Regency Romance: More For A Duke (The Fairbanks Series - The Familial Adventures) (CLEAN Historical Romance)

by Bennett, Jessie

  “Oh thank you, your grace.”

  “I am your cousin. If I am to help you, please call me Shawn.”

  “Oh…all right.” Carter felt like a child next to the Duke, regardless of their family link. “Would…would you care to meet me at my estate in the morning?”

  Shawn nodded. “That is a good plan. I will see you at nine in the morning.”

  “Thank you again, Shawn. I appreciate any help I can get.”

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  “You will be finding a bride soon, I imagine. Have you been to the dances this season? There have been quite a few ladies debuting that you might be intrigued by.”

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  NECESSARY CHANGES

  “I know you’re nervous, Carter, but you really don’t have to be. Fairfield is the most peaceful province of Fairbanks County. You will be fine. The people there are smart and seem to enjoy life more than many in other places I’ve been to. And you know I have been everywhere in Fairbanks.”

  “Oh, yes, I know, your grace. I just haven’t had the opportunity to hold such a position in the past.”

  “You are very young. It is natural for you to feel inexperienced, simply because you are.”

  “I feel very uncomfortable, sir.”

  “Remember, I did say that you should call me Shawn. We may be distant cousins, but we can always eliminate that first word and replace it with ‘close’. How does that sound?”

  Carter held out his hand to his cousin and they shook. “Thank you, Shawn. I would like to get to know you and Elizabeth better.”

  “You will be finding a bride soon, I imagine. Have you been to the dances this season? There have been quite a few ladies debuting that you might be intrigued by.”

  Carter shook his head. “I had not thought about it yet. I suppose it is time for me to be considering such a move.”

  “Yes. You will want to choose a wife soon. The people do not like to see their leaders without families.”

  “Why do you suppose that is?”

  Shawn shrugged. “It might be because they feel that if their leader is married, he will produce an heir that will continue to reign in the same venue.”

  “What if they don’t like the way their leader is running things?”

  “Then I suppose they would try to overthrow him and his family.”

  “So why do they care then?”

  “It is a good question, Carter. However, if the people below you do not care, the people above you certainly do. You know I must always report back to the Prince Regent and he is a man that will not tolerate change and different opinions. Many of us have not wanted to take a bride, but were obligated to do so in the end, so as not to bring the rage of the Prince Regent, the King or the Queen down upon us.”

  Carter looked afraid once again.

  Shawn had to hold in a grin. “My dear boy, calm yourself. You will do fine.”

  “What will the royals do if I do not rule properly?”

  “Send a guide. Like me. That’s what I am here for. Now, will you please calm down? Let us talk. You will get the hang of it in no time.”

  “Your people love you, your grace. I am glad to have you as a tutor. If I can be half the leader you are to your people, I will be doing very well.”

  “Thank you, son. I appreciate the compliment. I have a few words of advice that I want you to listen to and take very seriously. Can you do that, cousin Carter?”

  “I can, yes.”

  “I’m going to trust you to hold to that, Carter. We all trust you to lead the people in your province to the best of your ability.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “One of the most important pieces of advice I have for you, cousin, is to listen. If you are listening properly, you will never miss anything. For instance, you need to listen to your people when they have requests, suggestions, ideas or complaints. Listen to them with the intent of resolving the issue or putting a new law in place. We have some of the smartest citizens in all of Britain. They are not to be treated as peons. In other words, do not inflate your position. Listen to their needs and follow through in the most intelligent way possible. You should also listen to your heart. When something is right, you will know it. If someone is in need, you will feel it if you have opened your ears and listened to everything. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “I believe I do, my lord. Please continue.”

  “While you are listening, you must be observant. This is one of most important things you should remember. You will not just be approached by the highest ranked members of your society. Sometimes you will be approached by a beggar or a servant. Listen to all who approach you, no matter their place in society. We are all humans and should be treated as such. Do you have an issue with that?”

  Carter looked confused. “No, my lord. Should I?”

  “The opinion is at times not well received by others of our standing. You may come up on opposing views at times. Some of the other Dukes, Lords and Ladies feel we should not give them even the time of day. That they are simply there to serve us and not to be treated with respect. I do not agree with this view and I hope that you will not either.”

  “No, my lord. That’s not how I feel at all.”

  “Good.”

  As the Duke continued talking, Carter soaked in every word. He was mesmerized by the countenance of his cousin, who had been ruling over all of Fairbanks County for nearly ten years and was as highly respected by everyone in his vast territory as his father had been before him.

  Carter wanted to be as respected as his cousin. He looked toward the door, grateful when the maid brought in a tray of sugary berry-filled biscuits and hot tea. The Duke interrupted himself to thank the girl and she smiled at him before turning away. Shawn looked back at Carter.

