Alissa Baxter

by The Dashing Debutante

  Mr Kendle only leered at her, and said, “I see, my dear Miss Grantham, that you were of the same mind as I. A romantic assignation in the moonlight — how utterly delightful.”

  Before she could utter another word of protest, Mr Kendle drew her closer to him. Alexandra stood rigidly still for a moment, completely taken by surprise. Then she began to struggle, but found to her fury that the man who held her so insolently was far stronger than she. Tears of rage burned her eyes, as she renewed her efforts to be free from her tormentor. She was about to kick Mr Kendle sharply in the shins when suddenly it was all over.

  A deadly cold voice came from the doorway. “Unhand Miss Grantham, Kendle.” The Duke of Stanford strolled over to Mr Kendle and said, “I will not call you out for this night’s work, Kendle, as I wish no blemish to mar Miss Grantham’s reputation. But I advise you to keep your distance from her in future, or you will live to regret the consequences. You understand my meaning?”

  Mr Kendle swallowed convulsively and nodded his head, prudently deciding that it would be in his best interests to depart the scene as quickly as possible. He sketched a bow in Alexandra’s direction, and hastily made his apologies to her before leaving her alone with the Duke.

  Alexandra turned to thank her rescuer, but the words of gratitude died on her lips when she saw the Duke’s icy expression. Swallowing nervously, she said, “I can explain my — er — current predicament, your grace.”

  “Please do, Miss Grantham,” he invited courteously, but Alexandra was not deceived by these polite words. She knew very well that the man standing before her was extremely displeased by her actions.

  Licking her dry lips, Alexandra began nervously, “Thomas Kendle has been plaguing me with his unwanted attentions for quite some time now.”

  The Duke frowned. “Why did you not inform me of Kendle’s behaviour? A word in my ear, and I would have made certain that he never plagued you again.”

  Alexandra looked at him in surprise. “But, your grace, I am not a member of your family, and therefore am in no way under your protection! Although you have condescended to bring me into fashion, I cannot make such claims upon you!”

  The Duke smiled. “My dear Miss Grantham, because I have — what was your phrase — ah, yes, “condescended to bring you into fashion”, it would be a matter of course that you would be my responsibility. In future you may regard me as your protector.”

  Alexandra experienced a flash of annoyance at the unmistakably authoritative note in the Duke’s voice. For as long as she could remember she had had the running of her own life. When her mother had died, Aunt Eliza had arrived at Grantham Place to look after her brother-in-law’s household, but this lady had succeeded in exercising very little control over Alexandra as she had grown to adulthood. Her father, Sir Henry, had been an easygoing man who had placed very few restraints on his only daughter’s activities, and Alexandra had never felt the need to turn to anyone for much guidance, let alone protection. Yet, in the light of her recent escape, her annoyance immediately evaporated and, looking thoughtfully up at the Duke’s face now, she reflected that it was somehow reassuring to have his support. She nodded her head, and murmured, “Perfectly, your grace. I will remember that in the future.”

  “You do that, Miss Grantham.” Offering his arm to her, he said, “I will escort you back to your grandmother now.”

  Alexandra placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you, your grace. I am much obliged to you — for everything.”

  He looked down at her for a long moment. “I know that you are an uncommonly independent young lady, Miss Grantham, but surely you must realise that it shows strength, not weakness, to admit that you need a helping hand sometimes?”

  Alexandra swallowed. “I — I am beginning to realise that, your grace.” And looking up into the Duke’s handsome face, she reflected it could be all too easy to grow accustomed to accepting this man’s help. His solid dependability was so reassuring, and when she was with him, she felt that no harm could come to her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Alexandra saw a great deal of Sir Charles Fotherby over the next few weeks. He escorted his godmother and Alexandra to various balls and parties, and often called at Beauchamp House to invite Alexandra for a drive in his curricle. When Alexandra’s mare, Starlight, was brought to London, she and Sir Charles rode together in the Park every day. They tended to favour the early mornings for their equestrian excursions, rather than the fashionable hour of the Grand Strut, because there were fewer people in Hyde Park at this time, and they could give the horses their heads. Alexandra found Sir Charles to be a delightful companion, and quickly came to view him in a fraternal light; their teasing friendship and occasional disagreements, emphasizing the brother-sister nature of their relationship.

