Her bottom lip trembled. He was making fun of her. "Indeed not! You are too stuffy, by far. Why, you are nothing like your brother at all. He is everything that is proper." She brushed past him and heard him chuckle.
"Good-bye, my little ballerina. I will be looking forward to that dance in a few years."
Before he could say another word, she ran into the hall and disappeared.
"I see you have met my sister," Elizabeth said, walking into the ballroom.
The man turned. "I beg your pardon. You must be my brother's fiancée, Miss Elizabeth Shelby. I'm Lord Marcus Clearbrook. You must know I never meant to hurt the child."
Elizabeth saw the guilt in his eyes and tried to reassure him. One never knew with Milli. "Of course you didn't. I fear my family gave her too much freedom growing up. My father was always away on business, and I was at a seminary for young ladies in Bath and—" She stopped, realizing she was rambling. "How I do go on. You must think me quite silly."
Lord Marcus smiled. "Not at all. I must say, my brother did well to snatch you from the pool of marriageable females."
Elizabeth blushed. "You are too kind. If you would forgive me, I must see to Milli."
Marcus took her hand, bowed, and kissed the tip of her fingers. "Your servant, madam."
At that precise moment, Stephen stood covertly on the stairs, his dark gaze settling on his brother.
After Elizabeth departed, Marcus stepped out of the ballroom and lifted his gaze. "Ah, Stephen, I daresay you are wondering what just took place here. You should have made yourself known."
Stephen's heels clapped down the stairs. "You kissed her hand is what took place. And I also saw your gaze attached to her like one of those foxed dandies at Prinny's last ball."
The gleam in Marcus's eyes did nothing to alleviate Stephen's misgivings.
"She is much prettier than you described. Those blue eyes pierced my heart like cupid's arrow. You'd best be careful and not leave her to her own devices when Mother starts dragging her to all the balls this Season. And if you somehow disengage yourself from her, I would be very interested."
For not the first time Stephen felt a spurt of jealousy toward a man who had paid his attentions to Elizabeth. But this was Marcus. "Shut up, or I may have to box you one."
The light in Marcus's eyes turned dangerous. "If it comes to that, then I suppose you want her after all. But I will be there if you discard her. By Jove, you had me believing she was an ogress. I think she is the loveliest of creatures, and if you dare jilt her, I will be the one boxing your ears."
His words were said between clenched teeth as he turned down the hall, leaving Stephen glaring at his back.
"I think he loves her," Milli said in a somber tone as she came out of her hiding place behind the gigantic Chinese urn near the bottom of the steps.
Stephen glanced over his shoulder. "He does not love her. And I ought to take you over my knee for eavesdropping."
Milli's eyes rounded. "Pooh. You would do no such thing. But I hazard to say if you found Elizabeth kissing Marcus back, you just might do that to her."
Stephen let out an exasperated groan as the girl turned and fled down the hall in a wake of lavender bouquet.
"Why me?" he said to the urn.
"You say something, Stephen?"
Stephen looked up to see his brother-in-law starting down the stairs. "Say something? No. It was the urn, you see. It gives advice to stupid, idiotic rakes such as me."
"Ah, I see. Hearing voices? Never one to give advice, but since you helped me in my struggle to make off with your sister, I will give you a good piece of counsel before you marry."
"And what, pray tell, is that?"
"Stop speaking to urns, you idiot. Down a few bottles at White's. Fall flat on your face if you like, but don't go mad until after the ceremony. Take it from me, until you get that ceremony over with, you never know what can befall an engagement. I should know." Stonebridge's gaze sparkled with amusement.
"Très amusant," Stephen said, retreating down the hall. "Sometimes I wonder why Emily married you at all."
"She loves me, Stephen. She loves me."
Stephen's lips thinned as he turned the corner into the library. The trouble was, something inside him wanted Elizabeth to love him, too, and if that wasn't more idiotic than talking to an urn, he didn't know what was.
The sky was overcast and a low rumble boomed in the distance as Elizabeth entered the gardens behind the townhouse. She was at a loss as to Milli's whereabouts and decided to look for the girl along the garden paths when she heard someone sobbing.
