“I’m frightened,” Georgette said.
“So am I,” Amy whispered.
“If you tell me what frightens you, I may be able to set your minds at ease,” she said gently.
“We are true friends,” Georgette said. “When we found out we were the final two girls, we were excited at first.”
“But then we realized we were competing with each other,” Amy said. “It is awful.”
“I never could have borne the courtship without your help, Amy,” Georgette said.
Amy regarded Tessa. “All the other girls fell in with Elizabeth’s scheme to get rid of Georgette.”
Tessa’s breathing quickened. She’d not known Amy and Georgette were aware of Elizabeth’s plot.
Georgette regarded Tessa. “You do not know what Amy did for me. She was the only girl who stood up to Elizabeth and Henrietta when they plotted against me.”
Tessa looked at Amy inquiringly. “What happened?”
“The day before we went to Ashdown House, Elizabeth sent me a missive. She said there was a hitch in the plans and set up a meeting at her house. When I arrived, I knew something was wrong because Georgette wasn’t there. Elizabeth and Henrietta tried to turn me against her. I knew they were jealous of Georgette. So I told them I would not listen to their slander and left.”
“I’m not surprised after seeing them laugh when Georgette grew ill on the barge,” Tessa said.
Amy nodded. “I couldn’t believe the other girls joined in with them like sheep, but I suppose they were afraid of those two vicious girls.”
“Miss Mansfield, I tried to be nice to the other girls,” Georgette said. “But every time I paid one of them a compliment, they sneered.”
Amy regarded Georgette. “On that first day when I dropped my pen, I envied you. You were so poised and beautiful. I didn’t know that being pretty could be as hard as being plain.”
“You are not plain, Amy,” Georgette said. “All you needed were the right gowns to show your tall figure to advantage. Look in the mirror, and you will see how much you’ve transformed.”
Amy smiled. “I had a bit of help from you and Julie.”
“That reminds me of another matter,” Tessa said. “The other girls were unhappy about your friendship with Julianne. How did that come about?”
Amy fingered the blanket. “I am responsible.”
Stunned, Tessa stared at her.
“The day after we left Richmond, I happened upon Julianne at the milliner’s shop,” Amy said. “Julie expressed her disgust with those girls who had laughed at Georgette. So I confided what I knew about Elizabeth and Henrietta. Julie insisted we call upon Georgette immediately to lend our support.”
“I would have quit if not for you and Julie,” Georgette said.
“Perhaps it was wrong to involve Julie,” Amy said, “but I believed the duke would eliminate me, leaving Georgette to face those horrid girls all alone. I knew the duke had only kept me out of kindness.”
Georgette turned to Amy. “Do not belittle yourself ever again. I won’t allow it.”
“I know I earned this last round,” Amy said. “The day of the parlor game, I remembered Shelbourne had told me no one would respect me if I did not respect myself. And I realized I was giving others permission to treat me cruelly. Everything inside me broke free. Why should I not express my opinions? And I am proud of myself.”
“I’m proud of you, too,” Tessa said. How wonderful justice had prevailed, for it so seldom did.
“We worried others would think we were taking advantage of Julianne,” Georgette said. “So we made a pact never to discuss Shelbourne in front of her.”
Tessa had misjudged Amy and Georgette. Both had suffered because others judged them by their looks, and Amy, the girl least likely, had shown her spirit by mounting a counteroffensive against the spiteful girls.
“We wish Shelbourne would choose us both,” Georgette said.
Tessa’s lips twitched. “I believe that is illegal. But if you are worried how this will affect your friendship, I can tell you that your concern says volumes. You will remain fast friends no matter what happens on Saturday.”
Georgette squeezed Amy’s hand. “We will.”
“Now there is a serious matter I should discuss with you,” Tessa said. “Sometimes young ladies and even gentlemen feel the need to please their parents. But marriage is for life. You must be very sure before accepting any gentleman’s proposal. And you must find the courage to say no if you have any doubts. Will you both promise me to search your hearts before the duke makes his final choice?”
