The Countess, a timid woman with thin lips and tired eyes, patted her daughter’s hand.
“It would. See? He is showing an interest.” She turned to the Duchess, “This trip was a wonderful idea, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Countess, it is kind of you to say. I know my son and how much he loves Hawthorne Hall. All he needed was to get out of that dreadful House of Lords for a few days. You will see, Lady Frances, he is a changed man when in the country.”
Bolder, that is for certain.
Lady Frances placed her hand on the empty seat beside her and looked up at Alexandra.
“Would you…”
“Thank you for arranging the morning walk, Miss Evans. That will be all for now.” The Duchess glared at Alexandra. Lady Frances’s eyes widened but she quickly withdrew her hand.
“Yes, Miss Evans, thank you so much. I much appreciate your efforts.”
“You are most welcome, Lady Frances.” She curtsied and glanced briefly at the Duchess. “Your Grace.” She departed and walked across the room where Lady Chatterley was entertaining the young Lady Mary and an older lady that Alexandra did not know.
“Miss Evans! Join us for a game of loo, we are in need of another player!”
“Oh yes! Do join us!” Lady Mary chimed in. Alexandra, touched by the warm welcome, joined the ladies for a friendly card game and a cup of tea. However, her head began to throb, likely due to the great efforts she took to banish thoughts of the unpleasant encounter with the Earl earlier. Within the hour, she found cause to excuse herself.
“I fear the journey here has taken its toll on me, Lady Chatterley. If you would excuse me?”
“Oh, of course. Perhaps an early night will help restore you.”
“It is my hope,” Alexandra said as she rose. “I must be up early in the morning, for I am to chaperone the Duke and Lady Frances.”
She made sure she said this loud enough in case she was seen early with the Duke. He had made it a habit of arriving to all engagements early, and she didn’t want there to be any further questions as to their association.
Having said her piece, she departed the drawing room.
* * *
Alexandra had almost reached her room when she glanced outside. The gardens looked marvelous in the moonlight and the stars reflected from the lake in a beautiful fashion.
Perhaps I should take the air. It may indeed restore me. I would love to wander around without the burden of having to retain my composure around the Duke.
She decided to do just that. After retrieving her cloak from her room, Alexandra went outside. The country air was crisp and soothing,. such a difference from the thick air in London. She filled her lungs with the scents of the blooming flowers still in the air.
She found that the fresh air did indeed help restore her and provided some much-needed relief for her headache. She contemplated strolling around the lake, but the sheer size of it intimidated her. She did not want to walk the whole distance alone so late at night.
Instead, she walked around the grounds to the fountain she had seen when they first arrived. It was located inside the maze of flowers.
She could only imagine how beautiful it would be in the morning, once all the flowers opened to greet the sunlight. Perhaps if she was not too tired, she would come back in the morning after her walk with Duke and Lady Frances.
She would wait until the last moment to join them in the morning. It was not her habit to be tardy, but it seemed to be the only way to keep the Duke from catching her off-guard. She still could not believe how bold he had been in touching her hand in such a manner.
Alexandra sat on a bench near the fountain and closed her eyes. She had to confess, if no nobody else but herself, that whenever she thought of the Duke, her stomach filled with a pleasant warm feeling. It would spread all throughout her body, making her feel content. These feelings that stirred inside her were entirely new and unexpected. And it wasn’t just the thoughts of the Duke that concerned her. She had begun to question her entire life.
Mr. Holmes’s recent illness had been on her mind as well. She found herself considering often what would have happened if he had not recovered as well as he had. He truly was her only friend and the closest she had to a family. Once he passed away, she would be all alone in the world. Perhaps this realization contributed to her growing feelings for the Duke.
Whether she liked it or not, he had revived a part of her she had considered long dead and buried. For so long, all she had was her business. Her only real ambition had been to be London’s foremost matchmaker. Now suddenly, she felt as though there had to be more to life. Try as she might, she could not return to the mindset she had employed her entire life.
Even thinking of her mother, and the fact that her life had been such a misery after her father’s death did nothing to silence her feelings.
If mother’s despair at losing him was so deep, how much deeper still was the love that she had for him? And what if he had not died? Would they have experienced happiness in similar measure to the sadness she felt at his passing? Certainly. The depth of the feelings would have been the same. Perhaps love is worth it when the circumstances are right?
She opened her eyes and rose, shaking her head at her own foolishness. Even if love was worth it, she would not find it with the Duke. He was one of the richest and most influential among the gentry. She was a commoner. There was no way they could ever be together.
Her head began to throb once more. She started back toward the house, certain only a good night’s rest would restore her. As she walked up the steps to the house, she heard music coming through an open window in the distance.
