“I wish I knew what it was,” Rowena said, feeling miserable. The thought of seeing him turned her stomach into knots.
The two spent the next hour getting ready for dinner. Rowena selected a periwinkle-colored round dress, with a pale-yellow spencer. It was proper and something a betrothed woman would wear, not a girl in the market for a husband. She hoped to make a statement with it.
There was a knock on the door, and a moment later Catherine entered. There was a big grin upon her face.
“They have arrived, the Duke and his brother. You would never believe it, but Mister Newmont carried with him a book! A book! To a dinner engagement.” She shook her head as though it was the silliest thing she’d ever seen. “At least His Grace had the good sense to bring a proper gift. A case of wine from his winery.”
Her sister spun her legs in an excited manner as she sat on the bed. “He’s quite dashing, isn’t he? Row, you danced with him as well at the ball. Did you not think he was quite the catch?”
Rowena found herself sweating. This was not a situation she ever imagined finding herself in. Not only did she have feelings for a man who was not to be her husband, now her own sister had her eyes set on him as well.
Fortunately, she was safe from having to answer by the ringing of the dinner bell.
Catherine rushed out of the door, unable to contain her excitement at the prospect of dinner with the Duke.
Rowena pushed herself off the bed with force, but found her spirits faltering at the prospect of what lay ahead.
Betsy made her way to her friend’s side and rubbed her back. “Let us see what fate has in store for you, shall we?”
She gently nudged Rowena forward. With each step she found herself pondering about this odd duality of feelings inside of her. On the one hand, she dreaded going downstairs to see him again. On the other, her heart called out to be near him.
At the foot of the stairs, she inhaled fully to fill her lungs and braced herself for what would certainly be an unforgettable dinner.
Chapter 15
Christopher and Henry were seated in the drawing room on the plush, white, velvet-covered chaise lounge, while the Earl had taken a seat in the armchair by the fire. Christopher found his hands grow clammy at the prospect of seeing Lady Rowena in a few short moments.
Henry, to his relief, appeared to be in a chipper mood today and quickly involved the Earl in a spirited conversation about the future of their joint venture. Henry, as adverse as he was to participating in social events, reveled in details when it came to their vineyard and the production of Summerwind Wines. While Christopher made the connections, Henry made the actual business run smoothly.
As different as we are, we make a great team. Yes, together we will rebuild all we lost.
While his brother engaged the Earl, Christopher glanced around the room. The feminine touches typical of a London drawing room were unmistakable and reminded him of the drawing room at Havisham House. Lady Hazelshire, it seemed, shared his mother’s liking of white and gold decor. The walls were painting in a gleaming white, with the accents mostly gold.
The large French window which overlooked Charles Street was framed with golden drapes. Two carefully painted golden bureaus with white handles were positioned on either side of the window. Scattered through the room, in a manner which encouraged socializing and conversation, were golden chairs with rose-colored cushions. The theme extended throughout the room. A gold-framed mirror hung above the white-marble fireplace around which the men were currently seated. Even the handles and décor around the fireplace door was in gold, set against amber.
Catching his gaze, the Earl grinned. “Admiring Lady Hazelshire’s handwork I see.”
“Indeed, My Lord. It is very similar to that of my dear Mother, is it not, Henry?”
His brother nodded, a sudden solemn expression on his face.
“I noticed it too. Lady Hazelshire would have been ever so comfortable at Havisham House.”
The Earl chuckled, “Well, perhaps we ought to pay you a visit there one of these days.” Christopher wasn’t sure if the Earl simply remembered their circumstance or if it was their sullen expression, but he instantly looked horrified.
“I am ever so sorry for my misstep. It escaped me for a moment that you are no longer in possession of the home.”
Christopher swallowed, working hard to retain his composure.
I must appear confident. I must ensure that he knows I intend the rebuild my lost fortune. Otherwise I have no chance with Lady Rowena.
“Please, do not feel badly for us. We will soon be the owners of Havisham House again. It has been the London home of the Dukes of Westmont and it will be again,” the Earl smiled and nodded.
“I am glad to hear your determination. Well, perhaps this vineyard of ours will help make that a reality. A new line of exclusive wines might just give you the boost you need. I have heard Havisham House is a rather grand home, and I should like to see it one day. When it is firmly back in your hands.”
Just then, something, or rather someone, caught the Earl’s eye and he rose.
“My Dearest, I am ever so grateful you could join us.” Christopher turned and saw Lady Hazelshire walking through the doorway. She was dressed in a fine-looking promenade dress, adorned with carefully stitched flowers.
“I hardly made it back in time.” She turned to Christopher, her sapphire-colored eyes scanning him from head to toe. “Excuse my appearance. I was called away this morning to my son’s residence.”
She extended a hand to him so he might kiss it as she curtsied before him.
“You look lovely, my Lady. And I hope all is well with your son. No bad news, I trust?”