  Lady Letitia Beaumont sometimes accompanied Alexandra and Sir Charles on these expeditions. She and Alexandra had struck up a close friendship since the evening of Lady Derringer’s evening party when Alexandra had rescued her from incurring the Duke’s wrath. Alexandra, who had not attended one of England’s select ladies seminaries in her schoolgirl years, and had few female friends of her own age, was delighted to have found a bosom bow with whom she could share confidences and discuss the goings-on of Society.

  Letitia was also acquainted with Sir Charles, as he was a lifelong friend of her brother, Lord Stephen Beaumont, and had frequently visited Stanford Court during his Harrow and Cambridge days. Letitia treated the baronet with a casual familiarity which her strict chaperone abhorred, but she refused to pay any attention to Cousin Amelia’s lectures on the correct manners a young lady should employ when speaking to a gentleman. She merely informed her cousin that she had known Sir Charles since she was in the nursery, and saw no reason why she should suddenly stand on ceremony with him, just because she was in London for the Season.

  One afternoon, Letitia called at Beauchamp House to pay Alexandra a visit. Alexandra took one look at her stormy face and, after asking her friend to be seated, worriedly inquired what was amiss.

  Letitia sniffed. “Oh, Alexandra, I am so angry I could cry! Charles has been the veriest beast! He... Oh!” Letitia stopped abruptly and scowled at the absent Sir Charles.

  Alexandra, by now used to Letitia’s tempestuous mode of speech, asked patiently, “What has he done to upset you, Letty?”

  “What has he done?” Letitia wailed. “I’ll tell what he’s done! The odious, reprehensible, despicable beast!” Letitia glowered at Alexandra, before continuing, “Yesterday morning, I informed Cousin Amelia that I had arranged to go on a shopping expedition with you, Alexandra. She believed me, of course, because we are often together. But... instead I made arrangements to meet the — the gentleman you saw me with at Lady Derringer’s party — George Winters — in Green Park. I had not seen him since that evening, and — oh Alex! — I have missed him so! We met in a secluded area of the Park, and I thought that we would be perfectly safe from discovery, when Charles came into view. George and I hid behind a few bushes, and I thought that he had not seen us. However, this morning, Charles called and in the most odiously highhanded manner you can imagine, informed me that he was taking me for a drive to Richmond Park. Cousin Amelia, of course, was delighted. She deems Charles to be a most eligible catch — although I cannot begin to think why! Charles lectured me in the most horrid manner all the way there, and informed me that it was beyond the bounds of propriety for me to meet a gentleman clandestinely in Green Park. He then told me the most wicked lies about George. He said that George was a gazetted fortune hunter and that I was a fool to imagine myself in love with him.” Letitia paused for breath and her eyes sparkled militantly. With a grim little smile she continued, “I informed Charles that not every gentleman I have met in London treats me as though I were a child. I told him that he was a stuffed shirt and that there was nothing wrong with me falling in love with a perfectly respectable gentleman. I also said,” Letitia carried on, warming to her theme, “that he was too dull to know t
he meaning of the word “love”, and that he wouldn’t know love if it hit him on the head! He then told me that I was a foolish child. A foolish child, Alexandra!” Letitia finished angrily.

  “Perhaps it was only out of concern for you that he took you to task, Letty,” Alexandra suggested. “I have noticed that Sir Charles appears to be very fond of you.”

  “Fond of me! Fond of me?” Letitia said indignantly. “You have not heard the worst of it yet, Alex! Charles actually had the audacity to inform Cousin Amelia and Robert about my meeting with George. He did so after we returned home this afternoon, and Cousin Amelia invited him to partake of luncheon with us.” Letitia’s eyes snapped together in a frown. “Cousin Amelia lectured me endlessly on the impropriety of my behaviour. And Robert! Robert informed me that if I continue to “behave foolishly”, he will send me home forthwith to Stanford Court, and only allow me to come out next year. Next year! Why next year I’ll be an old maid! On the shelf. A veritable spinster!”

