Her Perfect Gentleman: A Regency Romance Anthology
Page 33
“She appears to like your company,” his brother commented in a low tone.
He glanced at Hawksworth who was regarding Quartus with that intent stare of his. “I am enjoying her company as well, but that is all there can be. She will look for a much more advantageous match than one to a penniless younger son.”
“Perhaps she wishes to marry for love. That seems to be all the crack these days.”
Love matches had gained in popularity. Although, many still believed they were vulgar and only for the lower classes. Certainly, his father did. Yes, after seeing his brother and Meg together, Quartus was beginning to think he would like a love match as well, but he wasn’t counting on it. “You know as well as I that few of us will be able to wed whom we wish. Especially after you and Frank defied Father.”
“Once you fall in love, you will understand we had no choice. But here is the supper table. Come, you’ll feel better once you’ve eaten.”
Quartus followed Hawksworth’s lead in selecting the best of the offerings. Soon they were making their way, two footmen in tow, back to the table where the ladies had their heads close together.
“The conquering heroes have returned,” Hawksworth said in a jovial tone.
“Excellent!” Meg sat back from the table allowing the footmen to place the various dishes down. “I am famished.”
“As am I.” The duchess’s eyes grew wider as each plate was positioned. “Goodness, what a lot of food!”
“I did tell you that Hawksworth lives in dread of starving.” Meg motioned for her husband to set next to her as if he would really take any other chair.
Quartus sat next to her grace, and commenced to help her find the foods she would most enjoy before filling his own plate. “Somehow, I do not think there will be much left.”
While they dined, the duchess entertained them with stories of living in the West Indies. Hawksworth talked of his travels to Greece where he had met his mother’s family for the first time.
“I have been nowhere of interest.” Meg pulled a face. “What about you Quartus?”
“I suffer from the same fate. Once Hawksworth was gone, father kept the rest of us close until Nonus began acting up. He was the only one other than Hawksworth to be sent to the Army.”
“Nonus?” Her grace’s brows rose. “You were serious about your father numbering his children.”
“Only the boys.” Quartus took a sip of the excellent champagne. “I think our mother would have defied him if he had attempted to number the girls. Although, the first three are named for the three graces. Nonus is Octavius’s twin, but their temperaments are vastly different.”
“Do you see him often?”
“Not as much as we would like. Now that the war is over, he has got himself attached to the embassy in Paris.” Quartus seldom found himself talking about his family, but seemed natural to tell her about them. “I think he would like to go farther afield, but the duke would have a fit, and Nonus does not want our father interfering in his career.”
“Not as much of a fit as if he found a French lady to marry,” Hawksworth added drily.
“If Father even suspected something of that sort of thing occurring,” Quartus said, “Our brother would find himself firmly on British soil. And Nonus is well aware of that fact.”
The duchess set her glass down. “I must say, I am not at all sure I can blame my aunt for disliking him as she does. He seems to be a thoroughly disagreeable man.”
“If only you know the half of it,” Meg muttered, mostly under her breath. “What”—her voice rose cheerily—“have you seen of London?”
Oh, no! That was how Meg managed to throw his brother Frank together with Jenny. She was not going to try her matchmaking on him. “I’m sure her grace has more important things to do than sightsee.”
“I am quite busy, but I would love to see the marbles I have heard so much about. In fact, I believe it is my duty to visit them.” She slid a look toward him. “If only not to be considered provincial.”
“Excellent.” Meg clapped her hands together. “Perhaps the day after tomorrow you will be available for a tour of the museum.”
The duchess tilted her head to the side for a few moments, then said, “I am indeed free at eleven in the morning.”
“Quartus, you may take my curricle.” He could not read anything in his brother’s face, but the meaning was clear. Start getting to know the lady. “I trust you remember how to drive it.”
“It hasn’t been that long.” Frank had shown up in the carriage when he was looking for help rescuing Jenny from one of their father’s abduction attempts. Quartus had put them on the stage coach to London. The next day, he had driven the curricle to Hawksworth’s house.
