The Reluctant Marquess: The Duke's Daughters - Prequel

by Rose Pearson

  “Excellent,” Amelia exclaimed, turning on her heel and practically marching towards the staircase that would lead to the front door. “What you’re wearing is quite respectable, although you will need a bonnet and possibly your shawl if there is still that cool breeze. We will not require a maid since I am an old married woman now and, therefore, quite respectable enough to chaperone you.”

  Harmonia, now feeling a great deal more cheerful, tied her bonnet ribbons and smiled at her sister. “Thank you, Amelia. I am feeling better already.”

  Amelia smiled, looped her arm through Harmonia’s and left the house. “And it is only going to get better from here on out, I promise you,” she said before the two sisters made their way into town.

  Chapter Two

  “Are you quite ready?”

  Harmonia drew in a deep breath before giving Amelia a bright smile. “Yes, I think so.”

  “Good,” Amelia replied, as the carriage drew up to Lord Gaynes home. It was a large, ornate building with its own large gardens both front and back. The carriage rolled through the gates and made its way up to the house, leaving Harmonia feeling more and more nervous.

  “Now, if Luke is here, as you expect him to be, then I insist that you allow me to try and take his attention away from you for a time,” Amelia began, as they joined the long line of carriages letting people down one at a time in front of the house. “You told me you would not think of him in a serious manner and I must insist that you continue to think of him in that way.”

  Harmonia tried to nod, her stomach roiling with a sudden nausea.

  “I do know, however, that cousin Luke can be a very insistent man, so it may prove a little more difficult than I am suggesting,” Amelia continued, with a wry smile. “Do ensure that you have time away from him, time to be introduced to new acquaintances for example. You are never going to find a suitable match if you do not get yourself away from Luke, Harmonia. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, of course,” Harmonia said, quickly. “Goodness, I did not expect to feel this nervous.”

  Amelia laughed softly, her eyes growing a little distant. “It feels very different when it is you who is the focus,” she said, quietly. “With all your sisters married, the ton will know that it is you who is now to find a husband. That fact cannot be hidden.”

  Feeling as though every eye was to be on her the moment she stepped from the carriage, Harmonia drew in long, deep breaths in an effort to calm her nerves. Amelia murmured a few soothing words and, once they had descended from the carriage, took her arm and began to climb the few short steps that led to the front of the house.

  “You need not look so worried, Harmonia,” Amelia chided gently, as they came to the front door. “Try to smile, my dear sister. Wipe that anxiety from your face.”

  With an effort, Harmonia lifted her chin and smiled gently as she stepped inside, nodding to a few people she recognized. Once they had greeted and thanked the hosts, Harmonia and Amelia walked a little further into the house before coming to the ballroom.

  The orchestra was already playing, and the dancing in full swing. Harmonia felt her smile stretch as she watched the spinning couples, her anxiety slowly beginning to fade. This was what she had been missing during her year at home – company, dancing, conversation and laughter. There was plenty of that here, however. She just needed to let herself relax and enjoy the evening. It was not as though she were expected to find a husband this very evening!

  “Lady Harmonia? Lady Harmonia!”

  Jerking in surprise, Harmonia felt Amelia clutch at her arm, giving her a gentle tug to her left but, before she could move, none other than Luke appeared in front of them both, a wide smile on his face.

  “Lady Harmonia, how good to see you,” he said, with a deep bow. “I have been waiting for your arrival and sighted you almost the moment you stepped inside.”

  Before Harmonia could reply, Amelia cleared her throat loudly, drawing Luke’s attention. He colored at once, aware of his rudeness, and bowed quickly before greeting her.

  “I did not see you there, Lady Amelia. I do apologize. And your father? Is he here?”

  “No, he is not,” Amelia answered, before Harmonia could say a word. “He is tired and remained at home. I am Harmonia’s chaperone.”