  “Did you see how she smiled and curtsied like that? We can be guaranteed of respectful good work from our servants if we treat them with respect. They may not be in the same place in society – and generally that is because they were not born into it – but that does not mean they have no dignity. Allow them to keep their dignity and they will work harder for you than any other person on the planet.”

  “That’s wonderful advice, your grace.”

  “Thank you. I have more.”

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  “Not at all, my lady. You are looking quite stunning in your gown of gold and green. I would be fighting for a spot on your card if I had not caught you so soon upon your entrance. I would love to reserve the last dance with you as well, if that suits you.”

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  ADVICE FOR THE EARL

  As part of his training, Earl Carter attended a ball presented by the Duke of Fairbanks himself. This would draw a great crowd, because Duke Shawn Worthington didn’t often attend. When he was the host of such an event, people came from all over Fairbanks in droves. Carter had noticed recently that Shawn and Elizabeth had been attending more parties, solely in the company of Viscount Jonathan and Lady Anna Dunning. He hadn’t chosen to approach Elizabeth at the wedding and pour out his troubles on her. He’d been sulking in the corner, drinking, when Elizabeth had approached him and dragged the information out of him.

  She was kind and caring, not to mention beautiful. Carter couldn’t help telling her what was bothering him. Then, when Shawn had come over and asked, he’d felt he had no choice but to present himself at their mercies.

  This particular event was special. Shawn planned to make the announcement that he, Carter Montgomery, would be taking over the governing of Fairfield. This would prompt the businessmen, advisors and previous colleagues of his father to work with him more closely. The endorsement of the Duke of Fairbanks, as a highly respected man, would do wonders for his status in society. It would be a moment that Carter
would never forget.

  He looked at himself in the mirror and sighed. This might be the dance that led him to his future wife. He was slightly ashamed that he did not already have a woman on his arm to take to the party. He wouldn’t be the only bachelor there, that was obvious. The season was in full swing and most of the people who attended the events were single. That’s why they were there.

  As a member of the ton who was well-received, Carter had not paid a great deal of attention to the women with whom he danced. He was interested in academics and liked to learn new things as often as he could. He was well-versed in literature and could recite many Shakespearean plays by heart. As well-received as he was, he had shown no interest in the women he encountered. There were a few that he liked to talk to, but none that had sparked his interest more than friendship.

  So even now, in his 27th year, he was still looking for the woman that would become his wife and stay with him until the end of his days on earth.

  He was looking forward to seeing two women he had previously met. In the days when he was actively seeking a bride, he had danced with them both and enjoyed himself. During the last few years, he hadn’t bothered to seek out a wife regularly. He immersed himself in studies, taking on every subject that interested him and learning as much as he could about it. Now that he was given the highest responsibility in Fairfield, it was time to buckle down and find a good woman.

  If either of the women he was hoping to see were still there, they would receive his attention more fervently than before.

  He had his doubts that they would still be available. They were both lovely in face and form. They were intelligent and could hold a good conversation. Many of the women of the ton seemed just the opposite. They were there to have a good time, to find a husband who wouldn’t be too controlling and who could be trusted to find a lover as soon as they obtained the title they were seeking. Now that his bride would be a Countess, he would have to worry even more about their intentions.

  The women he had in mind had not seemed to care what his title was at the time, nor what he had in his accounts. Neither had shown any interest in those topics and had talked about other things, such as their hobbies, their favorite places to go on vacation and their pets.

  Once inside the great hall, after having been announced, Carter looked around, taking in the fancy gowns, the beautiful hair piled up on the heads of gorgeous women with bright smiles. Not all of them represented beauty in his mind, but most of them did. He wasn’t as interested in their outer appearances as many of his peers were. He was interested in how they presented themselves on the inside, whether they were loud and obnoxious, silent and frightened, or ready and at ease. He had the distinct feeling that what was loud and obnoxious to him might not be so to another man.

  He prayed for wisdom in approaching the women tonight, finding the one who would match him the very best. He wanted to be comfortable with his woman. It was very important to him. He wanted the emotional support that a loving woman could provide. The only other woman who had shown him unconditional love was his mother, and she was no longer in the land of the living.

  He was certain that he would find the woman he wanted by the end of the season. He didn’t want to give the royal elite any reason to suppose he was not worthy of the job. He knew he was up for it. He was learning from the very best. Duke Worthington was a brilliant tutor.

  To his delight, he saw one of the women he was interested in right away. He was surprised only that the beautiful young woman was not already taken. She was one of a set of twins, sister to the lovely Elizabeth Worthington. Jillian and her sister were both a delight. They had been very young, just in their first season, when Lady Elizabeth had married Duke Worthington. Some years had passed and they were both now lovely young women with distinct differences, despite their identical fair-haired, blue-eyed looks.