“It is all settled then.” Meg had a satisfied look on her face. “You should visit Gunter’s for an ice afterward.”
“What a fabulous idea!” her grace cried. “I have been wanting to taste them.”
Quartus almost groaned. How could his brother and sister-in-law not see how impossible a match between the duchess and him would be? Yet, there was nothing else to do but smile politely. “I would be delighted.”
“Belling, bring me the list. Thornfield was at a ball last evening and noticed Lord Quartus in the company of a woman who will do me no good at all. He waltzed with her twice.”
“Two waltzes.” Belling’s eyes widened. “Extraordinary. I shall have it in a moment.”
Somerset waited while his secretary trotted off to find the folder. The Whitestones had caused enough trouble for his family. None of the women acted properly, especially the duchesses. If they had, the Wharton duchy would have been part of the Somerset holdings. Seething at the insult, the Duke of Somerset waited as his secretary fetched the folder containing the names of ladies he considered suitable for Quartus. A lady who knew her place and brought something to increase the wealth or the dukedom. Damn the Duchesses of Wharton. The last one had been a thorn in his side. Women had no right being peeresses in their own right. It went against the natural order of things.
Once the folder lay open before him he settled in to make his choice and saw what he wanted to find. A lady who was content to remain in the country, approaching her last prayers, and had something he wanted. Ah, there. He placed his finger on a name. She came with a property that bordered his Surry holding. “Lady Sarah Martin should be suitable.”
“Isn’t she a bit quiet to be a rector’s wife, Your Grace?”
“Quite. However, I have decided Quartus should take over Francis’s old duties as my steward.”
“Ah, yes. In that case she is perfect. I understand that she does not care to be in company.”
“I shall approach Markville. He’ll probably be glad to have the girl off his hands.”
Less than an hour later, Somerset received the reply he’d wanted. “Send a note to Lord Quartus that he is to call on Lady Sarah tomorrow at ten o’clock.”
“Straightaway, Your Grace.”
His secretary left the study, and Somerset leaned back in his chair. Markville’s missive had been short and to the point. Foreseeing a mutual benefit to both families, he would be happy to entertain a union between their two houses provided Lord Quartus and Lady Sarah agreed.
Somerset scowled. He’d make damn sure Quartus agreed. Markville would have to bring his sister around.
A few minutes later, Belling placed a piece of pressed paper in front of Somerset.
His Grace, the Duke of Somerset
Somerset House
Mayfair
My dear Quartus,
I have found a suitable wife for you.
You shall meet with her tomorrow at ten in the morning at Markville House in St. James Square.
Do not disappointment me.
Somerset signed the letter. “Have a footman take this around. Then contact Mrs. Grayson.”
“The actress, Your Grace?” Belling’s tone indicated his shock. “I thought you had decided not to keep a mistress this Seas
on. I am positive we let the house you used.”
“Not as my lady-bird. I’m too old to have need of another one. I have a roll for her to play.” One that would guarantee his fourth son married where Somerset wished.
It Takes a Hero: Chapter Three
“Have you even been introduced to Lady Sarah?” Concern colored Meg’s voice as she held a note from his father in her hand. “She is said to be quite reclusive.”
They had been sitting down to tea when the letter arrived. After Quartus had read it, he’d handed it to Meg and Damon. Her glower had managed to dim even the bright yellow morning room, and Quartus had no doubt that she was holding back some very colorful descriptions of his father.
“No, never.” She handed the heavy pressed paper back to him, and he glanced down at his father’s command. “I suppose I should be happy he has not ordered me to propose on the spot.” He suppressed a sigh. It was not as if he hadn’t expected the duke to do something of this sort. His father had been furious that Damon and Frank had chosen their own brides. Yet, ladies such as Meg and Jenny, an American heiress, were few and far between.
“Well.” His sister-in-law huffed. “I think it is quite gothic.”
“Meg, my love.” Damon placed a restraining hand on her arm. “Quartus is only going to meet the lady, and arranged matches are still made all the time.”
