by Cee, DW
“You, Estelle, are the entire package rolled into one glorious gift. Beauty, brains, humor, sweetness, work ethics, a desire to achieve—it doesn’t get any better, Mademoiselle. That’s what I see in you. Sad for me, Harry has noticed the same.”
“Why is it sad for you?”
“Because when a lady of caliber chooses a man, the son of a duke will always win.”
I was surprised by his comment. “You think I’m that shallow?”
“No. I only speak of reality, Estelle,” he answered sadly.
“That’s not fair, Roland. You’ve pushed me into the same corner as everyone else.”
“I hope for my sake, you’ll claw your way out of that corner. Harry’s not the only one who’d like to see himself wedded to you.”
“What?” Dear God! What had I gotten myself into at this weekend party?
“I’ve watched you since you stepped through the front door and I’m a man who knows what he wants. Before I leave for Harvard, I’d like your permission to speak with your father for your hand, Estelle. I don’t have all that a future duke has to offer, materially, but my heart is yours. I give you everything of me.”
“Roland. I don’t know what to say. I’ve told both you and Harry that I don’t want marriage.”
“We can marry today or we can marry after all your dreams and goals have been fulfilled. The choice is yours.” I was about to tell him no, but Roland stopped me. He understood my complaint and attempted to bolster his suit. “If you want to marry immediately, you can study with me at Harvard. If you’ll allow me three years at law school, I’ll take you to whatever fashion school you desire. If Paris is your first choice, I’ll buy us an apartment there and I can start a law firm in the city of lights. If England is your choice, we can come back here and start your career. All I ask is for three years of your patience while I finish law school.”
“You’ve given me more to think about than I ever thought possible. I must go now.”
I ran away before he could promise me any more of the moon.
*******
Roland
Damn. My pursuit started and ended all on one breath. “Damn Harry Bennington!” I muttered, heading toward my room.
“What did I do wrong this time?”
“Shite. Where did you come from?”
“My room. What the hell is your problem, now?”
“You are my problem.”
“Do explain.”
I always hated his courteous commands. “Because of your crazy methods with Estelle, I’ve had to show my hands this early in the chase. Whatever happened to courtship, Harry? I like to get to know my women, tease them, enjoy their company, and have them grow to like me, before proposing.”
“What can I say if your confidence is lacking? You’ve known me long enough to know nothing stops me from what I want.”
“And what you want is Estelle Cowper?”
“Like the earth needs the sun, I need her in my life. She will be my duchess.”
“Not if I have anything to do with it,” I challenged.
Harry glared, but had no effect on me. I didn’t give a damn what his title was; I would not kowtow to him.
“Where did this sudden interest come from? Weren’t you in the midst of an engagement with Miss Lauren Gunn? Isn’t that the rumor floating about town?”
How the hell did he know of my talks with Lauren’s father?
“That’s none of your business, but if you must know, her father approached me about a possible union. I did not agree. In fact, I told him I couldn’t give him an answer until law school was over.”
“So you’ll have poor Miss Gunn waiting three years for a possible engagement while you dally with any beautiful woman who comes your way?”
“Shut your mouth, Harry Bennington. Do you think I’m dallying with Estelle? How dare you minimize my feelings for her? Is that what you consider you’re doing with Estelle? Dallying?”
Harry was inches from testing his pugilistic expertise. I didn’t fear him. I’d fight him all the way to the altar, emerging as the victor of her hand.
“Before I say or do anything uncivilized, I’ll leave you here. Just be warned, Roland, I’ve never been denied what I want. Be prepared to be disappointed, my friend.”
“Ha! Your Pompous Grace is about to face the biggest disappointment of your life.”
Damn Harry Bennington!
*******
Harry
Damn Roland Ascot! Why the hell did Grandfather always insist we be friends? We’d never be more than two men who knew each other’s names.
Now that I knew he was pursuing the woman I wanted as my wife, I’d take special care to keep her away from him.
Where was Mother when I needed her?
“Are we paired together, yet again?” I thought my heart would jump out of my chest when my dinner date winked at me.
“You are undeniably the most stunning woman on this earth, Estelle Cowper. May I escort you to dinner?” She added a cute smirk to the wink and accepted my arm.
Like a fool, I’d waited a good long time for Estelle Cowper to walk down the main staircase. For the past twenty minutes, I contemplated checking the service staircase. Instead of appearing even more foolish, I had my valet check for me. When I was told no guest had passed that way, I waited for as long as it took.
“Did you wait long?” she asked with much mirth.
“Only one-and-twenty years, my beauty. If you ask, I’ll wait the next seventy years for you.”
I loved the blush that appeared on her pale skin. It was lovelier than any portrait.
“Harry. You say the darndest things. Wooing me with your words will get you nowhere.”
“Ha!” I bellowed. “How else am I to woo you, my lovely lady? You’re not impressed with riches, a title, or my good looks. The past hour, all I did was fine tune my game plan so you’d want to take on the Bennington surname.”