  Alexandra carefully refrained from pointing out to Letitia that, according to her calculations, she herself, being a year older than her friend, was already “a veritable spinster”. Instead she said calmly, “I agree, Letty, that it was unsporting of Sir Charles to reveal your rendezvous with Mr Winters. But is there any chance, my dear, that Sir Charles may be correct in assuming that Mr Winters is courting you only for your fortune’s sake? In the brief time I have known him, I have found Sir Charles to have an uncommonly level head on his shoulders.”

  “Oh, Alex! You’re as bad as they are!” Letitia said crossly. “Just because a man is poor does not necessarily mean that he is a fortune hunter! George has told me all about his worthy ambitions to increase his fortune. He has dealings in the City or some such thing. However, be that as it may, even if George never becomes any wealthier, I shall always love him!”

  “I apologise Letty. I am sure that Mr Winters is everything a gentleman should be.”

  “Oh — he is, he is,” Letitia said warmly. “George is considerate, kind, handsome — in every way a perfect suitor.” Letitia sniffed and, withdrawing a scrap of lace that passed for a handkerchief from her reticule, blew her pretty nose. “But now, Alexandra, I am to be cut off from My One True Love! I am cast in the role of Juliet, and my Romeo is cruelly separated from me. I shall probably sink into a decline, and die of a broken heart.” Letitia paused to admire this tragic speech. The picture she had painted of herself as a tragic Shakespearean heroine was ruined, however, when she continued with a smug little smile, “That should teach them! Robert, Charles and Cousin Amelia will be extremely sorry when they attend me on my deathbed, and realise that my death is on their consciences!”

  Alexandra’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I am sure they will be overcome with remorse, Letty, when they realise that they have driven you to an early grave.”

  “You are not making light of my predicament are you, Alexandra?” Letitia asked, looking suspiciously at her friend.

  Alexandra, controlling a quivering lip, said solemnly, “Of course not, Letty. If I can aid you in any way, I shall.”

  Letitia smiled tremulously. “Thank you, Alex. I knew I could rely on you. Best of all my friends!”

  Alexandra, thinking about her conversation with Letitia after that damsel had left, wondered whether she ought to say a few words in her friend’s defence to Stanford when she saw him later that afternoon. He had arranged, the previous evening, to take her driving in the Park today. Alexandra decided against doing so, however, when, seated beside Stanford in his curricle, she stole a quick look up at his profile. The Duke’s mouth was set in an uncompromisingly stern line, and he did not appear to be in the best of humours. In all probability he would not welcome any interference on her part, she decided judiciously. And, by stirring up coals, she could, perhaps, land Letitia in even deeper trouble.

  Alexandra came out of her brown study when, as they were passing through the gates of Hyde Park, the Duke said abruptly, “Miss Grantham, am I correct in assuming that you have eaten your words about the undesirability of the wedded state and that you intend to marry soon?”

  Recovering from her surprise at this unforeseen question, Alexandra said, “I am not sure that I understand you, your grace!”

  The Duke’s lip curled. “Don’t you? Sir Charles Fotherby appears to have been courting you in earnest, and you, it seems, are not averse to his attentions.”

  Alexandra bristled. “Why are you concerned about my friendship with Sir Charles, your grace?”

  “The members of the ton have begun to link your name and Fotherby’s together,” the Duke said, frowning. “I spoke with your Grandmother last night at Lady Jersey’s ball, and she informed me that she entertains great hopes that you and Sir Charles will become betrothed before the end of the Season.”

  “Grandmama said that? “ Alexandra asked, dismayed.

  “She did, indeed. Now, will you answer my question Miss Grantham — are the Banns soon to be read?”

  Alexandra, seeing no reason why she should enlighten the Duke about the true nature of her relationship with Sir Charles, said vaguely, “Why, I am sure I cannot tell you, your grace. He certainly hasn’t asked me to marry him.”

  “And when he does?” the Duke asked coolly.