“Yes,” they said in unison.
“The duke is a good man,” Tessa said. “He will treat his wife with respect and dignity. And he will always be true to her.”
“Thank you for telling us,” Amy said. “Julianne says he is the best brother.”
“He was very kind to us,” Georgette said. “Even when we giggled like silly schoolgirls.”
Tessa rose. “Sleep well.” After she closed the door, she blinked back tears. They were sweet girls, and she knew one of them would make him a good wife.
She would be happy for him. But when she climbed into bed again, she could not help wishing for the impossible.
Early the next morning, Tristan paced his study, waiting for Tessa to arrive. Ever since she’d refused his proposal, he’d spent sleepless nights trying to make sense of all she’d told him. He’d even made a list of her reasons for refusing to marry in general and another for her reasons she would not marry him specifically. There were too many contradictions in her answers to satisfy him.
He’d told himself repeatedly to forget her. She’d refused him, and the memory still scorched him. But when he’d forced her to answer his questions in the woods that day, she’d not been able to deny she wanted him, cared about him, and more important, would not refuse his proposal if every obstacle were removed. Then she’d fobbed him off with a barb about pride and walked off before he could question her further.
Tristan was convinced she was hiding something from him, but he’d not the foggiest idea what it was. He wanted to know, burned to know. But to what end? Tomorrow morning he would make his choice, leave Gatewick Park, and once they reached London, he would never see her again.
He halted and squeezed his eyes shut. I will conquer this obsession. He must forget her, because tomorrow he would become an engaged man. And that would be the end of the courtship and his friendship with Tessa.
A soft knock sounded. He opened the door and caught his breath. Tessa looked adorable in a gossamer buttercup gown. He mentally kicked himself for noticing her clothing. It was a gown. An obstacle to naked flesh.
He forced his thoughts out of the gutter. “Come in,” he said.
She entered, and he indicated one of the cross-framed armchairs situated in front of his desk. Then he sat beside her and drank in her sweet face, her luminous green eyes, and her made-for-sin lips.
“I have news that should bring you cheer.”
“Oh?” he said casually.
“I cannot reveal specifics to you because I promised confidentiality, but what I can tell you is I spoke to both Amy and Georgette last night. I know how many doubts you’ve had, but, Tristan, I wanted to tell you that you chose well.” She smiled. “There were some bumps in the road, but I feel absolutely certain now that you kept the two best girls in the courtship.”
He said nothing, but he noticed she clutched her hands so hard her knuckles turned white. Not long ago, she’d tried to convince him to stop the courtship and wait for love. Now, on the basis of one conversation with Amy and Georgette, she felt certain one of them would make him a perfect duchess.
He wondered if she was trying to convince him or herself.
Tristan took a deep breath and uttered the words he’d prepared. “This is overdue, but I wish to thank you for everything.”
Her smile was tremulous. “Even the speedy courting?”
He chuckled. “Even tha
t and the ridiculous parlor game.”
Her green eyes twinkled. “I shall never forget Sally Shepherd and the sheep.”
“And the candlestick in Lord Randy’s unmentionables.”
She shook her finger. “You are naughty.”
He wanted to tell her he would never forget her, but he kept the incautious words between his teeth. “Tomorrow morning, I will meet with Hardwick and Boswood in my study. Then I will ask permission to speak to Amy and Georgette alone.” He paused. “My mother suggested you stay with her and Julianne in her boudoir. I will come to tell you my decision afterward.”
She averted her gaze. “You’ve made your choice?”
He thought so, but he had today to make sure. At some point last night, he’d remembered what Tessa had told him at Ashdown House. All any of us can do is make the best decisions we can and learn from our mistakes.
Some mistakes, however, were permanent, irreversible.
A tap sounded at the door. He frowned and rose when his mother barged in.
“Miss Mansfield, I see you are discussing your need for a husband with my son, just as you should,” the duchess said.
Tessa groaned.
“No need to worry,” Tristan said. “I don’t have a potential husband stowed inside my desk.”
