She arched an eyebrow. “Trophies, my lord?”
“Yes. Heads of the animals he kills.”
She shivered in disgust. “I understand.”
“Lastly, there is Mr. George Finch. His grandfather is a Baron, and the family has no money, so naturally, he’s looking to find a woman with a large inheritance.”
She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Then why is he remotely interested in me?”
“My blossom,” Grey patted her hand, “I can assure you Martin plans on offering money to the man who asks for your hand.”
Her stomach churned again. “That is what I had surmised.”
“I have confidence in you.” Grey smiled. “I know you will convince these men they do not suit, and you’ll turn out a splendid performance.”
Chuckling, she shook her head. Never before had a man been so caring and supportive to her. Then again, she’d never acted this way, either. It was then when she realized she hadn’t stammered in front of Lord Hawthorne. Perhaps her shyness had been cured. She could only hope.
“I thank you, Grey. You don’t know what that means to me.” She wanted to lean down and kiss him, but it wouldn’t be proper. Besides that, he and Lord Hawthorne needed to return to their hiding place. “You two need to leave before someone sees you.”
“I know.” Julian squeezed her hand again. “Remember, stay by the windows so we can keep an eye on you.”
“I shall.”
She watched them until their shadows merged into the cluster of trees. Taking a deep breath, she left the blue room and wandered into the sitting room. As soon as she walked inside, the men’s voices silenced and all turned to look her way. She curtsied and gave a nod. “Gentlemen.”
All at once, they came toward her, giving her greetings and flirtatious compliments. She wanted to roll her eyes in disgust. Meaningless words were being thrown at her, and she didn’t believe any of them. For certain, Martin had promised these men some kind of reward for marrying her. She didn’t have a trousseau, but she was certain her brother-in-law would pay a pretty shilling to get her off his hands.
She moved her attention to Martin who stood by the hearth with a drink in his hand. It was probably sherry, which was his drink of choice. He watched her with a critical eye as he smirked. She’d like to slap that expression off his face. But no. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her anger. Her main purpose was to irritate him tonight, as well as most of his friends.
“You certainly look lovely this evening, Miss Templeton,” Mr. Finch said.
His voice whined more than she liked, and grated on her already frazzled nerves. Since she’d met him earlier this afternoon, he’d always seem to have a bead of moisture on his upper lip as well as his forehead. He was a slightly large man, and so she wondered if he was constantly hot.
“I thank you, Mr. Finch.”
“May I fetch you a glass of punch?”
She quickly recalled what Lord Hawthorne had told her about this certain man. “Punch? Heavens no. My brother-in-law is wealthy. I’d prefer a glass of his finest wine, instead.” She forced a chuckle. “I shall have to ask Mr. Higley, the butler, if he could locate me a bottle of one of the wines His Grace smuggled in from France. I have absolutely become addicted to that taste.”
The poor man’s face paled. “Addicted?” He gulped and dabbed his handkerchief on his moist forehead.
“Oh, yes. I fear my future husband will have a hard time breaking me of that habit.”
“Uh, indeed he will.” He nodded.
She glanced around the room as if searching for someone. “Let me go find Mr. Higley now.” Without waiting for his answer, she left Mr. Finch. Once she’d turned away from him, she couldn’t stop the grin from stretching across her face. The man’s shocked expression was priceless.
“Ah, Miss Templeton, you are finally alone,” Lord Fairfax said as he stepped in front of her.
She stopped and stared at the rude man. Then again, she was sure all these men were nice, it was just Alexandria who had the bad temperament.
“Yes, for the moment,” she answered, hoping her tone didn’t reveal her irritation.
“I thought we could get to know each other.”
“That would be nice.” Fairfax seemed like a pleasant gentleman. He was average height, and had average looks, but he was balding even at his young age. Now...what was it that Lord Hawthorne said about this man? Oh yes, he was not a church-going man. Far from it, in fact.
“Your brother-in-law tells me you do not attend many social gatherings.” He shook his head. “I find that impossible to believe since you have presented such charm and grace already this evening. You don’t appear as the wallflower the duke made you out to be.”
She flipped her hand in the air. “Oh, His Grace tends to exaggerate. Truly, it’s a vice he must overcome. If my brother-in-law doesn’t stop his lying, he shall have quite a bit of groveling to do in front of our Lord on judgment day.”
“Groveling, you say?”
His expression was laughable, but Alexandria refused to show the humor in the situation. At least in front of him.
“Indeed. His Grace tells everyone I’m a wallflower, but I’m not. What the duke doesn’t like to confess is that his sister-in-law would rather spend time reading the Good Book and in prayer rather than socialize with a bunch of gossipmongers and liars.” She huffed and folded her arms, trying to appear vexed. “My brother-in-law doesn’t realize how much I love the Lord, and I shall devote my life to Him.”
