To Dodge a Duke (Entangled Nobility Book 2)

by Naomi Boom

  “May I help you with something?” Logan asked in mock innocence.

  “You can move aside.” She tapped her foot as he remained rooted in his position. “Any time now.”

  “You mean to tell me you do not wish to take a swim in the ravine?”

  His gloating tone was enough to send her over the edge, and she could tell he knew it. If she wasn’t such a lady, she would have hit him by now. She inhaled a calming breath and managed to say, “No, I do not.”

  “Ah.” He acted surprised by her revelation and leaned in to murmur in her ear, “You seem angry, and you know what they say about anger. It is simply one step away from passion.”

  Eleanor shrieked and pushed him, despite her resolve to act like a lady. He chuckled and stepped back, which allowed her to depart from her location between him and the ravine. “Now, if you will excuse me,” she said, moving to her horse with alacrity.

  “Aren’t we in a hurry? Are you afraid you will be unable to resist me if you stay, Nell?”

  “Excuse me?” She turned to him and planted her hands on her hips. While some people used the nickname Nell for Eleanor, it was not a name she employed.

  He shook his head. “Hmm. Maybe Nellie?”

  Her lips parted, and she shook her head. Nellie was also unacceptable. “My name is Eleanor.”

  His ensuing smile disarmed her and her heart began to beat in staccato. “No, that one won’t suit you either.” He scratched his head and then smiled again as he held up his index finger. “Ellie.”

  “My name is Eleanor,” she reiterated with a frown. Normally, she did not make such expressions, but drastic times called for drastic measures.

  He walked up to her, and she began to back away. He was so very male, and that alone made it difficult to breathe around him.

  “No, I think you are much more of an Ellie.”

  He placed his hands on her waist, and she tensed. “What are you doing?”

  He raised his brow and asked, “Did you not wish to mount your horse?”

  “Of course I did.”

  His hands tightened on her waist, and before she could say anything else, he swung her up on her mare. Once seated with her limbs properly arranged on her sidesaddle, she looked down on him and said, “Thank you. In the future, if you ever see me again, my name is Eleanor.”

  He chuckled, but before she could depart, asked, “Will you attend the Gammon soiree?”

  “Yes. Mother demands it.” In fact, her mother had warned her against faking an illness. No excuse would work, even a real one.

  “Then I shall see you there.”

  She steered her mare away from her favorite spot and, more importantly, him. She waited until she rounded a bend in the trail, and then brought her hand to her lips. That kiss had been magical, almost to the point she would have welcomed a second. If only he held a more acceptable rank. He was just the sort that she could dream of marrying.

  ****

  The ride back to Lord Gammon’s estate proved enjoyable for Logan. Every time he ran into Ellie, he was left with a pleasant, albeit unsettled, feeling, and the more he thought of his decision to marry her, the lighter his mood grew.

  As a duke, there were certain things he required in a duchess. Impeccable lineage was a necessity, which he was positive Ellie possessed. Intelligence and decorum were two other important traits that seemed innate to the lady. Additionally, if there were any task she did not excel at, he was sure she would practice until she mastered it, although he doubted he would force her to participate in any activity she hated.

  Logan’s arrival at Lord Gammon’s ample stables halted his musings, and he went in search of his friends. Luncheon had just been served when he entered the house, and his short search ended as he crossed the threshold into the dining room.

  A simple spread lay in wait on the large mahogany table. Across the room, a sideboard in the same style as the table held a vase with fragrant lilac. The room would have been quite dark with its blue walls, except for the wall of windows which looked out on the gardens behind the house.

  “Your Grace.” Lady Opal Gammon stood and curtsied when she noticed his arrival. With dark brown hair and hazel eyes, she held an almost exotic beauty. Her skin was a shade darker than the typical Englishwoman’s, but it served to make her more beautiful. She smiled a welcoming smile and indicated he should take a seat.

