Loving a Fearless Duchess

by Abigail Agar

  Mercy smiled. “Why do you want to know?”

  Phin gave her a short laugh. “Now that’s the Mercy I remember. Always giving her brother the runaround.”

  She smiled then became serious when she was ready to talk. “I met her at the beginning of the season, so I don’t know her well. I do like her, though. She is very funny. Most balls, she has two or three men in her orbit, eating out of her hand. But she’s sweet. I don’t even know if she realizes she’s attracting them. She is just a fun, vivacious girl.

  “There is one man who pays her a lot of attention. Lord Jasper Bernard.” Mercy shook her head. “I don’t like him, but I don’t know why. Something’s not right about him.”

  Phin sat back and looked at the ceiling. He really didn’t know what to do with that information. His mind was muddled. He needed to sleep before the ball. Mercy probably should rest as well.

  He brought his head down to face Mercy again. “Who should I watch tonight, Mercy? How many potential beaus do you have?”

  “Roderick Merritt pays me a lot of attention, but I don’t know him well enough yet to have formed an opinion. He says all the right things. It may be me seeing something that isn’t there. We’ll see what kind of feeling you get.

  “Otherwise, I’m still trying to meet as many men as possible. Maybe you can introduce me to your friends?”

  Phin stood. “I’ll look around. But now, I need to rest from my journey.” He grabbed both of her hands, pulling her out of her chair, and took a step back. He shook his head. “It’s so good to be home with you.”

  Mercy headed for the stairs. Phin wanted to rest, but there was something he needed to do first. He asked a footman to find Foster and to cover the front door while Foster and he talked.

  Foster entered and shut the door behind him. He bowed, “Your Grace?”

  “Yes, Foster. I see many changes have been made to the townhouse in my absence, and I would like some insight on them.” Phin pointed to a wall with nothing but a nail sticking in it. “The Gainsborough.” He pointed to the sideboard. “The matching Ming vases.” He pointed to the door. “The crystal chandelier. No doubt other changes have been made.”

  “No doubt, Your Grace. I may speak freely?” When Phin nodded, Foster continued, “The changes, if you will, were made in order to supplement your father’s allowance. There are other changes he made that I can point out to you if you desire.”

  “I see. We will do that at another time. I have been on a ship for weeks, and my journey has caused fatigue. I doubt he redecorated on his own. Who helped him with his efforts?”

  “I believe Lady Elizabeth Tanding helped. When Lady Ellen passed away,” Foster paused, shifting his weight, “your father’s sister’s dying wish was for him to look after her daughter, Lady Elizabeth. Your father requested Lady Elizabeth’s help in taking items to a pawnshop. I believe she also took a ‘fee’ for helping with his errands. Certain valuable pieces she coveted were bought by her for a pittance. You may want to check on your mother’s jewels, Your Grace.”

  Phin was shocked. He should have thought Bennett would try to scrape together money for his gambling habit. But Cousin Elizabeth? He would need to pay her a visit. Phin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Thank you, Foster. Tomorrow, we shall go through the townhouse together.”

  Chapter 2

  Getting ready for the Harrington’s ball was a long and tedious process. Charlotte spent longer in the bath than was usual. Her mind wandered as it did most days lately to Jasper Bernard and all the attention he paid her. She liked the attention, but she hadn’t made up her mind about him. Not to worry. The season had just begun. Charlotte’s mind jumped to Phineas. A Duke. A wealthy Duke. He could have anyone he wanted.

  But what a strange looking creature. Just back from spending years in India, Charlotte thought he must have been ploughing the fields on his own plantation to have the sun colour his skin so. And his hair. Blonder than any blond she had ever met. Your hair didn’t get that light unless you’d been out in the sun for most of the day. Every day.

  She noticed how bright his eyes looked against his brown skin and blond hair. Even his eyes were an exotic colour. She would say they were teal blue, but how could they be? For such a reserved man, his eyes shone like lightning at sunset.

  Charlotte pondered why Phineas was worth pondering. He wasn’t her type. He was in great shape, which meant he was athletic. Charlotte wouldn’t even know how to be athletic even if someone gave her lessons in it. But she was an excellent equestrian. So there was that.

