Perhaps your brother will have no reason to seek a wife in possession of money, he said.
Theyd entered the park. The flowers were in riotous bloom. A few couples strolled about, but it wasnt yet the height of fashion to be seen in the parks; had it been two hours later Louisa doubted that the bench he escorted her to would have been available. He took his place beside her. The bench suddenly seemed incredibly narrow. She peered inside her sack rather than look at him.
Do you think I should give a portion of my earnings to Alex? she asked quietly.
Not necessarily. You earned the money. It should be yours to do with as you please.
She studied the amber toffee. I feel selfish hoarding the money when I know Alex is in such dire need of it.
He touched her chin, turned her face toward him. There was a kindness in his eyes that shed have never expected of him, and she couldnt help but wonder what other surprises he might be hiding.
Your brother needs a good deal more than five pounds.
But it is a start
It is a start for you. The responsibilities for his estates fall to him. He will see to them.
Another surprise. Shed not expected him to acknowledge who, indeed, was responsible for the estates.
Through marriage? she asked.
We do what we must. His hand fell away. Which brings me to Miss Rose. Does she enjoy my company do you think?
Truly, Your Grace, she hasnt specifically addressed her feelings in regard to you. Louisa popped the confection into her mouth.
What does your womans intuition tell you? And dont think for a moment that enjoying your sweet will end our conversation. I wont think you rude if you talk around it.
So much for that ploy to prevent further conversation with him. She had indeed thought she was delaying the inevitable.
I believe she finds you interesting. She certainly laughs when she is with you more than she does with others.
Hardly a resounding endorsement of her affection. Rather she could be laughing because she considers me a buffoon.
Youre hardly a buffoon.
A compliment from you? Beware, I may faint dead away.
Her mouth twitched at the teasing glint in his eyes. She remembered Mr. Rose explaining that teasing was but another way to show affection. But there was no affection here. Never had been really.
I dont know what possessed me
He leaned near. You find me charming.
I do not.
Not at all charming?
She held up her little finger and pressed her thumb near its tip. Perhaps that much.
He gave her a triumphant grin. At least it is a start. Before Im done, I shall claim that entire pinky.
She laughed. I believe you overestimate your powers of persuasion.
We shall see, he said quietly, an undercurrent of challenge and something that warned her that flirting with him in the least was a dangerous undertaking.
He was much more experienced, and she suddenly felt very much out of her element.
Sucking on her toffee, she watched as he slid a brandy ball into his mouth. He seemed to do it with deliberate care, as though he sought to draw attention to his lips. She wondered if his kisses would taste like brandy, and how would a lady know if hed been drinking or sampling sweets?
If a gentleman were to bring Miss Rose a small token of his affection, what would you suggest, what would please her the most? he asked, bringing an effective end to their lighthearted banter and reminding her that she wasnt the object of his quest and would never be the object of his affection.
She fought back the unwarranted disappointment. She was simply the means to his end, and she would do well to remember that.
If it is to be his token, he should be the one to determine what to give.
But I want to ensure that the lady takes pleasure in it, and that is part of the gift. Making inquiries until I determine what would be the perfect gift.
She couldnt help herself. She laughed at his reasoning, to hide the fact that she was touched by it. It did indeed increase the value of the gift to know that hed given the purchase of it such thought.
He arched a brow. You find my attempts at wooing amusing?
No, I find your attempts at manipulating me amusing.
Am I so easy to read?
He held her gaze, a challenge in his dark eyes. Slowly, she shook her head. No, youre not at all easy to read.
I dont think Id make such an unwanted husband for a woman who desires a title.
Their mother wants the title. They want passion and love. The last of her toffee melted in her mouth. She swallowed. I was always rather envious of these American ladies. Its not something that I admit with any sort of pride. And yet, having spent some time with them, Im not certain which is worse: to be ignored because you have no dowry or to be sought after because you have so much.
I should think being ignored is much worse. He shook his sack and held it toward her. Have a brandy ball.
She gave him an impish smile. Are you certain it wont make me drunk?
Im positively certain.
She reached into the bag, removed a dark ball, and plopped it into her mouth. It was surprisingly good.
Would you like a toffee? she asked.
No, thank you. I would like to know what sort of sweets Miss Rose might like.
You are single-minded in your purpose.
Im not sure why you find fault in that habit. It is the sign of a man destined to achieve greatness.
By marrying well, she said.
It is the only recourse I have.
As I mentioned during the opera, Mr. Rose believes that the aristocracy must begin working if they are to survive.
He scowled at her. Dont speak such blasphemous words.
Before you indicated that you agreed with his assessment.
I did not wish to get into a debate.
Would it be so awful? Im not talking labor, but Im talking positions that require agile minds.
She suddenly became very uncomfortable under his scrutiny, as though shed said something terribly improper, rude, possibly even vulgar.
Are you implying that I have an agile mind? he finally asked.
Im implying that there is more to life than gambling, womanizing, and drinking. There is pride, a sense of accomplishment.