  “Oh, do sit down, Opal. You needn’t stand on my account.” Nodding to Lord Reuben Gammon, Logan sat in a chair across from the couple. Reuben did not share many characteristics with his wife. With light brown hair and blue eyes, he was clearly English. “I have some interesting news for both of you, and an unusual request.”

  Lord and Lady Gammon exchanged a worried glance before Reuben asked, “Does it have something to do with Miss Ashford?”

  Logan helped himself to some blood pudding and said, “Why yes. I ran into her again and decided she would make as good a duchess as any other, so why not end my search here? She believes I am only minor gentry and will hardly give me the time of day, but I—”

  Logan frowned as Opal interrupted him with an excited clap of her hands. “You mean she still is unaware that you are a duke?”

  With anyone else, Logan would have rebuked her for the interruption, but he had a soft spot for Opal. “Yes, which is why I have an unusual request. At the gathering, we must hide my title from Miss Ashford. I have the chance to woo her as someone other than a duke, and I will not allow this opportunity to pass me by.”

  Reuben exhaled. “I just wish you would choose any other lady. I thought I told you enough of her character to dissuade you from pursuing her. Poor Opal almost has a fit of the vapors every time they are together.”

  Logan sent Opal a skeptical look and was relieved to see a twinkle in her eye as she shook her head no. Reuben had a way of exaggerating the situation and had done so once more. Logan coughed and took a sip of his tea. “Be that as it may, she is overall a good person. One that I find appealing.”

  Reuben nodded as he picked up his water goblet. “That may be true, but you are playing with fire. For all we know, Miss Ashford already knows you are a duke and is just waiting for the perfect moment to claim you ruined her.”

  “Oh, believe me, she does not know. Honestly, I believe Miss Ashford is just a lonely woman, and once she realizes she is in love with me, will forget all about titles and beg to be mine. As a baronet or knight, of course.”

  Opal scoffed. “Sure she will. That outcome seems as likely as her remaining unmarried and ending up a spinster. I wish you luck.”

  “Laugh all you want,” Logan said, “but I play to win. When I say Miss Ashford will agree to marry me without the knowledge that I am a duke, I guarantee it will happen, contingent on your cooperation, of course. Now, here is the plan.” Logan informed them of his strategy for the party and reveled in the challenge it presented. The mere thought of acting as someone other than a duke was exhilarating. This soiree would be most promising, indeed.

  Chapter 3

  The night of the ball was upon them, much to Eleanor’s dismay. While she was not one to miss a ball in London, these country dances did not compare. Overall, they were a tremendous waste of energy. Of course, her mother disagreed. As a result, Eleanor sat in her room as her new lady’s maid worked on her hair.

  “It needs to be curlier, Olive,” Eleanor said, growing more and more frustrated with her maid. Ever since her cousin Laura had married and lured away their shared maid, Eleanor had worked hard to train a new one to see to her needs. This one showed promise but was not yet proficient.

  “It’s Olivia, my lady,” the maid corrected, as she tugged a little too hard on a section of Eleanor’s hair.

  “Ouch.” Eleanor winced, feeling a headache creeping in at the base of her skull.

  The maid looked frightened but continued with her work. Eleanor was not worried about her hair for this night’s events, but when the season was back in full swing she would care a great deal. On
second thought, perhaps it did matter how she looked tonight. There was one certain gentleman who had never seen her looking her best. She swore she did not seek to impress him. Rather, she wanted him to be as attracted to her as she was to him. It was only fair.

  Her thoughts drifted to their ride a couple of days past. He had a knack for infiltrating her defenses and forcing her to share a part of her she had never shared with anyone. Feeling vulnerable around a man was not ideal, but somehow he had made it seem normal. And then there was that kiss. Eleanor knew she would never forget the moment their lips met under her weeping willow. The passion his kiss ignited within her had been intense and left her reeling.

  Eleanor sighed. If only Logan was in possession of a title. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and was pleased by what she saw. The maid had ended up doing a fine job on her hair and even allowed a spare strand to escape along the side of her neck, just as Eleanor liked.

