by Elaine Hart
“Indeed, but she is convinced that I will fall madly in love with him upon our first meeting in order to save herself from convincing me that it is the best thing for me.”
“Is it?” he asked.
She glanced at him and shook her head.
“Why do you allow it?” he asked.
“That is the way the world works, Hudson. There is no such thing as true love, a love that is real and meaningful. There are only arrangements between two families. Marriage is about the families who might be a financial and prestigious pair, not about the two people who are getting married,” she explained.
“For once in my life I am truly grateful that I do not possess a title and I am merely a stable hand,” Hudson said with a chuckle.
“You certainly have no comprehension of how fortunate you are in that regard,” Lady Diana sighed.
“I might,” Hudson answered. “Perhaps you should have a word with your mother.”
“And what do I tell her?”
“That you do not wish to marry this man,” he answered with a shrug.
“You clearly do not know my mother very well,” Lady Diana sighed.
“And your father?” he asked.
“It was solely my mother’s arrangement,” she answered, “but as her daughter, an obedient daughter, I will attend the ball, and I will meet the Duke of Newton.”
“For your mother.”
“It is ‘Her Grace’ to you,” Lady Diana corrected him. “She might have you sent away, or dragged through the streets by your feet if she was aware that you spoke of her with such disregard.”
“I trust you will not inform her of my lack of manners,” Hudson said with a grin.
Lady Diana narrowed her eyes and nodded slowly. “Not today.”
Hudson laughed heartily, which made him throw his head back and Lady Diana could not resist looking at him intently. His golden skin was radiant in the sunlight and despite his simple clothing, she had never seen a more handsome man in her life. She listened to his throaty laugh and marvelled at the sight of him as he delighted in his amusement. His laughter faded and he glanced at her.
“You seem to be staring at me, my lady,” he pointed out.
Lady Diana quickly lowered her gaze and shook her head, attempting to hide her coloured cheeks from Hudson. “I apologise. Your laughter...” Her voice trailed off and she grew embarrassed and shy.
“What?” he asked.
“Your laughter is rather intoxicating,” she answered, still not looking at him.
“Is it?” he asked with raised brows.
She nodded and glanced at him. “Pardon me for saying so, but I could listen to your laugh all day.”
A smile appeared on his lips and he nodded. “That is very kind of you to say.”
She smiled in return and lowered her gaze again. “I apologise for my frankness. I do not know what has gotten into me.”
“No need to apologise. You were merely being honest,” he answered.
She nodded and pursed her lips. “I am terrified,” she said after a slight pause.
“Of what?” he asked.
“Of the ball, of meeting this Duke, of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing, for jeopardising the future of my family, and that of the Duke’s,” Lady Diana answered.
“You worry far too much,” he answered. “The ball has not even begun and you are already antagonising yourself.”
She glanced at him in surprise. “That is a rather fancy word.”
“I am not merely a handsome face,” he answered with a smirk.
“And not at all modest,” she retorted.
He chuckled and shook his head. “I find it insulting that you think my vocabulary is not as extensive as yours. I may be a simple stable hand, but I am—”
“I never said you were. I apologise if you feel that I insinuated that you were not intelligent,” she said.
“You apologise too much,” he chuckled. “I was merely mocking you.”
Lady Diana narrowed her eyes slightly and shook her head.
“I honestly think that you have nothing to worry about,” Hudson said.
“Perhaps, but what if the Duke does not like me? What if he thinks I am not beautiful, nor witty, nor kind, nor any traits a wife should possess?” she asked.
Hudson looked at her in a way she had never seen him look at her before, and he said, “Then that Duke is a fool, as you are all those things and more.”
Lady Diana glanced at him with widened eyes and a small smile ran across her lips. She bit her lip, remembering the promise she had made to herself, and slowly stood from the grass. “We should go back. I must be getting ready for the ball soon.”
“As you wish, my lady,” Hudson said and also stood from the grass, and Lady Diana frowned as she noticed disappointment in his stance, as well as in his eyes.
June 1814
Markham Estate
Exeter
Devonshire
England
Markham Estate was in the heart of Exeter, and the lush and extravagant gardens elicited much adoration from the guests. The gardens bloomed in bright colours—reds, pinks and oranges—and a large stone fountain towered out between the hedges.
Lady Diana had seen many magnificent estates in her young life, but nothing quite as extravagant as Markham Estate. The cobblestone path that led to the front of the home was wide enough for five coaches to comfortably pass, and there was a large area on the side where most of the carriages stood.
Lady Diana still pondered over the conversation she had had with Hudson, and his words still chimed in her mind. Hudson thought she was beautiful and intelligent, and the way he looked at her made it obvious that he was indeed being sincere. She did not know how to process those words, and it befuddled her the entire afternoon as she had gotten ready for the ball. The Duke and the Duchess noticed her mood, but thought nothing of it. They clearly were under the impression that Lady Diana was simply nervous about meeting the Duke of Newton, and they did not ask her about this, which Lady Diana was incredibly grateful for. She certainly did not need to be asked questions that she did not have any inclination or desire, for that matter, to answer. Although she looked absolutely breathtaking in her new gown, and most certainly should have also felt beautiful, she did not. She was too focused on the muddle in her mind, and the unanswered questions that lingered in her heart.
