“You wish a word with me, Your Grace.”
“I have spoken to your father, and we have reached an agreement.”
“On?”
“I have agreed to offer for your hand in marriage, in exchange for your family to escape the scandal you have brought to their lives.”
“What scandal might that be?”
“You were seen leaving a brothel in the middle of the afternoon.”
“What rubbish. Who spreads such lies?”
“Are they lies, Lady Sidney? Do you require proof of your disgrace?”
Sidney narrowed her eyes. She didn’t trust Sheffield and thought he bluffed. Is this how Wilde ended his affairs?
“Yes, actually, I do.”
“You wore one of your dowdy day dresses, which was wrinkled beyond repair. Your hair was unbound and tousled down your back. It was your lips that gave you away the most. They were full, pouty, and appeared quite ravished. As you left Madame Bellerose’s private chambers, Lord Wildeburg soon followed you. Does any of this information provide you with proof?”
Sidney stilled. He had described her appearance to a tee. For him to give that detailed of a description meant he witnessed her mistake. With this knowledge, he gained the upper hand and went to any length to secure her as his bride. By her father’s disappointment, she knew Sheffield had told him. It seemed she would be his duchess after all. He made no mention of Sophia’s whereabouts at the brothel. Did he keep the information as bait to blackmail her later if she refused? She couldn’t allow Sophia’s reputation to be tarnished too. If not for her, Sophia would never have joined her at Madame Bellerose’s establishment. She would do anything to protect her friend.
“Does Papa know?”
“Only of your appearance at the brothel, not of your association with Wildeburg.”
“Did Lord Wildeburg send you to clean up his mistake, or do you make offers for all of your friends’ discarded lovers to make them your bride?”
“No, Wildeburg is unaware of my intentions. He is otherwise occupied with his own agenda to concern himself over my affairs.”
“Why then?
“Why not? I have courted you this season for this very reason. When an opportunity lands in my lap, I make a success of it. I sense we will have an engaging marriage. I have deemed you to be my duchess, so you will be. No other offers will come your way.”
Sheffield watched the hurt enter her eyes as he let his threat hang in the air. He downplayed Wilde to cause doubt in her mind. If she thought Wilde moved on to his next conquest, then it would secure him her hand. Sheffield knew his time was precious. Soon, Wilde would come to his senses and propose to the chit. Before that happened, he needed to move fast to bring her to the altar. After he announced their engagement, she would not dare rescind. Nor would her parents allow it. As he continued his stare, he saw the moment she admitted defeat to her situation.
“Very well. I accept your offer of marriage. I only ask that you do not share my full shame with my parents.”
“Agreed. I see no need to hurt my new in-laws. I respect your father too much.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I see no reason why you should not call me Alexander. Alex, if you wish.”
“Alex.”
“We shall announce our betrothal at the Havelock Ball tomorrow evening.”
“If you insist.”
“I do, Sidney. As soon as we can establish your devotion, then no gossip will spread about your attachment with Wildeburg. I have always considered him to be a close friend, but I will have to separate my association with him, I think. I cannot have my reputation ruined by rumors of my duchess cuckolding me with my best friend.”
Sidney sat up straighter. “I would never dishonor you in that regard, Your Grace.”
Sheffield laughed. “You are not the one I worry about, my dear.”
Sheffield rose and strolled to Sidney, offering his hand to help her rise. He raised her hand to his lips, where he turned her hand over and placed a kiss inside her palm. He then lowered his head to brush a kiss across her cheek. As his lips drifted to her lips, Sidney turned her head to the side. His kiss landed on the side of her head as she stepped away from him. He took pleasure at her discomfort. It would be to his advantage later.
“I will make all the arrangements. Please inform your parents of my arrival tomorrow at eight o’clock to escort your family to the ball.”