“That may very well be, but Quartus has an engagement to take Anna Wharton to the museum at eleven. The least your father could have done was to have asked what time was convenient for him.” He opened his lips to tell his sister-in-law that he intended to cancel that meeting, but Meg held up a finger, forestalling him. “Do not even think about crying off. You will simply have to explain to Lady Sarah that you had prior plans and cannot stay long.”
That would actually work well. Particularly in the event that she took an immediate dislike to him or he to her. “An excellent idea, Meg. I shall do precisely that.” Wishing to change the subject, he asked, “Do we have an event to attend this evening?”
“My mother’s ball.” She shook her head in disgust. “I have, repeatedly, told you and Hawksworth we shall attend, and that you, both of you, will be required to help ensure that all the ladies who wish to dance have partners.”
“That, my dear, is your brother, Kit’s, forte.” Hawksworth slipped his arm around her shoulders. “I intend to remain next to my beautiful wife.”
Her lips tipped up, but gave him narrow-eyed look just the same. “Flattery will not help you this evening my love.”
“In that case, I insist I be allowed to save my waltzes for you.”
“If you must.” Her voice held a note of exasperation, but she was smiling.
What would it be like to have a love that deep? And not only love but a friendship with one’s spouse? A tightness formed in Quartus’s chest. Unfortunately, he would probably never know. Without his father’s financial support, he could not afford to marry.
“You said she was reclusive?” he asked, wanting to figure out why his father had chosen Lady Sarah.
Meg’s brow scrunched up. “The last time I saw her in Town was when she first came out.” With her finger, she tapped her chin. “Very nice and not at all shy, which is the reason I was surprised when she did not come up for the Little Season or the next Season. There was no mention of her marriage. I was astonished when you said she was here now for I have not seen her anywhere, not even during morning visits. I wonder what the reason could be.”
“I would like to know what benefit the duke will receive from the match,” Damon added dryly.
Meg gave a sharp nod. “As would I. He must be benefiting from it in some way.”
Clearly Quartus’s brother and sister-in-law were much more up to snuff than he was. “What do you mean? I am so far down the line when it comes to inheritance there is nothing to be gained from my marriage. I am almost surprised that Father is arranging one for me.”
Damon rose, holding his hand out for Meg. “Mark my words. He stands to gain. Whether it is political influence, or something else, he does nothing that does not cause an advantage for himself.”
“Markville as well,” Meg said as she shook out her skirts. “From what I have seen, they are cut from the same cloth. I agree. I would dearly like to know what it is.” She picked up the last ginger biscuit from the tray. “In the meantime, we must dress. We are due at my parents’ house in two hours.”
Quartus found that he was actually looking forward to dinner and the ball. His brother had assured him her family was easy to be around, and he had reserved a dance with the Duchess of Wharton as well. Although, marriage was out of the question, he did enjoy speaking with her and standing up with her. He even looked forward to tweaking her aunt. Although, he couldn’t say why he did. Possibly because no one had ever thought of him as dangerous before. One could not gain a reputation as a rake or an out and outer as a rector, and he rather liked that she did not see him as a safe clergyman. As long as the woman didn’t liken him to his father again, he would be happy.
Then again, it could be because his father had settled on a match for him, his time to do as he wished was drawing short.
Whatever the reason, Quartus was determined to take advantage of his freedom while it lasted.
Anna, accompanied by her father and aunt, was bowed into Featherton House by their butler. “Your Grace.”
Once he’d taken her outerwear—she was still chilly in England—as well as her father’s hat and cane, and her aunt’s evening cloak, they were shown into a drawing room.
“The Duchess of Wharton, Lady Tatiana Whitestone, and Mr. Calder.”
“Welcome, Your Grace.” Lady Featherton glided forward to greet them. “Lady Tatiana, I am delighted to see you again. My mother-in-law will be present this evening, and Mr. Calder, how lovely to meet you.” Lady Featherton took Anna’s arm. “I believe you know everyone who is here at the moment. Would you like a glass of sherry?”
