“Then of course Timothy’s death occurred, and young Vincent became an earl overnight.”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Yes. Life has a strange way of turning out, doesn’t it?” Gabriel said to no one in particular, but since Savannah was the only one standing near, the words were made for her ears.
She turned to him with a resolute smile. “Tell me something about you, Your Grace. I scarcely know much other than that you were Roland’s friend and you’re a duke. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
Gabriel let out a laugh. “You know, then, that Roland and I went to school together, university too. I have a younger brother and two younger sisters. Henrietta is married to a Frenchman, and dangerous as it is they are living near Provence. Franny is visiting a friend who recently married and moved to Cambridge.”
“What about your brother?”
“Charles is on his grand tour of the Continent at the moment.”
“I understand that’s quite a big event in a young man’s life.”
“It is. All young men should have one before they have to return home and begin their chosen professions.”
“I take it you didn’t have a grand tour, Your Grace?”
He cocked a brow in her direction. “Not at all.”
She must have felt his unease. Gabriel wasn’t used to sharing anything, much less business, with a woman. “Shall we watch young Vincent, or would you prefer to return to the house for tea?”
“I believe Vincent will concentrate better if I’m not watching, so I suppose it’s tea, Your Grace.”
He smiled down at her and offered Savannah his arm. They walked back toward the castle together. This woman had suddenly gotten him to open up about things he normally kept to himself. It was quite discomforting.
Chapter Six
Several days had passed since Savannah had seen the duke. They’d had tea while Vincent took his first riding lesson. While they waited for tea, Clevedon had shown her around the portrait gallery. It seemed they both shared an equal love of horses and history.
Vincent had been kept busy with his daily riding lessons and his schooling with a new tutor Lady Dorset had chosen. Not sure whether or not she liked the older man, Savannah decided to keep her thoughts to herself about Vincent’s tutor until she had time to truly evaluate Miss Augusta Smythe.
Vincent, for his part, was settling in better than she’d imagined. He hadn’t complained too much about his schoolwork. What he looked forward to the most was his horseback riding lesson. Without fail, each day, the duke would send a carriage or cart to fetch him.
Savannah was beginning to enjoy her new life. She had spent one day walking through the small village. The countess had a previous engagement, but had sent word ahead to a local modiste introducing Savannah and with instructions that she needed new dresses and accessories. She’d lost weight during the voyage over, and she hoped she could salvage a few of the gowns she’d brought along by having them altered and taken in. The countess, however, was having none of it, deeming what Savannah wore nowhere near the quality of what an English seamstress could create.
She’d also stopped at a shop and found a couple of pairs of kid gloves to replace her worn ones, and even found new threads for her embroidery, along with a new canvas. Though she found it disconcerting to wander about with no one else, Savannah had learned back when she received word of Roland’s death that friends were few and far between. Now more than ever, she discovered just how alone she was. She hadn’t met anyone, and the countess kept herself busy, making Savannah all the more determined to meet some of her local peers. Lady Dorset had talked about hosting a tea to introduce Savannah, but nothing had transpired.
This morning had changed all that when the duke sent around an invitation for her to ride with him. His note had said nothing else, just that he would be arriving for her late morning, and he would supply her with an appropriate mount.
In wanting to share the news with someone, she realized how utterly alone she was. Lady Dorset never arose before noon, and Savannah would be gone to ride with the duke by then. The dowager countess probably wouldn’t have much good to say about the invitation, and Savannah was convinced nothing she did would meet with the woman’s high standards.
She hadn’t thought much of the life she’d left behind. It would do her no good, as there was nothing there for her. She needed to give it time. Things would fall in line. For now, she would dress for her ride and enjoy her time with the duke.
She thought of the tall, handsome man with the emerald-green eyes. Perhaps he might be able to give her some insight as to what her role and position were supposed to be now that her son was the earl. Lady Dorset had been of little assistance in this area. Whether it was because she thought Savannah should already know or if it was because she wanted her to fail, Savannah neither knew nor wanted to dwell on.
Abbott was in the middle of readying her riding outfit when Savannah entered the rooms where she stayed. It was hard for Savannah to get used to having her own lady’s maid, as when she resided in America, when Roland had been alive, she did without. He was adamant about leaving his old life back at home in England. She wondered what he’d say now.
For her first time riding with the duke, she would be doing so sidesaddle, which, in her eyes, was dangerous and did nothing to help a woman truly enjoy riding. But she would do so, and without protest. It wasn’t up to her to come in and make changes, ones that might not be welcome.
Her mind wandered back to the duke and to what he really thought on matters. Was he one who adhered to rigid rules, or was he more progressive and open-minded? Maybe their time together today would help her decide.
She took one last glimpse in the mirror at herself and the moss-green riding habit she wore. Of the two she owned, this one was the best, even though she’d had it for several years. Several years indeed, she mused. Since her husband’s death, it had been difficult to keep up appearances. Although Roland had left both her and Vincent well provided for, her late husband’s lawyer made it nearly impossible for her to spend anything. New clothing had been deemed frivolous. In the gentleman’s mind, the money was there for when Vincent became of age. Until then, the two of them were to live as modestly as possible.