  “I shall make sure that you are the first to know,” she responded lightly.

  The Duke’s eyes narrowed. “I would advise you, Miss Grantham, not to play games with me.”

  “Play games with you, your grace?” Alexandra said, opening her eyes wide. “What ever do you mean?”

  “You know precisely what I mean. I have asked you a direct question, and I expect a direct answer. Do you intend to marry Sir Charles?”

  Alexandra eyed the man next to her, taken aback at his unwonted interest in her personal affairs. She wanted very much to put him in his place for subjecting her to such an inquisition. On the other hand, his startling revelation that the members of the ton believed nuptials to be in the air for her and Sir Charles had come as something of a shock to her. She found it difficult to believe that her grandmother was of the same mind as the rest of ton and that, without even discussing the matter with her, had informed the Duke of Stanford of her hopes for a betrothal! Torn between denying the rumour, and giving Stanford the set-down he undoubtedly deserved, Alexandra decided, somewhat reluctantly, to do the former. Speculation about a possible attachment between herself and Sir Charles was embarrassing, not only to herself, but also to her good friend.

  Therefore, rather tartly, she replied, “Well if you must know, your grace, I do not intend to marry Sir Charles! I have every intention, as I have told you before, of remaining unmarried. I value my independence far too much to willingly relinquish it.” After a few moments of reflection, she continued in a different, more solemn tone, “I had no idea, your grace, that the ton had begun to link my name with Sir Charles’s. He has become a very good friend and is, of course, Grandmama’s godson, but he is certainly not one of my suitors. I hope he will not be embarrassed by this speculation.”

  “I doubt he will feel any mortification at all, Miss Grantham,” the Duke replied urbanely. “No man is embarrassed when his name is linked to that of a beautiful young woman’s.”

  “Oh!” Alexandra said, at a loss for words.

  “I would advise you, my dear, if you wish for this speculation to cease, not to be seen so often in Sir Charles’s company.”

  Alexandra frowned. “I suppose I shall be obliged to stop riding with him in Hyde Park every morning, then.” She sighed despondently. “I do so enjoy the early morning exercise, and I cannot think of anyone else who would be willing to accompany me on my rides. Sometimes Letty does, but more often than not she decides to sleep in late. And it is not nearly as enjoyable riding when one has only a groom for company. Besides,” Alexandra continued thoughtfully, “I am not sure whether Grandmama would allow me to go out with only Williams for an escort. I think she is concerned that I may do something dreadfully impr
oper, like riding down St James’s Street and peering in at the windows of all the gentlemen’s clubs!”

  The Duke, manoeuvring the curricle between a laundelet drawn up on the verge of the carriage-way, and a barouche passing him on the other side, said briefly, “I am perfectly willing to accompany you on your morning rides, Miss Grantham.”

  Alexandra looked at Stanford in surprise. “But, your grace — won’t the ton then begin to link our names together?”

  The Duke smiled enigmatically. “My dear girl, you must be aware that it will do your image the world of good if Society believes you to have captured my attention. Remember, my continued endorsement is necessary for your social success. Sir Jason Morecombe’s malicious rumours have been ignored because you have my seal of approval. But if the haut monde believes that my interest in you has waned, they will, in all probability, listen to Morecombe’s sayings — they are, after all, added grist to the rumour mill. It is necessary, therefore, for you to be seen as often as possible in my company.”

  Alexandra said doubtfully, “You will not mind being the subject of idle speculation, your grace?”

  The Duke smiled again. “As I said before, Miss Grantham — no man is embarrassed when his name is linked to that of a beautiful young woman’s.”

  Alexandra flushed and decided, wisely, to change the subject. She found it far easier to spar with Stanford, than accept his compliments. So, to the Duke’s secret amusement, Alexandra began rattling on about what a crush Lady Jersey’s ball had been the previous evening. When her disjointed monologue eventually came to an end, he kindly took pity on her and introduced another subject of a general — and uninflammatory — nature. They discussed at some length their shared appreciation of the English countryside in summertime, until the Duke delivered his companion safely back to Beauchamp House.