She walked around the side of the house and saw the music was coming from the drawing room. She could easily see inside, for the room was brightly lit with dozens of candles. The entire party was now congregated in the room, the men included. Lady Frances sat at the piano and played, with Lord Hendley looking on, a dreamy expression on his face. She did not see the Duke anywhere, but suddenly on the corner of her eye she detected movement and turned around. What she saw made her break into a wide smile.
Chapter 26
Maxwell sat on the steps, unintentionally hidden from view when Miss Evans appeared out of the dark. She watched the couple dancing in the moonlight, just as he did. Taken in by the perfection of their happiness.
Lord and Lady Chatterley were some distance away, in a gazebo near the lake, slowly dancing to the sound of the Moonlight Sonata so ably recited by Lady Frances. The gentleness with which he touched her and the harmonious manner in which they moved to the music made Maxwell all the more indisposed when he turned to look at Miss Evans. He wanted to dance with her, to hold her as Lord Chatterley held his lady. He stood and walked quietly to where she was standing.
“A lovely couple, aren’t they?”
Alexandra turned to him, the surprise at his presence evident on her face.
“Your Grace, I had not expected you here.”
“Neither had I expected you. I was told you had retired to your chambers. I was concerned. I was told you were unwell.”
“A headache, Your Grace. That is all.”
They stood next to each other, hidden from the dancing couple by the shrubbery. He looked at her with a smile on his lips. Her face, pale and achingly beautiful, illuminated by the moonlight.
“I am glad to hear it is nothing more serious. I recall your friend, the jeweler, was taken ill some weeks ago. I had a concern you might have caught the illness. How is the old fella?”
Alexandra’s light hair danced in the evening’s breeze.
“He has recovered quite well. And this is the third time Your Grace has inquired after him in as many weeks.”
Maxwell swallowed. Had he really? She had been so upset about the old man’s illness that Maxwell had in turn been concerned for her. He had not realized he’d asked about the subject quite that often.
“I simply wanted to ensure he is well. I am aware how much
the friendship matters to you, and I care. I care about you.”
She looked down at the grass, unable to face him. He knew he should not say such things. It would put her in an impossible position, but he could not help himself. Miss Evans sighed heavily; her shoulders slumped.
“I no longer have the strength to oppose you. You already know how I feel. Hard as I try, I cannot hide it.”
He swallowed hard. She had never admitted she had feelings of any kind of for him.
Perhaps I should simply let her go to sleep. It is evident she does not feel well and her ability to spar with me is impaired by her ill health. Still, I may never get a chance to be so close to her again.
“I am glad to hear we can come to an agreement on some topics after all.” He smiled at her as he took a step towards her. To his dismay, she took a step away from him and raised a hand.
“Your Grace, please. Despite this admission, nothing can change. I am a matchmaker, hired to ensure your courtship with Lady Frances culminates in a marriage that will benefit you both. That is all. My feelings do not matter. Your feelings do not matter. And Lady Frances’s feelings certainly do not matter. We all have our roles to play. I only ask that you leave me be.”
For a moment he worried she’d walk away, but she did not. Instead, she looked up at him. Her eyes glimmered with tears. He could not think of a single thing to say to her. Inside, the music stopped. When it began again, Miss Evans’ face took on a soft expression.
“She is playing the Blue Danube.” She swayed slightly to the melody. Suddenly, Maxwell knew exactly what he had to do.
“Dance with me, Miss Evans. Just this once. With nobody watching.”
She wanted to say no, he could tell from the expression on her face. Yet, she did not. He took a step closer to her and reached out his hand. She hesitated but did not step away.
“Dance the waltz with me. Do they not look as though they are having the most marvelous time?” He motioned toward the Chatterley’s who were still dancing in the gazebo. “Please, the music will be finished soon. Let us not lose our opportunity.”
“We will be seen…” the uncertainty in her voice only encouraged him.
“Come, we will go into the courtyard; nobody will see us there. Not at this hour.” She did not refuse, and so he gently took her hand and led her toward the dark courtyard. They could see some rooms lit inside, but it would not be possible for them to be seen. The trees in the courtyard would block out the moonlight.
The music was still audible, though faint. They stood across from each other for a few moments before he made the move to start the dance, placing his hand on her back and leading her to the music.
It felt wonderful to be able to touch her and look at her without hiding and without having to worry about anyone or anything. She only glanced at him from time to time but when she did, it was with a smile on her face. She was happy to be there, even in this fleeting moment.
Unfortunately, the moment did not last. The music inside stopped all too soon and she stepped back, suddenly flushed.
“I apologize, Your Grace. I should not have agreed to dance with you. It was improper. I…”
“No, no, please, Miss Evans! It was a most glorious experience and I only wished it had lasted longer.”
She shook her head and took another step away from him, her hand raised slightly to keep him from coming closer.