She quickly turned the corner and found herself standing over a handsomely dressed woman sitting on a stone bench, holding one very fluffy white cat that looked as if had been pampered every day of its fat little life.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean to intrude."
Violet blue eyes met Elizabeth's and the lady sniffed. "There is nothing to forgive, my dear. Poor Egypt is dying."
Elizabeth tilted her head toward the bench. "May I?"
The lady nodded. "You must be Miss Shelby. I am Lady Bringston, Stephen's mother. Forgive me for not greeting you, but my—" she sobbed, "my poor dear is so listless, I cannot leave her. And I cannot see anyone, I am so filled with grief."
Elizabeth sat beside the older woman and petted the cat. She calmly made her own introductions to the lady and continued to stroke the animal's soft fur. After a moment, she pulled out a handkerchief from her skirt pocket and handed it to Stephen's mother. "Your Grace."
"Thank you, my dear." The lady blew her nose. "Never have one when I need it, you know. And you do not have to bother saying 'Your Grace' with me. You will be my daughter-in-law soon. Besides, I am Lady Bringston, a marchioness now." Another sniff. "Oh, how I do wish my husband were here."
Elizabeth didn't know quite what to say. "I find having a handkerchief on one's person at all times comes in very handy."
The lady smiled. "You are so very right, my dear. I knew my Stephen would not choose some insipid girl to be his wife."
No, he chose some insipid girl with money.
Feeling her heart clench, Elizabeth avoided the lady's intent gaze and turned her attention toward Egypt.
"May I take a look at your cat? I have had some experience with animals. Perhaps I could help."
The lady's gaze looked hopeful. Thunder boomed in the distance. "You have? Well, my dear, take her." She set the cat in Elizabeth's lap. "Egypt is the most darling of creatures. If Bringston were here, he would know what to do."
"He knows about animals?" Elizabeth asked, as she stroked Egypt and poked at the feline's body checking for any signs of disease.
"Yes, and a dear he is. I should have traveled with him to his estates and to see his mother, but, oh she is so jealous of me, you see, I refused. What a goosecap I was ...."
Elizabeth felt Egypt's stomach and smiled.
Stephen stepped into the gardens, searching for his mother. It had been hours since he had seen her. He wanted to tell her about Egypt. A servant mentioned she had ventured outside. The wind had picked up and the clouds were beginning to groan.
A slight sprinkle of rain hit his face and he wiped it away with his hand. A woman's excited shout stabbed the air and he spun to his left, only to see his mother standing half outside the door to the kitchen, her body assaulted by a strong gust of wind, plastering her skirts against her legs.
"Mother," he said, striding toward her.
"Oh, Stephen. Is she not wonderful?" His mother threw out her arms and hugged him, squeezing him so hard he stepped back and took hold of her shoulders.
"Who?" His mother had been missing Bringston so much perhaps she had snapped.
For years after his father's death Stephen had tried to comfort his mother. She had loved the duke and when he had died, she had fallen apart.
But Stephen could never forgive his father for not loving this woman. And that made Stephen's own situation more difficult. He was going to have
to marry a woman who did not love him. Yet at this point, he had no idea exactly what he felt for Miss Shelby. It was an insufferable situation.
"Why, your dear Elizabeth," his mother answered as the rain fell lightly against her pale cheeks. "You are marrying the sweetest girl on the face of this earth—besides your sister, of course."
Stephen stood, dumbfounded.
"Come, take a look." His mother dragged him out of the rain and into the kitchen. "Are they not beautiful?"
Stephen's stunned gaze shifted to the corner of the room. There sat Egypt, licking her litter of four tiny kittens. No, it was five, including one little ball off to the side.
Kneeling on the floor was Elizabeth, her gown damp and dirty from whatever ministrations she had to deliver. Her spectacles were on the table, resting beside a crumpled handkerchief.
Stephen's stomach clenched at the sight. The lady was enchanting. Unaware he was watching, she picked up the stray kitten and pressed it against her cheek.