“Yes, please.” Anna glanced around the room as she accepted the small goblet of wine.
The gathering was smaller than she had expected, and she did, indeed, know all the women. She smiled to the others, but, for some reason, her gaze was drawn to Lord Quartus. He was dressed in a navy blue jacket and breeches, and snowy white linen. His red vest was embroidered in silver, and the only fobs he wore were a quizzing glass and a pocket watch.
The man was standing by one of two window seats, speaking with Lady Evesham and Lady Rutherford. She had met the women during morning visits.
He turned, and his eyes met hers making her heart flutter. It was the first time since Aaron, her former betrothed, had died that she felt warm toward a man. Once more, she decided to take the initiative, and strolled toward the small coterie.
The ladies curtseyed deeply, and Lord Quartus bowed. “Oh dear.” Anna didn’t know if she would ever become used to ladies curtseying to her in that manner. “Good evening.”
Lady Evesham’s blue eyes twinkled. “I understand it will be a while before you are at ease accepting you due. It will come.” She signaled to someone across the room. “For now, I believe I have a surprise for you.”
A tall broad-shouldered man sauntered toward them, and Anna gasped. “Lord Marcus! How wonderful to see you again.”
“Lord Evesham now, Your Grace.” Taking Lady Evesham’s hand he grinned. “I have been told you already met my wife.”
“Yes, indeed.” A memory or rather a ship stirred in Anna’s mind. “This is Lady Phoebe?”
“As you see.” The lady herself blushed as Marcus brought her hand to his lips. “But tell me, why did I not hear about you being heir to a duchy before now?”
Anna told him what had occurred. “I have to say, I feel much more . . . Oh, I don’t know, at home seeing you here.”
“In that case, you will be happy to know there is one other of our friends from Tortola in England as well.”
“I heard Emma Spencer-Jones married a Harry Marsh, but I haven’t s
een her.”
“The youngest child was not feeling well,” Lady Rutherford said. “Causing them to delay their travel to Town. Harry and Emma should be here tomorrow or the next day.” A playful smile hovered on Lady Rutherford’s lips. “Emma is my sister-in-law.”
Tears of joy pricked Anna’s eyelids. “Despite what my aunt tells me, I think it is appropriate for us all to be on a first name basis. I sincerely hope that Marcus and Emma will not remember to call me ‘your grace.’ Which will make it awkward for everyone else.”
“An excellent idea, in gatherings such as this,” Phoebe Evesham said gently. “However, you are too new to the role to let down your defenses as it were.”
A few minutes after the exchange of first names, a striking lady with deep auburn hair accompanied by a gentleman with a face that reminded Anna of a Greek or Roman bust entered the room, followed by two more couples.
“Robert and Serena, Viscount and Vicountess Beaumont, Caro and Gervais, Earl and Countess of Huntley, and Will and Eugénie, Viscount and Viscountess Wivenly,” Meg, who was standing next to Anna, whispered. “The only ones of our group unable to attend are Matt and Grace, the Earl and Countess of Worthington, and Rupert and Vivian, the Earl and Countess of Stanstead.”
Anna could not keep a broad smile from her face as the others were introduced. It appeared as if she was being drawn into a close group of friends, something she desperately needed and wanted. “Did you all grow up together?”
“The gentlemen knew each other, and many of the ladies did as well,” Meg explained. “Eugénie and Emma were imported from the West Indies. Eugénie is of French origin, but had been living in St. Thomas . . .”
By the time dinner was announced, Anna felt as if she had made fast friends with the ladies, and was delighted she no longer felt alone in England.
“Will you allow me to escort you into dinner?” Quartus winged out his arm. “I have discovered it is the custom among this group to dine informally. I believe that is the reason we are so few.”
“Thank you.” She glanced up as he looked down. Her heart jumped again. Could I truly be falling in love with him? No, it was much too soon. “I . . . I am glad to be included.”