  Luke did not seem to notice her, his attention entirely fixed on Harmonia. “And do you have your dance card? I simply must put my name on it. How glad I am that I found you the moment you stepped into the ballroom. I could not have allowed the evening to go by without ensuring I had at least one dance with you. Mayhap the waltz would be suitable?”

  Harmonia’s mouth went dry, glancing towards Amelia for help. Luke was always so sure of himself, so certain of what he wanted. Despite Harmonia’s attempts at pushing him away, he had never taken her refusal to be a definitive answer. Even now, he was suggesting that they waltz together in the hope that he might somehow endear her further towards him.

  “Come now, Lord Darnsley,” Amelia admonished, using his formal title and, with a wave of her hand, blowing his suggestion away. “The waltz simply will not do, not for someone who is family to us. We do not want to suggest that there is anything more than familial friendship between yourself and Harmonia.”

  Luke cleared his throat, his eyebrows furrowing. “Lady Amelia, I had hoped –”

  “Do hurry, Luke, please,” Amelia interrupted, still looking quite disinterested. “I must introduce Harmonia to a few new acquaintances.”

  Harmonia gave him a quick smile as he muttered darkly under his breath before signing her dance card. Much to her surprise, he did write his name under one of the waltzes, despite Amelia’s express request that he did not. His doggedness had come to the fore once again.

  As Luke scribbled his name, Harmonia was caught by a movement to her left and, on looking over, saw a gentleman regarding her. He had the bluest eyes she had ever seen and, when she saw him watching, he simply smiled and did not look away. Her heart quickened, her breath hitching as he turned away from her, leaving her to wonder who he might be and why he had been watching her. She tried to recall whether or not she had seen him before, giving herself a slight shake as Luke dropped her dance card.

  “I look forward to our dance, Harmonia,” Luke murmured, as he gave her a quick bow. “Thank you.”

  Realizing that she had not yet uttered a single word to him, Harmonia tried to smile and thank him, her voice a little hoarse.

  “Regardless of what Amelia believes, you know what my intentions are, Harmonia,” Luke continued, so softly that Harmonia had to strain to hear him. “Do not forget that.”

  He turned around and walked away into the crowd, leaving her to stare after him. Apparently, she had not convinced him about her lack of regard, even though it had been made clear to him multiple times. Deep in her heart, she had hoped that he might come to accept how she felt, that he might even be caught by another young lady’s attentions, but it appeared not to be the case.

  “What did he say to you?” Amelia murmured, as they began to walk through the guests once more. “And what dances did he put himself down for?”

  Harmonia shook her head, lifting her dance card. “The quadrille and the waltz.”

  Amelia stopped dead, her face a mixture of frustration and anger. “I specifically said –”

  “He is used to getting what he wants,” Harmonia reminded her, with a slight shrug. “I cannot refuse him.”

  Amelia shook her head, her face a little red. “You could always be in the retiring room when it is time for the waltz,” she muttered, before continuing to walk to the side of the ballroom. “Come now, we need to greet a few more acquaintances.”

  Harmonia smiled and nodded to a few more of her friends, before being greeted by a gentleman she did not recognize. He seemed to know Amelia and Lord Northfell. That led to even more introductions to other ladies and gentlemen and, very soon, Harmonia had her dance card all but filled. It brought her a great deal of happiness to know that she wa
s wanted and desired by those in the room, that her company was now sought after. She did not feel like the wallflower she usually was at such things as this, grateful for Amelia’s guidance and help.

  Listening politely to one gentleman talking about his recent purchase of a pair of greys, Harmonia suddenly caught sight of the blue-eyed gentlemen from only a few minutes before. He was now talking to a young lady, standing just behind Amelia. She could not help but study him for a moment, taking in his strong features and broad shoulders. He was impeccably dressed, with not so much as a hair out of place and, for whatever reason, Harmonia felt drawn to him.

