“As always,” his step-mother said, with a cool grin, “running off to the stables.”
Lady Whitecier laughed, joyfully. “That is as it should be, Your Grace,” she said, kindly.
“We shall content ourselves here,” the Dowager Duchess said, though the look on her face was decidedly sour. “Have you seen your brother?”
“I have not,” Aaron replied.
She nodded, sniffing. It was odd that Jack had disappeared, missing luncheon entirely. It wasn’t like him. And it wasn’t often that Louisa didn’t know where he was.
“My Lady,” he said, bowing to Lady Julia, who smiled at him, inclining her head.
“Enjoy your ride, Your Grace, Lord Mallen,” she told them.
Having extricated themselves successfully from the parlor, Aaron and Arthur made their escape, walking through the halls, until they reached the back door. Immediately, the sun beat down on them mercilessly.
“Curious that the Dowager Duchess doesn’t know where her son is,” Arthur said thoughtfully.
“He’ll show up. He always does,” Aaron replied, already deciding that they would take the path through the woods. Jack adored his mother, who had always kept the reins tight, even after their father’s death. Jack was a man grown—it was time for her to allow him room to breathe, if that was what he wanted.
When they arrived at the stables, Aaron ordered that the two Arabians that he had recently purchased to be saddled. They waited, while the groom and one of the stable boys fetched Tristan and Iseult.
“Oh,” Arthur gasped as the two sleek, black horses were brought out of their stables, “they’re breathtaking.”
Aaron smiled proudly, while his friend admired them. As soon as the horses were saddled, the two gentlemen took the road into the woods. The sun shone through the leaves, dappling the dirt path through the trees. Birds flitted through the branches overhead. Aaron was riding the mare, Iseult, while Arthur rode Tristan.
Aaron planned to breed the fine, slender horses. He would be the first in all of Britain to do so. He was excited by the prospect. They pulled their horses to a stop, just where there was a break in the trees. It overlooked the lake, which was shining in the sun.
“What do you think, Arthur?” Aaron asked. “Now that we know we won’t be overheard you may speak frankly.”
His friend smiled, adjusting his spectacles on his nose.
“About this horse, or Lady Julia?” he asked with a good-natured laugh.
“Lady Julia, of course!” Aaron scowled darkly.
“She’s perfect for you, old bean. She’s an Earl’s daughter, who has an interest in fine art and lively discussion. I don’t think you can do better. You seem…distracted, though. And I think she’s noticed that.”
“You’re right, I have been distracted,” Aaron agreed. In his mind, Eleanor’s face stared up at him. She wore her hair parted in the middle, pulled back in a neat bun. The plain gray of her uniform became her, oddly enough. She seemed so…elegant for a maid.
“Is there…anything that I can do to help?” Arthur asked.
“No. I think I need more time. Once I know her better, then perhaps.”
“Indeed.”
“I’m sure that when I do, then I’ll feel much better about…about all of this.” He found himself tugging at his cravat nervously. He felt anxious, but couldn’t say why.
“You know that you still have the chance to get out of it, and honorably, if you don’t believe that she’s the right choice for you,” Arthur pointed out. “Now would be the time.”
Aaron let out a deep breath. He knew that Arthur was curious to know what was in his mind. But he couldn’t admit his feelings for a maid! It would be the scandal of the century! No matter that Arthur would certainly keep it a secret. Aaron steeled himself, turning his thoughts to Lady Julia. He was on the verge of ruining everything with a lady who would make him a noble, well-bred wife.
“Lady Julia is the right choice,” he said. “I mean, I’m not looking for something as mythological as love.”
“To your own detriment, perhaps,” Arthur mused.
“Don’t tell me that you believe in romance and warm feelings,” Aaron groaned.
“Oh, I do, my friend,” Arthur replied. “I certainly do.”
Trying his best not to scoff—for if Arthur wanted to continue to wait for something as fanciful as love, he did not want to ruin things for him. He turned Iseult’s head back in the direction of Myrtlegrove.
“Let’s head back,” Aaron announced, touching his heels to the horse’s sides. She took off at an easy canter. Riding the Arabians was almost a dream within itself. “I think I’ve cleared my mind.”
Arthur didn’t say anything more. Aaron considered what they’d talked about, even as Myrtlegrove Manor came into view. He knew in his mind that Lady Julia was perfect.
Why then do I feel so panicked?
Eleanor had just brought up fresh water from the backyard pump, in preparation for her lady’s ablutions prior to dressing for dinner. She set the ceramic ewer on the dressing table, when Lady Julia entered the bed chamber.
“Eleanor!” she said, beaming. “I was hoping that I’d find you here.”
“My Lady,” she replied, curtsying. Where else should I be? She smiled at Lady Julia.
“Can you fetch me my cream-colored bonnet, please?” Lady Julia wondered.
“Of course.” Eleanor went over to the armoire, opening up one of the hat boxes. She lifted the bonnet out, bringing it over to her mistress.