“What if His Grace does not like me?” Lady Diana asked suddenly, moments before the coach came to a stop.
“Diana, dear, there is no need to fret over that,” the Duchess said with a warm smile.
“The Duke is a sensible young man. He will not allow you to slip through his fingers,” the Duke said, but his expression was not as endearing as the Duchess’s.
The coach came to a stop and Lady Diana glanced at her father in a perplexed manner, but did not continue the conversation. After they had climbed out of the coach and been escorted inside by the doorman, Lady Diana marvelled at the interior of Markham Estate. It was exquisitely decorated, with beautiful paintings gracing the walls, and intricate porcelain vases filled with the most beautiful flower bouquets Lady Diana had ever seen.
The ballroom was even more magnificent than Lady Diana had ever imagined, and she gasped as she glanced around her. The guests were magnificently dressed in luxurious gowns and fancy attire, looking perfect and regal, which made Lady Diana feel slightly out of place. She had never been a fan of these formal events, and had spent most of those balls in her chambers with her maidservant playing chess, as she was much too young to attend the balls her parents hosted.
After her sisters were married, her parents did not host those balls any longer, which was still a mystery to this day.
“Diana?” Her mother’s voice brought her attention back to where it ought to be and Lady Diana glanced at her mother, who stood beside another older woman.
“Mother,” she answered sheepishly, and straightened her shoulders.
“I would care to introduce you
to Her Grace, the Duchess of York,” her mother said with a warm smile.
“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have been told much about you,” Lady Diana greeted her with a smile.
“Indeed, Lady Diana. You are even more beautiful than your mother described,” the Duchess said with a nod.
Lady Diana’s cheeks coloured but she smiled shyly. “Thank you, Your Grace. You are also even more magnificent than Mother described.”
The Duchess cocked her head and glanced at Lady Diana’s mother. The two older women suddenly burst out into amused chuckles and the Duchess looked at Lady Diana. “You are truly delightful.”
Lady Diana did not respond verbally, only nodded, still smiling at the Duchess.
“Please, allow me to introduce you to my son,” the Duchess said and glanced over her shoulder, “if I can find him.”
The Duchess waved to her right, and within a few moments, a dashing young man with dark brown hair and the brightest green eyes Lady Diana had ever seen approached them. The Duchess smiled as he stood beside her and looked expectantly at Lady Diana.
“This is my son, the Duke of Newton, and this is the Duchess of Glastonbury and her lovely daughter, Lady Diana.”
“It is an honour to finally meet you, my lady,” the Duke said gallantly and kissed Lady Diana’s hand.
“It is an honour to finally meet you as well, Your Grace,” Lady Diana said with a smile.
“Perhaps you and His grace would care to dance,” Lady Diana’s mother suggested.
“That is a marvellous idea,” the Duchess of York agreed.
The Duke and Lady Diana glanced at one another and the Duke smiled awkwardly. “Would you care to dance, my lady?”
“Indeed, I would. Thank you, Your Grace,” Lady Diana answered and together they walked to the centre of the ballroom.
He held his hand out to her and she placed her hand on his as they started to dance.
“Is it my imagination, or do our mothers seem to share the same enthusiasm for the idea that we should be married?” he asked, and Lady Diana was pleasantly surprised that he knew about it.
Then again, why should he not?
“Indeed.”
“I must compliment you, my lady. You look truly magnificent this evening. Your mother told me of your beauty but she clearly understated,” he stated.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said and lowered her gaze as her cheeks coloured. “My mother tells me that you were in Europe for a while.”
“Indeed. I spent a few years in France. I then travelled to Sweden and Norway, truly beautiful places,” he answered.
“And if I may ask, what made you return?” she asked.
“I received the news that my father had passed away and I came back immediately,” he answered.
Lady Diana cringed, as she was well aware of the passing of his father, but she had forgotten about it. “I am truly sorry for your loss. You do not need to speak of it if you do not wish to.”
“That is quite alright. People have come up to me in the streets and offered their condolences. People whom I have never met in my life,” he answered with an understanding smile.
“It shows how well-known and respected your father was,” Lady Diana pointed out.
“Indeed. Did you meet him?”
“No, I did not, but I have heard many great things about him,” Lady Diana answered.
“And they were all true.”
“Indeed.”
The Duke smiled slightly and Lady Diana marvelled at his charming good looks, not being able to resist smiling back at him.
They spent the remainder of the evening conversing and dancing, much to the approval and joy of both their mothers.
Lady Diana learnt what an incredibly intelligent and adventurous man he was. He loved to be out of doors as well, just like Lady Diana, and told her tales of his own horses. As soon as Lady Diana spoke of Starlight, images of Hudson appeared in her mind, but she was rather quick to vanquish them away. She did not wish to think of him while she spoke with the Duke. It was immoral, rude and very unfair towards the Duke.
