A quiver of anticipation met with a sense of dread. When he was on the verge of waking that morning, a fleeting thought had filtered through his sleepy brain. What if she had set her cap for him? But she hadn’t been behaving as a lady smitten, and he couldn’t deny the disappointment her indifference evoked.
“It was kind of you to bring flowers. If anyone saw you, they are sure to erroneously believe you are courting me. And if I allow you to escort me to the theatre, everyone will think we are on the verge of an agreement.” She laughed, making his chest puff out in indignation.
“What makes you think I’m not courting you?”
She swiveled toward him, her knee brushing his. Her beaming smile transformed her from pleasing to breathtaking in a blink. And he wasn’t the only one to notice the change. As they neared a group of gentlemen gossiping in the shade of an oak, conversation ceased and they turned to stare.
Alex tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.” He snapped the reins and sped the carriage along. It wasn’t a hardship to have his name linked with Valera Bell’s, or to have his fellow gents believe he was courting such a fetching young lady.
Although he really wasn’t courting her, was he? Frankly, he didn’t know what he was doing. He swiped the back of his wrist across his damp forehead.
“You forget I am your sister’s close confidant, sir. Before Elle left for Brookdale Park, she told me you were in search of a new mistress.”
“The devil she did! What a thing to tell a young lady.” He was going to throttle his sister when she returned to Town.
“I do not judge you. As Elle explained, you have wild oats to sow before your parents see you settled in marriage. Has there been mention of any particular lady that has caught their fancy?”
“No.” His fingers squeezed the reins. He didn’t want to discuss mistresses or marriage with a young lady he was definitely not courting.
“Splendid,” she said on an exhale. “That would complicate matters, I’m afraid. Seeing as how you are not promised to anyone, I am less concerned about my request. Perhaps you noticed last night two gentlemen asked me to dance after you partnered with me for the waltz.”
“Yes.” He had no clue what that had to do with him, but she had his attention.
“I believe Mr. Moore and Lord Tealby noticed me because they mistook your kindness for interest.”
That was absurd. The gentlemen noticed her at the Glenhaven ball because she had been the most radiant lady in attendance.
The wheel hit a bump and jostled her against him. She gripped his arm, laughing breathlessly. Her fingers were like shackles clamped on him and he fought against a surge of panic. She released him and stroked the heart pendant around her neck. “I realize this may overstep the bounds of our friendship, but would you consider paying me more notice at the assemblies? Just a dance here and there until I can find a real suitor. I will pay you for your time.”
“Pay me! What do you take me for, Val?”
She drew back as a furious blush invaded her face. “I—I just meant I wish to repay your kindness. I did not intend to insult you or impose on our friendship. I understand your reason for not wanting to assist me. Please, let’s forget about this and never speak of it again.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes before she turned away.
Damnation! Why must he feel the need to comfort her? “Is everything all right, Miss Bell?”
She didn’t respond, and he worried he had hurt her feelings. Trying to make light of the situation, he playfully nudged her with is elbow. “Come now, Miss Bell. I never said I wouldn’t assist you. Friends help one another, do they not? I only meant to point out that payment is unnecessary.”
She turned to him with a shy smile. “Friends do help one another. I just wasn’t certain you considered me one.”
“Of course I do. What else would we be to each other?” He tensed, awaiting her answer.
Her smile expanded and reached her eyes. “Being your friend is much better than being a pest. Thank you.”
“I have never thought of you as a pest, Miss Bell.” He grinned to prove his sincerity. “You don’t really need my help catching a husband, but I am happy to be of assistance. By the end of the week, you will have more suitors than you know what to do with. We will start by attending the theatre tomorrow night.”
“I do not require a line of suitors. I only wish to catch one. Do you think the Duke of Langley will also be at the theatre tomorrow night?”
One of the reins nearly slipped from his fingers. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. “You want to make a match with Langley?”