"There now. You'll be safe and warm with your mama. You've had a harrowing day, but all is well, my sweet."
Stephen felt another spurt of jealousy. He knew instantly that Elizabeth Shelby would make a fantastic mother. His heart gave a kick and he could not take his eyes off her.
Then he saw the most incredible thing. His mother, who was known to be quite fastidious, knelt down beside Elizabeth and started talking to the kittens.
"You vexatious creatures. What a scare you gave me." She picked up a wet ball of fur and turned. "Come here, Stephen."
Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and a blush swept across her face as she took in her own appearance. "Oh!"
"La, my dear, Stephen does not care a whit what you look like. He loves you." The lady smiled dreamily. "Love is what truly matters in marriage. And I have found it with Bringston."
Elizabeth eyed Stephen with such horror he felt about an inch high. It was obvious she was thinking about what his mother had said and she quickly dropped her gaze. "I must ready myself for dinner."
The older lady looked up. "Have them send you some hot water for a bath. Stephen will see to your every need, won't you, my dear? Why you kept this girl a secret, I'll never know."
Elizabeth stood and brushed the dust from her skirt. She hurried across the kitchen while Stephen followed. He took her elbow, gently pulling her close.
She halted. "Yes, my lord?"
He lifted her chin with his finger. "Thank you."
She looked away, the painful gaze spearing his heart. Did she love that weasel Fennington so?
"You're welcome. But truly, I must ready myself for dinner. Pray excuse me."
"I will see to your every need, of course," he said more sharply than intended. She gasped and fled from his arms. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he murmured, glaring at the floor.
"Confound it, do not speak to your feet."
Stephen looked up to find Stonebridge smiling at him. "What the deuce are you talking about?" Stephen snapped.
"My wife may fear it runs in the family, talking to one's feet and what not. Can you not see that I have enough to worry about? When will you learn to stop this nonsense?"
Stephen's fist clenched. "Oh, go to the devil."
"Oh, but I've been there—before I married your sister, that is. And I can tell you something, until you face the devils inside yourself, you won't have any peace at all."
Chapter Eight
The weather was horrid as Elizabeth slowly made her way down to dinner. Sheets of rain fell from the sky while the wind howled against the walls of Elbourne Hall, making travel all but impossible. She knew that any guests who had been invited this evening would not be coming. Only an idiot would dare step outside on a night like this.
She drew in a deep breath and tried to calm her pounding heart. She had already made the acquaintance of the duke, but it was his intense gaze that unnerved her. The man didn't seem happy about her engagement to his brother.
She shouldn't care, but she did. Of course, Lord Marcus seemed kind and so did his brother Lord Clayton.
She felt a little lift, recalling the moment she had met the duke's wife and his sister. The duchess, Jane, as she asked to be called, since they were to be family, had been all smiles, making her feel as welcome as Lady Emily, a dear lady whom Elizabeth felt at home with the moment she met her.
But a sister was one thing, a brother who was a duke was something altogether different. What had Stephen told him? Or was it the fact that she was not of the illustrious ton—that is, without her father's money?
Only minutes ago she had discovered that she would be alone tonight with the Clearbrook family. Milli was exhausted and had pleaded a headache. Her father had done the same, begging to be excused. The journey in the coach always tired him out.
She regretted speaking to him with such anger about his plans to wed her to his lordship, but it was her life and she should decide her destiny, not him.
Her thoughts turned to Stephen, and despite herself her heart began to soften.
She certainly didn't want to recall the loving way he looked at his mother as she cared for the kittens. But the episode still lay deep in her mind, refusing to be settled. How could a man be so two-faced?
Milli could not have been wrong about the incident with Odette, could she?
And yet, no matter what, Elizabeth couldn't control her attraction to the man. His charm was like a spell and she found herself beginning to like him. If that were not maddening, she didn't know what was.
Although his mother had said he was an impulsive child, the love in the lady's voice had not been lost on Elizabeth, and she had instantly felt a prickle of regret at the way she had treated him that day in the library. The man was an absolute enigma.
