“Again,” the Duke laughed. “It is good to see you, Harrison.”
“You as well. Your shoulders have gotten a bit broader since the last time I saw you.”
“It is all my mother’s burdens I need to carry.”
“What has the old lass done now?”
“It is a long story.”
“I have plenty of time.”
The Duke pursed his lips briefly as he explained the situation to Lord Harrison, who was much too amused by the whole thing, in Owen’s opinion.
“So she arranged this ball because she wishes you to propose to Lady Josephine?”
“Indeed.”
“Her Grace is far too domineering. Does she know you at all?” Lord Harrison chuckled.
“Clearly not.”
“Fear not, my friend. I am here now to share the burden.”
“Thank you, Harrison,” the Duke answered gratefully.
“Now, where is the lovely Lady Josephine?”
The Duke turned and began to survey the ballroom, when suddenly he was brought up short. He forgot everything and stared across the room at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Her face was not familiar, but her smile was warm and her laugh was intoxicating, even from across the room.
“Your Grace?”
“I beg your pardon?” the Duke muttered and slowly glanced back at Lord Harrison, whose brow was deeply furrowed.
“What is the matter?”
“Nothing.” The Duke attempted to compose himself.
“Clearly.”
The Duke sighed, as he realized Lord Harrison knew him too well to hide anything from him. He turned to the ballroom and motioned to where the mesmerizing woman stood, talking with Lord Whittle.
“Do you know who that is?” the Duke asked.
“The radiant redhead in the green dress?” Lord Harrison asked and the Duke nodded to him. “Not a clue. This is your party.”
“Correction. My mother’s party.”
“Perhaps you should ask her.”
“Perhaps not,” he cringed. “Excuse me for a moment.”
“I doubt it will only be for a moment. I know that look all too well.”
The Duke frowned at his friend, but left his side, making his way to where the woman stood, smiling at something Lord Whittle was saying.
“And that was the very moment I realized I was set for greatness,” Lord Whittle said triumphantly, and Emma smiled politely.
Despite the forced smile on Emma’s face, pretending that she enjoyed Lord Whittle’s exuberantly exaggerated tales, she was bored almost to sleep.
“That is quite an impressive tale. Your family must be very proud,” she said.
“Indeed, they are. I am my father’s only son, and naturally I must make him proud, although overachieving is very easy for me.”
“Ah,” Emma softly muttered and glanced at the other guests in the ballroom.
She noticed a very handsome man approaching her, but she assumed that he was heading their way to speak with Lord Whittle. Perhaps he could steer the conversation in a different direction as she was past the point of pretending to enjoy the man’s company.
“Lord Whittle, good evening,” the man said with a smile.
“Your Grace. What a pleasure to see you. How have you been?” Lord Whittle said with a forced smile, and it seemed that the Duke failed to notice the slight irritation in his voice, which amused Emma.
“I am quite alright, as per expected.”
“Of course,” Lord Whittle replied.
“And who is this?” The Duke asked as he turned to Emma.
“Lady Emma Dunlop, Your Grace,” she answered with a smile. Emma had made certain that she listened carefully as the guests addressed one another, as she did not want to stand out by saying the wrong thing. She had known that only Dukes were addressed as ‘Your Grace’ and she wondered whether this was the Duke of Leyton.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, my Lady.”
“Likewise, Your Grace,” she agreed.
“This is His Grace, the Duke of Leyton,” Lord Whittle introduced him properly.
“The Duke of Leyton?”
“Indeed.”
“This is your ball?”
The Duke chuckled and shook his head. “My mother’s actually. She insisted upon it. Feels I am being rather unsocial at times.”
“Mothers,” Emma chuckled briefly and shook her head in agreement.
“Indeed,” the duke answered with amusement.
Emma noticed Lord Whittle wished to say something, but before he could do so, the Duke held out his hand and asked, “Would you care to dance, My Lady?”
This took Emma by surprise, but she simply nodded and said, “That would be lovely, Your Grace,” as she placed her hand on his and was led to the center of the ballroom.
She glanced up at the duke, staring into his bright brown eyes. She had never been in the presence of such a well brought up and courteous man, not even to mention how incredibly attractive he was, and the way he treated her as though she was the most important person in the world. In fact, he made her feel as though she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
“My Lady, where do you know Lord Whittle from?” he asked.
