A Forbidden Waltz With the Dashing Duke

by Hazel Linwood

  With that, she threw herself into the hymn that had just begun, leaving Rowena to look back at the young man who watched her sister intently.

  Once the service was concluded, the Burton and Newmont families gathered in small groups outside the church. Rowena had hoped she would be able to converse with Christopher. However, the Duke of Thornmouth quickly resumed his place at her side.

  “A lovely service, was it not?” he remarked, standing so close to her she felt as though they were already betrothed, rather than promised to one another.

  “Indeed,” Rowena nodded, even though she had not paid any attention whatsoever to the service.

  She looked ahead and saw Christopher standing beside her father, brother, and sister-in-law, while Henry Newmont conversed with Catherine, a few steps away. Just off to the right, her mother was deep in conversation with Betsy.

  It always touched Rowena to see her mother with her best friend. There was something so maternal, so kind about her whenever she was with Betsy.

  “So does Miss Carmichael enjoy her posting with Lord Portsmouth?” the Duke of Thornmouth asked her.

  She looked up at him and found herself suddenly irritated by the ever-twitching corners of his mouth. It was irrational, she knew it, but it bothered her.

  Does he do it on purpose, or is it a nervous tic?

  Deciding to ignore it, she looked past him and at Betsy, nodding as she did so.

  “It appears as though she does.” Suddenly, she recalled a remark he’d made at Catherine’s coming-out dance. A smart remark about the Viscount’s need for yet another governess. It had bothered her then, and now that she thought of it, it bothered her still.

  “You know the Viscount well, do you not?”

  He nodded, evidently pleased that she had decided to engage him in conversation.

  “We were at Eton together. Good man.”

  She nodded, mulling over her questions in her head and deciding how to put them to him.

  “Do you consider him a good employer? I mean, for someone like Betsy?”

  He looked over to Rowena’s mother and friend, the twitching becoming stronger, as if he were trying to keep from grinning.

  “He is always very attentive to his staff, the Viscount. He will take care of her as he has all his governesses.”

  This reply vexed her more than soothed her.

  “How many governesses has he had? His children are still young, surely there can’t have been too many.”

  The Duke shrugged, “Four or five, I believe. He has a need for…well, he goes through rather a lot of servants, it appears. He likes a change.”

  “A change?” The words came out shriller and louder than she had intended. This appeared to take the Duke by surprise, and she noticed that several members of her party, Christopher included, turned to look at her.

  “I meant, that is not good at all for Betsy. She is looking for a long-term position. She–” To her surprise, Duke Thornmouth smiled at her and placed a hand on her shoulder for a brief moment.

  “Do not fret, Lady Rowena. Any friend of yours will be under my protection. I will speak to Louis and ensure your friend is treated well. I will let him know she is eager for a long-term posting. I’m sure if she proves herself, he will be keen to keep her around.”

  Rowena studied his face. His regard for her, indeed his affection for her, was evident. She was not quite so sure about his sincerity.

  Something about him was just not right. Something about his promises rang false. She cast a longing glance at Christopher, who was so close, yet so far. No, something about all of this was wrong.

  Chapter 19

  Christopher glanced at Rowena who looked as uncomfortable as he felt at the sight of the Duke of Thornmouth hovering over her. The Duke, it had to be said, looked as if he were entirely unaware of the discomfort he was causing the young woman. On occasion, she would sneak a glance at Christopher, and he smiled at her as encouragingly as he could.

  “Isn’t it?” the young Charles Burton’s voice drifted to his ear. Christopher turned. He had found himself drawn into conversation with Lord Hazelshire, and their son and daughter-in-law almost as soon as he’d stepped out of the church.

  The topic of conversation was of course the vineyard in Shropshire. To his great relief, Henry had joined the conversation after spending time fawning over the young Lady Catherine. Secretly, he relished in his brother’s new-found infatuation for it would give him much ammunition in their good-natured brotherly spats.

  Henry had eagerly joined in the conversation, allowing Christopher’s mind to wander. It settled, of course, on Lady Rowena. She was mere steps from him and yet he could not be alone with her. There had to be a way. He was just coming up with a plan when he was drawn back into the conversation by her brother.

  “Excuse me? I was lost in thought for a moment.”

  The young Viscount smiled. “I see that. You are as enthralled with my sister as I was told, it seems.”

  Christopher’s blood froze for a moment, until he realized that he was talking about Catherine, not Rowena. Christopher forced a smile on his face and nodded.

  “The women in your family are all rather lovely. Your wife, of course, included,” he dipped his head toward Lady Margaret Burton, who stood beside her mother-in-law, who’d joined their group. The Viscountess had one hand over her stomach and breathed heavily while Lady Hazelshire fanned her with a small fold-up fan.

  “And that brings me back to what I was just saying, Your Grace,” Lord Hazelshire said. “The name for the wine we shall be producing at our new vineyard. Three Roses Wines.”