With those parting words, he staked his claim on her. Sidney sighed as she glanced around Papa’s study. She dreaded meeting him in the garden. His disapproval hurt. She hoped her engagement to Sheffield would ease his anger. As she slowly walked to the garden, she saw Papa sitting on the bench against the back fence. Her fingers trailed over the bench that reminded her so much of Noah as she continued to her father’s side. Those memories would be no more. She needed to tuck them away in her heart. Her father patted his side as he smiled sadly at her. She settled against his side and laid her head on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Papa,” she whispered.
“You have accepted his proposal.”
“Yes, I never meant to cause scandal on our family with my actions.”
“Ah, Sidney you are your father’s daughter. Like me, you act before you think. We are scientists, my dear, and think there are probable reasons for every course of action.”
“Yes, but my action caused harm.”
“Nonsense. Sheffield stopped you from suffering any shame. We will be indebted to his sacrifice.”
Sidney didn’t reply. This was a position she never wanted for herself or her family. Sheffield and her parents were unaware of the false promise she gave the duke. She had no intention of walking down the aisle with Sheffield. She only needed to publish her story for the truth to come out. Oh, she knew Sheffield held knowledge of her affair with Wildeburg, but when she exposed Sheffield as the conceited ass he was, he would end the engagement out of embarrassment. He would not wed a lady who exposed his faults to the entire ton. After she finished with him, no lady would favor his courtship. Sophia had been right about the duke.
“He will arrive at eight o’clock to accompany us to the ball tomorrow.”
“I will inform your mama of your betrothal. I do not want her to hear the true reason why the duke offered for your hand. She will believe he fell in love with you and cannot wait for your marriage. He told me he will make arrangements for you to wed soon.”
“Yes, Papa,” Sidney agreed.
“As to your visit to the brothel, I’m sure you are aware of your bad decision and will not make the same mistake again. As for the reason, did you gain the information you needed for your research, or do you need me to answer some questions for you?”
Sidney pulled away and stared at her father in disbelief. “You know about my research. How?”
“I don’t know the specifics of your project. Sidney, you have helped me since you were ten years old. Your curiosity has always gotten the better of you. I assume your research has something to do with your foray into the season and the attendance of the young chaps who have invaded my house on a daily basis. So, have you proved your theory yet?”
“Tomorrow night at the ball will help me finish my thesis.”
“Do you think that is wise, Sidney?”
“I promise not to cause a scandal, Papa. I only wish to prove my theory. Then I will write and publish my findings.”
“Sidney, you cannot publish your work anymore. It is not the proper behavior of a duchess.”
“Don’t worry, Papa, I will write under an alias.”
Lord Hartridge sighed. “All right. Now I am off to tell Mama the wonderful news of your betrothal. So, beware, she will bombard you with visits to the shops. I will keep her as occupied as I can today, but after the Havelock Ball, the entire ton will know of your engagement to the duke. I expect you to keep your mother happy during this time; her greatest dream for you has come true.”
Sidney rose with her father and
followed him into the house. She decided to join him as he told Mama her news. Her father meant to protect her from her mother’s enthusiasm, but since she caused the debacle, she would tolerate her mother’s joy for the time being. She cringed to herself on how short-lived her mother’s delight would be.
WILDE STOOD AMONGST the trees in the back alley, hidden from the occupants in the garden. He listened as Sidney discussed her engagement with her father. Duchess? Damn, Sheffield continued the game. He should have known better when his friend appeared concerned for him yesterday. Sheffield already planned his own hidden agenda. He struck while Wilde was down.
His own consumption of multiple bottles of whiskey still didn’t wane his desire for Sidney Hartridge. In his drunken stupor, he realized his reasons for drinking. He wished to escape the affairs of his heart. She ensnared his heart and held it captive, and his love for her consumed him. Since he had never experienced this feeling, he was unprepared on how to deal with the emotions. After he sobered, he realized he needed to ask for her hand in marriage. He thought she might have suffered heartache from his disappearance in her life. Fool that he was, she already secured herself a groom.