“I do not. I only met him this evening.”
“I have never seen you before. Why is that?”
“I am not certain, Your Grace. Perhaps your attention was elsewhere.”
“Perhaps, but I would have seen you. Such beauty cannot be overlooked,” he leaned toward her and whispered.
“You are too kind, Your Grace.”
“Are you enjoying the party?”
“Very much. The music is the part I enjoy the most.”
“Oh,” he said as his smiled disappeared. “I thought you enjoyed dancing with me more than the music.”
“Perhaps, Your Grace, but a lady never reveals too much of herself. A little mystery is a good thing,” she answered with a shrug.
“That Is very true,” he said with a smile. “I must compliment you on your dancing. You are very light on your feet.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
The Duke gazed at her for the duration of the dance, unable to pull his eyes away. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and there was something about her that made him feel comfortable and at ease.
As the dance ended, the Duke released her, smiled and bowed slightly.
“Thank you for the wonderful dance.”
“You are most welcome.”
They stood together in the center of the ballroom for a few moments before the Duke asked, “Would it be entirely inappropriate if I asked if you wished to join me on a tour of the Rivenhall grounds? The gardens are in full bloom this time of year.”
“A tour?”
“Indeed.”
“With you, Your Grace?”
“Indeed.”
“Very well. Should I invite Lord Whittle along?”
“Oh, heavens no. All he speaks of is himself.”
“I noticed that. It can get rather tedious and tiresome after a while,” Emma answered.
“Precisely my thoughts,” he said and extended his arm to her. “Shall we?”
“I do not wish to tear you away from this delightful party, Your Grace.”
“I will happily tear myself away.”
She chuckled in amusement as they stepped out of the ballroom and made their way to the main entrance.
“Where are you from, My Lady?”
“From Southampton.”
“Southampton is a lovely place. I have traveled there many times.”
“I grew up there, on my father’s estate. It has a big garden that blooms magnificently in the summer, and in the winter, it is covered in snow. Truly beautiful.”
“It sounds wonderful. What is the name of your father’s estate?”
Emma frowned as she tried to remember and looked at him. “Why? Will you show up in your coach at my doorstep i
n the middle of the night?”
“Perhaps,” he replied with a serious expression on his face.
She smiled and shook her head.
“I am simply curious. You intrigue me, and I wish to know everything about you,” he answered.
He listened to her as she spoke, and he soon realized that she was different from all the women he had ever known. She did not seem to be concerned with material things, and simply was enjoying herself as they explored the gardens. She spoke not of money or status, and her words had substance, which reassured him that there was someone in the world who understood him.
“Tell me, My Lady, and I apologize for being so intrusive, is there a man in your life?”
“Besides my father,” she said and shook her head, “no.”
“That is certainly a relief.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I cannot imagine not being able to see you again.”
“Your Grace, I hardly think those words are appropriate. We have just met.”
“I apologize. I have not met anyone like you in my entire life, and...” His voice trailed and he shook his head.
“What is it, Your Grace?”
“You have swept me off my feet, so to speak, My Lady, and I can say with all honesty, and certainty, that has never happened before.”
Emma glanced at him and smiled, averting her eyes.
“Perhaps you would care to join me for tea.”
“Now?”
“Do not be silly, although I do appreciate your enthusiasm,” he chuckled.
“I am not certain how long I will be in Suffolk, Your Grace.”
“Perhaps you can persuade your father to allow you to stay a short while longer.”
“I doubt it.”
“That is rather disappointing.”
“I think it is time for me to leave, Your Grace.”
“I apologize. It was not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I assure you, you did not. It is getting late, and it is a long coach ride to where I am staying.”
“I will take you home myself,” he offered.
“There is no need. My coachman is outside waiting for me.”
“Very well,” the Duke answered somberly.
“Thank you for the delightful evening.”
“And you, My Lady.”
Emma bowed her head, lingered for a few more moments and turned away from him. Despite wanting to stay here with him, and speak with him, look at him, she knew it was time to go.
The evening had gone on for long enough, and as she stepped out into the fresh air, she could already feel the lies suffocating her.
Chapter Three
The Next Morning
Rivenhall Estate
Suffolk, England
The Duke paced around his study, jaw clenched, as he studied the list of guests that had attended his mother’s ball the previous evening. He desperately wanted to determine where he could find Lady Emma, but so far, he had found no clues. He could not find her name anywhere on the list.
