“Please, Storm. Please. I cannot possible kill someone learning how to box.”
Storm allowed Miss Pinecrest to see the annoyance in his eyes before he turned back to Chance. He knew, all too well, just how dangerous mere fist could be.
“I will discuss it with Bonnet. Now, please excuse us, I think I would like to have a word with Miss Pinecrest.”
For a moment, Storm thought that his brother was not going to obey. The boy sent a look toward Miss Pinecrest that seemed concerned, but, not wanting to ruin his opportunity to learn how to box, bid her a farewell and left the room. As soon as he had disappeared, Storm spoke.
“I would appreciate it if you would kindly refrain from advising me about what is best for my family in the future.”
She looked startled, but then her brown eyes peered at him. He wished that he had never met her in the park that day. Then he would not have found himself in such a mess.
“I was trying to help. He is young and needs to pursue some activity. Sword fighting would certainly be too dangerous, but he will not come to much harm in a boxing ring.”
“That, Miss Pinecrest, is not your decision to make. I know what is best for my brother.”
“Obviously, you do not. If you had kept refusing him and treating him like a young boy he would have managed to sneak away and try to teach himself how to wield a sword. Certainly, you would not approve of that.”
Storm felt the truth of her words. Chance would try something so rash if he was determined. He simply could not let her believe that he agreed with her. She irked him in a matter that no woman had ever managed before. She had no right to offer her opinion on how he should handle his family. Especially about the subject at hand.
“Miss Pinecrest, I have dealt with your presence in this house for my sisters’ sake, but do not presume that you are a member of my family. Unless asked, do not offer your opinion on any matter that involves the welfare of my siblings. Now, I believe you know where the door is. It would be wise if you and I avoid coming into contact as much as possible. I will have you banned from this house if you do not keep your opinions to yourself.”
The woman straightened her shoulders, her stance quite defensive. Placing her hands on her hips, she met his cold gaze with an equally chilly one. He really was going to have to kill her one day.
“Lord Wakefield, I assure you that Felicity and I will not step foot in this house unless it is absolutely necessary. You will be happy to know that I will also be sure that my bonnet strings are securely fastened from this moment on so that I do not have the displeasure of meeting a man such as yourself ever again.”
Then, with one swoosh of her skirts, Miss Pinecrest exited the library and was gone. Sinking into a chair, Storm closed his eyes and wondered how long it would be before Bonnet arrived to scold him.
Eleanor could not believe him. All she had wanted to do was ensure that Chance would not get hurt. It had not even occurred to her that the blasted man would argue with her about trying to help. Lord help the woman who would have to marry him. It seemed impossible that anyone could live with him without wishing to kill him. Eleanor felt an even greater respect for her dear friend Bonnet.
As she entered the drawing room, she noted that her sister was now having tea with Peaches and would simply have to wait a few minutes before telling the girl that they would have to leave. It was not fair to take Felicity away from her friend simply because the duke was a scoundrel.
“I take it the truce did not go well.”
Eleanor turned to Hunter and sighed.
“Your brother is the most impossible man. I do not understand why he is considered one of the greatest catches in London. What woman could possible wish to have him as a husband?”
The man laughed beside her, his eyes smiling.
“A woman, Miss Pinecrest, who wishes to gain his title and fortune, although I am rather hoping he would find a match with someone who loves him despite his flaws.”
Eleanor snorted her eyes bright.
“Poor woman would have to be clear out of her wits to fall in love with him. Truly, I cannot see how you are all related to the rogue.”
“Perhaps, Miss Pinecrest, you simply bring out the worst in him.”
“After tonight I do not believe it would be wise for us to continue visiting.”
“You may not believe much of him, Eleanor, but Storm would never do anything that would hurt a member of his family. Bonnet and Peaches adore you and no matter what he threatens, he will not take away their happiness. You are always going to be welcomed here.”
The sound of her sister’s laughter drew her attention, and smiling at Hunter, Eleanor approached the two girls and tried to forget about her confrontation with the Duke. Hunter was right. No matter what, they would simply have to tolerate each other for the sake of their sisters.
Chapter Eight
“You look absolutely stunning.”
Eleanor could feel the tears coming to her eyes as she gazed at Felicity. After the dreadful afternoon, the time for the ball had finally arrived and her sister stood elegantly in a dress of the lightest shade of pink. It accentuated her delicate frame and the flush of her cheeks. Her pink lips were smiling beautifully and she twirled in delight.
“Oh Elly, I feel like a princess.”
“You look like one, Felicity. You are beautiful.”
Eleanor tried not to think about the dress she had donned. It was one that had belonged to her mother that she had altered to fit her. Although it was not the most becoming gown, it was suitable. That was until she had seen her sister. Next to her sister she looked like a spinster well in her thirties. For the briefest moment, Eleanor thought about the dress that was hidden under her bed. The green would look stunning, but she would not give the duke the satisfaction of seeing her in it.
“I hope Marcus has practiced his boxing skills, for surely he will be fighting off your suitors all evening.”
“Oh, I suspect the Duke will be fighting off enough himself. Peaches will certainly be the most stunning of all.”