  As she rose from her seat, she noted with pleasure how her gown did not detract from her beauty. She had chosen a plain white gown, in the latest fashion that emphasized her impeccable figure. She exited her room and drifted down to the foyer. After a couple of minutes, her mother and father arrived, and they made their way into the carriage.

  “Eleanor, dear, where is your jewelry?” her mother asked. Lady Ashford looked lovely in this season’s latest fashion, complete with large sapphires on her ears and around her neck. Eleanor had seen her mother wear less finery to a ball in London the previous year.

  “Jewelry would not have looked right with this gown. I could remain here at home if it is too embarrassing for you,” she said, hoping her mother might change her mind and allow Eleanor to avoid the ball.

  “Do not be ridiculous.” Her voice was reproachful, although no emotion showed on her perfect face. At a young age, Eleanor had found it fascinating how her mother never showed expressions. Now, she understood it was to deter any wrinkles or lines from forming.

  The rest of the short carriage ride was silent, with only Lord Ashford’s declaration of disgust with how late they were when he glanced at the carriage clock. He would spend the evening in the cardroom until he was summoned by the ladies to return home, just as he did at every event.

  The Gammon manse loomed before them, well-lit and inviting. Eleanor was surprised to see the number in attendance as they entered the house. She had not realized there were this many people of acceptable status in the area. Lord and Lady Gammon greeted them, and Eleanor made her way to the refreshments, in dire need of some champagne to soften the evening.

  Having downed a glass, Eleanor felt much better until she heard the annoying voice of the vicar’s daughter, Beatrice. She turned to face the girl and surveyed her with a cool look of disdain. Beatrice was a trifle shorter than Eleanor, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was pretty enough, but the calculating look in her eye detracted from her looks and made her appear almost catlike.

  Beatrice smirked as she said, “How is it you’re here? I had heard you were not allowed at public functions anymore.”

  The gossips had not been kind to Eleanor when she left at the beginning of the current season. Certain rumors had been bandied about, and all were untrue. Some people thought she was enceinte, while others claimed she was ruined or a shame to her family. What else should one expect when a lady abruptly departs London after a lengthy courtship with an earl? People were wont to talk.

  And now that gossip had followed her, even here. “I was invited.” Eleanor’s lips curled into a sneer as her eyes roved over Beatrice’s gown. “Pray don’t tell me that is your best dress. Why, it looks like something a milkmaid would wear.” She made sure to follow that statement with a look of pity.

  An intense flash of hatred appeared in Beatrice’s eyes. “Of course I have better dresses.” Eleanor quirked an eyebrow in disbelief as Beatrice dropped her gaze under a false pretense of modesty. “But I chose to wear a less showy dress so I would not outshine those less fortunate than I. You should have shown consideration and done the same.”

  A general hush had fallen amongst the crowd around them. Beatrice continued on her bitter tirade despite the fact that they caused a scene. “I hear there are a lot of things you should have done differently, such as avoiding casting aspersions on your own cousin’s parentage and insulting an earl by thinking him a servant.”

  Eleanor’s ears burned at this point. She should not have responded to Beatrice’s comment, but she was not about to turn the other cheek rather than stand up for herself. She opened her mouth to impart a scathing retort when Logan broke through the crowd. He hurried to her side and whispered, “Ah, Miss Ashford. I believe you promised to stroll with me.” His strong hand took hold of her elbow, and he guided her away.

  “Thank you,” Eleanor whispered, blindly allowing him to guide her to the balcony. She was enraged and disappointed in herself. She should not have allowed her temper to rule her tongue as she had. She had sworn she would rein in her temper ever since her debacle in London, but she had failed.

  They entered the balcony, stopping in front of the open doors so curious onlookers could still see them. She did not need to be compromised tonight. She exhaled a sigh of relief at escaping the confines of the ballroom. The moon hung low, which gave them plenty of light to see each other with. She turned to the railing and allowed her frustration to show as she said, “I should not have said those things.”