As the evening drew to a close, the Duke escorted Lady Diana to her family’s coach, where her father and mother already waited for her.
“It was delightful to meet you this evening, my lady,” the Duke said with a smile.
“Indeed it was. I had a lovely time. Speaking with you was delightful and I enjoyed every moment of it,” she answered.
“Perhaps we can spend a bit more time together,” he suggested.
“Certainly. I would like that very much,” Lady Diana said.
“Wonderful. I will make arrangements with my mother and hopefully see you very soon,” the Duke said, bringing her hand up to his lips and gently kissing her knuckles.
Lady Diana smiled happily and the Duke assisted her into the coach. The coach started to move and Lady Diana gracefully waved at the Duke. She sat back against the velvet cushion inside the coach and glanced at her mother and father who eyed her happily.
“Did you have a wonderful time this evening, my dear?” the Duchess asked.
“Better than I ever imagined, Mother,” Lady Diana answered with a smile.
Chapter Four
July 1815
The terrace
Powderham Hall
Exeter
Devonshire
England
It was an unpleasantly warm day and Lady Diana sat on the terrace by herself as she gazed out at the meadow in the distance. The Duke, who was now her betrothed, as per an arrangement by both their parents and agreed upon by both Lady Diana and the Duke, had left a short while ago after they had spent a wonderful afternoon together. They had taken the horses out for a ride, along with Hudson, who seemed distant. Lady Diana was grateful for that, as she did not possess the strength nor the patience to endure any glances or retorts from the stable hand. Hudson kept to himself, and only spoke when he was spoken to.
Now, nearly two hours later, Lady Diana felt lonely as she sat on the terrace. Although she was well aware that she and the Duke were to be married, something inside her kept going back to Hudson. Perhaps she needed to tell him precisely what was going to happen in a few months. She stood from her chair, adamant and courageous, something she had not felt in a long while, and walked down the stone stairs and left to the pathways that led to the stables. She swung the large door open and peered inside. She did not see him and stepped inside. The familiar scent of hay filled her nostrils and she smiled to herself. Her smile quickly faded when she reminded herself of the purpose of her visit to the stables, and she walked between the stalls. She smiled at Starlight and could not help but approach her beautiful mare.
“Good afternoon, my dearest Starlight,” Lady Diana said in a soft and tender voice and stroked the mare between the ears.
“What are you doing here, my lady?”
Lady Diana glanced over her shoulder at Hudson, who stood at the end of the opposite stall, carrying a small bale of hay.
“I came to speak with you,” she answered simply.
“To me? Whatever for?” he asked as he placed the hay bale on the ground. “It seems that you do not have time to speak to me any longer. Your Duke keeps you busy, it seems.”
“The Duke is my betrothed.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“He is my betrothed. We are to be married in the autumn,” Lady Diana said, regardless of whether it pained her to say it to his face or not.
“Congratulations,” Hudson uttered blankly and turned away from her.
“Hudson, wait a moment,” she called out.
“Why?” he asked.
She stepped away from Starlight and slowly approached Hudson. “I am truly sorry.”
“Why? You did not do anything,” he shrugged.
“I can see on your face that you are both surprised and hurt,” she said.
“I am not hurt. Surprised that you are to be married? Not at all. You are a beautiful woman and
any man would be lucky to have you as his wife,” Hudson answered. “What I am surprised about is how quickly it all happened. It seemed like only yesterday that we sat in the meadow and you were angry at the entire world.”
“It does feel like yesterday, you are right, but it also feels like it happened a hundred years ago,” she answered.
“Is there something else, my lady?” Hudson asked, shifting his weight uncomfortably.
“Indeed there is, but please allow me to speak.”
Hudson motioned to her that she was free to say whatever she wished and gazed at her intently.
“I apologise if I made you feel as if I had led you on. I enjoyed our conversations very much, and you taught me a great deal about Starlight, and how to control her. I would also like to thank you for everything you have taught me. Your patience, your kindness, and for making me feel as comfortable as I did,” she said.
His brow furrowed and he stepped towards her. “Are you letting me go?”
“Not at all. You are a wonderful stable hand, Hudson, and I would love for you to move to the Duke’s home to tend to Starlight there. I do feel that it may not be right for you. I do not wish to cause you any feelings of discomfort.”
“There will be no such feelings, my lady,” Hudson assured her.
“Only if you are certain.”
“I am. Thank you for considering my feelings in the matter,” he said with a grateful smile.
“You are most welcome,” she answered stiffly and walked past him.
To her utter surprise, he grabbed her arm and she spun around. Their bodies were alarmingly close to one another and her heart pounded in her chest.
“What do you think you are doing?” she whispered.
“I see you look at me, and even though you try to hide it, you are not as inconspicuous as you think you are, my lady,” he whispered in return.
“What are you talking about? I do not look at you in such a manner,” she said, fighting the strain of his grip.
“I am not blind, my lady.”
“Perhaps, but you are clearly mistaken. Now please, let go of my arm,” she insisted.
He loosened his grasp on her arm and she stepped away from him. “Tell me one thing before you leave, my lady.”