Eleanor smiled. At least her sister never dwelt on her beauty. She seemed to believe that everyone was just as lovely as she was. Embracing her sister, Eleanor brushed away her tears.
“I am so proud to be your sister, Felicity. I hope that you know only happiness this season and that you meet a gentleman who truly loves you.”
Her sister looked to her a bit startled.
“Eleanor, are you all right?”
Nodding, Eleanor quickly turned away and began to gather the rest of their things. She did not want to be late.
“I am fine dearest. Come, let us find Marcus and call for the carriage. Bonnet will not like us being late.”
With that, the two women headed down the stairs to meet their brother, both eager to see what the night had in store for them.
He was going to kill the modiste. That was his first thought when he saw Peaches at the top of the stairs. Her white gown clung to her every curve and her hair was breathtaking with white flowers and pearls fashioned into it. There was not a man in England who would be able to drag their eyes away from her. And then she smiled and Storm held back a curse.
“Oh Storm; I cannot believe how wonderful you look.”
Storm was amazed that Peaches never seemed to think of her own beauty. Tonight, with a ball held in her honor, he would have thought a woman would simply expect to only receive compliments. Instead, his sister seemed content to hand them out.
“Peaches, you are certainly going to be the most stunning woman in the room. It is a good thing that I will have your brother’s assistance chasing away your suitors.”
She planted a kiss on his cheek her arms coming around him to embrace him. Resting her head against his chest, his sister sighed.
“Oh, but no one can steal my heart from you. I have no intention of choosing a husband this season. I fear I am not ready to leave you yet. I love you so very much.”
Storm held her tighter be
fore moving her from his arms and cupping her face. When his eyes met her bright blue ones, he brushed a lock of her hair away and smiled.
“You will leave me as soon as some gentleman comes along that you adore, whether it be this season or next.”
“Well, Aria has not married and she had her come out nearly three years ago.”
“Yes, well that is simply because I do not have the same charming temperament as you do. Storm is right Peaches. We all suspect you will be the first of us to find love.”
Storm turned to see Aria approaching, a picture of elegance. She really should be married by now. She had been the incomparable during her first season, yet she too seemed less than anxious to marry. Storm suspected that it would be hard for them all to be parted from each other.
“No one will find love at all if we do not get to the ballroom. Our guest will be arriving soon enough.”
Bonnet hurried forward, coming to his side, and smiled down at Peaches. Taking her hands, Bonnet seemed to glow.
“The most important thing is to have a lovely evening. Enjoy yourself Peaches and let the future come to you, no matter what it may be.”
Storm sighed, wondering if he should take that advice himself. Perhaps it would not do him harm to keep his eyes open for a wife of his own. There had to be at least one eligible lady who would be present. And the suit that Miss Pinecrest had sent fit him quite well. He was feeling rather handsome this evening himself. He simply could not wait to see the expression on her face when he entered the ballroom in it.
Even having witnessed the chaos of the morning, Eleanor had not expected the ballroom to look this glorious. Beside her, Marcus’s eyes went wide.
“Well, your bonnet certainly did know which family to get trampled by.”
Eleanor glared, but could not help but believe him right. For no other reason, the expression on Felicity’s face was worth dealing with the blasted Duke. It became very clear that the girl felt like a true princess. Twirling once her sister sighed contently.
“Oh, this is like a dream. Elly, have you ever seen something so beautiful?”
“Indeed, I have.”
When her sister looked at her with disbelief in her eyes Eleanor reached out and secured a stray lock of her hair in a pin.
“You, my dear, at this very moment. Oh, Felicity, I do love you.”
Felicity threw her arms around her sister and Eleanor laughed and collected the girl into her own. Eleanor was once again trying to hold back her tears. Lord, but this season was affecting her more than it should.
“Oh, Elly, you are the best sister in the world.”
Marcus was laughing, a sound Eleanor was grateful to hear. This was how she wished to always remember her family, filled with happiness and love.
“Good evening.”
Eleanor felt herself tense at the sound of his voice, but managed to keep the smile on her face. Tonight, she would demand a truce from the Duke, for nothing was going to ruin this ball for her sister. Nothing.
“Oh, your grace, this is the most stunning place of all. Truly. Thank you of much for letting me share this with your sister.”
Eleanor was forced to face her nemesis, only to see him dressed in every item of clothing that she had purchased. There was no way she could hide her surprise to see how very well it fit him. Although she had used his tailor, she never imagined that the cut of his coat would accentuate the strong muscles of his arms quite so well. Nor that the breeches fit him so well that the outline of his thigh was near scandalous. He was simply bewitching. And he was aware of every ounce of her appreciation, for when her eyes met his; he raised a brow in humor. Luckily, at that moment, Bonnet and Peaches entered the room and the two young ladies were squealing in delight. The distraction allowed Eleanor a chance to breathe and Bonnet a chance to steal her attention.
“Felicity is stunning.”
“So is Peaches. We are certainly going to have a rough time handling the abundance of gentleman wishing for their attention.”