“I do.” She touched the heart shaped locket again. A beam of light winked off the gold. Her gaze dropped and her cheeks flooded with color. “I know it sounds outrageous, the duke and I. But there was a gypsy woman… She foretold that this necklace would lead to the heart of a duke, Langley’s heart.”
Did the blackguard even have a heart? Alex had seen little evidence of one over the years.
“When Elle didn’t marry him… Well, she sent the charm to me from Scotland and said I could have the duke’s heart. She had given hers to Mr. Farrish.” Miss Bell lifted her whiskey-colored eyes so filled with hope. “I think I’m the duke’s destiny.”
He forced a smile, trying hard for a neutral expression. Langley would have her for breakfast. But Alex couldn’t bring himself to tell her she was no match for the duke, not when her bottom lip trembled as she awaited his response. He didn’t want her to misinterpret his meaning.
He pulled the carriage out of the line of traffic, stopped the horses, and reached for the pendant. “Val—” He dropped the locket and glanced guiltily at her maid, having forgotten they had a witness, but the girl’s attention was trained to a young miss and her beau passing by in a shiny new curricle.
Elle had told him of their encounter with the fortuneteller when the girls had returned to the house that day. After doing his duty as an older brother and mildly scolding her for wandering away from her governess, he’d teased her for using her last shillings on a worthless trinket. But Elle and her friends had been girls at the time. How was it Miss Bell still believed in such nonsense?
He sighed, reluctant to crush her hopes, but Langley was wrong for her. The man was too blunt and concerned for his needs only. A sweet lady without a good deal of pluck would lose herself in Langley’s shadow.
Miss Bell’s large eyes remained fixed to him. “What is it?”
He couldn’t help but touch her, his hand on hers for comfort. “Promise you will stay open to other suitors. I’ve no doubt you will have many.”
The flash of her smile melted away his nerves. “But I only need one. If Langley is at the theatre and notices us together, do you think his interest will be piqued? You know him better than I do.”
Alex clenched his jaw in an effort to hold back a curse.
He didn’t want to see her hurt, and that was all she would receive in return if she followed this path. Maybe he could steer her in another direction. Eventually. But that would require spending more time together. His heart sped up even as he tried to deny the effect she had on him.
“I cannot say what will gain the duke’s notice,” he said, hoping to discourage her.
She held him entranced with her intoxicating eyes and pursed plump lips as she mulled over the situation. “Then perhaps you could put in a good word for me with the duke.”
“I suppose I could.” Like bloody hell he would. Convincing her Langley wasn’t for her would take time, more than he would have on this carriage ride. Besides, it was a beautiful day. It seemed a shame to waste it discussing the duke when Alex could enjoy her company instead.
“If I agree to sing your praises, you have to make a promise in return. Follow my advice to at least consider other gentlemen.”
When she frowned, he rushed on before she could argue. “Langley is more likely to notice you with plenty of suitors in the wings.”
“Ah, I see.” She nodd
ed as she digested this information, then one shoulder lifted in a carefree shrug. “Oh, well. The more the merrier.”
His lips twitched in an effort to hold back a smile. “You have a saying for everything, don’t you, Miss Bell?”
Chapter Four
When Alex slogged into the breakfast room the next morning, a high-pitched squeal caused him to jump.
“Alex!” His sister’s knife and fork clattered against the china plate in front of her, and she leapt from her seat.
Their mother frowned. “Eleanore, do behave with some semblance of decorum.”
Elle skirted the table and threw her arms around him. “Thank God you are here,” she whispered in his ear. “Mother has been haranguing Jacob for the past twenty minutes. Please, help us.”
Alex peered over his sister’s head at the man who had upset the Barnaby grand life plan by eloping with Elle. Mr. Farrish’s forehead glistened with sweat, confirming Elle’s claim that Mother was putting him through the paces. Haranguing seemed mild compared to what their father would do to Elle’s husband once he realized Farrish was dining at his table.
Alex set his sister away from him, calculating how much assistance he could offer without upsetting their mother. “What are you doing here? When did you arrive in Town?”
