She stood abruptly, still holding the book to her chest. “I will not give up my dreams or betray who I am to please a husband. I cannot be both a wife and myself! I—am not supposed to…I have a calling, Lord Hayle. I cannot abandon it for…kisses.”
She ran from him for the second time in as many days and once again, Ryder could only sit in astonishment and watch her go.
* * *
Caroline found her daughter in tears an hour later. She closed the bedroom door quietly behind her and climbed into the bed to cradle her child and offer what comfort she could. “There, there. Tell your mother all about it and let us see if we cannot find a path through.”
Starr shook her head. “Th-there is no path! Lord Hayle asked if he could court me and said he wished to marry me! And I naturally, h-had to refuse him!”
“Naturally? Do not mistake me. You have every right to refuse any man but I missed the step where it is natural for you to turn down this particular man”
“I-I want to be a teacher.”
“Yes. Go on.”
“Th-that’s it. He’s…He is the heir presumptive to the Duke of Chesterton. Duchesses do not teach in classrooms, they do not lecture in halls and they do not hope to hold a position in a woman’s university to advance educational equality.” Starr sat up in the bed, looking at her mother with grim determination. “I s-stood by my dreams and I refused him.”
“I see,” Caroline said and sat up as well. “Starr, to be a teacher is a great calling and I agree that you cannot be a duchess and stand in a classroom. But there is a greater question here. Who better to advocate for education for women? Who better to make a difference and perhaps have a voice in a greater conversation that might address the quality of life and the opportunities for so many? Who better than a duchess?”
“Oh.”
“Even if we set all of that aside, may I point out that for someone who has proudly stood up for their dreams, you do not look or sound very happy or proud at the prospect.” Caroline reached out to touch her face. “Are you in love, Tara?”
Starr nodded miserably.
Caroline sighed. “Love is no respecter of plans.”
“I never thought I would even consider giving up on a profession.”
“We’ll see what happens. But if you love him, you may need to apply that clever brain of yours to thinking of how to make it all work—and not just flee at the first sign of trouble. All right?”
“But I’ve already refused him. He won’t ask me again, Mother.”
“We’ll see. Men accuse us of being unpredictable but they are masters at the quick turn. Just stay strong and patient and…let’s see what time and the tides bring in, shall we?”
* * *
Caroline left Starr to immediately seek out Ashe in his study where he was wrestling with ledgers. “You should let Paul look at those,” she chided him gently.
“Do you know how annoying it is that he can barely glance at a page like this full of figures and almost instantly tell me where I’ve gone wrong?”
“You love it when he does that. Stop complaining, dearest.”
Ashe smiled. “I do love it when he does that. Very well, what brings you to me?”
“I want you to go and call on Lord Hayle. He is staying with the Duke of Chesterton at his home.”
“And why am I calling on Lord Hayle?”
“Because he just asked Starr to marry him and she refused him.”
“At the risk of sounding senile, and why again am I calling on Lord Hayle?”
“Because she regrets it. Because I think he should ask her again.”
Ashe gave her a look that conveyed that he was not impressed enough to move.
“And,” Caroline continued firmly, “because he brought a book when he proposed and she loves him, Ashe Blackwell. And because I am asking you to do this for me.”
He sighed and got to his feet. “When would you like me to call on him?”
“Today.”
Chapter 25
“There is a Mr. Blackwell downstairs asking to see Lord Hayle. I asked him to wait in the library.”
Ryder was instantly on his feet. “Yes. Good. Is he…” Ryder took a deep breath to steady his nerves. “Ensure that you offer him refreshments and that he is comfortable. Ask Booker to bring me my afternoon coat immediately and let Mr. Blackwell know I’ll be right down.”
Chesterton didn’t blink from his comfortable chair near the windows. “Hmm. The father comes to call. Whatever shall you do?”
“She turned me down.” Ryder paced in front of the fireplace.
“You proposed marriage?” Chesterton dropped the book he’d been reading. “To Starr Blackwell? When?”
“This morning. I told you I was going to the park to ride but I…made a stop.” Ryder raked his fingers through his hair unsettling the curls over his brow. “I asked her to marry me and she said no. Why is he here?”
“Who can say? Did you not speak to him when you called on her?”
“No. He was out and…”
Chesterton stood up. “Ah, here’s Booker with your coat!”
“Your Lordship,” Booker held up the coat to assist Ryder into it. He brushed off the lapels and shoulders quickly, the ritual giving Ryder a few extra moments to collect his thoughts. “There you are, pressed and polished.”
“Thank you, Booker.”
Elgin waited until they were alone. “Are you in love with Starr Blackwell?”
“Yes. I should have spoken to you first as well but it’s a moot point, isn’t it? So if you are going to tell me you disapprove or make some cruel jest about me going a bit too far with my efforts to make peace with her after that disaster at Sussex then—”
“I was going to say that I’m proud of you, that I think Starr is an incredibly good match for you and then express my sorrow that you didn’t carry the day.”
“Oh.” Ryder nodded, his heart in his eyes. “I doubt that’s what Blackwell is here to tell me.”