"Good evening," Stephen's mother announced, her steps quickening as she drew up beside Elizabeth in the hall. "Did the servants bring you hot water for a bath? Is there anything else I can do for you? I will never be able to thank you."
Elizabeth laughed. "I did nothing but help Egypt with her kittens. Please do not make me some kind of saint."
The lady raised an elegant brow. "I will never forget your kindness, Elizabeth. If you ever have need, please feel free to come to me. But I am so sorry your family is under the weather this evening."
The lady waved her hand toward the dining room, her eyes sparkling, no doubt because of her new kittens. "La, I fear it will be a bit informal tonight with our tight little group. None of our guests will wish to travel."
As they entered the room, the gathering turned their way.
Elizabeth saw Stephen's expression tighten and a lump formed in her throat. The two middle brothers gave a warm smile of welcome. The Duke of Elbourne nodded grimly. The young duchess flashed a quick glare at the duke before she took Elizabeth's hand in a warm welcome.
Stephen stepped away from his stiff position at the window and walked toward her. "You look enchanting. I'm sorry your father and Millicent are unwell. Is there anything I could do to make them more comfortable?"
Elizabeth managed a smile, knowing the young duchess was taking in the scene with a calculating eye. "They are resting comfortably, thank you."
Silence fell over the room like an ominous black cloud.
"My dear," the duchess added gracefully, still holding Elizabeth's hand, "you are already acquainted with Lady Emily and her husband Lord Stonebridge?"
Forcing another smile, Elizabeth was soon drawn into an easy conversation with Stephen's sister. The rest of the family began to chat among themselves and the awkward moment was over.
"I hear you saved Egypt from certain death," Lady Emily said, laughing as she patted her round belly, walking near the window to peer out at the storm.
Elizabeth flushed at the candid remark, knowing the lady was referring to her delicate condition. But it seemed no one considered the comment scandalous since Lady Emily happened to be surrounded by family.
However, Elizabeth immediately detected the note of
worry on Lord Stonebridge's face as he followed his wife with eaglelike eyes, and she sympathized with him. Many ladies died during childbirth. Her own mother had died giving birth to Milli, had she not?
"Little Egypt is doing quite well," Elizabeth offered. "But I own the entire day has been a great surprise to your mother."
Lady Emily grinned. "Yes, but I daresay a delightful surprise. She needs some diversion with Lord Bringston away."
A thunderclap shook the mansion and Elizabeth flinched. The room darkened as the candles flickered eerily on the tables.
Lady Emily winced and Elizabeth stared at her thoughtfully.
"I hope you like roasted duck with lemon sauce, sweetheart."
Stephen's silky voice broke into Elizabeth's keen scrutiny of his sister. A small shiver worked its way up her back as he took that moment to come up beside her. "It is one of Cook's specialties."
Sweetheart? Her stomach flip-flopped like a dying fish on a pier at the sound of the endearment passing his lips. His charm was never ending. The rogue.
"I have never had it with lemon sauce before, my lord."
Like a besotted suitor, he guided her to her seat, whispering in her ear, "Then we will have something to talk about later, won't we?"
His warm breath fanned her face, and she stared helplessly at the table. Why was he doing this to her?
"Stephen, dear," his mother said as he took his seat, "you must be our escort tomorrow to the dressmaker's. Elizabeth will need a new wardrobe. One never has enough gowns, you know."
Elizabeth looked up, dumbfounded at the lady's suggestion. "But my father has always seen that I have the best in gowns."
Stephen raised a brow in her direction and picked up his wineglass. "Alas, he will not be the one to care for you when we are married. In fact, after we are wed, I have made it clear to your father that he will pay for nothing."
The duke seemed to choke on his food. Elizabeth blinked.
Lady Emily smiled. "Miss Shelby, Mother tells me we are to have an engagement ball in two weeks. It will be an extravagant affair. Of course, I won't be able to come, but I will be settled in my chambers, sending spies for all the details."
The Wagered Bride (The Clearbrooks) Page 11