Whom Shall I Kiss... an Earl, a Marquess, or a Duke?

by Laura A. Barnes

  “If I may be so bold, I must warn you away from Lord Wildeburg. As his closest friend, I have witnessed firsthand the destruction he could cause a lovely young lady such as you.”

  “I thank you for your warning and for the delightful ride today, Your Grace. I will take your warning in stride. While I have seen none of the destruction you speak of, I will say he has been nothing but charming to me. Also, I am not some young miss who wears blinders to such charm. At least he is being honest with his intentions.”

  “As am I, Lady Sidney. I have showed my interest toward you and do not play you false.”

  Sidney laughed at the duke’s confusion. “Mmm, a mousy know-it-all whose opinions need to be kept to herself. Does any of that sound familiar?”

  Sheffield’s look of shock said it all. He could not deny nor ask where she had heard such rubbish without betraying his previous descriptions of her appearance. But he had a clue where she had learned of his comments. Wildeburg. Who else would set to destroy his chances with Lady Sidney? While he could not slander Wilde without looking spiteful to the lady, he would give a word of warning to Lord Hartridge while he pushed his own agenda. Lord Hartridge was a sensible man and would take his word of warning to heart.

  When the door opened, it saved Sheffield from having to answer her. Which was for the best, for she didn’t want the duke to realize she talked with Wildeburg alone in the park yesterday. He would inform Papa. Her parents would never approve and would demand a chaperone be present wherever she went. She valued her privacy too much for that to happen. No, she needed to drop the subject. Her father appeared in the doorway, looking impatient for the delay to come inside the house. Sidney soothed her father with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to join him in his study after she changed. As she rushed up the stairs, she overheard the duke asking for a moment of her father’s time. Her father agreed and ushered Sheffield into his study. Sidney raced to her room to change her clothes. She wanted to eavesdrop on their conversation. Too much happened this afternoon that could ruin her research.

  After Rose helped change her dress, Sidney hurried to her father’s study to find the room empty. She left the office and searched for her father, only for Emerson to inform her of his departure to his club. Sidney sighed and returned to sort through the piles on her father’s desk. At least the duke was no longer present. Their conversation must have been a brief one at that. If they were to have discussed her, surely they would still be talking.

  They must have discussed her father’s latest research; the duke’s investment weighed heavily in the truth of his discovery. Sheffield came across some documents that dated back to the sixteenth century and asked her father to prove them legit. That was all she understood of her father’s latest project. It was one he kept hidden and would let nobody know the depth of the project, including her. It was strange, for he never kept anything private. He always shared his research with anyone who would listen. Sidney sat on the edge of the chair and opened drawers, looking for any clue to project. She realized she shouldn’t snoop, but with Sheffield’s courtship, she was curious on the contents of his papers.

  As she opened the secret drawer in the desk, she glanced toward the door to make sure she was alone. Only she wasn’t. Rory relaxed against the doorjamb. She silently slid the drawer closed, clicking the lock her father had carelessly left undone. While her opening the drawer was dishonest, anybody else’s discovery of the papers would have been damaging to her father. She needed to search more to learn the story of what the research told. Sidney started to sort through the pile of papers on the desk, to appear innocent.

  “Why, Rory, you gave me a fright.”

  “Snooping again, Sidney?”

  “Of course not. I’m helping Papa with his paperwork.”

  “Mmm, in his private desk drawers?”

  “Private desk drawers. What nonsense. Papa keeps nothing a secret. He is excited to share his findings with anybody who will listen.”