When Tessa tried to stand, his mother waved her back. “I will leave you to your discussion.” Then she considered him. “I expect she will raise one or two objections. Do not take no for an answer.”
Was he imagining a cryptic message behind her words?
She raised her quizzing glass to her eye. “Gel, do not disappoint me. Do I make my meaning clear?”
Tessa blinked. “Er, I’m not sure.”
“Wrong answer,” the duchess said. Then she turned back to him. And winked.
His jaw dropped.
“Close your mouth, son, and open the door for me.”
Still stunned, he stood rooted to the carpet. What the devil was his mother about?
Another knock sounded at the door. He should have told the footman to guard his privacy, but he’d not expected anyone else to stir at this early hour. Before he could answer the knock, Julianne rushed inside and kicked the door shut. “Oh, I’ve not slept a wink. I cannot stand the suspense.”
“Young lady,” the duchess said in shocked tones. “Your manners have gone begging. You are not to kick the door like a hoyden ever again.”
Tristan let out a loud sigh. “Julianne, I already explained I will tell you my decision tomorrow.”
She threw her arms around his waist. “Tristan, you are going to be an old married man.”
He looked at his mother over Julianne’s head. “Best make the funeral arrangements now.”
Tessa glanced at him. “Perhaps I should give your family privacy.”
“Oh, no,” the duchess said. “You are going nowhere until you agree to marry.”
Julianne released Tristan. “Poor Miss Mansfield. You shall have to give up all your freedom and your matchmaking career.”
“I am giving up nothing,” Tessa said.
The duchess glared at her. “Oh, yes, you will.”
Tristan rolled his eyes. “Mama, enough.”
She lifted her quizzing glass to her eye again. “Are you abdicating?”
The door flew open. Hawk strolled inside and kicked the door shut.
“You are a bad influence on my sister,” Tristan muttered.
Hawk rubbed his hands together. “Am I late for the family meeting?”
“I’m not family,” Tessa said.
“But I thought you were Mrs. Gatewick,” Hawk quipped.
Julianne snorted. “I thought she was Tristan’s long-lost sister.”
“Pretend sister,” Tessa said.
Tristan whipped out his handkerchief. “I surrender.”
When Tessa gasped, he realized what he’d just inadvertently done. Here is a white flag. Say you surrender.
“Exactly what is this meeting about?” Hawk asked.
“We are here to discuss Miss Mansfield’s husband,” the duchess said.
Hawk clapped his hand to his chest. “I am heartbroken.” Then he grinned. “Who is the lucky fellow, Miss Mansfield?”
“I believe that is yet to be determined,” she mumbled.
Hawk walked over to her. “And how large did you say your fortune is?”
Tessa shook her finger at him.
“Wentworth was reported to have assets worth at least a half million pounds,” the duchess said.
Tristan stared at Tessa. “Is it true?”
When she held out two fingers on her lap, Tristan grasped the desk behind him to keep from staggering.
Hawk dropped to his knee and clasped her hand. “Miss Mansfield, make me the happiest of men.”
“If it’s a temporary offer, I’ll take it,” she said.
Tristan grasped Hawk’s arm and hauled him to his feet. “Stubble it,” he gritted out.
“Forgive me, Miss Mansfield,” Hawk said. “I was overcome by love.”
“For my fortune, you greedy rogue.”
Hawk pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. “Crossed in love again.”
Tessa smiled slyly. “Julianne, will you console him?”
Julianne’s eyes danced.
“No,” Tristan growled. He shot Hawk a menacing, don’t-you-dare-go-near-my-sister look. Hawk fingered his cravat, as well he should, the notorious rake. Granted, Tristan had an equally disreputable reputation, but there was an unspoken code among friends that sisters were forbidden.
Tristan cleared his throat. “Enough of this nonsense. Let us go to breakfast.”
“We cannot leave until Miss Mansfield agrees to wed,” Julianne said.
Tessa rose. “I accepted Hawk’s temporary proposal, so I’m off the hook.”
