Fleeing to the Rakish Duke

by Grace Fletcher

  “Of course,” he said, folding his hands at his back, hoping to put the woman at ease. “May I know your name?”

  “Of course, your Grace.” The woman blinked and then ducked her head once more. Either she had a problem meeting eyes, or she was just shy in general. Something about her told Norham it was the former, and he was intrigued by that. Perhaps she was afraid of what she might find. “Georgina. I hope my siblings have not been disturbing you.”

  Norham noticed she did not give him any other names, though this did not surprise him. Many people who ended up at the estate were reluctant to tell him everything about them, which he could understand. Not that he condoned breaking the law, but he could understand the pressures of life outside of the estate, as much as he did not care to experience them for himself, nor focus on them more than he had to.

  “Not at all,” Norham said eventually, when Georgina had once again looked up at him. “I am loathe, however, to call a young lady by her given name when propriety demands otherwise.”

  “Adams,” Georgina said immediately, surprising herself and Norham. There was no way it could have been a faked name, given how quickly she spoke, and how sincere her expression.

  “Miss Adams,” Norham said. “Apparently my sister informs me that the doctor has come and gone. Please, do not let me keep you.”

  Georgina nodded quickly but hesitated. “Thank you, for allowing us to say here for the evening.”

  “I believe my sister is trying to set up rooms,” Norham said, making sure to keep his amusement on the surface. Now that he had met Miss Adams, he could not doubt that she was appealing to him in more ways than just her looks. “Perhaps the night.”

  Another blush rose on Miss Adams’ cheeks, and she nodded quickly, curtseying once before hurrying into the nursery. Norham stared after her, intrigued more than he wanted to be by the young lady, and wondering whether he could convince her to remain longer than just a night.

  Chapter 6

  Confessions

  Georgina found herself overwhelmed by the generosity of the Norham Estate.

  Though she was still uncertain about how to take Norham himself, Catherine and the staff had been wonderful, feeding Georgina and her siblings, and making sure Helena wanted for nothing. The doctor had left clear instructions, and though Georgina had offered to take over, Catherine would hear nothing of it. She had children of her own, and often had to take care of them when they were sick as babies, and though Georgina had been the caretaker of her own siblings, it was very rare that they got sick. They had a wonderful home back in town, and the children had rarely been in circumstances that warranted it.

  It was strange to be shown the house by Mrs. Turner and Catherine in turn, and when Catherine extended their stay until Helena was back to full health, Georgina almost wanted to refuse. The idea of taking Helena back out into the cold, and dragging the boys with her as well, was as abhorrent as staying in the house without offering something in return, but Catherine would not take no for an answer.

  “Good,” Catherine said, clapping her hands together, and staring down at Tom. “Then it is settled. Perhaps we should introduce you boys to the ponies.”

  Though they had a horse back home, the boys had been too small to ride her, and their eyes lit up at the idea of being able to ride something.

  “Are you sure,” Georgina started, but cut herself off at Catherine’s look. Instead, she sighed, gesturing for the boys to follow Edward, who seemed amused by the children currently following him.

  Catherine looped an arm through Georgina’s. “Now. There’s a whole library downstairs. Do you like to read?”

  Georgina nodded, smiling. “Doesn’t everybody?”

  “Georgina,” Catherine said, squeezing her arm. “You would be surprised how many people are positively boring in not reading.”

  Georgina could imagine it, though she was only too willing to see the Norham library. By all accounts, it was going to be impressive, especially as Norham and Catherine both seemed well-read, and Catherine enjoyed reading. It could not have prepared her for the sight of all the books, nor of the fact that the library opened out onto a ballroom.

  “We do hold balls sometimes,” Catherine offered, as Georgina took in the splendor of the room. She pressed a hand to the doorframe, awed by the chandeliers, the plush chairs, and even the ornate decoration to the walls. “Perhaps I shall convince you to attend one.”

  “I would be out of place,” Georgina protested.

  Catherine joined her in the doorway, resting her hands on her hips. Though she was not looking at Georgina, her expression was amused with a hint of exasperation. “Georgina, if I did not know better, I would think you had lived all your life this way.”

  Though she had been told as much by Mr. Turner and his wife, Georgina could not bring herself to believe it. She was used to the life back home, and though her brother had earned enough that they had wanted for nothing, Georgina was aware of the class divide between herself and Catherine—and so would everybody else.

  “I am sure I would give myself away,” Georgina said with a smile. “Though,” she added, “I have no doubt that you would find a way to make me shine.”

  Catherine’s answering expression was kind and beautiful, and she tugged Georgia back towards the library. “There is no need to worry about it now. The next scheduled ball is not for a week, and I would much rather share my time with you reading than dancing.”

  “As would I.”

  Georgina selected one of the books from the shelves, noting that there was to be a ball in a week. Hopefully, she would be able to take Helena away before then, and they would find somewhere safe that did not mean they were indebted to a man she did not wish to get to know.

  Later that afternoon, when the boys came back in from riding, eager to tell Georgina all about their adventures, she listened carefully to each of them, startled by Catherine’s enthusiasm.

