much she adored Felicity. It was something he had noticed during the musicale last night, and it was evident again today. For one brief moment, Storm stopped despising the woman and found her rather endearing. It was uncommon to find such devotion to one’s family in the ton these days. But, the moment quickly passed and he turned his attention entirely to the young lady with the stunning blue eyes.
“I was hoping you may consider wearing it today actually. My estate is not far off and my sisters insisted I invite you both for tea. The weather is lovely, so I thought perhaps we would walk so we do not have to be confined to a carriage.”
Looking to her sister, Felicity was already securing the bonnet to her head.
“Oh Elly, can we go?”
Rising, Eleanor put down her tea and with an annoyed sigh nodded.
“I cannot think of a reason why not, dear.”
But she certainly tried to find one, Storm thought, looking at the defeat in her eyes. With a raised brow, he offered the younger woman his arm and motioned to the door. Miss Felicity fell in step with him and Storm noted, the elder sister yanked her own bonnet on her head. It was such a shame, he thought, that she was so stubborn. The bonnet she donned now was even more depressing than the one he had trampled on. And then, having no idea that she was about to pour salt in her sister’s wounds, the young innocent girl on his arm, turned to her sister with a smile.
“Do not forget to secure the ribbons this time, Elly.”
For the second time in as many days, Eleanor had lost another bonnet, and it was all that blasted man’s fault. Still, at least she had the satisfaction of knowing that he had suffered as well. How the tea had turned into such an ordeal was beyond her, but she blamed Lord Wakefield.
Though having to tolerate the awful man flirting with Felicity during their stroll to his manor, Eleanor had to admit that she was so fond of his eldest sister it was worth the trip. He at least excused himself once they arrived at the home and, while the younger girls were getting acquainted, Bonnet and she had discussed their upbringing. It surprised Eleanor how open she could be with Bonnet. Of course, she knew not to mention the debt they were in. It seemed insignificant and too personal. Best let the Westbrook’s think they were as rich as they appeared to be and that they did not need any new bonnets.
The women were just starting to discuss the upcoming season when the sudden appearance of two of her siblings distracted Bonnet. The boy stopped for a moment, a wide grin on his face, before running off at full speed as the lady chasing him appeared.
“Chance, if you do not give me those glasses within five seconds I swear I will...”
“Stop!”
The one word had both newcomers freeze. Eleanor had a very hard time trying to hold back her laughter as the woman beside her moved forward. Without another word, she crossed to the boy and held out her hand. Rolling his eyes, the young man handed her a pair of spectacles. He went to speak, but the elder woman held up her hand.
“You, dear brother, are supposed to be with your tutor.”
Beside him, the younger woman smirked, sticking her tongue at the boy. Chance, Eleanor noted, glared right back at her.
“And Willow, why, pray tell, were you anywhere near Chance? The last time I left you, I believe you were supposed to be practicing your arithmetic.”
“She was trying to flirt with Mr. Stromman.”
“I was not.”
“You were so.”
Eleanor watched as the eldest woman tried to hide a smile. It was something she herself often did when her brother and sister were up to mischief. No matter how childish Marcus and Felicity could be, Eleanor always felt a slight tug at her heart when they teased each other. Another gentleman appeared and cleared his throat. Although he was handsome in his own right, Eleanor could instantly see that he was not a member of the family.
“If I may, my lady, I believe Miss Willow Westbrook came to the library to retrieve some items that I thought might make your celebration more festive.”
When all eyes turned to him Eleanor noted that the man blushed slightly. It was clear that he did not feel as if he was a member of the family even though Eleanor was quite certain that such men often grew quite close to them all. He held out a small box and smiled.
“Roasted chestnuts.”
Eleanor heard herself gasp and raised her hand to her mouth. If they others noticed they did not say a word. Instead, Bonnet looked to her sister and brother, both now looking quite guilty. The gentleman continued.
“It was my understanding, from my young charge, that there was to be some sort of chestnut throwing contest at his graces birthday party this evening.”
With another raised eyebrow, the eldest woman looked to the tutor and took the box from his hands.
“Thank you Mr. Stromman, that was very kind of you. Please do take Chance back to his studies.”
Seeming surprise to have escaped some sort of lecture, the young man quickly followed his teacher down the hallway and quite subtly the young lady eased slowly away. She had almost escaped when her sister called out after her, once again stopping her from moving.
“Willow, why do you encourage Chance so?”
Smiling, the young blonde turned to her sister and winked.
“Because, sweet sister, he is my favorite.”
Then, the woman turned and gracefully walked away. Eleanor watched the petite woman exit wondering how she would have handled having a sister that was more devious than fluttery. Time to wonder was over as Bonnet looked back to her.
“I must apologize for my family. They can be a bit, rambunctious, at times. Especially the youngest two.”
Eleanor saw the love shining in this woman's eyes and knew instantly that she too thought nothing as important as her siblings.
“You are blessed with patience, I think.”
“I am blessed with many things, Miss Pinecrest, but I mus
t confess that patience is not one of my strongest virtues.”
Eleanor saw a chance to escape.
“I had not known it was your brother’s birthday. Felicity and I should leave.”
Bonnet took her hand and laughed.
“Goodness no. I could use a break from the chaos and I would love if you and your family would join us for dinner. Storm loves his birthday and I think it will be a refreshing change to have some new guests to join in the festivities. I can promise you that the night will be most entertaining.
“Thank you, but really we could not intrude.”
“I insist. I have already sent word to your brother. He will be joining us at six.”
“Are you sure? Your brother and I had some words about that blasted bonnet this morning. I am not sure he will want me here.”
“My brother thinks he won. He will be more than delighted to try to gloat about it.”
Eleanor sighed.
“I am pretty sure he did win. I cannot make Felicity give the bonnet back now.”
The woman smiled.
“Miss Pinecrest, this was only the first battle. I assure you, you will win the war. Please come to dinner. I will sit you with Hunter if that will encourage you. The two of you seemed to get along very well last night.”
Eleanor could find no other way to avoid staying this evening and so she gave in and accepted the dinner invitation. Besides, knowing her presence in the house would annoy the blasted duke, she rather thought the evening would be fun.
They chatted some more until the duke entered the drawing room. At the sight of him, Eleanor felt her heart race. Even though she prepared herself for battle she was surprised to find herself thinking how devilishly handsome he looked.
Storm had not intended to see the Pinecrest women until dinner, but as he sat in his study and pondered the upcoming season he remember the elder sister advising him that Felicity and he would not suit. Storm did not like being challenged. And if an afternoon of flirting pointlessly with the unsuitable Miss Felicity would irk her sister, by all mean, he would do it. She may not make a perfect wife for him, but she was damn beautiful to watch and he could suffer through her endless amounts of “oh’s” if he had too.
The Duke's Desire Page 5