The Dowager Duchess stepped into the study and he glanced at her.
“You look troubled,” she said, and he pursed his lips. “What is the matter?”
“Mother is this list of the guests from last night complete?” he asked.
“As far as I am aware, Owen.”
“Are you certain, Mother?”
“Indeed. Why do you ask?”
“I met someone very interesting last evening, but I do not see the name on the list,” he answered, hoping his mother would not ask any questions, but her eyes narrowed slightly.
“Who did you meet?” she asked.
The Duke hesitated for a moment and then admitted defeat. “Her name is Lady Emma.”
“Lady Emma?”
“Her father is the Marquess of Perrin.”
The Dowager Duchess’s brow furrowed deeply, and she shook her head. “I have never heard of her, or her father for that matter.”
“But that is not possible.”
“It is rather strange. Did she accompany someone?”
“No, not that I know of. She did speak with Lord Whittle, but she did not meet him until last evening.”
“That is odd indeed.”
The Duke nodded, frowning deeply, and glanced at the list in his hand. “Certainly you would not invite someone to your ball without knowing them personally, would you?”
“Not under normal circumstances but there have been many occasions where guests who were not invited showed up.”
“But if you did not invite her, how would she have known about the ball?”
The Dowager Duchess turned, studying him with a suspicious expression on her face.
“Why does it bother you this much?”
“It does not,” he tried to sound nonchalant, but his mother knew him too well to simply believe his feeble attempt to hide his true feelings.
“Owen, it is clear that it is bothering you more than it should. Why is that?” she asked.
“No reason.”
“Owen...”
The Duke sighed and approached his mother. “I wish to meet with her again.”
“Why?”
“She is an interesting woman and I enjoyed her company.”
The Dowager Duchess frowned and shook her head. “My son, I do not know what to say.”
“That is rather surprising,” he muttered.
The Dowager Duchess pursed her lips in disapproval. “Owen, while I understand your need to meet new and interesting people, this may not sit well with a few people, especially Lady Josephine.”
“Mother-”
“I shudder to imagine what she would think of you spending time with a woman you had only just met instead of with her.”
“Lady Josephine was too busy gossiping to even notice that I was not at her side. I doubt she even realized it.”
“Perhaps not, but it is not right.”
The Duke sighed and nodded. His mother made a good point. It was not right to leave Lady Josephine alone for nearly the entire evening, but as soon as he laid eyes on Lady Emma, he could not help himself. He was not only enthralled and captivated by her beauty but the longer he spoke with her, the more he wanted to continue doing so. She was the most interesting and genuine person he had ever met. She was not bothered by gossip, nor did she engage in it, and the way she saw the world was refreshing and very appealing to the Duke.
Lady Josephine seemed like nothing in comparison to Lady Emma, which was certain to raise more than a few eyebrows.
“If you will excuse me, Mother. There are a few things that require my attention this morning,” he excused himself, but before he could leave the study, his mother stopped him with a look.
“Owen, you are a man of integrity and I am proud to have raised you as such,” she said, “but please do not do something that you will regret later.”
He nodded and answered, “I assure you, I will not.”
The Dowager Duchess nodded, satisfied with his answer and watched as he left the study.
*****
Dressmaker Shop
Everdale Lane
Belton, Suffolk, England
Emma glanced up from the dress she held on her lap as Alice walked into the dressmaker shop a few days later. Emma had been one of the first to arrive as she had much work to do. The dresses she still had to hem needed to be done by tomorrow and she did not want to appear lazy. Alice walked past her with a grin on her face and, despite not saying a word, Alice was well aware that Emma had had a wonderful time, and still relished the memory of her magical evening with the Duke. It made her very happy to see a smile, a genuine smile, on Emma’s face, as it had been a long time since. The last time Alice recalled such a smile on her face was before Emma’s mother passed, but even then, her smile did not reach her eyes.
The day went by slowly, but Emma kept her head down and stayed busy with her work. It was nearly time to close when she heard two women who were sea
ted in the front of the store, talking. Usually she would not listen in on others’ conversations, but when she heard them mention the Dowager Duchess of Leyton’s ball, she had no choice. She listened tentatively, without seeming too obvious, while stitching the last hem of the pile of dresses.
To Love A Duke: A Regency Romance (Finding Forever Love) Page 3