  Rory listened to Sidney as she rattled on to draw his attention elsewhere. But he knew better. He watched her as she snooped around, looking for Lord Hartridge’s secret research. He didn’t blame her curiosity, especially since Sheffield pursued her. As he observed her, he noticed the changes in her appearance. Once again, she dressed in a plain gown with her hair pulled in a braid, with glasses adorning her face. While he thought this was the image of his friend, the last few days proved different. Sidney had a mysterious side, and he had been unaware of it all these years. The woman before him stood false. The other woman beheld the true Sidney. While she appeared comfortable in both personas, the Sidney from earlier was more natural and meant to be. Her beauty was more than skin deep, though. Her mind held her true beauty. Her conversations captured any man’s attention and changed their opinions to hers. Every man but the duke. He was the only one who did not appreciate her fully. He only hoped Sidney was not drawn into his dukedom the way everybody else was. But that wasn’t possible. She was too practical.

  “That he does, but we are both aware Sheffield has entrusted your father with classified documents. Have you had any luck finding them?”

  Sidney settled into her father’s comfy chair and scowled at Rory. “No, I haven’t, and you are aware of that. Do you know where he has hidden them? Better yet, do you have information on their contents?”

  Rory sat in the chair across the desk, picking lint off his suit jacket as he pretended indifference to her questions. While he was as curious as Sidney on the unknown documents, he would not draw her interest to them anymore. Lord Hartridge had stung his pride when he did not share his new discovery with him. The other part didn’t want Sidney to become enamored of the Duke by these papers. If he fueled her interests, she would allow Sheffield to chase her, perhaps even catch her. For her own welfare, he must change the direction of her thoughts. Sidney wouldn’t be satisfied with Sheffield for a husband. Of that, he was sure.

  “No, I don’t know where he locked them away. But from what I gather, they are only documents about some land the duke is interested in. Nothing too dramatic, I’m afraid.”

  “Darn. I hoped for something juicy to discover about Sheffield. I guess I will stop my search and help Papa clear his mess in here.”

  Sidney started stacking papers on her father’s desk, putting them in the correct files. She realized her actions were useless, for Papa would spread the papers out all over again when he dove into his research. Even though her father kept his desk disorganized, he could tell you where he laid a document if he needed to locate it in a hurry. Her father performed all subjects of research for the Crown and for any peer of the realm. Anything from scientific research to antiquities discoveries. As long as Sidney could remember, she had helped him with his projects. His enthusiasm for each project drew her into their web of mystery. Her desire to understand the whys and hows always prompted her thirst for knowledge. It was in these quests Rory became a willing partner. He would be right by her side until the end when they discovered the answers to their questions. So, if Rory held no interest in Sheffield’s papers, then they weren’t all that stimulating to begin with. Besides, she had her own research she needed to focus on. And one of her subjects sat before her, giving her his undivided attention. It would be best if she put her valuable time to use.

  “So, if we cannot discuss Sheffield’s papers due to my lack of not finding them, let us discuss the man himself. What is your opinion of Sheffield’s character?” Sidney inquired.

  “Well if that is not a loaded question, I don’t know what is,” laughed Rory.

  “How so?”

  “You wish for me to give my judgment on the very gentleman who courts you.”

  “What is wrong with that? I value your opinion and would like to know what you think of him.”

  “If you are inquiring if I think he is husband material for you, the answer to that is no. But then again, I am biased toward you and would say the same for any competition for your hand.”

 
“Competition?”

  “Yes, Sidney. You are being competed for, if by any indication of your mother’s crowded parlor yesterday. I have decided to throw my hat in as well.”

  “You wish to court me?” Sidney asked, dumbfounded.

  Rory stood and walked around the desk, tugging Sidney out of her chair and into his arms. While it felt natural to hold her in his arms, it did not feel complete. It was a new experience for them and would take time. Their bond of friendship now turned into a courtship. It was an odd experience for them, but one that felt content. He tipped her chin up to meet his eyes. As he stared into them, he noted her confusion, and something else he couldn’t quite figure out. It was if her mind tried to process information and separate it into compartments. This wasn’t how he wanted this scene to play. He needed to shock her in order to place himself at the forefront of her mind.