  Which was quite ridiculous, given that she did not so much as know his name. As she gave herself a stern talking to, the gentleman looked up and caught her gaze, only for Harmonia to drag hers immediately away from him and back to the gentlemen who had been speaking to her about his stables. A flush of embarrassment crept up into her cheeks, almost feeling the blue-eyed gentleman’s gaze remaining on her – although she dared not look back at him. It was almost a relief when Lord Donaghy came to claim her for his dance for that meant she was no longer in close proximity to the mysterious gentlemen. At least while dancing, she would no longer feel confused and distracted by him. She needed to focus on making sure each step was done correctly.

  Lord Donaghy was a polite, genteel young man with a sparkling wit and sharp eyes. He complimented her on her dancing, smiled at her response and made a joke about one of the fop’s choice of cravat which made Harmonia laugh. He was, all in all, a very nice young man although there was no spark of interest in Harmonia’s heart.

  When the dance came to a close, Lord Donaghy led her back towards Amelia, still chatting amicably. Harmonia was enjoying the conversation, but her response died on her lips as she saw her sister talking with a small group of gentlemen and ladies, which included the blue-eyed gentleman from before.

  Her heart began to hammer wildly in her chest as she drew near, seeing the gentleman look over at her, his smile widening as he took her in.

  “Ah, Harmonia,” her sister exclaimed, a smile on her face. “I was just making some new acquaintances although, I confess, that I have not quite got to know everyone’s name just yet! Of course, you know Lady Sophia Winterthorn.”

  “Yes, yes of course,” Harmonia replied, a little breathlessly. “This is Lord Donaghy, to those of you who might not know him.”

  Lord Donaghy gave a short bow, the conversation beginning to flow again – and yet Harmonia could not look anywhere but the blue-eyed gentleman.

  “I confess that I do not yet know your name,” the blue-eyed gentleman asked her, seemingly ignorant of everyone else around him.

  His voice was deep and rich, his expression warm as he drew near her. Harmonia drew in a sharp breath, her skin tingling all over as he smiled at her.

  “This is precisely why I have come to London, sir,” she replied, quickly, hoping that she was not speaking too quickly nor appearing too eager. “My acquaintances are in much smaller number in the country, mostly because there is a severe lack of society particularly during the winter.”

  She was babbling now. She knew it and her cheeks warmed immediately.

  “I quite understand,” he said with a smile, his gaze still fixed on her own. “I suppose we must give up convention and introduce ourselves to one another without your sister or another being involved.”

  Harmonia felt her smile spread across her face, pleasure spinning through her. “Indeed, I think we must. I am –”

  “Ah, there you are!”

  A loud, brash voice interrupted her and, looking behind her, Harmonia saw none other than Luke striding towards her.

  “Come now, it is our dance and I will not lose this opportunity,” Luke said, coming to stand beside her, her gaze on the gentleman she had been talking to. “Nor will I give you up to another.”

  Harmonia, mortified by Luke’s arrogant speech, turned towards him and gave him a tight smile. “Yes, of course,” she said at once, suddenly desperate to get Luke as far away from the gentlemen as she could. “Do excuse me, sir,” she murmured, giving the gentleman one last look, trying to hide her frustration that she still did not know his name.

  “But of course,” he replied, with an easy smile. “I will not keep you. Good evening.”

  Harmonia did not have time to reply, having been quickly hurried away by Luke. She did not enjoy the dance, despite Luke’s clear delight at having her all to himself. She found him frustrating, irritating and much too full of himself. He did not take her refusal of his intentions to marry her seriously, seemingly believing that if he continued to pursue her enough, she would simply agree. Was she truly that weak? Did he see her as this small, easily intimidated, eventually willing to do what he asked if he pressured her enough?

  The evening began to lose some of its sparkle, her heart sinking into her toes as Luke twirled her around the floor and, suddenly, all she wanted was to return home.

  Chapter Three

  “Did you enjoy the ball last evening?”

  Harmonia threw a sidelong glance over towards Amelia as they walked through the park, wondering how much to give away. “I was enjoying myself until Luke…”

  Amelia sighed as Harmonia struggled to find the words to explain his behavior last night.

