Misleading a Duke

by A. S. Fenichel

  The scent of vanilla and the outdoors mixed with Nick’s warm scent. She breathed him in, imprinting all of him on her memory. “Has the snow melted at Parvus too?”

  “Yes. The grass is already turning green. You would have liked the place once Geb hired on a full staff. It was quite lively. I think Cook has gotten even better at her delicious food preparation with all the practice these months. Jamie has grown several inches, just like Rumple, and MacGruder is as grumpy as ever.”

  Faith smiled. “It was lucky he saw those friends of yours and came to investigate. He saved us.”

  Squeezing her tighter, he kissed the top of her head. “He saved you, sweet Faith, and for that I shall always be grateful. However, it was you who saved me. You were my miracle.”

  Part of her wanted to argue, but she was warm and comfortable in his arms and she didn’t want it to end, so she stayed silent on the subject. “Has Mr. Arafa returned to London as well?”

  He nodded. “We traveled together.”

  “You must be glad to be back in your own home.” It was small talk, but she loved the normalcy of it.

  “Faith?”

  “Yes, Nick.” Her time had run out. She sighed.

  “May I ask my favor now?” He hesitated and there was something uncomfortable in his question.

  “What if I don’t like what you have to say?”

  “I have come here with no expectations. I fully expected you to refuse to see me, so I’m already beyond happy.” There was definitely a catch in his voice.

  Confused, Faith sat up and studied him.

  Rumple sensed the change in emotion, and he sat up too and put his giant paws on Faith’s lap.

  “Down, boy,” Nick said, and Rumple complied.

  “What do you mean, refuse to see you? Why would I do that?” Faith blurted it out with less grace than she’d hoped for.

  Nick stood and paced to the window, then back again. “I’ve had a lot of time to think during my recovery. At first, I was delirious with laudanum and could only think in hazy pockets, but over time I refused the drug and regained my senses. You may still toss me from the house, Faith. If my presence is too upsetting to you, I will understand. I will go and never attempt to see you again.”

  It was possible that Faith’s mind was going to explode from lack of understanding. “Why would I want that? What are you talking about? I waited for months for you to write or call and had all but given up. Why would I not wish to see you?”

  “I’m certain my presence brings back upsetting memories for you.” He stopped his pacing and looked at her, but then began again.

  “My memories are intact, whether you are here or not. Do you think the things I saw can be pushed aside so easily? My nightmares will not be dismissed by not seeing you or having you here. Frankly, I don’t see how the two are connected.” She still wasn’t quite sure what he was about.

  “I knew I shouldn’t come, but Geb said I must.” He said it more to himself than her.

  Having had enough confusion, she asked, “What is the favor you wish to ask?”

  He stopped in front of her and his hands shook as he took hers. “I know you have parents who I should go and see, but as we are still engaged, I decided it was better to see you. Besides, my past dealings with your mother have been confusing.”

  “Good Lord, Nick. What is it?” Her nerves were hanging on by the last thread.

  Nick took a long, deep breath and let it out. “I wonder if you would do me the honor of letting me court you properly. I think perhaps we skipped an important step in getting to know each other and that is entirely my fault.”

  Heart pounding, she shook her head to clear it. “You want to court me? But Nick, we’ve been intimate.”

  Fire lit in his eyes, the memory was crystal clear.

  Faith’s cheeks heated.

  “I have not, nor am I likely to forget that fact, sweetheart.” He leaned down and kissed one hand and then the other.

  “Why do you want to court me?” Her instincts told her he was looking for a way out of the engagement. “If you want me to call off now, I will do it. My parents know nothing about my being at Parvus with you. They think Mercy and I went to her aunt’s country home for a few weeks. No one knows about my being ruined besides you, me, and Jane, and she will never say a word.”

  He let her hands go and kept his head down. “If you wish to be released from the agreement, I completely understand.”

  “No. That is not what I want. I want you to be happy.”

  A second passed and neither one moved. Slowly, Nick’s head came up. “I want to court you properly. I only care about your happiness, and I want you to be sure I am the man you wish to marry. The last thing I want is for our engagement to end.”

  Faith’s knees gave out and she was forced to sit. “We have got to get better at communicating, Nick. I shall not survive more of these bewildering exchanges.”

  His low, rumbling laughter filled the room. “Nor I, sweetheart.” He knelt in front of her. “I must demand one thing of you though.”

  Nerves near the end of tolerance, she saw anger in his eyes. “What?”

  “Never again say our night together ruined you. It was the most wonderful night of my life, and I would hate for you to think of it in such terms.” His earnest expression broke her heart.

  “I have no regrets and one lovely memory of those six days, Nick.” She smiled even though tears welled in her eyes.

  Rumple took the opportunity to jump on the settee and get in on the embrace.

  Faith laughed harder than she had in what felt like ages. “At least you taught him to sit.”

  Chuckling, Nick dragged Rumple from the furniture and ruffled the fur on his head. “I have one more request, but this is for all the Wallflowers.”

  “Shall I call them in? I would wager they are not five feet outside that door.” Faith felt so full of joy that even her friends’ overprotectiveness didn’t bother her.