  “Which ones?” he asked mockingly as he joined her next to the railing.

  She glared at him. “Truth be told, all those things, even the ones she accused me of.” She laughed as she turned to look at the gardens spread out below them and said, “The earl incident was an accident though. I had drunk a bit too much sherry, and the earl was wearing the exact same shade of red as the footmen. I swear they looked identical.” She shook her head and smiled. “It was an honest mistake that I took him for a footman, but Mother decided that was the last straw and made me take a break from the season by adjourning to the country.”

  “I see. What about the other accusation? I thought you were friends with your cousin.”

  Eleanor sighed and allowed her shoulders to droop. She was not sure why she answered his questions, other than he had a way of putting her at ease. She felt she could trust him. “That is a bit of a longer story, but I will try to sum it up for you. I had been interested in an earl but realized he was enamored with a different lady. I concocted a plan to separate the two but decided against going through with my plan. Then, in a fit of temper, I cast doubts on the other lady’s lineage. It was shameful, and I regretted my words immediately. My cousin was at the scene and intervened, making it appear that my accusation was preposterous and making it unclear who I even spoke of.” Eleanor smiled in certainty that he would condemn her for her actions and said, “Now, my cousin is married to the lady’s brother. Laura refuses to speak to me, and I have been sentenced to time in the country.”

  His gaze bore into hers, and she trembled at the intensity in his smoldering eyes. “But you planned on telling the world of this lady’s secret?”

  “Originally, yes.” She stared down at her gloved hand which gripped the rail. “I changed my mind and decided not to say anything. Unfortunately, I spoke about it anyway.” For some reason, it was important to her that he hold a positive view of her, so she added, “I wish I could go back and change what I have done. I make that wish every day, and every week I write a letter of apology to Laura.”

  “I see.” He regarded her and Eleanor fought the urge to squirm. “What about the girl whose name you sullied?”

  She had spent a good amount of time dwelling on the wrong she committed against Miss Farris, and if anyone else had asked her the question Logan asked, she would have laughed in his face. Logan was different though. He did not circulate in her regular set, but it was more than that. She could trust him to not spread gossip about her, and if she never saw him again, so be it. “I fully intend to make whatever reparations I can
when I return to London.”

  He continued to assess her until he nodded his head. “Very well.”

  “Very well what?” She did not appreciate the fact that she had poured her heart out to him and all he did was ask a few questions and end the discussion. He could respond with more than that.

  He raised an eyebrow at her. “Very well, I believe you wish to make amends. Is there something else I should have said?”

  No exact words came to mind, so she shook her head. Infernal man.

  “Well, if it helps, you look ravishing.”

  Her heart began to beat a loud cadence, and she smiled at him. Was this how other women felt when they spoke to gentlemen? If so, she could now sympathize with them. “Thank you, and thank you again for rescuing me from that scene.” His very masculine scent wafted to her, and she inhaled the aroma. There was much to like about Logan, from his picturesque good looks, to his personality, and evidently his scent, as well. Why couldn’t the titled, available gentlemen possess the same qualities?

  She ought not feel this level of attraction for someone so far beneath her standards. Yet here she stood, wanting nothing more than to be swept off her feet by him. Even if she had wanted to make an exception for him and consider him a viable marriage candidate, her mother would never allow it.

  Lady Ashford had held high marriage aspirations for Eleanor since Eleanor could remember. Every dance class and deportment lesson had been tailored to prepare her for a successful marriage. As a result, Eleanor knew she would marry well. She had to.

  Such a notion had been simple and uncomplicated, until now. No gentleman had managed to elicit any feelings of attraction from her, except for this man before her, and what a difference attraction could make on one’s resolve. She almost scowled but caught herself in time. He had not proposed marriage to her, only flirted with her on occasion. There was nothing to worry about.