  She also didn’t gravitate to the quiet types. His brother Silas was much more outgoing, and a lot of fun to be around, and she should be attracted to him. He was almost as handsome as Phineas; he was slightly taller, and his personality was similar to Charlotte’s. Yet, she felt no attraction to him.

  She could talk circles around Phineas. But that was easy. She could talk circles around many people. He was the type who would take information in and roll it around in his brain rather than verbally respond. She could almost see the wheels turning in his head. But she did like that he wouldn’t speak unless he had something worthwhile to say.

  The world must have turned on its axis for her to be attracted to Phineas. For the first time, her body was sending her messages. And the messages all pointed to Phineas.

  Charlotte’s maid, Abby, helped her out of the tub, handed her a linen cloth and wrapped a robe around her. She sat with her back to the fire while Abby combed out and dried her hair. It fell to her waist and took a long time to dry. Charlotte stared at the opposite wall. Meeting Phineas caused her heart to race and her breath to quicken. Why? What of Jasper? What did she really know of him? The Baron of Warwick. Charlotte shrugged. She had no idea where Warwick was.

  He was handsome to be sure. He had a square jaw and a ready smile. His nose had been broken. It was not a large bend but a small one that lent him character. It was probably a childhood accident. He certainly wasn’t the type of man to be in a brawl.

  He always had a ready joke or biting comment about someone at the ball. He would bend down and whisper it in her ear. How he made her laugh. But, she was not comfortable laughing at anyone else’s expense. He walked a fine line between what she deemed acceptable, and sometimes his jokes missed the mark.

  Abby moved Charlotte to the vanity that held her perfume and brushes and pins. She brushed Charlotte’s dry hair and split it into six different sections. She began creating an elaborate hairstyle while Charlotte closed her eyes.

  Only Jasper and Phineas had turned her head. The other men she danced with were forgettable. Should she concentrate on Jasper and Phineas? It was early in the season.

  After her hair was dressed, she began the process of donning her gown. She decided on her yellow chiffon with the dark purple belt and slippers. She loved the way the fabric moved when she danced. First, Abby helped her on with her chemise. Then she sat while Abby rolled her stockings above her knees and tied them tight with a long piece of fabric. Charlotte put on her slippers and tested the ties to make sure her stockings wouldn’t fall.

  Then it was time for her corset. Charlotte did not know any woman who liked wearing one. The confining corset helped make Charlotte’s waist look smaller than it was. It also pushed up underneath her breasts to make them look larger. Abby tied the corset in place from the back, pulling the strings tight so Charlotte could barely breathe. Then Abby carefully placed Charlotte’s gown over her head and pulled it to the floor. Again, she tightly tied the gown in the back.

  Finally, Charlotte went to Aunt Genevieve’s bedchamber to see what she had for matching jewellery. Most girls wore necklaces to break up all the space between the bottom of the neck and the top of the dress, which sometimes, was a great distance.

  She would make more of an effort tonight to meet new men. After all, there were months ahead to find the right one.

  ***

  Phin and Silas stood at the bottom of the stairs in all black evening clothes,
save for their snow-white shirts and cravats, watching Mercy approach. She was wearing a light blue water silk gown with white pearls sewn in around the neckline and sleeves. Her white gloves went over her elbows, and her fan was white. While in India, Phin had sent her a comb with a line of pearls placed at the top. She wore that in her hair. Phin turned to Silas, “She really is rather beautiful. I think we need to keep a close eye on her.”

  Silas laughed and leaned into Phin, “Don’t go overprotective on her. You sound like Father.”

  Phin bristled. He stood up straight and gnashed his teeth. His eyes stared straight ahead watching Mercy’s descent. In a low voice meant only for Silas, Phin said, “Don’t you ever again compare me to Father. Ever. Again. Do you understand?”

  Silas stiffened and turned to him, “No, Phin, I don’t understand. Do you care to enlighten me?”

  Silas knew there had been something between Father and Phin, but he could never get anywhere close to finding out. And he wouldn’t. Phin had made a vow.

