by Kit Morgan
He glanced at Tory and back. “Nothing, dearest. Enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, though things will … be more interesting when the other guests … arrive.”
Tory noticed her pauses were longer than normal, her throat tight. She hoped speaking this way didn’t wear her out, but at least she wasn’t stuttering. She saw Emsworth and a footman bring in some refreshments. “Can I get you some tea?”
“Thank you, that … would be lovely.”
Tory nodded and went to fetch her a cup. She watched the earls and marquesses and whatnot chat amongst themselves, their eyes darting to Aldrich now and then. Their wives were just as engaged in conversation. Both groups blatantly ignored her. Just as well – she didn’t want to speak to them anyway. She hoped the rest of the early arrivals weren’t as stuck-up.
“Mr. and Mrs. Newton Whitman,” Emsworth suddenly announced.
Cozette gasped in delight, her cheeks pink. “Arya!” She quickly composed herself and headed straight for the young couple.
“Who’s that?” Tory asked no one in particular.
“Relatives of the duke and duchess.”
Tory turned to find a red-haired girl next to her. She was younger, maybe sixteen or seventeen, with bright blue eyes and a smattering of freckles across her nose. “Hello.”
“How do you do?”
“Very well, thank you,” Tory said as Cozette hugged her relatives. “Do you have a title too?”
“Only Lady, not that it matters,” the girl sighed. “I came because my brother and sister insisted. My sister loves house parties, and my brother had to come because he’s to inherit.”
Tory looked across the room at the young man, about her age. Unlike his younger sister, his hair was auburn, but he had the same blue eyes. He was tall with a bright smile. She didn’t know why she hadn’t noticed him before. Probably because Aldrich had her so distracted. Then she thought a moment. “Who are your parents?”
The girl nodded at good old Chester. “The marquess and marchioness.”
“Oh.” Tory waited for the footman to pour her a cup of tea. Did she have to wait to be formally introduced to this teenager? But she approached first, so … “And you are?”
The young woman smiled. “Matilda, but everyone calls me Tillie.” She watched Cozette with interest. “I think the duchess is wonderful, don’t you? So unconventional.”
“That she is,” Tory couldn’t help but hear the admiration in the young woman’s voice.
“Is she improving?”
Tory’s eyebrows shot up.
“Her speech.”
“Oh – yes.”
“You’re her tutor.”
She smiled. “I am.”
“You’re so very lucky.”
Her eyebrows rose a second time. “How so?”
“You get to live here and spend every day with the duchess. Oh, I know what people say about her, but I don’t care. I think everything about her and this place is lovely.”
Tory smiled. The teenager must be a fan of cosplay. But the look of admiration in her eyes was genuine. “I suppose I am lucky …”
“Mr. and Mrs. Amon Cotter,” Emsworth announced, interrupting them.
“More relatives,” Tillie said over Cozette’s second happy gasp. “They all came from America.”
“They did?” Tory said, intrigued. What did they think of all of this? Dare she ask, or would they take offense? This was like being at some living history camp. Maybe she’d go to the village one day and take a break from all of it. She wasn’t sure she could take all the socializing here. But she needed to watch out for Cozette …
“Come, meet my tutor,” she heard the duchess say. Cozette had Mrs. Cotter and Mrs. Whitman by the hand and was heading across the room.
“They’re coming this way!” Tillie squeaked.
Tory thought she heard some old matron say “ridiculous,” but didn’t have time to worry about that now. If Cozette was excited to see her relatives, then so what?
Cozette took a breath. “Miss Phelps, I’d … like you to meet Duncan’s distant cousin … Nettie.”
Tory smiled. Nettie was tall with golden blonde hair and brown eyes. “Pleased to meet you. I hear you’re from America?”
“Not originally,” she said with an English accent.
“Oh, I see. But you’ve lived there?”
“Yes, in Clear Creek, Oregon. Duncan lived there over ten years before coming to England. If it wasn’t for him, Amon and I wouldn’t be married.”