  “I told you I had children,” Catherine said gently, when Jacob’s retelling of his ride included re-enacting in the library, much to Georgina’s chagrin. It was no way for a young man to act, but he had stood in Peter’s stead for so long, she could not begrudge him the childish moment. Catherine did not seem to mind, content to laugh and applaud in all the right places. “I have missed occasions such as this. I did not know I would when I decided school was the best course of action.”

  “How many do you have?”

  “Two.” Catherine’s eyes were warm, holding a wealth of affection that Georgina could understand. They might be her siblings rather than her children, but the age gap between them was great enough that she often felt as if they were hers. “Two girls.”

  That was interesting enough that Georgina laughed gently. At Catherine’s enquiring look, she sobered quickly. “Sorry, I did not mean to laugh. I was just imagining how the boys would react to two more girls in the house.”

  Catherine huffed a laugh. “Indeed, I think my girls would be just as put out by having boys in their house.”

  It was lucky then, that Georgina was not planning on staying. She was wise enough not to say that out loud and ruin the moment. Her chest was tight at the thought of the twins and Tom meeting Catherine’s children and forced herself not to get lost in the hope. There was no chance for them here, not being coddled and protected. Georgina needed a plan and she could not form one if she allowed herself to be distracted by the duke and his family.

  “I think perhaps,” Catherine continued, as though sensing Georgina’s quiet introspection. “That I will call for my children to come home.”

  “Will his Grace allow that?”

  Catherine leaned closer, keeping her voice low as Tom and Joseph joined in with Jacob’s retelling, pretending to wrangle Jacob, who was now attempting to be a runaway steed. “My brother would never refuse me. He longs for my happiness almost as much as he wishes to ignore his own.”

  It was a strange comment to make, and though Georgina wanted to ask what she meant, she ke
pt quiet, applauding the boys as they bowed. Catherine joined in, telling them to run and wash up, that Mr. Turner would no doubt have dinner prepared for them in the kitchens.

  “I can pay for everything we’re consuming,” Georgina said abruptly.

  Catherine looked startled. Her expression shifted to exasperation, and a hint of understanding. “Georgina, everything is offered without payment in mind. You have only been here a few days, and if your heart is set, only a few more while your sister continues to heal. It is food we already possessed, and rooms that only go to waste with such a small family left behind.”

  Georgina did not know what to say except, “Perhaps not for long.”

  “Indeed,” Catherine said, recovering her bright smile. “Now, let us wash up, and I’ll see if we can convince my brother that you are to join us tonight.”

  Chapter 7

  Discomfort

  Norham was surprised to see Miss Adams at the table when he arrived for dinner. His sister’s smile, and innocent expression, were explanation enough for how comfortable she was. Catherine had clearly done her usual routine of offering to ask him for a seat at the table and giving it without actually doing so.

  Still, he could not doubt that Miss Adams was a welcome addition.

  Though she was indeed pretty—and that was something most people would assume would be his only thought about her—he could admit that he found her fascinating. Any woman who took on four siblings, and had a secret about where she came from, was enough to hold his attention.

  “Pleased you could join us, Miss Adams,” Norham said, giving his sister a look that she would understand. “My sister has been trying to get you to join us since you arrived.”

  “I apologize,” Miss Adams said at once, looking only slightly uncomfortable with all the ceremony of dinner at an estate. Though Norham could not abide standing on ceremony, he was not stupid enough to ignore all rules and expectations of society. Spiting the world that he had been born into would not grant him the women and drink he so relied upon to get him through the day.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for,” Catherine interjected, narrowing her eyes at Norham. “He has been entertaining enough that there would not have been room.”

  It was supposed to be a cutting remark, but it was too close to the truth to do any real damage. It was not Catherine’s first jibe towards his lifestyle, and he doubted it would be the last, but he had decided his fate—and his future—and he would not have his sister dictate another.

  Miss Adams looked uncomfortable, but she stared directly at Norham, and he was impressed by her. “Perhaps having children back in the house will help with that?”

  Though it seemed like an innocent enough question, Norham could tell there was a weight to it that had Catherine looking momentarily surprised. “Georgina–”

  “I apologize,” Miss Adams said gently, turning to look at Catherine. “I thought you might have mentioned it when you asked about the dinner.”

  Norham was intrigued enough to hold his tongue.

  Catherine did not remain surprised for long. She relaxed, fiddling with the cutlery alongside her plate, and she opened her mouth to speak, when Mrs. Turner swept into the dining room with one of the maids, the smell of a tasty meal wafting out from the bowls in their hands.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Turner,” Georgina said, then, a little quieter, “are the boys behaving?”

  “Of course, Miss,” Mrs. Turner said. “And Lucy’s in with your little Helena.”

  Catherine thanked the maid and stared at Norham pointedly.

  “It smells wonderful,” he said, affecting a smile for Mrs. Turner, who waved him off with a knowing smirk. Though they were staff, the Turners had been there for every decision Norham had made in his life—the good and the bad. He could not be sure what they really thought of him, especially over the past few months, but like with Catherine, he was not willing to change.