  Christopher smiled. He was not at all surprised.

  “Yes, it is lovely indeed.”

  Beside him, his brother’s face lit up. “And the wine will be a rosé, so it is even more perfect.”

  “Indeed, indeed,” Lord Hazelshire looked more relaxed than Christopher had ever seen him. “Let us plan a trip to the vineyard. The three of us and you, Charles.” The Earl looked at his son, who eagerly nodded.

  “Now that we have expert assistance, perhaps it will not be as vexing as it has been in the past.” Charles turned to Henry, “It has been rather the nightmare, I must confess. Especially now with my dear wife so close to giving birth.” He turned his head to Lady Margaret Burton and smiled.

  Christopher felt himself both touched and envious at the same time. He wished he could look at Rowena the way Charles looked at his wife. So openly affectionate, so free to love her with all his heart.

  While he found himself lost in thought again, Henry took the reins of the conversation and to Christopher’s surprise, proposed a rather ingenious idea.

  “Why not bring your family along, My Lord? I understand Lady Hazelshire and your daughters do not enjoy your long absences, so why not bring them? While the vineyard is in need of assistance, it is beautiful, and the house is in good enough condition for an extended stay.”

  Henry, who had traveled to Shropshire early on to survey he property, nudged his brother in the elbow and winked. Christopher found himself consumed by gratitude. Bringing the Burton family along would mean he would be able to spend time with Rowena without having to make excuses.

  “What a splendid idea! Don’t you agree, my dear?” the Earl beamed at his wife who did not look as thrilled as her husband. She blinked; her sapphire eyes narrowed.

  “To visit the vineyard? In Shropshire? My Dear, I am not so sure if–”

  “Let me assure you, Lady Hazelshire, now that we have a plan for the future, you will see the property in new eyes. Especially now that we have settled on so beautiful a name for the wine,” Henry was quick to dispel the Countess’ doubts.

  “I assure you, Mother, the property is quite beautiful, now that I can think of it without dread anymore. While the operation itself will require a lot of work, the property it sits on, and the house that goes along with it, is breathtaking.”

  This appeared to appease Lady Hazelshire. In fact, she app
eared to grow fond of the idea, for her eyes lit up as a thought took shape in her mind.

  “Parliament will be on recess a fortnight from now. We ought to go then. Perhaps we will have a ball, and a dinner party. We should get to know the neighboring landowners.” Suddenly she clapped her hands together in delight. “Let us invite His Grace, the Duke of Thornmouth. Rowena will be delighted to have her future husband come along with us.”

  Christopher’s stomach turned and he wanted to strongly protest. However, the young Viscount, Charles, did it for him.

  “I am afraid that would not do, not for this trip anyhow, Mama. While Parliament is in recess, the Duke has volunteered to be on the Special Commission to deal with the rioters in Cambridgeshire. He will be occupied with the matter for weeks, if not months.” His wife, Margaret, leaned into him and whispered something in his ear, before leaving the group.

  “Of course, of course,” the Earl said and faced Christopher. “You see, Your Grace, your fellow Duke bears no grudge over your suggestion; indeed, he has embraced it.”

  Christopher wanted to sneer, for he knew Thornmouth only wanted to be part of the Special Commission to remain in control. However, if it kept Thornmouth away from Rowena, he was all for it.

  He glanced toward the lady of his heart and found that she had at last broken away from Thornmouth. The Duke stood a few feet away from her, holding court with a few of his most loyal followers.

  Rowena, meanwhile, was deep in conversation with Lady Margaret Burton. He noticed with distress that she’d paled, and her mouth was set in one thin line as she listened. Then, suddenly, the two women linked arms and walked toward the shade of the church. Beside him, the rest of the group was engaged in lively chatter about the upcoming trip.

  “Once more, I find myself faced with a merry group of Burtons. What a jolly family I am to marry into,” a voice suddenly broke in. Christopher looked up and took in a gulp of air when he realized who the owner of said voice was. None other than the Duke of Thornmouth, who’d freed himself from his group of admires.

  “Your Grace, I had hoped you would be able to join us,” Lady Hazelshire said with a wide smile as she fell into a deep curtsy.

  “As did I. However, as you well know, once one is in a certain position of influence, one’s attention is always requested somewhere,” the smile on Thornmouth’s face made Christopher want to land his fist directly on it. However, he knew that would be a terrible idea. He curled his twitching fingers into a ball and blinked at the man.

  “It must be ever so vexing to be so important,” the sarcasm was thick in his voice, but if he noticed it, Thornmouth ignored it.

  “It is, my Lord Duke, it is. It is quite tiring to be so in demand. Perhaps one day you too will experience it.”

  “I had a good taste of it in the House of Lords, just a few days ago, if you recall. And I must say, I am quite pleased you decided to take my advice and assist in the formation of a Special Commission.”