He lurked in his hiding place as he listened to their conversation. Her words were soft and muffled, but they held the sweet melody he enjoyed. He became lost in their voices until her father objected to a paper she wrote. Wilde listened more closely to the details and learned Sidney conducted a research project on her suitors. That was why she entered the marriage mart for the season. He laughed to himself as he realized she played her own game against them. They were no match for her. She didn’t elaborate on the details, but Wilde understood the subjects of her research. Every single gentleman of the ton, including himself.
After Sidney and her father left the garden, Wilde stepped out of his shelter. He stood at the back of the gate as he watched them walk inside the house. A plan formed in his mind to win her back. Sheffield would not be the victor. He walked away, whistling an offbeat tune, his mood greatly improved. Sidney Hartridge would not be a duchess, but a marchioness instead.
Chapter Thirteen
The ball started the same as the first ball of the season. Sidney stood on the outskirts, surveying the ballroom floor while her friend Sophia stood nervously at her side. Only this time, Phee didn’t try to convince her of what a horrible idea her research was. If anything, her friend remained subdued. She arrived early to help Sidney prepare for the ball. When Sidney informed Phee of her recent engagement to the duke, she expected Phee to be angry at Sheffield for cornering her. She thought Phee would rant and rave her displeasure. Instead, Phee remained silent after the initial shock.
Sidney noticed two of her subjects enter the ballroom. Lord Rory Beckwith walked to her parents’ side and engaged her father in a discussion. Lord Noah Wildeburg sauntered into the ballroom, with every female following his path. The widows and married ladies of the ton tried to grab his attention as he passed them by. However, they were unlucky to draw his interest. Instead, he wandered to the wallflower corner and enticed a young lady into a dance. Sidney craned her neck as she tried to catch a glimpse of the couple. All she could make out was the fiery shade of her red hair coupled with the most obnoxious color of her dress—a dark shade of pink that washed out her complexion. Each time their steps drew nearer, Wilde swept the young miss away across the room. Obviously, the marquess had found himself his next conquest. The sudden ache in her chest made Sidney want to double over in pain. As she stared at him holding another in his arms, it became too much for her to bear.
“Who is she?” Sidney whispered to herself.
“Lady Dallis MacPherson. She hails from Inverness and has come to visit her grandmother for the season,” Sophia replied.
“Who is her grandmother?”
“Lady Ratcliff.”
Sidney grimaced. “Poor thing. She doesn’t have a chance.”
“It would appear her luck will change after her dance with Lord Wildeburg.”
“You mean her reputation will be torn to shreds.”
“No, I mean, since Wildeburg asked for her hand in a dance, he has secured her a successful season. Every man will compete for her to fight against Wildeburg’s chances,” Phee refuted.
“That is sad then, for the gentlemen will not behold what Lady Dallis truly has to offer.”
“I think the right gentleman will. Not everybody is as jaded as you are, Sidney. I think your research on this project has clouded your mind. No, more like your heart. I warned you of this, and now you are cynical by this stupid notion that gentlemen only have one goal in mind when they pursue a lady. I am saddened by your inability to open your heart to love.”
“There is much I haven’t told you, Phee. I opened my heart, only to have Wildeburg slam it shut again. Now, I am engaged to marry a man I do not love and do not want to wed. After I have finished my paper, we need to have a long talk. I realize something bothers you, and with my own struggles, I have neglected our friendship. Please be patient with me, and I promise to make amends. Tomorrow we will have an afternoon of hot chocolate and biscuits, and you can read to me from one of your romantic novels.”
Sophia reached over to embrace Sidney. When she pulled away, she linked her pinkie with Sidney’s. Only she couldn’t tell Sidney what troubled her, for it involved Sidney’s betrothed. No, her secret would have to stay hidden in her own heart. She wouldn’t hurt her friend with what transpired between her and Sheffield. She would have to develop a story to pacify Sidney. As Sidney linked her finger with hers and made a joke, Sophia glanced over her shoulder to notice the Duke of Sheffield entering the ballroom. Sidney explained how Sheffield escorted them to the ball, then a group of his friends drew him away to the card room. His return sent Sophia’s heart racing.