The men were approaching now. Before Tory had a chance to comment, the taller one took Nettie’s hand. “What are you up to?” He had an American accent. Thank goodness! Tory felt more at home already.
“Hello,” he said before looking at Cozette. “Your tutor?”
“Miss Phelps,” Nettie said so Cozette wouldn’t have to.
“Ah. I’m Amon Cotter. I see you’ve already met my wife. How are you liking England?”
Tory smiled. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t had much time to see it yet.”
“I keep … her busy,” Cozette said.
Duncan joined them and the hugs and greetings started all over again. Tory watched them. Where had Duncan been all this time?
“Ahem …”
She turned to find Aldrich at her side. “Relatives.”
He smiled. “I know. Delightful, aren’t they?”
“More fodder for gossip?”
“That too.” He looked at the peerage gathered near the fireplace. “But don’t worry, they can handle themselves.”
“That’s good to know. It’s kind of nice to have some fellow Americans around.”
“Yes, entertaining too. Mr. Cotter is from the West. Fine chap. Good angler.”
“Oh,” she said with a nod. “And Mr. Whitman?”
“He’s English, as is his sister Nettie.”
“They’re brother and sister?” She looked at them more closely and caught the resemblance, then studied Mr. Cotter and Arya. They looked like they could be related too, but obviously weren’t or Aldrich would’ve said so. “How many other guests are coming?”
“Not many tonight – the rest will arrive tomorrow. I’m going to take the marquess and earl fishing in the morning. Some of the other men might come along. You’ll be all right?”
She stared at him. “Of course.”
“Just mind yourself around the marchioness and countess. Especially the countess – she’s a horrible gossip.”
Her eyes flicked to the countess and back. “I’ll keep that in mind. Aldrich …”
“Yes?”.
She moved closer, a risk. “Will Duncan’s relatives keep watch over Cozette?” she whispered.
“Of course – do you think I’d go off fishing if they weren’t here?”
She could only stare. “You mean … you’d stay and guard her if they hadn’t come?”
“Wouldn’t you?”
She saw the sincerity in his eyes. “Yes.”
He smiled tenderly. “Then watch over her in my stead. When I return, I’ll take it from there.”
She continued to stare. His seriousness unnerved her, but her heart melted at his concern for Cozette. He really was a knight on that score. “All right.”
Aldrich looked into her eyes. “Enjoy your fellow Americans.”
Tory couldn’t help but smile back as her stomach did somersaults. “I will.”
“… And then Cozette saved Duncan and his brothers from a horrible death,” Amon said, finishing his tale.
Tory gaped at him. Did insanity run in the family? But … wait a minute, Cozette wasn’t related to Amon. Nor was Duncan. He was married to … “I’m sorry.” She rubbed one temple. “I’m a little confused.”
“I dare say, everyone is when first introduced to us,” Nettie said. “There are so many cousins and relatives to keep track of, sometimes we have trouble. Especially as so many are in Clear Creek and not England.”
“Do you have a lot of relatives, M
iss Phelps?” Arya asked. She had an odd accent, one Tory couldn’t place. She’d been regaled with tales of Clear Creek all afternoon and into the evening, and had to admit they were quite entertaining. A good thing too, or dinner would have been a drag. Sitting next to Amon, she was well engaged and stole glances at Aldrich across the table when she could.
“I have a younger brother, Benjamin – Benny for short. He’s um, holding down the fort until …”
“Until?” Nettie prompted.
“Until I go back to the States.”
“When will that be?” Amon asked.
“I have no idea – it depends on my work here,” she said in all honesty. “But when I do go back, I’ll have to visit this town you’re all so fond of. It sounds like an interesting place.”
“And then some,” Newton commented dryly.
Tory smiled. Was he embarrassed by all the talk of Clear Creek? After hearing about the town and its quirky residents, it sounded like someplace from another time. There must be a lot of ranches around the area for people to be riding horses all over the place. In fact, if she didn’t know any better, she’d say they were speaking about a place right out of the Old West.