  The young Duke scoffed. “I am sorry to inform you that a Special Commission had long been considered before you so rudely brought the matter up during my speech. I know you are still becoming accustomed to the ways of the House of Lords, so I will not hold your ignorance against you.”

  Once again, Christopher fought the urge to lunge at Thornmouth. He was as arrogant as he was cocky.

  I would love to plant a facer on him. It would make my entire year.

  Alas, he knew he could do no such thing. His entire plan to win Lady Rowena relied upon him showing the Earl that he was the better man, and the better match for his daughter.

  To his surprise, it was the Earl himself who stepped in to diffuse the unfortunate discourse which had erupted between them.

  “Now, I would say that the Duke of Westmond had a splendid idea, previously considered or nor. And I am certain that under Your Grace’s leadership the Special Commission will be a smashing success.”

  Christopher swallowed, wanting to say more but knowing he could not. To his delight, it was Henry who stepped in.

  “I am certain Lord Hazelshire is correct. However, it is ever such a pity that His Grace will not be able to join us at the vineyard with the rest of the Burton family.”

  Henry shook his head, keeping his eyes on Thornmouth who’s mouth twitched and dark eyes grew ever darker.

  “The vineyard?” he asked, his attention turned to Lord Hazelshire.

  “Indeed, Your Grace. We will be making use of the recess to visit the vineyard and show it to the family. It is a pity you cannot make it.”

  Thornmouth’s nostrils flared, knowing he was trapped. If he excused himself from the Special Commission in order to attend, he would look as though he did not take his duties seriously. If he went, he would hand a win to Christopher. Who could not help but smirk?

  Although, as he soon found, he’d smirked a little too soon. It only took Thornmouth two clicks to recover himself. With a bright smile, he turned to Lady Hazelshire.

  “It is ever the pity that I cannot accompany you. This time. But I am certain there will be many occasions in future. We are to be family soon, after all.”

  As he said it, he glimpsed at Christopher who crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  “That is true, Your Grace,” Lady Hazelshire beamed. “By God’s Grace, we all will be.” She looked from Christopher to Catherine, the two exchanging an uneasy nod.

  I wonder what became of the spat between Lady Catherine and Rowena. They appeared quite close, seated in the pew. Lady Catherine has been decidedly restrained.

  He wished he could see Rowena, to speak to her and discover what had happened after they had so hastily been torn away from one another after the dinner.

  She had yet to return from the church and he was growing ever more concerned about the serious expression upon her face.

  As the banter between the family and Thornmouth carried on, Christopher felt his feet itching with the need to move toward the church.

  Sensing his unrest, Henry leaned into his brother, placing an arm on his shoulder.

  “You wish to seek her out, do you not?” he murmured. When Christopher nodded, Henry sighed. “Very well. I shall, once again, rescue you.”

  After a few more minutes had passed, Henry began to frantically pat as his waistcoat.

  “By Jove, no,” he said quietly, although loud enough that Lady Catherine, who was standing beside him, could hear.

  “What is it, Mister Newmont?”

  Henry shook his head. “It is nothing, I must be…” he broke off, stuffing his hands inside his pockets, then sighing dramatically. “No, no I did not. I must have–”

  “What is it, young man?” the Earl now asked, one eyebrow raised.

  Henry shook his head. “I seem to have misplaced my pocket watch. Or rather, my Father’s pocket watch. I had it when we went into the church, for I glanced at it to see if the service began on time. And now it is gone.”

  “How dreadful,” Lady Hazelshire exclaimed. “Your Father’s, you say?”

  “Yes, it was. I…I must have dropped it in the church. I will do a search, if you will excuse me. Christopher would you assist me?” He looked at his brother with an expression so pathetic Christopher nearly broke into laughter.

  Composing himself, he nodded. “Of course, of course. Please, let us go quickly.

  The two bade their farewells and set off toward the church when, to their shock, Lady Catherine spoke up.

  “I will help you. I have a keen eye and three pairs are better than two.”

  Christopher wanted to protest but thought better of it when he saw the determined look in the young woman’s eyes.

  “Of course, my lady. I am grateful.” Henry smiled at her and together the three made their way toward the church.

  Once they had made it a few steps from the group, Christopher turned back just in time to catch the Duke’s glare. Shuddering, he pressed on.

  “You may wish to hide your dislike for the Duke, Your Grace,” Lady Ca
therine said as they went. Before he could express his surprise at her words, she continued. “Just because my parents have not seen through you does not mean that I haven’t. It is only lucky that I know of your entanglement with my sister and I can assist, for I must say, the two of you are rather hapless.”

  She shook her head and looked from one to the other, although she did not speak with maliciousness, rather there was amusement in her voice.

  “I do not know what you are talking about,” Christopher meekly replied.

  The young girl rolled her eyes at him. “The lost watch was a good ruse. Alas, I knew it to be just that. Mister Newmont, I saw you looking at it in your pocket the moment before you claimed it lost.”