“Here you are,” she said, holding it out to Lady Julia, who placed it on her head. Eleanor tied the cream-colored ribbon underneath her mistress’ chin in a neat, perfect bow. “There. You look perfect.” She arranged some of Lady Julia’s perfect ringlet curls around her cheeks.
“Thank you, Eleanor. Come. Take a stroll with me. Mother has gone to her bed chamber to take a rest. I’ll need a chaperone.”
“Of course,” Eleanor replied, putting on her own bonnet. She felt these days that she was always in a state of preparedness. She was always needed, if not to dress and primp Lady Julia, then to chaperone.
They moved through the house silently. It seemed that no one stirred anywhere. It was quiet, still. Lady Julia led Eleanor out through the back door, where they stepped out and onto the terrace. The house blocked out the late afternoon sun, and they moved into the garden.
The whole place was abloom with flowers. Bees floated among them. As they walked, Eleanor tried to name them all in her mind. Gardenia, lilac, cabbage roses.
She inhaled, smelling their sweet perfume. Oh, that’s heavenly!
“What think you of the Duke?” Lady Julia asked her. The mention of him was a minor shock to Eleanor, bringing her to full alert.
“It matters not what I think,” Eleanor replied, her heart thudding nervously in her chest as she recalled her thoughts around the Duke earlier. “What do you think of him?”
“He’s everything that I was hoping for in a husband,” Lady Julia gushed. “Oh, Eleanor, I’m so happy.”
“Good, My Lady,” she said, her throat tightening painfully.
“I don’t know how he feels about me,” Lady Julia said, her face falling. “I thought he was very disappointed that I was not enamored of his horses.”
“I’m sure he wasn’t,” Eleanor assured her.
“Really?” Lady Julia’s brow was furrowed, but a look of hope was in her eyes as she turned to Eleanor.
“Really. His Grace was very concerned about how frightened you were. Did you not notice how quickly we were gone from there?”
“True.”
“Indeed,” Eleanor insisted.
“I heard him say that you could take a tour of the stables,” Lady Julia replied. “I have never seen a gentleman who was so concerned over the welfare of a servant before.”
“Yes, he did. It was very kind of him to say,” Eleanor said. “You cannot find a more well-intentioned gentleman to wed. He even takes notice of a
lowly lady’s maid and her silly interests.” She wrinkled her nose.
“Oh, Eleanor! You’re not a lowly lady’s maid,” Lady Julia said, catching her by the hand, and pressing it. “You are intelligent and kind. I’m so glad that you’re here. I think I would die of nerves.”
“My Lady, when you are yourself, everyone loves you.”
“That is good advice.” They shared a smile.
Over her mistress’ shoulder, Eleanor could see the Dowager Duchess, walking toward them, along the path. She had spotted them, and was then marching toward them with purpose in each stride.
“Now,” Eleanor said, checking the bow beneath Lady Julia’s chin, “the Dowager Duchess is walking this way. Do go and impress her with your brilliant wit.” She squeezed Lady Julia’s hand, then stood back, lowering her gaze and curtsying when her mistress curtsied to Her Grace.
“Your Grace,” Lady Julia murmured. Her heart was racing. If she was being honest, she was terrified of what the Dowager Duchess thought of her. Her future mother-in-law’s good opinion meant the world to her.
The Dowager Duchess was a sight to behold, with her large blue bonnet, which had an ostrich feather adorning it, her fine cream-silk gown, which had springs of lavender embroidered across the fabric. On her neck, she wore the diamond necklace that she seemed to always wear. It sparkled in the sunlight.
“Lady Julia,” she replied. “Come. I would like to show you my rose garden.”
“I would be delighted,” Lady Julia said, allowing the Dowager Duchess to link arms, then ferry her onward. Eleanor followed, trailing after them like a shadow. Julia felt as though she had walked all of the way around the estate that day. She smiled to herself. She would sleep well that night.
“My Dear,” the Dowager Duchess began. “I know how it can be with mothers and daughters-in-law. I want for us to be friends.”
“So do I,” Julia replied with a rush of relief. It was one of several things that she had feared—that she would not win the good opinion of this lady.
“Good. Oh, I’m so glad.” The Dowager Duchess’ smile was kind. “We will often be under the same roof when you marry my son. I shudder to think that we should be like strangers, or even worse—enemies.”
“I was so nervous,” Lady Julia admitted, “that you wouldn’t like me.”
“Oh, Darling Girl,” she replied. “You are so kind and so beautiful. Who couldn’t love you?”
Lady Julia beamed.
“I want to help you to navigate the life of a Duchess,” she went on, “It’s a big privilege, and with it comes many responsibilities that you have not necessarily been prepared for.”
Julia swallowed, and nodded. Terror at the thought of being forced into a role she knew nothing about made her stomach queasy.
“But don’t worry,” the Dowager Duchess assured her. “I know all of the right people to help you, and I will teach you everything that I know. You will be perfect.”
“Thank you,” Julia murmured. She was so, so very grateful. She couldn’t think of a thing to say.