  “That is not necessary.” He smiled. “You may relay the request. I am throwing a ball on Friday, and if you are not otherwise engaged, I would love for all of you to come.”

  Excitement vibrated inside Faith. “What is the occasion for the ball?”

  His lips turned up in the most sensual smile. “It is part of our courtship. I have written to my sister. She arrived at my house here in town last week, so that a ball is appropriate.”

  “I would very much like to meet your sister.”

  Leaning in, he kissed her cheek. “She is going to adore you.”

  A ripple of worry coursed through Faith. “Would it matter if she did not care for me?”

  He was close enough to feel his breath tickle her earlobe. “Nothing and no one can change the way I feel about you.”

  Cowardice kept her from asking exactly what his feelings were. Longing to know but worried he might say that he cared for her, or something equally benign, kept her silent. The last thing she wanted from Nick was placid emotions. That would kill her.

  Chapter 17

  Faith had spent hours getting ready to attend Nick’s ball. She’d made poor Jane fix her hair twice when a curl worked itself loose. She’d never been more nervous about seeing him. Not even when she’d lured him to Parvus had she been so meticulous about her appearance. She’d chosen a purple gown that was darker than was strictly appropriate for an unmarried lady. Lavender lace around the low neckline and sleeves gave it a sweeter, more feminine look.

  Both the Earl and Countess of Dornbury arrived at West Lane to pick her up. Faith was taken by surprise at the sight of her father, who never attended events. While her parents were affectionate toward each other, it had always been Mother’s job to find a suitable husband for Faith, and Father wanted no part of the process.

  Father cringed as Faith descended the stairs. “That gown is not hiding you
r overly curved person.”

  Mother’s lips twitched, but she held in her amusement. “You look very nice, Faith.”

  “But, Melody!” Father blanched.

  “We are going to the home of her fiancé. I’m sure by now, Faith knows what His Grace likes and doesn’t like about her. If her figure were a problem, she would have chosen a different gown.”

  Remaining silent, Faith walked the remaining stairs and accepted her wrap from Tipton. It was strange for her mother to take her side in anything, but she was happy to have one parent’s support.

  Her parents followed her to the door. Father asked, “Where are all those friends of yours?”

  “Two of those friends are countesses now, Father. You might show some respect.” Faith accepted the footman’s hand up into her family’s carriage.

  Father bristled. “Are they all out gallivanting?”

  It did no good to correct him, so Faith held in a torrent of rage to protect her friends. “They already left for the same ball we are attending, Father. Do try to act like a gentleman when you see them. The Earl of Marsden becomes quite protective if anyone insults his wife or sister. Besides, you and Mother have always liked the Countess of Radcliff.”

  He narrowed his gaze, but said nothing.

  Seeming not to notice the tension, Mother smiled. “Do you think His Grace will announce a wedding date, Faith? Is that why he’s holding a ball? I understand he brought his sister, the Countess of Dunworth, to London to act as hostess. I’ve never met her, but she is said to be quite fashionable. I also heard that she never comes to London, so this is a real treat if we catch a glimpse of her.”

  “Mother, you really should avoid all the gossip. I’m sure the countess is busy with other things and perhaps doesn’t care for a season in town.” Faith had no idea, but she didn’t like her mother gossiping about Nick’s sister.

  As they approached the Ellsworth townhouse, the carriage slowed to a stop. There was a crush of carriages trying to get close to the house, but none were making progress.

  “Damned inconvenient that we must walk from here where all the horses have been.” Father slammed his hand against the carriage window but sat forward, ready to exit.

  A whistle sounded and the carriage jerked forward.

  Mother leaned out the window. It was not at all ladylike. “We are being waved through, Filmore. It seems His Grace had footmen waiting to spot our carriage and now they are directing the other vehicles aside so that we can drive through.” She sat back on her seat next to Father and grinned happily. “How thoughtful.”

  Even Father appeared impressed that anyone would make such an effort for Faith. Perhaps she had moved up slightly on his assessment ladder.

  Faith shook off the notions. She was sure to disappoint her father at some point in the near future and would be knocked down again. There was no point looking for his approval when he did not wish to give it. She had managed for one-and-twenty years without a loving father to dote on her; she could survive the rest of her life thus.

  Several large men stood like sentinels in front of the house. She studied them, and while they were dressed like gentlemen, they stood like soldiers watching the street.

  When the carriage reached the front of the grand stairs leading up to the Ellsworth townhouse, a footman in dove-gray and white livery opened the carriage door. “My lord and lady, Lady Faith, you are welcome. I have been instructed to take you past the line and directly to His Grace. Would you please follow me?”

  Father practically leapt from the conveyance, leaving Mother to be helped by the footman. There was nothing Father liked better than to be shown preference in public.

  Once Mother was safely on the ground, Faith stepped out of the carriage. “Thank you,” she told the footman.

  “My lady Faith, it is my pleasure. I am Will, and if you need anything at all, you have only to ask. Everyone in the Duke of Breckenridge’s employ is at your service.” Will’s brown eyes sparked with honesty and admiration.