Before she could answer, the Earl broke in. “No, quite the opposite. Our daughter-in-law is with child, our first grandchild. She is simply–”
“My Lord, it is no topic to discuss before dinner,” Lady Hazelshire said, softly but with determination.
I see she is the one who adheres to the strictest of social regulations, while he appears mellower in his approach. I wonder where Lady Rowena fits in.
He looked past Lady Hazelshire, who was speaking to his brother. Where was Lady Rowena?
Suddenly a terrible thought came to him. What if she was not here? What if she was out, being courted by that dastardly Thornmouth? Given that Parliament was not in session on Wednesdays, the day was often favored by young couples for their courtship.
The thought of her alone with him and just a chaperone made him want to expel his breakfast.
He swallowed hard at the mere thought of sitting through dinner without her. As if she had noticed his distraction, Lady Hazelshire smiled at him graciously.
“She will be here shortly, Your Grace. My daughter has been looking forward to seeing you again ever since the ball.”
Christopher broke into a wide smile at the encouraging, yet surprising words.
“As have I, Lady Hazelshire.”
The lady of the house was clearly very pleased to hear this for she focused her attention entirely on him, leaving Henry to converse with Lord Hazelshire.
“Catherine is a very refined young woman, skilled in music and the arts. She is a wonderful conversationalist, as you maybe have gathered at the ball.”
“Lady Catherine?” Christopher had almost completely forgotten about Lady Rowena’s younger sister. As well as the Earl’s desire to make a match of the two of them. It was Catherine her mother had been talking about, not Rowena. Of course not. Her parents certainly did not know about the conversation at the ball nor about his intentions toward her.
Quickly he recovered his wits. “Lady Catherine is a lovely young woman, indeed. Wonderful dancer.” He knew he should stop speaking, but he could not help but continue, “As is your other daughter, Lady Rowena. Will she be dining with us as well?”
Lady Hazelshire’s eye twitched for a moment and her smile became tight. “Both our daughters will join us. A rare pleasure that I am sure to miss, on
ce Rowena is wed to His Grace, the Duke of Thornmouth. Do you know him well, Your Grace?”
Christopher shook his head. “Not well. I have met him on several occasions. But of course, his reputation proceeds him.”
“Indeed, it does,” Lady Hazelshire said with pride.
“I have not seen His Grace since your daughter’s coming-out ball,” he added, his eyes traveling to the door once more in anticipation of seeing her.
“Faith, I remember now. You were quite gallant and offered to save our dear Rowena from humiliation when Duke Thornmouth ran late. It was ever so good of you. I know Catherine was very impressed by your kind gesture. She was lucky that the Duke arrived in time for the minuet and saved the evening, however.”
Christopher stood, the smile fading from his face. “It was ever so good of you to offer,” the Lady said. “Perhaps at the next ball we can all pair up and dance the quadrille together.” She turned her head to Henry. “We will find you a nice lady to dance with you, and we shall have a full set!” She clapped her hands together and laughed at her idea.
“That would be splendid, would it not, Christopher? He loves the quadrille,” Henry said. It was obvious to Christopher that his brother was being facetious. However, to those around them, he appeared eager.
“Splendid. Did you hear, my Dear? We shall all dance the quadrille at the next ball. Perhaps at the Almack's next Wednesday, what do you say? My Lord Husband, perhaps you can send word to the Duke of Thornmouth to see if he might join us?”
“Of course, dearest. I shall do so after dinner. Ah, well it appears my daughters are arriving. It is either them or a herd of rhinos broken out of the menagerie,” the Earl chuckled once more at his own joke.
“Augustus,” Lady Hazelshire hissed, the Earl’s first name slipping out of her mouth.
However, he was not wrong. Rapid, noisy footsteps could be heard running down the stairs and a moment later, three shapes appeared at the door.
Christopher’s heart sang with joy when at last he saw her. Lady Rowena was as ravishing as he remembered. Her long dark hair was braided up and wrapped around her head, and small flowers adorned the braid.
The Earl stepped up to his daughter. “Your Grace, I trust you remember my daughter, the Lady Rowena.” She curtsied before him but did not meet his eye.
“Your Grace, an honor to welcome you in our home,” she said. Very briefly their eyes met. He saw an uncertainty in them, almost as if she was afraid to look at him fully.
He on the other hand, reveled in the opportunity to lay his eyes upon her beautiful face. What an extraordinary beauty she was. The moment passed all too soon, for behind her, her sister waited eagerly to be announced.
“And my younger daughter. Lady Catherine,” Lord Hazelshire said, beaming with pride. Unlike her sister, Lady Catherine was eager to meet him again. She stepped before him, curtsied deep and then flashed a bright smile at him.
“Lady Catherine, a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you, Your Grace. Perhaps after dinner I might entertain you with some music? I’ve just studied a new piece by Beethoven. I recall you said you were fond of him?”