“I’m happy to help,” the Dowager Duchess assured her. “I know that you will make my son very happy.”
“Your necklace is so lovely,” Lady Julia said, for as the Dowager Duchess moved, the sun glinted off of the pear-shaped stones. “Was it a gift?”
“Oh, someday, this will be yours,” the Dowager Duchess said, her hand on the large diamonds. “This necklace has been a part of the Durnsott estate since the early 1600’s. It was bought specifically for all of the Duchesses of Durnsott to wear. I plan to turn it over to you on your wedding day.”
Lady Julia smiled, glancing back at Eleanor. The two of them shared a quick, wide-eyed glance. The necklace was massive—Lady Julia had never worn anything so fine, nor so heavy in all her life. She was a little terrified.
“Don’t worry,” the Dowager Duchess assured her. “The weight of it takes some getting used to, but eventually, it feels like it’s a part of you.”
Julia smiled, swallowing. They continued to walk, arriving at a tiny glass house at the very center of the gardens. The Dowager Duchess opened the door. The two ladies stepped inside, while Eleanor waited patiently outside.
“Oh, this is heavenly!” Julia gasped, looking around. With the sun shining down through the glass panes, it was warm inside. But the roses that were growing all around her were brightly colored, some of them in shades of blood red, crimson. There were white ones with petals like silk.
“I’m glad that you approve,” the Dowager Duchess murmured. “Would you like a few for your hair?”
“Oh, I couldn’t—”
“You should,” she assured her, taking out a small pair of silver scissors and clipping one large white rose, and then another. She held them out to Julia, who took them, feeling the softness of them in her cupped palms.
“Thank you.”
“Anything to help you win my son’s heart,” she replied, touching Julia just underneath the chin tenderly.
Julia smiled. She was relieved. She hadn’t known what to expect. It seemed that the Dowager Duchess was on her side.
“Now tell me—what think you of him?” she asked Julia.
Julia beamed at her. “I think he’s the very sort of gentleman that I would be pleased to marry.”
“Good. I thought that the two of you would make a fine match. When I consider the lady who must be my successor as the next Duchess of Durnsott, I thought that she must be someone much like you.”
Julia was so blissfully happy. She felt as though her whole life had been leading to this very visit at Myrtlegrove Manor. She was meant to marry into this family. She was meant to wed the Duke of Durnsott.
Chapter 7
When they returned to Myrtlegrove Manor, Aaron and Arthur handed off their horses to the groom. Though Aaron preferred to unsaddle his own horse, he knew that his step-mother would be anxious to have him back with the company.
“Now what?” Arthur wondered.
“I could use a drink,” Aaron mused, tugging again at his cravat. A thin sheen of sweat beaded on his upper lip. “Something cool.”
“Is there any freshly brewed Durnsott ale?” Arthur asked.
“I do believe there is,” Aaron assured him.
“Splendid.”
They were crossing the drive when the carriage was just pulling up in front of the house. It bore the familiar coat of arms, belonging to Aaron himself. He was not surprised to see Jack climbing out of it.
“Gents,” Jack said, bowing to them gallantly.
“You’re just in time. Arthur and I were going to have a glass of ale,” Aaron said, studying his brother. His collar was rumpled, his cravat loose. He seemed a bit unsteady.
“That sounds Heavenly,” Jack replied.
“Where have you been?” Aaron asked. “Her Grace has been looking for you.”
“Went to the pub,” he replied, falling into step beside them.
“Louisa won’t like that,” Aaron mused with a laugh, his eyes cutting over toward Arthur. They both shared a look. The Dowager Duchess was strict on Aaron. She was positively tyrannical over Jack. If he was finally trying to shake free of her tight grip, then there was bound to be fireworks later.
Jack sighed heavily as they all walked to the front door. “I am so tired of Mother’s constant expectations,” he said. “I wish that I could be more like you, Brother.”
“How’s that?”
Jack smiled, shaking his head. “You aren’t afraid to tell her no.”
“That takes practice,” Aaron told him, patting him on the back. The butler, Mr. Stanley, opened the door.
“Welcome back, Your Grace, My Lords,” Mr. Stanley said.
“Thank you, Stanley,” Aaron said as they all entered Myrtlegrove Manor. He was surprised that Louisa was not there, waiting for Jack’s return. He wondered where she could be.
“I’ll meet the two of you—where? The parlor?” Jack cleared his throat.
“My study,” Aa
ron replied.
“Very good,” Jack said, walking quickly up the stairs.
Aaron and Arthur watched as Jack departed. “I don’t envy him one bit,” Aaron mused.
“Nor I.”
“They’ve always been like that,” Aaron mused. While he and Louisa had always disagreed, there had never been a power struggle between mother and son. Louisa directed Jack’s every move—from birth to his pursuit of law at university. If Jack had finally decided to stand up to her, then, there would be a confrontation, where Jack would probably give Louisa her way because he just didn’t have the backbone to actually stand up for himself.
Undressed to Impress the Duke : A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 5