“You are not getting off that easily. Nothing but a real engagement for you, gel,” the duchess said.
Tessa glanced at Hawk. “Make it real, and I’ll cry off after breakfast.”
Hawk grinned. “Miss Mansfield, will you do me the honor?”
“For one hour,” she said.
“But Mama forbade the two of you to marry,” Julianne said.
“I’ve no intention of marrying him.” Tessa winked at Julianne. “I know the perfect bride for him.”
The duchess smiled slyly. “Miss Mansfield, after you throw him over, I have the ideal husband in mind for you.”
Tristan scowled. What the devil?
The clock chimed nine times. The duchess gasped. “We will be late for breakfast. The guests.” She started shooing everyone. “Hurry along.”
“Mama, I need to speak to you about this husband business,” Tristan said.
“It will have to wait,” she said, looking harried. “We must keep to the schedule. Now off to breakfast.”
“I just lost my appetite,” Tessa muttered.
“It is your nervous disposition,” the duchess said. “Never fear, a husband will cure what ails you.”
A comfortable breeze stirred the awning erected above the tables for the picnic. Tessa sat next to the duchess. The conversation swirled round her. She gazed at the blue-green lake, thinking of the one at her uncle’s estate—or rather hers. Even after four years, she still thought of it as Uncle George’s property. Soon she would close up the London town house and travel to Hollincourt. It would be the first summer without Anne.
She took a deep breath, because her eyes had started to mist, and she must not feel sorry for herself. There were many women in far worse situations. She was lucky compared to them. When she returned to Hollincourt, she would focus on charitable works and all her other duties. She would keep busy until she was so exhausted she collapsed into bed at night. And that way, she would not have time to mope about loneliness or lost opportunities. Or a man who had dazzled her for a short while. Uncle George had said things happen for a reason, and she must trust in that higher purpose. She would make a difference in the lives of others, meet new frie
nds, and perhaps even travel. Her wealth meant she had opportunities very few women or men could enjoy.
She would give up every penny if she could have a husband and children. Tristan’s children.
The duchess turned to her. “You have a poor appetite.”
“It must be my nervous disposition.” Tessa glanced at the other table where Tristan, Amy, Georgette, Julianne, and Hawk sat. Georgette was twirling her curl, a sign of her nervousness.
The duchess leaned closer to Tessa and whispered, “Do not fret. All will be well.”
“I know,” she said. “He chose the best girls for the final round.” She wished she could express her opinion with more enthusiasm, but even though her head said she should be happy for him, her heart would not let him go.
The duchess regarded her with an enigmatic expression and then turned her attention to Mr. Hardwick. Tessa liked Amy’s parents. They obviously loved their daughter very much. With a wistful sigh, Tessa wished Tristan would choose Amy, but she knew his doubts about her. Tessa knew far less, almost nothing, about his feelings for Georgette, but she’d seen him with the beauty at the swing. I want to want my wife.
The knives stabbed her heart again. There would be no surprises tomorrow morning when he made his choice.
After everyone consumed the seed cakes and pastries, the duchess announced a sack race competition. Tessa declined to join and said she would much rather observe. She needed to distance herself from Tristan, his family, and his friends, because she knew the pain of losing those she loved, and she’d come to care for the duchess, Julianne, and Hawk. She would miss Amy and Georgette as well. But their lives would go on without her.
She could not even imagine how she would go on without Tristan. Somehow he’d become her whole world, and now she must find a way to survive the horrible pain of losing him forever. She had no choice. Because she’d given up her choices eight years ago.
Tristan and Hawk picked their team members, and to Tessa’s surprise, the duchess agreed to join her son’s team. Tessa’s shoulders shook as she watched the very proper duchess hop along in grim determination. Tristan’s mother raced (or rather hopped) against Lady Boswood. Apparently the duchess wasn’t above a little competition herself because she didn’t bother to hide her satisfied smile upon trouncing Lady Boswood.
How to Marry a Duke Page 27