  No, Silas I do not care to enlighten you, Phin thought. How could he tell him and Mercy about their father?

  “Hello, gentlemen. Are you waiting for me?”

  Phin bowed then took Mercy’s hands and kissed her gloved knuckles. “You look lovely tonight, Mercy. Silas and I have our work cut out for us.” He turned and looked at Silas.

  “Yes, we do. Mercy, take pity on us.” Silas’ smile was tight. He turned and let Foster hand him his top hat and cane.

  No sooner had the Duke and his family been announced upon entering the ballroom than Mercy scanned the place and spotted her friends. With a silent plea, she asked Phin to let her go. A nod was all she needed.

  Silas mumbled something about getting a drink, so Phin ended up alone. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he scanned the ballroom. Young ladies and their chaperones were in clumps scattered around the huge ballroom perimeter. Phin estimated the ballroom could easily hold one hundred people and still have plenty of floor space to dance. Even so, it looked as though Lady Harrington sent too many invitations.

  The ballroom was down three steps from the entry hall. From his vantage point, Phin could see everyone below. He started looking at the young ladies, deciding which ones he wanted to ask to dance.

  Scanning the room, Phin quickly determined two things. Pink was the colour of choice in gowns this evening, and Charlotte was the most beautiful woman in the room. Actually, he thought of a third thing. He did not want to do this. Get me out of here, he thought. Not yet. Not yet.

  First, he had to be introduced to fifty girls and take away those who were more interested in his title than him. Then he had to weed out those who did not have a serene personality, then he had to call on and court the finalists. He wanted to do none of this. Two marriages needed to be arranged. Mercy’s would be a happy one. His, if not happy, at least expeditious.

  Phin felt the slap on his back before he saw Everett. Everett draped his arm over Phin’s shoulder and pulled him in. Phin lost his footing but regained it before the entire ballroom saw a Duke prone on the floor.

  “You have any idea how happy I am to see you?” Phin said.

  “Yes, actually I do. We’re making a pact right here, right now. Everywhere Mercy and Josie go, we go as a team.” Everett leaned in for emphasis, “Do you have any idea how miserable I’ve been putting up with this without you?”

  “Ev, I was here alone for five minutes and wanted to leave. To make matters worse, I’ve got to find myself a wife,” he said, rolling his eyes.

  “About that,” Everett winced. “Listen, Phin. I want to talk to you about this plan of yours …”

  Phin put his chin down and bore into Everett’s eyes. “Stop right there, Everett. Silas has already told me he doesn’t like my plan. I don’t need to hear it again.”

  “Here’s the thing,” Everett said slowly and softly to get Phin’s undivided attention, “we both think your plan is no good. We are both closer to you than anyone else in the world – even though you have been gone all these years – and we think your plan is lousy. If you can’t listen to Silas and me, who are you going to listen to?”

  “I can listen to myself. I know me.” Phin softened. “Ev, thanks, really. I appreciate your concern. But in India, I realized I needed a quiet girl. I need a few hours of quiet every day to keep my sanity. You know that. I had a great arrangement with Anusha, and it taught me that was the perfect option for me. I know exactly what I want.”

  “Okay. I read all your letters, multiple times. Your arrangement sounded wonderful. I get it. I don’t have to like it, but I get it. Looking back over the years, I remember you were always the one sneaking away from the chaos. I’m sceptical you will find someone like Anusha in England. Surely, you see the cultural differences would be difficult to breach.” Everett decided to put the wife discussion on hold for now. “On another subject, what you did for Mercy was …”

  Phin whipped his head to face Everett. He growled through clenched teeth. “No one can know what I did for Mercy. No one. You’re clear on that, right?”

  Everett put his hands up, palms facing Phin to calm him down. “Can I finish my sentence before you jump all over me?” Phin looked sheepish and nodded. “All the things you wanted to make right have been made right. Sit back and relax for a little while. I want to spend some time with you before you head to Collinswood.”

  “You’re welcome to visit me anytime. You know that.”

  “And you know that’s not what I meant.”