“Amon,” Nettie said quietly. “Is it time to rescue Sir Aldrich yet?”
“Not quite yet. Though I could do with a stroll in the gardens. It’s a perfect evening for it.”
Tory and the others looked at Aldrich standing near the fireplace in deep conversation with the Earl of Belford. “Rescue him?” Tory wondered.
Nettie smiled. “We know the Earl of Belford doesn’t usually associate with the likes of Sir Aldrich. They must be talking about fishing.”
“Oh, that,” Tory said flatly. “Get two men together and they always talk about sports.”
Amon chuckled. “Indeed.” He stood and offered his wife his hand. “Shall we?”
She nodded, then smiled at Tory. “Would you like to come?”
Tory glanced at Aldrich and back. “Why not?” She didn’t know why she felt a pang of guilt for leaving him behind, but she could use some air.
She followed the couples – Newton and Arya decided to come along too – outside. The marchioness and countess gave them disapproving looks. Was it rude to leave? She wasn’t sure and would have to find out. Maybe she could ask Nettie or Arya.
Amon led them to the same rose garden where Aldrich kissed her. Tory’s heart skipped a beat when she saw their bench and had to take a few breaths to calm herself.
“Something wrong?” Arya asked.
“No, nothing.” She smiled and distracted herself by watching the two couples. Amon sat down and, eyes closed, put his hands on his knees as if he was meditating. Nettie sat calmly next to him as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The guy must like gardens. Newton, on the other hand, stood, hands on his hips, and studied their surroundings like he was standing guard.
Tory walked over to Arya. “So you grew up in America?”
“Yes, in the West.” She smiled. “It’s where I met Newton.”
“Is your story as romantic as Amon and Nettie’s?”
Arya blushed. “Very much so.” She looked at Tory and smiled again. “And what about you? Have you had much romance in your life?”
“Me?” Tory said in shock. “None. Zilch. Zero. Pathetic, I know.”
Arya laughed. “Really? But what about Sir Aldrich?”
Tory snorted. “What about him?” She didn’t know why she almost laughed – maybe because part of her still thought no way!
“I saw the way the two of you were looking at each other during dinner. Each when the other wasn’t looking.”
Tory’s eyes widened. “Really?” A chill went up her spine and she shook herself.
“He is handsome,” Arya said with a smile.
“Can’t argue with that,” Tory admitted. But really, did they have to have this conversation? Couldn’t they talk about anything else? “When we left the drawing room, was it rude?”
Arya laughed. “In case you didn’t notice, nothing about the evening went as it normally would. The ladies didn’t retreat to the duchess’s private drawing room, nor the men to the library.”
“Oh.” Actually, Tory hadn’t noticed, as she’d never been to an event like this. After dinner, since there was no television, everyone usually gathered in the main drawing room to read, play games or talk. She’d even gotten Emsworth to play checkers one night. “So the duke and duchess really don’t conform.”
“Not at all. They’re set in their ways. Duncan left England to go to America when he was young. Most of his, how do you say, upbringing was done there.”
Tory studied her a moment. “And where are you from?”
Arya’s eyes flashed with panic. “I … you wouldn’t have heard of it.”
She was about to comment when Aldrich came strolling up the path. “Here you all are.” He looked at her and smiled again. “I’m glad I found you.”
“Are you?” she said, heard the challenge in her voice and did her best not to grit her teeth. She was still upset and knew she’d have to get over it. He’d done a stupid thing asking her to marry him – by now he had to see how dumb it was. But maybe for him it wasn’t so dumb … maybe he really had such feelings for her in so short a time. The thought was a shock.
It must have shown on her face. “What’s the matter?” Aldrich inquired. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Her eyes met his. The thought that a man could fall in love with her so quickly was mind-boggling. She didn’t know why she hadn’t given the thought credit before – she knew it happened on occasion. She just didn’t think anyone would fall for her. She suddenly felt self-conscious. “I’m fine.”