  “Luke acted rather possessive, did he not?”

  “Yes, that is it precisely,” Harmonia agreed, with a small shake of her head. “He seems to think that I belong to him when, all the while, I have been doing all I can to dissuade him.”

  Amelia grimaced. “Maybe I should say something to him.”

  Harmonia shook her head. “I do not think he would so much as listen.” Frowning, she paused in her walk and looked over at her sister. “You do not think he would go to papa directly, do you? As I said, papa is now quite eager for me to wed and I know he has a fondness for Luke.”

  Her sister did immediately answer, making Harmonia’s worry rise even further.

  “I do not know what Luke will do in order to get what he wants,” Amelia replied, eventually. “But you should perhaps speak to papa before Luke has the chance, just in case you are right to be as worried as you are. I can go with you, if you wish.”

  Harmonia nodded slowly, her stomach tightening. “I may take you up on that offer, Amelia. I am concerned that Luke is determined to have me as his wife – but I am equally determined to refuse him. I do not think that he expects me to be so stubborn, however. I think he believes that he can bend me to his will in time.”

  “Then you shall just have to make yourself more than clear over and over until he finally backs away,” Amelia declared, now appearing a little cross over Luke’s behavior. “Why that man has been intent on pursuing you, I shall never understand.” Throwing a quick look over at Harmonia, Amelia tried to smile. “Not that you are not worth pursing, Harmonia, but not by a man who has been told repeatedly that you are not interested in furthering your acquaintance with him. He is as stubborn as a mule!” She tossed her head and began to walk again, muttering to herself.

  Harmonia smiled to herself and continued to walk alongside her sister, her anxiety slowly fading away. She knew that Amelia would stick by her and was truly grateful for her company, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Amelia had been through a difficult time herself before she found Lord Northfell and she appreciated her determination to ensure that Harmonia was, in no way, to be tied to Luke.

  “Might I ask, was your attention caught by anyone else at the ball last evening?” Amelia asked, after a few minutes of silence. “You were introduced to a great many people, I know, but was there anyone in particular you might wish to know more about?”

  Immediately, the image of the blue-eyed gentleman threw itself into Harmonia’s mind and she felt her face blush with just the thought of him. Knowing that she could be entirely honest with Amelia, Harmonia told her about the man in question.

  “I was actually wondering if you knew a certain gentleman
’s name,” she began, as Amelia lifted one eyebrow in anticipation. “The only reason I am asking is because I was in the middle of conversation with him – a bit of a strange conversation since neither of us had been introduced – but we were about to give one another our names and titles when Luke came to take me for the next dance.”

  Amelia pursed her lips, thinking hard. “He was in the group with us?”

  “Yes, he was,” Harmonia replied, her heart quickening just a little as she thought of him. “He had the bluest eyes I have ever seen and very dark hair. He was tall, even taller than Luke, and yet gave all the appearances of gentleness. I know it was most improper to be talking in such an easy manner without being introduced, but there was no-one able to do so and I did very much want to talk to him.”

  Amelia laughed, looping her arm through her sister’s. “You need not worry about that, Harmonia, certainly not for my sake. Convention has to be ignored sometimes, particularly at a ball! The man you are describing is, I think, the new Earl of Newford. He is only recently arrived in town, I think. I am quite sure we will see him again very soon at some ball or another.” She gave Harmonia a sidelong glance, her eyes filled with interest. “Do you think you might like to know him better?”

  “I do,” Harmonia replied, honestly. “He seemed like a pleasant fellow and I do think I would like to know him a little more.”

  Harmonia likes “the blue-eyed gentleman:! Find out if they get together in the rest of the story, available in the Kindle store, In the Arms of an Earl

  Join my Mailing List

  Want to get links to the newest romance ebooks on Kindle sent to your inbox every week?

  Join my VIP Readers list!

  Enjoy links to free promos, limited time sales, and the newest reads by up-and-coming authors. You will also have an opportunity to join my “street team” and get advance reader copies of books regularly…