Bonnet agreed and Eleanor managed to avoid speaking with the duke at all. He was not far though. Marcus and he seemed to be comparing strategies on how to keep the suitors at bay. When Eleanor felt his gaze on her, despite the distance between them, a shiver ran through her. He was not going to allow her to escape unscathed tonight. Of that she was certain.
The ball was already quite a crush by the time Storm had a chance to think about Miss Pinecrest. His sister had managed to attract quite a court but Bonnet had it well under control. Not to mention the fact that all his brothers were towering over the group ready to pounce on anyone who dared look at the girls with an improper glare. And beside them all, stood Eleanor Pinecrest.
She had not worn the gown he had sent her, but he imagined that was only because her pride would not allow it. It was a terrible shame, as the gown she had chosen was certainly one of her best and still looked terribly worn on her. He knew that she wished for her sister to receive the attention this evening but he could not imagine why she should not have put at least a little more effort into her appearance. With her brother and sister dressed in such finery it seemed a bit out of sorts for her to look so plain.
“Do you see anything that interests you?”
Storm pulled his gaze from the elder Miss Pinecrest at the sound of his sister. Bonnet stood with a smile on her face and motioned to the crowds.
“Your brothers can keep an eye on Peaches. I believe that you should be out dancing with the other ladies. There seem to be a great many beautiful women who would not mind your attention.”
Storm laughed. Leave it to Bonnet to remind him of his promise to find a suitable wife this season. No matter how busy the day was his eldest sister could still manage to keep her focus on everything.
“Ah, but will I mind theirs? I have not forgotten my promise but I believe I should like to narrow the list before I let it be known that I am seeking a wife. If that gets out I fear I will have to flee London.”
His sister brushed an invisible piece of dust from his shoulder.
“In this suit, I would not blame you. There is no doubt that you are the handsomest man in all of England right now. Miss Pinecrest certainly went out of her way to purchase the very best for you.”
Storm raised a brow and aimed his eyes in the direction of the woman in question. She stood watching the gentlemen that seemed to have attached themselves to her sister. Any moment now the dancing would start and it was obvious that Felicity's dance card was full.
“She did it to vex me. I am sure she thought I would throw a tantrum and return it.”
“Or perhaps, she merely wanted to win your favor so that you will promote a match between herself and Hunter. The two have been in each other’s company quite a lot.”
Storm had noted it. He had been meaning to speak to his brother about how deep his interest was for the elder Pinecrest woman, but the opportunity to do so had not presented itself. Eleanor Pinecrest was certainly not a good match for his brother.
“Flattering me will not improve her chances with my brother.”
Laughing, Bonnet beamed and winked.
“Ah, where have I heard that before?”
Then as quickly as she had appeared his sister rejoined the crowd around Peaches and motioned for the orchestra to begin playing. Doing his duty, Storm quickly moved to Peaches side and led her into the first waltz, joined moment later by Marcus and Felicity. Afterward, he would have to start looking for a wife.
“Go Marcus, really. You need to be searching too.”
Her brother looked to her with doubt in his eyes. Eleanor knew that Felicity was perfectly fine. Peaches and she had refused to leave each other’s side and they had three of the Westbrook brothers watching over them. The duke apparently had decided to continue dancing.
“I should stay here.”
Hunter stepped over to them and smiled.
“Felicity is perfectly fine, Lord Crayton. Do, please, enjoy the ball. If we should need anything, I
will find you immediately.”
Eleanor was most grateful to have his friendship this evening. He had been looking over them all, making sure that they were all having a good time, and keeping everyone calm. It was strange to think such a relaxing man still had the power to keep unsuitable men at bay, but Eleanor was beginning to see why people should not always be judge by their appearances.
“You see, Marcus, we will be fine.”
After a few more minutes, Marcus finally gave into her demands and excused himself from the group. At least now, Eleanor thought, maybe some grand heiress would take a fancy to him. No woman in her right mind would try to approach him surrounded as he was. Eleanor had not only been watching the gentleman staring at Felicity all evening. Marcus had a fair share of admirers she had noticed.
“Miss Pinecrest, would you care for a glass of punch? I have the honor of obtaining one for your sister.”
Eleanor considered the sincere and handsome eyes of Lord Alex Larford, the very new Earl of Derrington, trying to hold back her delight. He had been the first of Felicity’s suitors to acknowledge her enough to worry over her thirst and Eleanor decided at once that she favored him for her sister above all the other gentleman they had met this evening.
“Indeed, I would like one very much, Lord Derrington.”
The gentleman smiled warmly and nodded before heading into the crowd to fetch the punch. Eleanor wished him luck. It looked as if it would be a good thirty minutes before he would manage to achieve the task. Curiously, Eleanor slid her glance toward Felicity and noticed her sister’s eyes seeming to follow the young earl’s movement through the crowd. It was a very subtle gaze, but Eleanor could tell at once that Felicity was quite taken with the gentleman. Making a mental note to look into just who Alex Larford was Eleanor did not notice that someone had slipped into the space beside her.
“I expected you to be in green, Miss Pinecrest.”
Without taking her eyes from her sister, Eleanor smiled brightly.
The Duke's Desire Page 8