“The duke’s carriage just arrived, madam,” Abbott proclaimed as she reentered the room. Savannah had her thoughts about the plain young woman, but now was hardly the time.
“Thank you, Abbott,” she replied, adding, “I’m not sure what plans the countess has, if any, for tonight, but please make sure the rose-colored gown is ready.”
A few minutes later, she ascended into the elegant black lacquered coach and sat back against the richly appointed black leather seats. The duke had mentioned in a discussion with her his love of horses, and that same adoration was evident in his luxurious carriage. The coach was pulled by two matching white horses. She smiled, recalling how when he’d sent for her and Vincent, the carriage had been pulled by two matching blacks. Horses were definitely a passion of Clevedon’s.
A few minutes later, the coach pulled up at the front door of the castle. The duke himself was there to greet her, standing near two horses, which were held by stable boys. One was obviously the duke’s personal mount, a black stallion, pawing the ground, anxious to run. Nearby, a gray horse stood quietly.
“Good day, Mrs. Dawson. I hope this ride will serve as a good diversion.”
“It’s a perfect day, Your Grace.” Clevedon was dashing in his buckskin breeches and brown boots. He wore a dark tweed jacket over a crisp white shirt and cravat. She felt her heart quicken as he took her hand.
He led her toward a mounting block while the young groom readied her horse. “I chose Matilda for you because you’re an experienced rider, and she’s quite adaptable to any situation.”
“She’s beautiful, and thank you for not putting me on an older, docile animal.”
Once she had mounted, he nodded and swung his leg over the back of his st
allion, who was having to be held by a groom.
“Come, I thought you might like to see where we are clearing for the railway to cross.”
“I hope the noise won’t be too much to bear, Your Grace.”
“Not at all. It’s at the far end of my property, well away from the house.”
She smiled warmly. “Don’t you mean castle?”
“I take it you’ve never seen a castle until you came to England?” he asked, bringing his horse nearer.
“As you’re well aware, Your Grace, we don’t have castles in America.”
“Pity.”
“Come now, Your Grace. America isn’t that old. Your home is at least, what, two hundred years old?”
He laughed, his deep rich baritone rumbling from his chest. “Try six hundred, and through it all, it’s been inhabited by the Armstrong family.”
After a short gallop across a meadow, they walked their horses, letting both animals rest a bit. Savannah was amazed at the lushness of the landscape. She gazed across at the duke, who gazed toward a stone wall that ran along one side of the field. “I understand from Lady Dorset that your business ventures are many. Far beyond the estate.”
“Lady Dorset would be correct. In these days and times, one must expand one’s interests. With industrialization, one cannot rely on farming as was done in the past.”
“Roland thought the same thing.”
“Which was why he had a small fleet of ships to carry cargo. I understand some of his ships were steam powered.”
Savannah nodded. He’d obviously done his research. “Yes, he had expanded more into the steam-powered ships. As I mentioned, he was aboard one when he disappeared at sea.”
She sensed he was uncomfortable talking about how Roland died, as he quickly changed the subject. “Have you seen the townhome in London the family keeps?”
“The countess has mentioned it, along with the fact that I desperately needed to visit her modiste there for more fashionable clothes. Not that the woman in the village isn’t capable.”
“I’m sure the village women are quite capable, but the dowager countess insists on the best, as I’m sure you’re learning,” he replied. “London has a wonderful culture. Have you been to the theater before?”
“No, I’ve never attended. Roland said it reminded him too much of the stuffiness of home.”
Gabriel barked out a laugh. “That sounds like something he would say.”
She smiled. “It does, doesn’t it?”
“We need to remedy that,” he said, gazing over at her.
“What are you talking about, Your Grace?”
“I have business in London. I was thinking perhaps you could find a reason to make the trip as well. I’m sure Lady Dorset would love any excuse to return to Town.”
“We could do that, I suppose. Are you interested in taking me to the theater, Your Grace?”
“Yes, and showing you around London.”
A thrill shot through her at the prospect, which she tried to temper with practicality. “What about Vincent? I can’t take him with me, away from his studies.”
He arched a brow. “Part of being the mother of such a young earl is that you can leave him with the knowledge he’ll be safe and well taken care of. You have competent people looking after him and teaching him. No reason to sit at home all the time.”
Savannah really wanted to spend time with this handsome man, but she was overwhelmed by all the emotions she felt. Dare she accept his invitation? To spend an evening at the theater accompanied by the duke himself...it was the stuff dreams were made of. Her heart beat faster as she considered accepting, but then she remembered who she was, and what her responsibilities were. She bit her lip and tore her gaze from his. “I couldn’t possibly, Your Grace.”
“But you must. Trust me on this.”
She gave him a small smile. “Very well. I’ll at least give it some thought.”
“That’s all I ask. Now, would you care to take a run to that rowan tree at the top of the hill?”