“We have been telling her all about Clear Creek,” Arya said.
“Oh, that place,” Aldrich said with a laugh. “I would very much like to go there one day.”
“You and me both,” Tory said.
He smiled but said nothing.
Amon opened his eyes. “Sir Aldrich, how nice of you to join us. We were just enjoying the gardens.”
“With your eyes closed?” Aldrich teased. He looked at Tory. “Mr. Cotter’s sense of smell is extraordinary. He’ll sit somewhere, eyes shut, and take in every scent. Then when he finally opens his eyes, he wanders around, touching the plants, flowers, shrubbery.”
Tory looked at Amon, wondering if he’d take offense. Instead he smiled and shrugged. “It’s true. One should experience all of nature. I like to experience it one sense at a time, that’s all.”
“Um, okay.” Tory looked around, but everyone seemed to treat this as logical. Newton no longer appeared like he was making sure no one disturbed Amon, if that’s what he was doing in the first place. At this point, who knew? Everyone here was weird!
The thought snapped her back to reality. How could Aldrich possibly love her enough to want to marry her after a few kisses? The thought was ludicrous. And why on Earth were all these people continuing in this charade? How much longer could she endure this freak show? She should demand her cell phone back so she could at least call Benny and check on him. Then she’d make a few other calls too, one of which would be to see how much a flight back home cost. She should get her first paycheck soon …
“Tory, are you all right?” Aldrich asked gently.
She’d been so deep in thought she hadn’t noticed the others had wandered down the path and dispersed. They were still in sight, but no one was watching her and Aldrich. “I’m …” She sighed. “… confused.”
“About what?”
“Everything, if you must know.”
He motioned to the bench, waited for her to sit, then sat himself. “I understand. It’s about earlier today, isn’t it?”
“What else would it be about?” Though it wasn’t just that.
“Again, I apologize, but … I’ll make things right.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” So long as it meant he wouldn’t be asking her to marry him tomorrow instead.
She chanced looking into his eyes, really looking, and almost choked. Good grief, did she see what she thought she saw? Her heart almost stopped at the thought.
“Tory, you’re from another place. I know they don’t do things the same in America, not quite at least. Perhaps we’re more antiquated in our customs. But know that I speak true when I say I have feelings for you.”
Everything around her began to spin. She wasn’t going to faint, was she? She looked beyond him. The others were nowhere in sight. Oh, great.
He took her hand. “I understand you need more time, time to … get to know me. And, if after sufficient time your affections are not forthcoming, then I shall trouble you no more. You shan’t see me again.”
Her jaw dropped. He was so … gallant. “Is … is this all part of the act?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You know, the act.” She waved her other hand at their surroundings. “The one we all put on for the duchess.”
His eyebrows slowly rose. “Whatever are you talking about?”
“Oh, come on! Will at least one of you stop for a measly second and be normal?” She pointed at herself. “I’m Victoria Phelps, I’m from Stockton, California, I drive a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle and I worked as a housekeeper for a sleazy motel before getting this job. My bum of a brother is supposed to be taking care of the house, but if I don’t get my cell phone back and check to make sure he is, there might not be a house for me to go home to! So for crying out loud, cut the act and if you have a phone on you, let me borrow it?”
Aldrich stared at her in shock. “I dare say you’re upset. I didn’t understand half of what you said.”
She began to stand. “Do you have a phone or not?”
He stopped her, his hand on her arm, and shook his head, clearly confused.
“Duncan took yours too? Figures.” She sat and pulled her arm away. “I … I don’t know if I can do this. I love this job, but …”
“At what cost, I know,” he said. “The duchess is …”
“Crazier than a bear with feathers? Yeah, I noticed.”
“No! Eccentric perhaps, but not without her mental faculties.” He turned on the bench to face her. “She’s the bravest woman I know.”
Tory’s face fell. Cozette might be a nut, but she did have presence.