He didn’t know if he should sit or stand to provide interference when their father came below stairs to break his fast.
“We arrived yesterday,” Elle said. “We are still settling into Mr. Farrish’s town house, but we thought it best to pay a call to Mama and Papa before word spreads that we have returned.”
“Rumors of your return are going to be the least of your problems.” Mother lifted a brow, her mouth tightly pursed into a circle, and dug into her eggs.
Alex didn’t envy his sister or her new husband what would surely be a tense audience with their parents. He escorted Elle back to her seat and exchanged a brief greeting with her husband before making his way to the sideboard to pour himself a cup of coffee.
“I, for one, am happy to have you back in Town,” Alex tossed over his shoulder. “I wish you both nothing but the best.”
“Oh, Alex,” Mother said with a huff. “I am just as happy to see your sister as you are, and I have always wanted the best for all my children.”
Alex returned to the table, kissed his mother’s cheek, and sat in the chair beside her. “I know you want what’s best for us. You are the greatest mother anyone could have.”
Mother chuckled; her expression softened.
A corner of Elle’s mouth twitched, and she picked up her silverware to resume cutting the fat from her breakfast meat. “Mama, I realize this is late notice, but Jacob and I were hoping you and Papa would dine at our home this evening.” Her gaze cut to her husband and her eyes widened meaningfully.
“Uh, yes.” Mr. Farrish wiped his mouth and cleared his throat. “We would be honored if you would join us, my lady.”
“How kind of you, Mr. Farrish.” A glimmer of a real smile touched Mother’s lips as she addressed Elle. “It would be a pleasure to see your new home, darling, but I already gave Alex my word I would act as chaperone when he escorts Miss Bell to the theatre tonight.”
“Valera Bell?” Elle’s sharp blue eyes narrowed at Alex. “My dearest friend in the world?”
He could practically see the unkind thoughts churning in her mind. His own sister believed him a scoundrel and unfit company for an innocent young lady.
Meeting her suspicious gaze without blinking, he paused with his coffee cup halfway to his mouth. “Do you know another Miss Bell, sister?”
“Tell me how this came about. Are you courting her?”
Mother patted his arm, intervening before a family squabble began. “I am looking forward to an evening in Miss Bell’s company. She was always a dear, sweet girl. Perhaps you and Mr. Farrish should join us, Eleanore. Then you can see for yourself that your brother behaves as a gentleman befitting his station.”
Alex rolled his eyes and sipped his coffee.
When their mother returned to interrogating poor Mr. Farrish, Alex relaxed against the seatback and smirked. He really should do something for Mr. Farrish’s sake, but coming to her husband’s rescue kept Elle occupied until Alex could finish his coffee and make an exit from the breakfast room. Unfortunately, his sister was too quick and caught him as he reached the staircase in the foyer.
“Oh, Alex. How could you?”
He froze with his hand on the handrail. “I beg your pardon?” Slowly, he turned to face his sister. “I have done nothing to deserve your displeasure. I’ve danced twice with Miss Bell, taken her for a spin around the park, and now I am escorting her to the theatre. Hardly scandalous acts.”
Elle crossed her arms and frowned. “Are you courting her?”
“No, I am not.” He crossed his arms too and returned her glower. “Our association is platonic.”
She sighed. “You don’t know Vallie very well. She will not view your relationship that way, and I cannot bear to see her hurt.”
His jaw hardened and a vein pulsed at his temple. “Then why, in God’s name, did you give her that damned pendant and tell her to pursue Langley?”
She gasped softly. “I didn’t tell her—” Her lashes fluttered as her gaze darted around the foyer. “Oh, dear. Please don’t tell me she took my message to mean she should pursue the duke.”
Alex’s hands fell to his sides. “I’m afraid she did, and she has asked for my assistance in getting Langley to notice her.”
“Don’t you dare! I would never forgive you.”