If I can manage to get my estates back into working order, I shall have accomplished something of value.
Why do you suppose it is that those within our circle frown so on working?
Because our ancestors worked so damned hard to become powerful enough that they didnt have to work. He leaned over slightly. How are you enjoying the brandy ball?
She wondered if he was attempting to turn the topic away from what he was being forced to do: marry for money rather than love.
Its quite good.
Have you ever taken a sip of brandy?
She shook her head.
You should do that sometime, now that youre a woman of independent means.
I rather like it, you know, she heard herself say before shed thought about what she was going to reveal.
The taste of the brandy ball?
Having this independence. She twisted slightly to face him. I can do anything I want, whenever I want. Im not observed. Im not guarded. I fancy this new life.
Very gently he tucked some stray strands of her hair behind her ear, his gloved fingers lingering near her cheek. She tried to squelch the shiver of anticipation that went through her, but it seemed to have a mind of its own, determined to elicit heat and yearning. It was an awful thing to desire what one could never have: the love of a gentleman.
You were very courageous to do what you did, he said quietly, his gaze holding hers.
I was very desperate. And suddenly very breathless. What power did he have over women that he could steal their breath with little more than a touch?
But you took steps to right matters. There are ladies who would have simplywithdrawn.
And if she were wise, she would do exactly that right this moment. Withdraw from his touch, his nearness. She swallowed hard.
We English are a strong lot, and sometimes I think we forget. She rose to her feet. I really should get home. I have social engagements to arrange.
He stood. I promised you a ride in my carriage, and while I may not be a man you trust to do right by your wards, Im a man who keeps his promises.
It wasnt that she didnt trust him to do right by Jenny or Kate. It was quite simply that she didnt trust him. Hed been too pleasant by half.
She wasnt fooled for a moment. He had told her that he understood the way to the heiresses was through her, and he was coming very close to luring her into believing that he was not as awful as shed originally surmised. And yet she knew his history. She couldnt look past it.
Refused to look past it, because she feared if she did not hold his past against him, she might decide that he was very worthy indeed. Not for the Rose sisters. But for her. And that was most frightening of all. To suddenly find herself wanting him.
Louisa returned home to find Jenny sitting in the solarium, still in her nightclothes, her feet curled beneath her, the sun coming in through the windows making her hair appear to have been laced with strips of red.
Are you ill? Louisa asked.
Jenny glanced over her shoulder, her hand clasping her wrapper close to her throat. She smiled softly. No.
Louisa sat in a bright yellow-and-orange chair. Everything in this house was so garishly bright. She found it all rather hideous. She supposed good taste was something that could not be purchased. Is everything all right then?
Just thinking about the parade of men who will come through the parlor this afternoon. Father took us on a tour of a factory once, and when Im sitting in the parlor with gentlemen arriving, I feel rather like a cog on the assembly line watching as the unfinished product passes by.
And here Louisa would have given almost anything to have gentlemen passing through her parlor.
If youre weary of gentlemen callers, I could let it be known that this isnt your day at home.
Jenny twisted around in the chair until her back was pressed against one arm and her legs were draped over the other. Im not weary of the gentlemen. Im weary of the parlor. Father is taking mother to Brighton for a few days of sun and sea air. I was thinking while theyre away, we should have an afternoon tea party.
We can arrange that easily enough, Louisa said warily, suspecting there was a bit more to this tea than Jenny had revealed because she had a mischievous glint in her eyes. Im certain if we sent out the invitations this afternoon, posthaste, that ladies would be available.
Jenny sat up. Its not the ladies Im interested in. Its the gentlemen.
Afternoon tea is usually reserved for the ladies.
We shall have a gentlemens tea with sport. A bit of lawn tennis, croquet, flirtation while the sun shines. A string quartet to provide music. Perhaps a little dancing across the grass. It should be fun. We shall keep it small, intimate. Invite a duke or two, a marquess, and a couple of earls.
Your mother doesnt favor earls.
Jenny winked at her. Mother shant be here.
Two days later, Louisa couldnt deny that the afternoon tea party appeared to be a resounding success. Even Kate was lively and animated, apparently enjoying herself as much as Jenny. Louisa had been quite surprised when Kate had embraced the idea with enthusiasm. Now Kate and Jenny were taking a turn on the tennis lawn, facing Falconridge and the Duke of Stonehaven.
Louisa sat on an iron bench beneath a tree, sketch pad in hand so she wasnt too obtrusive, periodically counting heads to ensure no one was getting into idle mischief, although truthfully the only two she truly needed to worry over were Jenny and Kate. Five young ladies and fifteen gentlemen, including her brother, were in attendance, and Louisa was feeling quite ancient. Most of the ladies had only recently had their coming outhence the reason they were still unmarried and available for flirtation. Some had the silliest of laughs, and the conversations shed overheard held no substance.
Had she been thatyoungwhen she was younger?
A shadow crossed over her face, and she looked over to see that Hawkhurst had approached, quietly, across the lawn. He tilted his head slightly toward the bench. Do you mind?