  What Rory didn’t realize was that was exactly what Sidney did. Her plans to draw the interest of her three chosen gentlemen fell in the palm of her hands today. This latest development with Rory was more than she expected. He shocked her when he pulled her into his arms, but it felt nice and content. What more could a girl ask for? She was unprepared for what he tried next. After he tipped her head, he lowered his head in an attempt to kiss her. She must stop him. This moved way too fast. Luckily, her father’s footsteps in the hall and his request of tea and cookies saved her. Rory swiftly drew his arms away from her and moved over to the shelves, pulling out a book. Sidney rested her hand on her cheek against the warm blush that covered her face. At the sound of her father’s footsteps drew nearer, she moved to open the window. The fresh air perfumed the study and cooled her in one shot.

  “Ah, perfect, you two are already here. I need both of your help and opinions on the matter of the discovery of Lord Hemingsworth’s find. He swears it’s an ancient relic from the twelfth century, but I’m beginning to believe his gardener presented this artifact to his lordship to save his job. Now where did I lay that paperwork?” Sidney’s father mumbled as he came into his study.

  “I believe your notes are right here, Papa,” Sidney replied, risking a glance at Rory.

  Rory watched in amusement as a flustered Sidney cooled her reaction to him and tried to appear calm before her father. When she looked his way, he sent her an innocent smile of charm. She frowned at him as she located her father’s papers. Lord Hartridge was unaware of the newly developed tension between the two, oblivious to his daughter’s emotions, which was for the best. Rory didn’t want to explain his actions to Lord Hartridge, or to his daughter for that matter. No, it was definitely better to keep Sidney wondering on the new development of his attraction toward her. It would draw her interest more than anything. He settled back in the chair he previously occupied as Lord Hartridge explained his findings.

  Emerson soon interrupted them with the afternoon tea and a message for Sidney that Sophia waited for her in the garden. Lord Hartridge waved her away, promising her he would inform her of his discovery later. Before she could leave the study, she had to pass by Rory’s chair. She avoided eye contact with him. Not wanting to leave her thoughts, he brushed his hand across her fingers as she moved past him. He heard her gasp, and he smiled as she rushed out of the room. Yes, Sidney Hartridge would not forget him so easily today.

  Chapter Six

  Sidney hurried to the garden to meet Phee. Not wanting to keep her friend waiting, she picked up her pace into a run, only to stop short as she came along the path where her friend sat on a bench talking to a gentleman. Not any gentleman, but the one never far from her thoughts since she first met him. Noah Wildeburg held a deep conversation with Phee, with his head bent toward her to capture her every word. The intimate discussion confused Sidney. And sparked her jealousy, which was nonsense. She was not jealous of her friend. If Phee could find happiness with somebody of Wildeburg’s reputation, then she wished them the best. Only, she felt a strong connection to Wildeburg on many levels herself.

  She backed around the corner, pasted a smile on her face, and called out a greeting to her friend. As she came back around the corner again, it was to find Wildeburg on his feet at a respectable distance from Phee. Sophia rested on the bench with a secretive smile gracing her face as she gazed adoringly at Lord Wildeburg. Sidney felt like an interloper on a budding relationship.

  “Lord Wildeburg, what a surprise. Emerson did not make me aware of your visit.”

  “I’m afraid I am intruding. I came upon Lady Sophia sitting all alone as I walked by and decided to keep her company.”

  “It is highly improper of you, My Lord. You should have called at the front door,” Sidney reprimanded him.

  “My apologies, Lady Sidney. Thank you for our delightful conversation, Lady Sophia. I bid you ladies a wonderful afternoon.” Wildeburg bowed before he left the garden.

  “Sid, your behavior was rude. Lord Wildeburg acted as a complete gentleman.”

  Sidney grimaced at her own rudeness. Her jealousy overtook her emotions, and she understood how badly she behaved toward him. She slumped next to Phee and rested her head on her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, Phee. Please forgive my rudeness. I am so confused.”