Christopher nodded, even though he remembered no such thing. Indeed, he remembered nothing of the conversation they’d had at her ball, for he’d been entirely occupied with thoughts of her older sister. When Lady Catherine stepped aside to greet his brother, Christopher saw the third young woman before him.
He recalled her vaguely as one of the people who’d exited the carriage when he’d first set eyes on Lady Rowena that morning.
“This is Miss Elizabeth Carmichael. Our ward. She will be leaving us shortly to take appointment with Lord Portsmouth,” the Earl explained as the young woman curtsied.
“Lord Portsmouth, you said?” His attention focused on the young woman before him. She nodded once, as she eyed him with an odd curiosity.
“Indeed, I am to be their governess. Have you met their children, Your Grace? Ever so darling.”
He swallowed. “I have not had the pleasure, although I know Lord Portsmouth. We were at Eton together.”
Her eyes lit up. “Perhaps you may give me some advice and pointers before I take my new position, then.”
He nodded at her graciously and she rushed to Lady Rowena’s side, excitedly whispering to her. The Lady looked up at him, a small smile on her lips.
Christopher suddenly had an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. It was easy to see the bond between the two young woman and he wondered if it was wise of him to tell them the truth of Lord Portsmouth.
He was a well-known rake. Despite being married to the beautiful but shy Viscountess Portsmouth, he was known in the gambling rooms of London for the high-stake games he enjoyed, and for his roving eye. And hands. He’d heard a tale that he’d made a maid with child and then put her out of the house. This was of course the on dit, and perhaps best not shared with either of the young women.
The party moved into the dining room, which was as lavishly furnished as the drawing room, albeit much more masculine.
In this, it reminded him of the Earl’s study. The furniture was heavy and mahogany, and the dining table which could easily have seated a troop of ten. For tonight, however, the chairs had been spaced out to have room for just the six of them. It was covered in white tablecloth and covered with dishes.
He spotted soups, fish, bread, and various serving bowls.
The Earl took his seat at the head of the table and indicated for Henry and Christopher to sit on either side of him. To his great delight, Lady Rowena was seated beside him, next to her mother. Her sister and ward were across from her. He soon found that his delight was short lived, for she still did not look at him and sat in a stiff manner, hands folded in her lap.
Why is it that she cannot even look at me? Have I done something to offend her?
Around him, dinner plates were being filled and glasses raised. Yet he could not help but continue to stare at the woman beside him. He decided he had to break the awkwardness and leaned toward her.
“It is a lovely home you have, the drawing room is particularly distinct.”
She glanced up and their eyes locked at last. “You are fond of gold then, Your Grace?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I find it ghastly, in fact.”
A smile appeared on her face and she leaned in. “As do I. But please do not tell my Mother.”
“It shall be our secret,” he promised with a wink. “Although I must admit my Mother was very fond of the same type of decor as yours. She would not have been out of place at the Court of King Henry the VIII, for the taste in unique furnishings.”
“The same is true for Mama,” she looked at her mother who was eating her soup, an eye on the pair.
Before he could say any more, a footman approached Lady Rowena to serve her meal and her attention was diverted.
For the rest of the first course, he found himself unable to converse with her further for the Earl was ever eager to either talk about the Vineyard, or to further conversation between Christopher and Catherine.
Catherine, of course, was excited to be able to share her many virtues with the visiting pair. Before long, Christopher, and by extension Henry, who sat and ate while rolling his eyes discreetly, knew a lot of the young woman’s accomplishments.
“I spent a summer learning Latin as well; it was ever so difficult,” Lady Catherine said, and Christopher found himself nodding once more, wishing that the meal might end. He then would be able to retreat to the drawing room, where conversation with Rowena might be more to his liking.
At last, the second course was served. Throughout dinner, Christopher’s yearning to be alone with Rowena grew stronger and stronger, and yet he was beginning to feel that his plan to get closer to her by way of a family dinner had been a miscalculation.
Between the second course and dessert, while the servants were busy removing dishes and bringing more, Christopher tucked on Henry’s elbow, indicating toward the w
indow which overlooked the garden.
“Henry, I require your assistance.”
His brother pursed his lips. “I dare say you do. You are seated right beside the lady of your heart and yet you’ve hardly exchanged a word with her.”
“It is because the Earl is ever so eager to have me get to know his younger daughter. Henry, I fear I shall have my entire evening occupied by learning all about Catherine and nothing of Rowena. Either that, or the vineyard.”
He sighed, “And what would you have me do about it?”
Christopher scratched his head. “Well, if you see opportunity perhaps engage Lady Catherine in conversation during dessert? If you cannot, I know she is eager to show off her musical skill after dinner. Perhaps once she is finished, distract her then. And the Earl and Lady Hazelshire, as well. I am certain the young woman, Betsy, will take a hint that I wish to converse with Lady Rowena and give us the space.”
A Forbidden Waltz With the Dashing Duke Page 11