  Miss Adams waited for Catherine and Norham to start before she picked up her cutlery and ate demurely, out of place with her bearing. Norham wondered how she behaved away from him. He would have to ask Catherine, though he doubted she would be candid with him.

  “I would like to ask, brother,” Catherine said, after the first course had been eaten and cleared.

  Miss Adams was playing with her napkin, eyes bright as she looked from Catherine to Norham and then back again.

  “I wish to bring the children home.”

  Norham was surprised. His sister had been adamant from the moment she had been abandoned by her good-for-nothing husband that the children would be raised in the best possible manner, even if that meant sending them away. He had seen the change come over his sister.

  Catherine was a wonderful mother, but the idea of having children underfoot while he searched out a potential wife was not a welcome one.

  “You made your decision, did you not?”

  “I can change my mind,” Catherine said immediately, tilting her chin in the manner she affected when she was going to be exceedingly difficult. “Or would you prefer I leave the estate completely and let you bed every woman in society?”

  “Catherine,” Norham snapped, aware that Miss Adam was still present. He allowed it when they were alone, but he could not allow his sister to act out of turn.

  Catherine’s face was pinched, and Miss Adams had ducked her head, looking embarrassed.

  “Perhaps, Catherine,” Miss Adams started, and perhaps she felt a little guilty for bringing the subject up in the first place. Norham wished to tell her she was not responsible, that Catherine was just that way, but he could not. “Now is not the time.”

  The stubborn expression did not leave Catherine’s face. “This did not happen overnight, Samuel.”

  It was not unusual for Catherine to call him by his given name, but it was for her to do it in front of company. It galled him to hear it. “Catherine.”

  “Stop,” Catherine said quietly, and though Norham was annoyed, he could not deny the despair on his sister’s face, or the discomfort in the set of her shoulders. “I just wish to have my children back.”

  An uncomfortable silence fell over the table, and Norham sighed. The doors to the dining room opened and the second course was brought in. As soon as the maid and Mrs. Turner had retreated back to the kitchens, Norham stared down at his plate with a frown.

  “I think we can arrange to have them brought back.” Norham was not a terrible man. He did not make the best choices, but he was not about to upset his sister for propriety’s sake. “Though we will have to find them a Governess or a tutor.”

  Catherine’s smile was brilliant, and she shared an exhilarated look with Miss Adams. Norham could not help but stare at Miss Adams; she looked beautiful when unencumbered with negative emotions. “I could probably find someone.”

  There was something heavy in the words when Catherine looked at Miss Adams, and Norham was not a stupid man. He could figure out what Catherine meant by that and was silently pleased that Miss Adams cared for her siblings and seemed to enjoy it enough to extend that care to two more children. Norham wisely kept his counsel on that matter, though he steepled his fingers, resting his chin upon them.

  “I was hoping that you would join us again for dinner, Miss Adams, tomorrow evening?”

  Miss Adams looked taken aback, and her expression was shrewd as she stared at him. Norham kept his face even, tucked back into his food. Miss Adams did not make any motion towards answering him, and though Catherine had turned back to her own dinner, Norham knew her well enough to know she was giving them both surreptitious glances under her lashes.

  It could have made for an uncomfortable dinner, but the tension was eased somewhat by Catherine’s joy, and she radiated it to her dinner companions. Norham could not fault her, nor could he fault Miss Adams for being apprehensive, even if he did not understand her reticence. A man’s reputation should not stand in the way of making an impression on his own merit.

  When the staff had cleared th
e dinner things away, Norham stood slowly, resting his hands on the table. “I would hope that you accept my invitation, Miss Adams, but I will not be offended if you refuse.”

  Miss Adams nodded respectfully. “I will be sure to let you know ahead of time, your Grace.”

  Norham knew that was the best he was going to get and though there was a voice in the back of his head telling him that she could not refuse him, he ignored it. To his sister, he sighed, affecting an expression of the put-out, though he was not in feeling. “I will make the arrangements to have Mary and Isabelle brought home immediately.”

  “Thank you, Samuel.”

  Though she had again used his given name, and Norham’s immediate reaction was to admonish her, he simply nodded and left the women to no doubt gossip and plot behind his back. It was enough, he supposed, that Miss Adams had told him she would think about it.

  Besides, if his sister’s apparent plan came to fruition, he would have plenty of opportunities to invite Miss Adams to dinner.

  Chapter 8

  Governing the Family

  “I have a question that I need each of you to think about carefully.” Georgina sat on the edge of Helena’s bed. She was looking much better, color back in her cheeks, and Mrs. Turner had assured her that she would be up and walking in no time.

  Jacob and Joseph sat against the wall, picking at a plate of sweet foods that Emma had given them. Tom was playing with some toys in the nursery, though he was sitting on the other side of the bed, attempting to get Helena to join in. She was, though she looked tired and drawn, and would often leave Tom to his own devices.

  “What?” Jacob asked, immediately attentive.

  Waiting until she had their attention, Georgina folded her hands in her lap. “Lady Norham is bringing her daughters back to the estate.”

  As expected, the twins immediately wrinkled their noses. Tom looked impassive, though there was a spark of interest in Helena’s eyes.