  “Your apology needs to be directed to Lord Wildeburg. Also, I believe he hoped to catch you in the garden, not I.”

  “I am not so sure of that. You two appeared pretty friendly with your heads together.”

  “Yes, well ...” Phee drifted off.

  Sidney lifted her head to notice Phee had a dreamy expression on her face. She wanted to know what they discussed but held herself back from asking. Whatever they chatted about must have been a private conversation between the two. She needed to put her own attraction to Wildeburg to the side now—for her friend’s happiness. Besides, attraction was only a fleeting emotion, the kind that never lasted. While lust disappeared as fast as it appeared, it was love Sidney desired the most. Love would endure the test of time. If Sophia felt love for Wildeburg, then Sidney must make sure his intentions were true. All the more reason to discover what his actions were.

  “What are you confused about, Sidney?” Phee interrupted Sidney’s thoughts.

  “My three subjects, what else?”

  “Tell me about your interactions, and I will help you process your confusion.”

  “Who do I start with?” Sid sighed.

  “Well let us start with the least of your troubles, Rory.”

  “He is not the least of my troubles. He is ranking right up there with my other subjects.” Sidney rose from the bench and paced across the garden path.

  “How so?”

  “Right before I came outside, we shared a couple of moments in the study.”

  “Please sit, Sidney. You are making me dizzy with your pacing.”

  “I can’t, you know this is how I process information. I need to sort out my feelings so I can understand how to continue with my study.”

  “All right, but at least slow down. What has Rory done that has you so rattled?”

  “Well, for starters, he declared his intentions to court me, then he pulled me in his arms and was about to kiss me before we heard Papa in the hallway. Then as I passed him on my way out of the study, he brushed his fingers across mine in an intimate gesture.” Sidney ticked off Rory’s actions on her fingers as she listed them out for Phee.

  Sophia stared at Sidney in shock. Rory’s actions surprised her. Ever since Rory entered their lives as a friend, he only ever portrayed a brotherly connection to both women. He was good-natured and protected them from scoundrels, always good for a laugh or a thoughtful conversation. Never once did he display an attraction toward them. Sure, he was a handsome fellow, and any lady would be lucky to have him, but their friendship with him never pointed in that direction until now. Sophia feared her friend got herself in over her head. This was only one of her subjects. Phee was eager to hear what else Sidney experienced. If the behavior of their close friend was any indication, Sid was doomed.

  �
�Close your mouth, Phee, before you eat a bug.”

  “Well, I must admit, your encounter with Rory is shocking. Before I even try to understand his actions, fill me in with your visits with the other two men. I understand Sheffield took you for a ride this morning, and I’m only guessing you had a visit from Wildeburg too. Am I correct on this?”

  “Two visits.”

  “With Sheffield?”

  “No, Wildeburg.”

  “Wildeburg? Now I am dying to learn more. First tell me about Sheffield. I’m sure he was dull as dirt. That is, if you could get past his arrogant, pompous attitude. Yes, leave the delicious Wildeburg for the end. How was your ride with Sheffield?”

  “Sophia Turlington, that is a vulgar opinion of Sheffield, even for you.”

  “Yes, but it is nothing that is not true. I am only calling it like I see it.”

  “Phee, you never talk negative about a single soul. Why such a strong reaction to Sheffield?”

  “Something he declared regarding you.”

  “And that was?”

  “Nevermind, I do not want it to influence your research. You must keep an unbiased opinion on your subjects and not be manipulated by outside sources.”

  “Phee ...”

  “No, Rory made me to realize Sheffield’s words are not worth getting upset over. He explained that you will see through any smoke and mirrors to understand a person’s true character.”

  “Rory declared all that?”

  “No, but it is the conclusion I drew from his reaction. I won’t tell you either, Sid, until you finish your research. So, you will not attempt this discussion again. Also, you will not ask Rory, because he will tell you whatever you want to hear to further his chances for your hand.”