  He sighed audibly. If he were to court and marry the sister of his cousin’s wife, he would solidify himself within the family for certain. That sounded like a worthy plan to him. Especially if he could woo such a lovely woman. Marrying her would be a boon to his finances and his ego.

  He headed in the direction of the Dowling ladies. He was seen before he arrived. The ladies cupped their hands around their mouths and whispered to Jillian. She was looking directly at him with a soft smile on her face. She held out her hand when he was close enough.

  “Lord Montgomery, it is so wonderful to see you. It’s been a few years, has it not?”

  “I believe we may have had one dance together last season, Lady Jillian, if my memory serves.”

  “It has been too long, nonetheless.”

  “May I sign your dance card?”

  He was relieved to see her smile. She pulled the card from the small handbag dangling from her wrist and handed it to him. “You certainly may. As you can see, I have not received many offers as of yet.”

  “That is a pity and a shame, Lady Jillian. I don’t see how anyone can pass over a beauty such as yourself without signing up to dance with you.”

  Jillian blushed and a few of the younger ladies around her giggled, hiding the fact behind their small hands. She glanced over her shoulder to glare at them. They saw the look and turned away slightly, still giggling. She looked back at Carter with a sheepish look. “I apologize, my lord. My friends are very uncouth.”

  “Not at all, my lady. You are looking quite stunning in your gown of gold and green. I would be fighting for a spot on your card if I had not caught you so soon upon your entrance. I would love to reserve the last dance with you as well, if that suits you.”

  “Yes, my lord, that would be fine.”

  He signed his name to the card and bowed deeply. “I will see you in a few minutes, when the music starts.”

  “Yes.” Jillian curtsied.

  As he walked away, he couldn’t help feeling proud of himself. He’d been in the ballroom for less than ten minutes and had already found one of the women he had been looking for. It wasn’t quite a miracle, but it felt like one.

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  “Speaking of marriage.” Anne Marie knew where the conversation was going before Jocelyn had a chance to continue. She braced herself. “Is the Duke still trying to convince you of his love?”

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  CHAPTER THIRTY

  PICNIC ON THE GREEN

  Anne Marie stood up from the bench. “Claire! Thomas! Be good now! I’ll be right here if you need me. Do you see me?” She waved her hand in the air and the children smiled and laughed.

  “Of course we see you, Miss Anne!” Claire, the older of the two children, called back to her. At that moment, the child and her younger brother had both hands buried in the sand up to their wrists. Anne Marie wasn’t sure what game they were playing, but she didn’t imagine it could be very fun if they weren’t allowed to use their hands. After a few moments, Thomas pulled his hand out and looked at it in triumph.

  “Got one!” he shrieked. “I got one! Look at it, Claire! Look at it!”

  He was holding a medium sized shell. His small hand made it look much bigger than it actually was. Anne Marie kept a watchful eye on the two of them, pulling her needlepoint out of the bag next to her. She didn’t think they were too close to the rippling water behind them. It was the perfect day for the seaside and she was glad she was able to bring them out into the sunshine. Their school classes would start again soon. Then she would only be able to come to the seaside by herself.

  At 20 years old, she knew she was getting on in years and would soon need to settle down or be a spinster forever. However, she hadn’t met the right man. She’d thought several times that she had, but she was wrong each time.

  There were a few men who continued to show interest, but it never went very far. She wasn’t sure the exact reason, but she knew her employer had something to do with it. He was very guarded when it came to her. If a gentleman had stopped by to see her o
r to take her for a walk or carriage ride, there was a good chance he was sent away by the Duke.

  “Good morning, Anne Marie.” She looked up, distracted from her thoughts by the friendly voice. She smiled at Jocelyn, another nanny who had brought the children in her charge to the sea. “It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”

  “It certainly is.” Anne Marie removed her bag from the bench and gestured that her friend should sit down. “How are your children today?”

  “Holy terrors, I must say.” Jocelyn laughed softly. “They are too much like their father. Always on the go, always playing. I am not sure that their father ever grew up. If they follow his example, I might be acting as their governess until they are older than we are now.”

  “No, you can’t possibly let that happen.” Anne Marie giggled. “I cannot imagine you scolding and tidying up after a man of 20.”

  “That will probably be my job when I get married anyway.”

  Both women laughed.

  “Speaking of marriage.” Anne Marie knew where the conversation was going before Jocelyn had a chance to continue. She braced herself. “Is the Duke still trying to convince you of his love?”

  Anne Marie had to admit that she liked the way Jocelyn put that. She smiled at her. “Yes, he continues day after day.”

  “He mentions the children every time too, doesn’t he?”

  “He does.”

  Jocelyn nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. He is correct when he says that you get along with them better than their mother did, may she rest in peace.” Jocelyn gave her a narrow look. “The woman was not meant to be a mother, you know. I am sorry that she has died, but I am not sorry that it brought you into the picture. I’ve had a better time going out with the children than I ever had before you come along.”