  Faith couldn’t imagine why the servant should admire her, since she’d done nothing to earn such regard from Nick’s staff. “That is very kind. Has the duke put guards around the house?” She pointed to the men she’d noticed from the carriage.

  Will smiled. “It’s just a precaution to keep out the riffraff, my lady.”

  “I see.” It was likely more than that, but Faith let it go.

  As promised, Will led her and her parents up the steps, past the crowd of people waiting to enter. Inside, the foyer loomed magnificent. A ceiling that soared for thirty feet was adorned with the largest chandelier Faith had ever seen. Its crystals shined in all the colors of the rainbow as the fully lighted jewel gave the foyer the feel of royalty. Black and white checkered marble was beneath her feet, and a curved staircase led up to a grand landing where it was likely the family had their bedrooms.

  Faith had never seen such a grand home. Running and hiding was not out of the question. She was not grand enough to be mistress of so much opulence. She would never fit here.

  Then she spotted Nick at the bottom of the stairs. His stunning blue eyes locked on hers and he didn’t seem to hear whatever the short man next to him was saying, or didn’t care. His attention was fully focused on her.

  A stretch of silence fell over the din of the crowd as they searched for whatever had captured the Duke’s attention so fully. Every head swiveled toward Faith.

  Her skin prickled from the unwanted attention, but she stayed focused on Nick and moved through the throng, all the while her heart pounding in her ears.

  When she reached him, she made a low curtsy. “Your Grace.”

  He bowed but kept his gaze fixed on hers. “Lady Faith.”

  Time stood still for a full three seconds.

  Father cleared his throat.

  Recovering propriety, Nick rose and shook Father’s hand. “My lord, it’s good to see you again. Lady Dornbury, you look lovely this evening. Thank you both for accompanying my fiancée to the ball. I’m delighted to have you all here. May I introduce my sister, Elana Trent, Countess of Dunworth?”

  The woman to Nick’s right was as tall as Mercy, her head reaching past Nick’s shoulder. Her dark hair and bright blue eyes were exactly like her brother’s, and she was elegant in a way that cannot be taught, but must come naturally. She made the slightest curtsy to Faith’s parents. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  Elana turned her attention to Faith. She narrowed her eyes and cocked her head. “I have long wished to make your acquaintance, Lady Faith. I must apologize for not coming to London sooner and meeting you in a more private setting. Would you do me the honor of coming to tea tomorrow so we might better know each other?”

  “I would be delighted, Lady Dunworth. Thank you.” Faith made a low curtsy.

  Looking her over for longer than was comfortable, Elana finally smiled. She took Faith’s arm and turned her toward the ballroom without so much as a word to her brother or all the people waiting to get a look at her. “My brother speaks of little else but you, Lady Faith.”

  When they were out of view of the foyer, she stopped. “I thought you might like to get away from the attention of all those people and your parents. Nick will have to stay and greet people a while longer, but I’m sure he will come and find you as soon as propriety allows.”

  Faith tried to clear her head. Nick’s sister had just left the receiving line to get Faith away from an uncomfortable situation. Elana didn’t even know her, but she knew being the center of so much attention was abhorrent. “Thank you, Lady Dunworth. That was very thoughtful.”

  “I suppose your father will like to stand with Nick for a while.” Elana’s smile was warm and knowing.

  “You have excellent intuition.” Faith was astonished by how easily a stranger had read the situation.

  With a nod, she shrugged. “I see things about p
eople that would perhaps take others longer to see.”

  “That must come in handy in London society, with all its intrigue.” Faith wished for such a gift.

  “I try to avoid London for just that reason. Too much intrigue sets my nerves on edge.” She glanced over Faith’s shoulder and raised a brow. “Friends of yours?”

  Faith turned in the direction of Elana’s gaze. Poppy, Aurora, and Mercy were wending their way through the crowd toward her. “Yes.”

  The Wallflowers arrived, bursting with what they wanted to say. Faith could see it in all their eyes. They all turned to Elana and remained silent.

  Faith made the introductions.

  “It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I have to return to the foyer and help my brother with the greeting of guests. I’m sure we will have occasion to speak later.” Elana smiled and left them.

  “Hera’s eyes. His sister is so elegant,” Poppy said.

  “And quite nice,” Mercy added.

  Aurora nodded. “It’s hard to say from so short a visit, but she did seem friendly.”

  Trying not to commit to any degree of like or dislike until she knew Elana better, Faith said, “She was kind upon meeting me and has invited me to take tea with her tomorrow.”

  Rhys sauntered over and joined them. “Is this a ladies-only Wallflower meeting, or may I ask my wife for the first dance?”

  The musicians tuned their instruments as they readied to play the minuet.

  Faith’s parents entered the ballroom with Nick as if they owned the place rather than as guests.

  Embarrassed, Faith plastered a polite smile on her face and turned toward them.

  Nick’s sympathetic smile warmed her. “Lady Faith, would you honor me by starting the ball with me?”

  Heart pounding and insides aquiver, she took his arm. “I would be delighted.”

  As soon as they had moved away from the others, Nick said, “You look stunning tonight, Faith.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you. My father found the dress too revealing.”