She giggled. That was a positive sign. “What’s your game plan?”
“Do you think me daft to reveal my secrets?”
The giggling continued. “How about just one reveal?”
“All right, my lady, I’ll tell you just one part. I plan to court you with my wit and if that doesn’t work, I’ll say yes to everything you ask for.”
“Everything? That’s mighty brave of you. Would you be willing to give up your Bennington life to live a quiet life with me in the States? Could you let go of all this privilege for a mere woman?”
I hesitated. An untitled life was not one I was accustomed to, ever. Would I even know what to do with myself without the help of servants? I didn’t know what to say.
“Estelle.”
“You don’t have to answer, Harry. What I asked was unfair. I’d no more pull you from your comforts as you’d take me away from mine. I don’t begrudge you your lot in life. I just wondered how you’d fit in mine.”
“Can we start this conversation over again? You’ve bested me and I can’t say I like this feeling.”
“You’re fine, Harry. I don’t think any more or any less of you. Why don’t we join the dinner party?”
*******
Estelle
Dinner was never-ending. I didn’t understand why we English ate for so long. How many courses did a person need in one meal? Why couldn’t we have a simple plate of meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits? Who needed three meat and fish courses?
“You have that disgruntled look on your face again.”
“Roland.” He had a knack for showing up every time I had issues. “Wherever did you come from?”
“Considering I’ve been banished to the other side of this very long table, I thought I’d stretch my legs and come see how you’re doing.”
“I’m full. I no longer wish to eat. Does that answer your question of how I’m doing?”
“How about a stroll around the gardens before we adjourn for more food and spirits?”
I knew it wasn’t polite to leave the dinner table. But almost three hours into this meal, I was truly tired of food.
“That would be lovely. Let me inform Mother where I will be.”
“No need. I’ve already informed your parents that I would take you no further than the front part of the gardens.”
“All right then.”
Taking hold of Roland’s arm, we took a stroll through the wonderful evening air. If Harry was daring and exciting, Roland was warm and comforting. Both men had parts of what I’d want in a future husband. Neither had everything I wished for—but perhaps it wasn’t wise to have such high hopes in a spouse.
“What are you musing about, Beautiful? You’re deep in thought and your lips can’t decide whether they want to smile or frown. They’ve done both several times.”
“How do you understand me so well, Roland?”
“One only needs to watch and listen, Stella. Your face tells a thousand stories.”
“Does it? I always wondered how Mum knew when I was lying.”
“As with all other parts of you, when you act, it’s with gusto. Your smile is brighter than the sun. Your frown makes a man want to chase away the London rain. There isn’t much a man wouldn’t do for you.”
“I wish I had your confidence in me.”
“Share with me your dreams and fears, Stella. Don’t try and solve your problems alone. I’m here for you.”
“Before arriving, I thought I’d be attending a simple weekend party. Never did I think two men would ask me for my hand in marriage.”
“Should I be encouraged I’m on the forefront of your mind, or is Harry in front of me?”
“I didn’t think I was like all women who fell prey to men’s attentions, but I guess I’m no different. You and Harry have me intrigued about a future I thought was years away.” I shouldn’t have revealed all my heart to Roland. It gave him an unfair and untrue advantage.
*******
Harry
As soon as I returned to my seat, Estelle was gone. It didn’t take a genius to understand Roland had taken her away to further his case. In a most undignified manner, I chased after them.
“Here you are, Estelle. Dessert is being held because you are not in attendance.” I wanted to laugh at Roland’s grim face. I had won, yet again.
“Oh, I apologize.” Her big blue eyes became just a little rounder and she hurried inside.
“Did you actually hold everyone’s meal on account of Stella being outside with me?”
“I sure did, Roland. This isn’t going to be an easy fight, my friend. I suggest you give up now.”
“Go to hell, Harry. Your ego will best you one day soon. I only hope I’m there to watch you beat yourself.”
What the hell did Roland know? I’d be nobody without my ego. That’s what solidified my place in life.
“Estelle,” I spoke, “it’s not considered good manners to leave a dinner table, especially while one’s dinner date is away taking care of house matters.” Between contrite and cross, I didn’t know which Estelle would appear first. “You may continue dinner,” I announced and a flurry of bodies moved at once to accommodate my command.
“Do people always do what you ask?”
“Generally. It’s their jobs to do what I tell them to do.”
“That sounds ugly, Harry.”
“How so? Is it any better when you go to the butcher and ask for a pound of beef? Don’t you pay for the butcher’s service?”
“Yes, but I don’t command anyone. There’s a difference.”
“On the contrary. You just ask in a sweeter tone than I. I could have said, ‘May we please have dessert,’ and those words would have been no different than, ‘May I have a pound of beef?’”
She watched me; it made me nervous.
“You’re too slick for me, Harry. I don’t think I’ll ever understand your world.”
I was treading on dangerous territory. It was never good when she split us into different worlds.