His sister’s lack of faith was beginning to grate on his nerves. “I have no plans to help her make a match with Langley. The cur doesn’t deserve Miss Bell, but her mind is quite set on marrying him.”
“Then it is settled. Jacob and I will attend the theatre as well. I can speak with Val during intermission and discourage her pursuit of the duke.”
His sister had just redeemed herself in his eyes. “That’s a splendid suggestion. And I shall continue to think of a suitable replacement for the duke.”
Elle’s lips quirked. “You are playing matchmaker, are you?”
“She wishes to make a match this Season,” Alex said, pulling himself up to full height. “I see no reason she cannot snag a gent. She’s pretty enough, and smart too. Her humor is witty, which may not be well received by some, but she makes me laugh and I enjoy it.”
A slow smile spread across his sister’s face as his recitation of Miss Bell’s list of attributes continued.
“Why are you smiling?” he demanded.
She shook her head, her smile growing wide. “I am just happy to see you, brother.”
If he didn’t know his sister better, he might believe her.
Valera’s legs shook as Alex led her up the stairs toward his family’s box at the Royal Theatre. It wasn’t the first time she had attended the theatre with the Barnabys, but this was the only time she’d arrived on the earl’s arm. She could feel the blatant stares burning into her skin as he drew her through the scarlet curtains and showed her to a seat.
Elle chatted with her new husband as they slipped into the vacant chairs in the back row. A spark of admiration flared inside Valera. To see Elle now, no one would know her hands had been shaking as they entered the theatre arm-in-arm.
Valera sighed. Elle and Mr. Farrish would be scrutinized by every gossip in attendance tonight. One couldn’t jilt a duke, marry his cousin, and expect no one to notice. Valera didn’t understand the reason her friend had insisted on coming, but she was grateful for her presence.
Daydreams about Alex had been plaguing her ever since their carriage ride in the park. And when he had arrived at her father’s town house this evening, her heart had fluttered, her palms grew moist, and she had the overwhelming desire to throw her arms around him and hold on tight.
That would never do.
Elle would keep Valera from behaving foolishly. Friends did those sorts of things for one an
other.
When she stole a glance at her handsome escort, her breath hitched. Lord Turpin, a gentleman in the neighboring box, had engaged Alex in conversation, providing her with a rather close up view of Alex’s breeches-clad derrier. Fumbling for her fan, she whipped it open and waved it vigorously to cool her hot face. She really shouldn’t be admiring one gentleman’s physique when she was here to snare a different man, the Duke of…um…of…
Alex’s calves bulged when he shifted his weight. Oh, dear heavens above. She waved the fan faster.
His mother lowered to the seat beside her and patted her arm, jarring her from her improper thoughts. Valera snapped her eyes forward to discover the Duke of Langley across the theatre. His gaze was locked on her, his eyebrows arched ever so slightly. Valera squinted back at him. Was he looking at her or Elle? She couldn’t tell from this distance.
Valera glanced back at her friend to see if she had noticed Langley across the way. Elle offered a strained smile, then trained her gaze on the empty stage. Valera suppressed a sigh and touched her fingers to her forehead where a dull ache was forming. What was she doing hoping for a match with the duke? The union might please her parents, but her best friend would always be uncomfortable around the man she married. Valera would rather remain a spinster.
She turned back toward the duke, intent on delivering a chiding glare in return for making her friend uncomfortable, but he surprised her. Langley inclined his head in greeting toward the Barnabys’ box.
Nothing to see here. No scandals from this direction. Move along.
Valera sagged against the seatback in relief. She could almost hear the collective sigh from the gossips. Langley might not be a warm person, but at least he’d proven he had a heart. Perhaps he would make some lady very happy one day. It just wouldn’t be her.
Alex sank onto the seat beside her. His hand at her elbow sent tingles racing up her arm. A smirk edged across Langley’s face, and his brow lifted sardonically as he locked gazes with Alex.
Alex’s fingers wrapped more tightly around her arm, making her light-headed. He turned his smile full force on her.
The Heart of a Duke Page 12