  “I came home to a plundered townhouse. Bennett liquidated everything of value, including Mother’s jewellery – that should have gone to Mercy.” Phin shook his head. “I should have known he would do that. The kicker is my cousin Elizabeth helped him. She’d take things to a pawnshop and give Bennet the money the pawnshop gave her less a ‘fee.’ I’m going to visit her tomorrow. It will be interesting to see what I learn.”

  Phin wanted desperately to change the subject. “Ev, see that girl on the left side near the wall with what looks like a yellowish gown?” Phin was directing Everett to Charlotte. He needed to find out what Everett knew about her. She looked gorgeous tonight. Even from this distance, he felt an inexplicable pull towards her.

  “I do. That is Lady Charlotte Abbott. She’s a stunner, isn’t she?” Everett gave a short laugh. “She’s not for you. Point someone else out.”

  Phin looked affronted. “Not until you tell me why she’s not for me.”

  “Your plan, the plan I happen to not like, mentions a wife who is a quiet homebody. Am I right?”

  “Yes,” Phin said while moving his hand in a circular motion urging Everett to continue.

  “Everybody likes Charlotte. She’s the life of the party. She is a flame; every man in this room is a moth. She tells jokes, she laughs aloud instead of tittering behind her fan. She never misses a ton event. And, she’s usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. C’mon Phin, let me introduce you to a couple of shy, retiring debutantes so you can get a special licence and head to Collinswood the day after tomorrow.”

  Could he be wrong in keeping his search so narrow? Would he miss others that did not fit his description but might make him happy? Why did he feel drawn to her, even from the other side of the room?

  “But I’m intrigued by Charlotte. I think I’m a moth.”

  “If that’s the case, I’ll be back with my butterfly net. It’ll keep you away from that particular flame. There’s a gentleman here, Jasper Bernard, the Lord of Warwick, who is pursuing her, shall I say actively? He’s had a big head start over anyone here.”

  Phin furrowed his brow. “Why is he pushing so hard? Does she have a sizeable dowry?”

  Everett blew out a quick breath and hooted quietly. “I think the word sizeable minimizes how substantial it is. It is second only to Mercy’s. It’s quite the incentive.”

  “We have to find out if this Bernard is broke.”

  “Phin, why? She’s not your type. Let’s move on.
Point out another.”

  Phin scanned the room slowly. He saw a cute blonde exhibiting her ample breasts. He motioned his head to where she was standing. “Her. In the low-cut green dress.”

  Everett’s eyes touched on the girl Phin described and turned to him. “Now you’re talking. They say she is shy. Me? I don’t think she has a personality. She is perfect for you. Go ask her to dance.”

  “I will. I need one or two more.” Phin looked around the room, but his eyes kept stopping when he saw Charlotte. Everett called her stunning, and she was. Maybe she would be happy in a remote castle near a quiet village. Everett elbowed him. He woke from his musings and scanned the ballroom again.

  “What about that brunette in the pink dress with the large Ruby necklace?”

  Everett scanned the ballroom twice.

  “Where?”

  “Right-hand side close to the corner.”

  “Seriously, Phin? She just came into town from her father’s estate in the Lake District. It’s her first time in London. I have no idea if she likes it here.” He shrugged. “She doesn’t look up to your standard.”

  Phin let the comment go. How would Everett know what his standard would be? “You have been a great help, Everett. Introduce me to the pink dress and green dress. I’ll take care of the yellow dress on my own.”

  Everett humphed. Then he looked Phin in the eyes and shook his head.

  “Everett?”

  “Yes, Phineas?”

  “Are you my friend or my mother? My mother used to shake her head at me like that.”

  “I’m your mother. Let’s go.”

  Phin asked all three for a waltz. He figured he could talk with them while dancing and wouldn’t need to stand on the side of the ballroom trying to get to know them while their chaperones listened in.

  Green dress had a great body. When he approached her, it was difficult to find a place to put his eyes. They were naturally drawn to her bosom. Her waist was tiny which somehow accentuated the size of her breasts. The dress did that also. A pretty seafoam green matched her pale skin beautifully. There was intricate white beading in the front, rising from her waist where the beads were close together, to the top of the dress where they were not. She certainly knew how to dress in order to emphasize her assets.