That was all it took. Savannah dug her heel into the mare’s side, and the pair began galloping up the grassy incline. She turned to catch a glimpse of the duke. He was obviously holding his stallion back. The mare was quick, but no match for the duke’s horse.
For a moment, she thought he was going to allow her to beat him to the tree, but she was mistaken. A flash of black passed her, the duke grinning madly as he made a dash for the rowan. Savannah followed, knowing she had not a chance of gaining on the duke and his black beast.
She pulled up alongside him. The view was breathtaking on this perfect English day with the large meadow spread out all around them, the lush green grass blowing softly in the breeze. There wasn’t a cloud to be seen and the sky a light blue.
“It’s beyond beautiful, Your Grace. If this hill were on Sky View, I would spend much time up here under this beautiful old tree.”
He startled her with his answer. “You are welcome anytime.”
She smiled shyly and glanced away from him. It was then that she noticed a tall round tower off to her left. It was intriguing, sitting on top of a hill, gazing at everything around it. Savannah wanted a better view.
“What is that structure?” she asked.
“A tower one of my great-grandfathers built. Would you care to see it?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.”
He shook his head of golden hair, the back hanging just below his collar. “Not at all.” He gently urged his horse into a walk, and she fell in beside him. When they came upon the structure, she stared up at it in awe. Three turrets graced the top of the round tower.
“One of my great-grandfathers was slightly eccentric. He had this built as a lookout. Men posted here could see for miles, so if anyone was coming, they could warn the duke of impending visitors.”
“Was he afraid of being attacked?”
“Yes, and the tower gave him an advantage.”
She smiled. “It appears quite large. Was it lived in? I’d love to see inside.”
“Yes. Unfortunately, it is locked. I’ll bring the key another time. As you can see, there’s a circular staircase that winds all the way to the roof, which is where the men would hold watch.”
“The view is spectacular, I imagine.”
He nodded, smiling. “It is. My brother and I used to play here, even though we were not allowed.”
“Why were you not allowed?”
“Our father probably thought we might fall from the roof. Once, after he caught us, he installed a new lock on the door and told us we were forbidden to play there.”
She giggled. “Somehow, I doubt either of you listened to your father’s mandate.”
He arched a brow and smiled. “You would be correct, madam.”
They continued their ride in relative quiet. Savannah was ashamed of herself for being attracted to the duke. It had been over two years since Roland had been lost, yet she still at times thought she owed him more than the year of mourning. Riding beside Clevedon made her push all that to the back of her mind and enjoy the present. He was easy to talk to, at least when one got him away from the stuffiness of his duties.
He brought his stallion to a halt and pointed to the sky, where a bank of dark, almost black clouds appeared. “I’m afraid we’re going to have another storm. We need to return to the house before the rain sets in. I’ll show you the rest another time.”
“Very well, though I believe it’s rained more than I’ve seen the sun since we arrived.”
“It only seems that way, I can assure you.”
They made it back to the castle minutes before a slow, methodical drizzle set in. Savannah let the duke assist her from the mare and lead her inside.
“Tea?” he inquired as he stopped before a massive oak door.
“Yes, please,” she replied.
A footman opened the door just as the butler appeared. The duke spoke low to the man and continued to follow her inside. This was a different room, done
in shades of red with gold accents throughout. It was as elegant as any drawing room she’d seen in her short time in England, the only drawback being that there was no access to the outside except for windows.
“This is lovely,” she remarked as she sat down on a gold upholstered couch.
“It’s my favorite public room because of the lighting.”
“I can see why, but don’t you miss having access to a garden?”
He smiled faintly. “You can’t miss what you don’t have.”
A shiver of desire went through Savannah’s body as she listened to his rich, deep baritone. She could never remember Roland’s voice doing that sort of thing to her, but the duke was different. His voice fit his handsome good looks. She realized she’d reached a decision about him.
She should like to get to know him better.
“Has the dowager countess mentioned the soiree she and Lady Margaret hold every summer?” he asked as the two of them enjoyed tea while the rain pattered outside.
“Yes. It’s all she can speak of. She and Lady Margaret meet several times a week to go over one or more aspects of throwing such a lavish party.”
“I can only imagine.”
“She told me just last night how coveted invitations to the ball were because such a small number of people were invited.”
He nodded and put his cup down on the table before him. “It is one of the summer’s highlights,” he politely replied.
“I haven’t seen a guest list, but I’m sure you must be on it.”
“I can attest I’ve received an invitation. Rather than decline, I make it a point to go and spend no more than an hour at it. That seems to please both her and Lady Margaret.”
“I’ve yet to have the pleasure of meeting Lady Margaret. They’ve been meeting at her house.”
He felt himself smile, something he didn’t normally do. “Consider yourself lucky. She and the countess are like two peas in a pod.”
“Probably because they’ve known each other since they were young girls,” she offered.
“How did you know that?”
“Because Lady Dorset can talk endlessly of when they were young girls, before they married and had children of their own. It’s as if the two of them were the only young ladies here in the country.”
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