Sidney noticed the rapid change in Sophia’s demeanor. Her face paled and her eyes grew large when she glanced over Sidney’s shoulder. Phee dropped Sidney’s hand and nervously smoothed her palms along her skirts, then pretended interest with the contents inside her reticule. Sidney looked over her shoulder to watch as Sheffield walked over to them. She then glanced between the two. Sheffield appeared indifferent to her friend, but Sophia’s cheeks blushed a bright shade of red. When Sheffield greeted them, Sophia stuttered a response.
“Oh, look, Mama is waving me her way. I will see you at dinner, Sidney, Your Grace.” Sophia made her excuses, leaving them alone.
“Your friend is an odd duck.”
“She is not. Sophia is my dearest friend in the world.”
“Who is Wildeburg’s dance partner?” Sheffield asked. He already forgot about Lady Sophia as he drew Sidney’s attention to Wildeburg’s newest mark.
“She is Lady Dallis, the granddaughter of Lady Ratcliff.”
Sheffield winced. “Poor girl.”
“Yes, my sentiments exactly.” Sidney stared as Wilde escorted Lady Dallis to her grandmother.
Soon the dance floor cleared, and Lady Havelock asked for her guests’ attention. She announced her excitement about the Duke of Sheffield’s engagement at her ball. Heads whipped in her direction. The crowded ballroom began to whisper and search for the duke.
“I believe that is our cue, my dear.” Sheffield ushered Sidney to the hostess.
Sidney’s parents joined them near the musicians as Sheffield boasted his engagement to the ton. He made a romantic speech regarding their courtship, which had the guests laughing alongside him. Then her father gave a speech, welcoming the duke into their family. She could not recall what they spoke because Noah captured her attention with his stare. His eyes held a hurt only she related to. However, his gaze quickly turned to anger. Sheffield pulled her close to his side and slid a ring onto her finger. With a tilt of his head and a twist to his lips, Noah bowed in her direction before he turned and walked away. Before long, well-wishers surrounded them. The gentlemen patted him on the back, declaring him a lucky man, while the ladies masked their good wishes with snide remarks covered in sweet
words. Their glances in her direction spoke otherwise.
Soon the guests pushed her to the side as they plied Sheffield with compliments, with the hope of an invitation to the wedding. As she stood, forgotten, somebody gripped her arm and swept her near the balcony doors. As they preceded outdoors, Sidney took a look at her rescuer. Rory frowned as he dragged her down the stairs and into the garden. His face held the evidence of his frustration. Sidney knew if she didn’t calm him soon, his temper would explode. She laid her hand on his arm and brought him to a stop. He pulled away from her and stalked down the path and back to her again.
“Are you going to explain why you are engaged to that pompous jackass?”
Sidney sighed. “He caught me in a compromising position and informed Papa. They reached an agreement to make me his duchess.”
“What sort of compromising position?”
“The sort that involves a brothel and a scoundrel of the ton.”
“Wildeburg.”
“Yes.”
“Damn, Sidney. I warned you of these men.”
“I know.” She sighed again as she settled on the bench nearby.
“Then, why did you proceed with this madness?”
Sidney decided to confide in Rory about her experiment. “I’m researching how a gentleman will ruin a lady for his own pleasure. I wanted to draw three subjects into an attempt to kiss me in a private setting and note how they would protect my honor.”
“Was I one of your subjects?”
She winced when she looked him in the eye. “Yes.”
“I’m assuming the other two subjects were Sheffield and Wildeburg.”
“Yes.”
“I will even go one step further and assume Wildeburg was the scoundrel who seduced you, and Sheffield is blackmailing you into a marriage you want no part of. Am I correct again?”
“You are.”
“Well, there seems to be only one solution to part of this mess.”
“And that is?”
Rory slid next to Sidney on the bench and pulled her into his arms. “Simple, I shall give you one of those kisses you require for your project. This will cause a scandal, and Sheffield will withdraw his offer.” He lowered his head to place a kiss upon her lips.
Whom Shall I Kiss... an Earl, a Marquess, or a Duke? Page 15