“It’s all right. He is likely come to complain that you didn’t bother to ask his permission first before making your case to Starr. It is his prerogative to abuse you somewhat, so simply stay calm, agree with whatever he has to say and reassure him that you had only the best intentions and now harbor no ill will toward his family. Can you do all of that?”
“Yes,” Ryder said. “It makes sense. I overstepped and will apologize.”
“There you have it. He is a father first and you must respect him as such. You’ll be fine.”
Ryder walked out to make his way down to the library and didn’t see his uncle shake his head as he waved him out the door.
* * *
“Mr. Blackwell,” Ryder greeted him as he entered the library. “I apologize for keeping you waiting but I…didn’t expect your call this afternoon. Not that you cannot call on whoever you wish to call on but…” Ryder let out a slow breath. “Would you care to sit down?”
Ashe shook his head. “No. I won’t be here long.”
“I see.” Ryder put his hands behind his back to await the worst. “What brings you out then?”
“It seems there was a bit of a stir at the house while I was out this morning. A stir that has led to my daughter locking herself in her room and my wife reassuring me that these things are entirely normal in the feminine way of things. Do not mistake me, Lord Hayle. I am quite accustomed to the drama of daily life in a house generally dominated by women. Today, however, was decidedly different.”
“I should have spoken to you first before I—made my appeal to your daughter.”
Ashe nodded. “It is generally the way it’s done but I cannot fault a man for jumping when he has the courage.”
“Pardon me?”
“I would hope that any man who sought to become my son-in-law would be courteous enough to ask me for my daughter’s hand but I have not made myself very approachable. My wife assures me that if I continue as I am, I will condemn my precious Buttons to a very lonely life.”
“Your buttons?”
“Buttons. My pet name for my twin daughters because they were matched like perfect little buttons when they were born.” Ashe sighed. “It’s not important now.”
“I’m sorry for the disruption I caused and for any upset to your daughter.” Ryder’s stance changed, the impact of the morning washing over him. “I came with a book. I asked her to marry me. She said no.”
“Yes, I couldn’t help but notice that you’d taken my advice. Books are always best. I’ve filled two libraries for the sake of love. Two. Libraries. I am not exaggerating.” Ashe took another deep breath. “Do you mind if we sit down? Standing like this across from each other I keep thinking we should be holding pistols but if we sit, I’m sure that impression will fade.”
“Of course.” Ryder led him to a long settee where they could both sit comfortably. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No. I’ll surprise us both and decline the offer.”
“Very well. What…brings you here, Mr. Blackwell?”
“I came to ascertain if you love my daughter.”
Ryder became very still. “I just asked her to marry me. Wouldn’t that be understood?”
“No.”
“No?”
Ashe shook his head. “It tells me very little of your feelings. Or of your suitability as a son-in-law.”
“Does it not? You know my position, my ability to provide for her, of my—”
“Do you love her?”
“Yes.”
Ashe’s shock at the word was a pale echo of Ryder’s.
“Yes? You’re certain?”
Ryder nodded. “This feels a little cruel, Mr. Blackwell.”
“It isn’t.” Ashe leaned forward. “Surely nothing will have changed since this morning.”
“Nothing except that your daughter turned me down so revisiting the fact that I am in love with a woman who does not want to marry me means this conversation is meeting my criteria for cruelty.”
Ashe gave him a look that would pierce steel. “Her mother told me that Starr had explained why she was terrified of marrying. Not necessarily terrified of marrying you, just of marriage. I know Starr confessed some of it to you as well.”
“She did.”
“And?”
“And I don’t know what there is to say. I want to make her happy but cannot see how if she won’t let go of—I don’t want her to let go of who she is! I like who she is! I would not have asked her to marry me if I did not accept all of her quirks and qualities.”
Ashe leaned back against the cushions. “And you said that to her?”
“I…I’m sure I did. Or…I might have…”
“I was so sure what marriage entailed before I married. But Caroline was nothing I imagined. She astonished me and challenged me and drove me mad. I had been master of my own world until Caroline kissed me, until I held her in my arms and she redefined who I was because I suddenly I was no one and nothing without her.”
Ryder’s breath caught in his chest, the raw honesty of the man’s words tearing at Ryder’s own wounds.
Ashe continued. “It was liberating and fantastic, Lord Hayle. I wasn’t diminished as a man, I was Legion. When I subjected myself entirely to my darling wife’s wishes, supporting her labors and encouraging her every enterprise, it was incredible. It detracted nothing of my own but augmented everything. Every happiness, every moment, every thrill was amplified by her joy. It is a simple thing but I suspect it is a wisdom that nearly every man I meet in society is lacking. Dominion over a woman is a nightmare to maintain. But my God! When you allow them to spread their wings and fly and give them dominion over you, it is Heaven itself.”
“Mr. Blackwell…”
“When I want something, I pursue it until there is no hope.”
“That—sounds very good but your daughter’s wishes were very clear and—”
Ashe stood suddenly and without warning. “Nonsense. Blackwells do not do anything in half measures. She is in love and if I have to listen to her cry for too long, I may be driven to come back here and administer a beating, Lord Hayle.”
“I hardly think you need to threaten violence.”