“I must take my leave. Please do not follow me or attempt to change my mind, Your Grace. If you have any respect for me at all, please do as I say.”
He bowed slightly. “Of course. Whatever you wish, dear lady.”
Maxwell watched her walk into the house, his heart beating fast. He wanted to stop her so badly, yet there was still that part of him that told him he couldn’t, for her sake and his. He sighed heavily and departed the courtroom. He could not be away from the festivities for too long, lest his disappearance was noted.
* * *
When he arrived back in the drawing room, he was relieved to see the group had somewhat thinned out. One of the people who had retired for the night was his mother, which greatly improved his spirits. However, it did nothing to diminish the ever-growing ache in his heart that only swelled the more he thought about Miss Evans.
He sat and listened to Lady Frances play the piano, a large cup of port in his hand. He downed it and had another. He was not sure how much time had passed, for the drink was beginning to make him woozy. Despite this, he was fully aware of the glare his friend, Lord Hendley, fired at him from time to time. He was upset, that was for sure.
After Lady Frances had played a number of pieces, she declared herself fatigued and retired to her room in anticipation for their early morning walk. Considering it proper to now depart to his room himself, Maxwell rose.
“Gatterlen! A word,” Lord Hendley called out to him as soon as he stood. He held on to the back of the chair for his body swayed in a most unusual fashion.
“By Jove! You have decided to speak to me rather than attempt to stare me to death,” Maxwell said when Hendley stopped beside him.
“I simply anticipated a convenient time to speak with you. The time seems now, unless you are too half sprung to have a decent conversation.”
He is angry. He never speaks to me in such a fashion. What has upset him so?
“I assure you I am more than capable of conversing with you, old chum.” He glanced around and saw the Countess of Cladborough still in the room, conversing with Lady Cavendish and Lady Havisham, his mother’s friends. Whatever Lord Hendley wanted to speak to him about, he was certain he did not want it to get back to his mother. He nodded toward the porch.
“Let us go and take some air, Hendley. It is rather stuffy in here.”
“As you please,” Hendley agreed, and followed behind Maxwell.
When they reached the porch, Maxwell sought the support of a chair while Hendley stood across from him, arms crossed.
“So? You wished to converse with me?”
His friend wetted his lips and took in a deep breath of air.
“This conversation is somewhat awkward, as I understand you outrank me, and it is not proper to say some of the things I wish to say.”
By Jove, he is cross. Perhaps this is not a good time to have this conversation. I am feeling rather unwell. Alas, I already proclaimed I was fit to converse, and thus I must.
“Do not keep your words to yourself, Hendley. We have known each other all our lives and you are the one friend I trust to tell me the truth.”
“Your Grace…I am well aware of this havey-cavey business with Miss Evans.” Maxwell opened his mouth to protest but found he did not have the desire or the strength. “I am the last person to judge your feelings for a commoner, I am steps away from being in the poorhouse myself. I do not appreciate however, your conduct when it comes to Lady Frances. She is a fair young woman who deserve more than to be treated as a mere inconvenience.”
“I do not believe I have treated her as such, nor have I made promises of anything other than a courtship that I was not inclined to participate in in the first place.”
Hendley’s nostrils flared.
“It is not the Lady’s fault you do not wish to wed. Or rather, you do not wish to wed her. You know your place in society as I know mine, as she knows hers. And above all, Miss Evans knows her place in society. By behaving in the fashion that you do, indulging in your every whim, you are endangering them both. If you do not wish to wed, then end the courtship. Set her free to find someone who will care for her.”
“Such as yourself?” Maxwell raised his eyebrows at his friend. He had been rather blind not to see the affection Lord Hendley clearly held for Lady Frances, but it was more than evident now, and rather sobering in every way.
“Yes, such as myself. However, unlike Your Grace, I understand the position I am in, and the position I would put Lady Frances in were I to make undue advances toward her. I would not wish to put her in such an unfavorable position. Furthermore,
I understand I would never be able to provide her the lifestyles she needs nor the financial security her father desires, thus I hold my feelings in my heart, and my thoughts in my head. Unlike you, as you are apparently incapable of either.”
“Lord Hendley, it is rather inappropriate to question my intentions.”
The younger man shook his head. “I do not question your intentions. I do not know your intentions and I believe neither do you. In any case, the way you acted this evening, touching Miss Evans in the way you did, and in front of Lord Cladborough at that, endangers her greatly. Lord Cladborough is set on this marriage and you will lead to the ruin of both women if you do not stop behaving in the way you are.”
Maxwell had no words. He had been entirely unaware that Hendley, and let alone Cladborough, saw him touch Miss Evans hand. Suddenly, the magnitude of his actions began to sink in. He could indeed lead to the ruin of Miss Evans.
Perfectly Mismatched With The Duke (Historical Regency Romance) Page 17