No, of course not. She flattened her skirt against her hip to give him a bit more room.
Why arent you playing? he asked.
Because Im the chaperone, she answered tartly. I fail to understand why you seem unable to comprehend that fact and continually question my actions.
I simply wonder at the difficulty of watching others play while you must, for all intents and purposes, work.
Im quite content, thank you.
I admire your determination not to be bothered by the unfairness of your situation.
My situation was brought on by my choice. There is nothing unfair when your path is dictated by your choices, and as I explained during our time in the park, it is quite liberating to be able to do as I please.
Except now, if you pleased, you could not play tennis.
Then it is rather fortunate I do not wish to play tennis.
He chuckled, low, a sound that seemed to dance along her skin.
Im not certain Ive ever known a woman who accepts the limits of her life as easily. I wonder if Jenny will be as accepting should Stonehaven ask for her hand.
She refused to give him the satisfaction of looking at him. She did not want to see those dark, enigmatic eyes. It was difficult enough simply having his masculine scent competing with that of the flowers. I suppose he, too, is a man who knows naught of passion.
On the contrary, he may be a bit too familiar with it.
She swung her head around. Im not going to play a game of trying to decipher your cryptic statements. Either be clear or be gone.
Smiling warmly, he twisted slightly, placing his elbow on the back of the bench so that his fingers were dangerously close to touching her bared neck. He leaned near, and whispered, He suffers from the French disease.
Staring at him, she shook her head. Im not familiar with that illness.
He touched his finger to the back of her neck, where no cloth covered her skin. She wanted to move away, should move away, but she was certain hed touched her only in an effort to unsettle her. She refused to be unsettled.
If a gentleman is not particular about the beds he visits, he can find himself suffering from some nasty symptoms that are rather unattractive, he said.
Are you perhaps referring to syphilis?
Sadly, I am indeed.
Dare I presume you are familiar with the symptoms because you have suffered through them?
No, Im quite particular about the beds I visit.
The undercurrent of experience and desire vibrated through his voice. She did not want to contemplate the beds he might have visited.
You have leveled quite an unflattering accusation against him.
While she had pinned most of her hair up, shed left tendrils curling along her neck. He tugged on several, absently wrapping the strands around his finger.
Im simply pointing out that it would be unfortunate should she marry him.
Out of the goodness of your heart, I suppose you wish me to warn her?
It is your duty as her chaperone is it not?
And I suppose you will tell me that the Earl of Langley is also diseased.
He shook his head. No, but his motherquite in her dotage. He needs someone who can watch her, feed her, bathe her, make her final months upon this earth less miserable.
Hah! I saw his mother not more than two weeks ago, and she was fit as a fiddle.
It is a deceptive illness.
I know she is not ill, and I suspect Stonehaven isnt either.
But he could be.
But you dont know that he is.
I would not presume to ask. And the earls motheryou must admit, she is up in years. At any moment she could require constant c
are.
The ease with which lies rolled off his tongue was irritating to say the least. Impatiently, she reached back and slapped his wrist. Release your hold on me, sir.
Surprise flitted across his face, and she wasnt certain if it was because shed slapped him or because he hadnt realized that he was toying with her hair.
Lady Louisa! Hawkhurst! Jenny neared, breathless, her cheeks pink. I believe you two are the only ones yet to play. Come, you must have a turn at lawn tennis.
Louisa shook her head. Im not one of your guests; Im your chaperone.
Nonsense. This is an informal, private party. The rules are as we choose them to be. Are you up to the challenge, Your Grace?
Hawkhurst came to his feet, a dare in his eyes as he looked at Louisa. I believe I am.
Jenny reached down and tugged on Louisas hand. Come on, then. For the sake of women everywhere, you must give him a sound beating. The gentlemen have yet to win a single game.
Im really not certain
Jenny bent down until they were eye level. Why not? Youre too young not to have any fun at all. And Mother isnt here to spoil things. Please?
She wasnt certain why Jenny was so insistent, but where was the harm in it? From the court she could keep an eye on everyone.
Oh, very well, she finally said, with little enthusiasm.
Splendid!
It felt good to have the wooden racket biting into his fingers, good to have it erasing the memory of the silken texture of her hair touching his skin. Hed not even realized what he was doing. Hed been concentrating on weaving fanciful lies, and instead shed somehow managed to weave a web of interest around him.
She took her position as chaperone so incredibly seriously: her brow furrowed, her attention intense, and when shed caught him in a lieher triumphant smile
Dear God, but hed never been so mesmerized. He should borrow the paste that Caroline used for her scrap album and use it to adhere himself to Jenny Rose. She was the one whose hair he should be twisting around his finger, the one from whom he should be eliciting smiles and laughter. The one who should have his attention and his stories.
Louisa came with nothing, absolutely nothing, not a penny to her name. Not entirely true. She had all of five pounds, while he required thousands. Continuing to flirt with her, to give her any attention at all could spell disaster for them all.
A Duke of Her Own Page 11