“Don’t I?” Ashe brushed off the lapels of his coat and prepared to leave. “If you want her, then I suggest you convince her that you are not frightened off by any dream she may have. If you reassure her that you have no intentions of clipping her wings, there is no telling how far you may go in life, your lordship. And that sir, is the last bit of advice you will receive from me. You’ll either fight for her or settle for a more biddable and lukewarm creature. After all, not every man is suited for greatness like myself.”
Ryder’s mouth fell open in shock as the man simply left as if it were perfectly normal to drop in, challenge him to get back in the game and then leave.
Not every man is suited to greatness…but oh, how easy he makes it look!
Ryder followed him on unsteady feet, not sure that the world hadn’t tipped a bit on its axis. Uncle Elgin was outside the door of the library as they came out, either to make sure that his nephew survived the interview or to be a witness to the crime if he had not.
“Mr. Blackwell. I didn’t wish to interrupt your conversation with my nephew but wanted to ensure that I saw you before you’d gone.”
“You are very kind. I came by to…give Lord Hayle some advice on courting Blackwell women.”
“Then if he’s wise, he’ll have taken note of every word, sir.”
Ashe smiled. “We shall see.”
“And may I ask how is Miss Scarlett Blackwell faring?”
“Fine. The girls have had a lovely time and I know they have enjoyed the chance to see more of what London has to offer.”
Chesterton hesitated, waiting for any sign that Mr. Blackwell knew of Scarlett’s heartache or perhaps even blamed him for introducing her to Talon Rush, but an awkward silence revealed that no word of Stafford’s misstep had reached him. Chesterton cleared his throat before continuing. “I am glad of that. They deserve all the happiness that they can withstand.”
“Everyone does,” Ashe replied. “Thank you again for your hospitality and for the kindness you’ve shown my daughters.”
“My pleasure and—if I may…I should like to call on Miss Blackwell this afternoon.”
“If you wish.” Ashe looked as if he wished to say more, but he nodded in farewell and withdrew from the great house to stride down the marble steps to his waiting carriage.
Ryder stared at his uncle in amazement. “You are going to call on Scarlett? Today of all days? May I ask why?”
“No. You may not.”
Chesterton headed up the stairs to change for his call without another word and Ryder was left alone in the foyer to ponder the great question of the day.
Do all men of a certain age lose their minds? And when it happens to me, will I notice?
Chapter 26
“Miss Scarlett, you have a caller downstairs. It’s the Duke of Chesterton,” Mr. Godwin announced from the doorway. “I’m afraid Mr. Blackwell is out and Mrs. Blackwell is resting and not to be disturbed. Should I tell him to call at another time?”
“No. I’ll see him. It’s not a problem, Mr. Godwin.” Scarlett quickly checked the ribbons at the shoulders of her afternoon dress and then hurried down to greet Chesterton in the ground floor drawing room where he’d been made to wait. He stood as she entered the room and Scarlett hurried to take his hands. “Your Grace, what a nice surprise to see you here.”
“Miss Blackwell.” He gestured toward the chair next to him. “Please. Sit. I wish to talk to you.”
Scarlett nervously took the seat he’d indicated. “You sound so serious. Is something wrong?”
“Your father gave me permission to call.”
“Oh! How formal of him!” Scarlett smiled. “Father doesn’t know of our friendship, Your Grace, but I will temper his expectations. Please don’t worry yourself on that account.”
&nb
sp; “He doesn’t know about Stafford.”
“No.”
“You didn’t tell anyone did you?”
“No, and I thought I made a point of not telling you. I mean, not entirely.” Scarlett sighed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. He is your friend. The matter was between Stafford and myself and it was settled and done.” She smoothed her skirts out with trembling fingers. “Inciting my father to murder didn’t seem like a wise course of action.”
“Your parents weren’t hoping for a match? Aren’t they curious about why Talon is no longer in your favor?”
“Parents always hope for the best for their children.” Scarlett folded her hands in her lap, determined not to fidget. “But I don’t think Father ever approved of the Duke of Stafford or any suitor I may have had, so I doubt he will push in either direction—for either of his daughters.”
“He may push for Ryder. I don’t know when or how it happened, but they are colluding together. He likes him and has encouraged him to ask Starr again. He’s given him his blessing.”
Scarlett’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes filled with tears, trapped in a rush of emotion. “Thank God! Tara will be happy—at least, Tara will be happy! It makes everything worth all the heartache to know that she will be adored as she deserves and cared for. He seems to love her very much.”
“He is besotted past reason with your stubborn sister,” Elgin agreed. “But what of you?”
She shook her head, retrieving a handkerchief from her skirt pocket to dab at her eyes. “Me? I shall be selfishly and completely relieved to be out of it and… That is for the best.”
“In what way is this best?”
Scarlett let out a slow shaky breath and recovered her composure. “Your Grace, I am a Blackwell. And while I have embarrassed myself by admitting the great weaknesses of my nature to you, it does balance out. It balances out perfectly as if by design.”
“I am confused, Miss Blackwell.”
The Wild Duchess/The Willful Duchess (The Duchess Club Book 1) Page 22