“Estelle. Whether or not you’ll admit it, we live in the same world. Just because you don’t employ fifty servants to run your household doesn’t mean you’re any less privileged. The fact that you can attend UCL and dream of moving to Paris speaks volumes of your world.”
“You always have an answer, don’t you, Harry?” Was my answer a good one or did I just shoot myself in the foot? She gave nothing away on that usually expressive face.
“I don’t have all the answers, Estelle. The only correct answer I know is that you were meant to be my wife and you were meant to have the world laid at your feet. I’ll give you UCL, Paris, a profession if you like, and anything you ask of me—it’s yours without a fight. Be my partner in life, Miss Cowper.”
“I think my parents would like to speak with me. If you’ll excuse me.”
She walked away without an answer.
*******
Estelle
It was a welcomed sight when Mother waved me over. Harry’s persistence scared me and wore me down. While Roland had a gentle way about him, Harry charged into my life and demanded I surrender. I didn’t know which style was more effective.
“Estelle,” Mother called. “Please sit with us.”
Shoot. She was sitting with Harry’s mother. This couldn’t be good news.
“Yes, Mother?”
Instead of Mum answering, Her Grace spoke. “Harry has been monopolizing your time. Come and join us. I’d like to get to know you.”
This was even worse than I imagined. Since embarrassing my mother wasn’t an option, I sat like a good girl and joined the intimate party.
“This is a beautiful party, Your Grace.”
“Are you enjoying yourself, Estelle? Have you met some of the other girls here?”
“It pains me to admit that I haven’t met anybody aside from Harry and Roland. Those two have expertly occupied my every moment since I arrived.”
“They’re both smitten with you and rightly so,” Harry’s mother commented. “You’re the most beautiful girl here.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. You’re too kind.” I wanted to argue and tell her that she was wrong, but I kept quiet.
“Tell me about your dress, Estelle. Your mother says you designed and created this. Did you truly make this?”
“Yes, I did. I apologize if it’s not to your standards for a formal dinner party. Mother did implore me to wear a ball gown with all the fluff and flounce, but instead, I chose this humble piece.”
“Your outfit is divine. I’d love to wear something that stylish, unique and comfortable.”
Were Her Grace’s compliments genuine or just a polite thing to say? I chose not to dwell on the thought.
“Thank you.”
“Tell me about UCL. Why there?”
“I enjoy studying. If fashion doesn’t work out, I’d like to study mathematics. My head appears to have a way with numbers.”
“My, oh my…” The duchess had her hand to her mouth and expressed surprise. “When Harry told his father that he had already proposed to you, I said a little ‘tsk tsk’ and doubted his sincerity. I worried he may have been overtaken by your beauty. But now that we’ve spoken, I see he’s chosen well. I did not give my son enough credit. You are worthy of becoming the future Bennington Duchess. I may lose my duchess title earlier than planned. You are simply marvelous.”
Mum’s eyes lit up this dark summer night. She was happier than I’d ever seen her.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Your words are beyond what I deserve, but I accept them humbly.”
“Have you answered yes to Harry?” Mum put me on the spot in front of the lady she considered as her future in-law.
“No, Mother. I haven’t answered neither Harry nor Roland. I don’t think I’ll make any decisions this weekend.”
“Roland?” Mother’s voice was uncharacteristically unkind and loud. “Why ever would he propose to you?”
“I’m unsure why any man would propose to me within hours of meeting me, Mother. Why did Harry propose? He hardly knows me.”
“Because Harry knows what he wants in life. He’s to be a future duke. He needs a strong duchess and he believes that perfect candidate is you!”
I wanted to shout, “Really, Mum?” but I didn’t. The smile on Mum’s face was ridiculous.
“I hope you won’t disappoint my son, Estelle. We’d do well with you in our family.”
With a quick smile, I answered, “Thank you for the conversation. I think I’ll retire to my room now.”
To think, this was only the first day. There were two more days to go…
*******
Harry
My dinner date had escaped me again, but I had the pleasure of accompanying her mother to the dance.
“Harry, I apologize for my daughter’s rudeness. I can’t believe she retired this early in the evening.”
A headache—that’s what was mentioned when I asked of her whereabouts.
“It gives me a chance to escort her beautiful mother, instead. You must know your daughter wouldn’t be the woman that she is today if it wasn’t for you. Her spirit, her beauty, her grace is all a credit to you, Mrs. Cowper.”
“You’re too kind, Harry. I hope you’ll be patient with my daughter. Because she’s an only child, we’ve spoilt her. She’s young and doesn’t understand what a treasure you are—and I don’t mean that in the monetary sense.”
“I think your daughter has a strong sense of what she wants in life. She says she doesn’t want marriage. I’m proud to say I tempted her into something she’s fighting. In the end, when she decides to be my duchess, we’ll both come out as victors.”
“You don’t lack in confidence, Harry. That’s a wonderful trait. Just know that our Stella is tenderhearted on the inside. She may talk big and behave uncharacteristically for a young woman, but there’s a scared little girl inside. Please be gentle with her. She’s our baby.”