“How very advantageous of you,” he said in almost a snicker. “I’m certain God will appreciate such a fine servant.”
She steepled her hands and nodded. “Amen.”
“Yes, well...” Lord Fairfax glanced around the room. “Oh, look. There is Sir Tolland. I need to have a word with him. If you’ll excuse me.”
“But of course.” As he walked away rather quickly, she bit her bottom lip. Once again, she felt like laughing to her heart’s content. Although she was still uncomfortable about being the only woman in this roomful of men, she was finding it easier to turn them down. If only Grey could see her now.
FOR THE PAST HOUR, Julian and Hawthorne traded off using the spyglass to watch Alexandria. Anger built within Julian. The problems his cousin was causing for Alexandria were unjustified. The same inner anger he’d felt since he realized his cousin must be the one who tried to kill him, and succeeded in killing his father and brother.
When had Martin become so heartless? Julian didn’t remember his cousin being that way when they were lads. Greed had ruined many people, and obviously, it had worked through Martin’s now uncaring soul.
Julian zeroed in on his cousin who wore a grim expression. From what he could see, Martin was keeping close watch over Alexandria.
Grumbling, Julian stopped his pacing and peered toward the house once more. “There’s got to be something more I can do.”
“Calm yourself, Greystone,” Hawthorne said. “Miss Templeton is putting on a splendid performance.”
“She has outdone herself this time. No longer is she a shy wallflower.”
“I quite agree.” Dominic chuckled. “And I must admit, she is quite a beauty. It’s no wonder you had mistaken her for the wrong woman. She does resemble her lovely sister.”
The way Dominic’s smile softened made Julian glance over at his friend. “Tell me, Hawthorne, have you ever had feelings for Alexandria’s sister?”
Dominic shifted on his feet. “I must admit, at one time I had thought of her and no other.”
“Indeed?” Julian grinned and rubbed his chin. “Why did you not pursue her?”
“As I’d explained to you before, she was the type of woman who made a man want to beg for mercy. Her tantalizing eyes, along with her charm and wit, could seduce the most hardened of men.”
“Yet you also told me she had a tongue of a viper.”
Grinning, Dominic nodded. “Indeed, she does, but only if she is vexed with that person.
I’ve heard her put men in their place, rendering them speechless. I decided then and there not to be the man who upset that particular woman.”
“That doesn’t explain why you didn’t pursue her,” Julian urged.
“Because she had eyes only for Martin.”
Julian snorted. “But Martin wasn’t even duke at the time.”
“True, but she acted like she was in love with him and wanted only him.” Dominic held up his hands in surrender. “I can’t compete with that. When a man is in love, he’ll do anything to protect the woman he loves.”
Julian rolled his eyes. “So I’ve been told.” He lifted the spyglass to his eye. “I hope she’ll be able to convince those men that they don’t suit.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“What worries me more is what if Martin becomes suspicious to why none of his colleagues are offering marriage. I fear for Alexandria’s safety if that happens.”
“I have no need to fear if that happens,” Hawthorne said with a nonchalant tone to his voice.
Julian swung his focus to Hawthorne. The thicket of tress had become dark, but the bright moon outlined his friend’s frame. “Did I hear you correctly?”
Hawthorne chuckled. “Yes, you did.”
“Explain yourself.”
Dominic shrugged. “I don’t fear for her safety because I know you won’t let Martin lay a hand on her.”
“Not one finger,” Julian snapped.
“My point, exactly.” He chuckled. “You have grown quite fond of this young lady in a short amount of time.”
“No, I haven’t.” Julian quickly grumbled. Yet, he really had, although he didn’t want to admit it. If he admitted it, that would mean he really cared for her, and he knew exactly where that emotion would lead—somewhere he didn’t want to travel.
Dominic laughed louder, but still kept his voice from carrying. He took the spyglass away and peered through it toward the house. “There is no use denying it. Falling for a woman this fast isn’t like you. This wasn’t your behavior around women before you left to join the military. In fact, you were quite a scoundrel back then.”
Julian relaxed slightly. “Very true. I wasn’t like this before.” Then again, a certain young devil woman helped change his attitude quickly.
“So admit it. You are enamored with Miss Templeton.” Dominic turned and put his hand on Julian’s shoulder.
Exhaling deeply, Julian took the spyglass from his friend. That was something he would never admit, only because he knew it wasn’t true. The only reason he’d felt this way about her was because he’d set his sights on charming her, but only so she would cooperate and help him.
“Will this dinner party never end?” he muttered as he peered through the scope toward the lighted room.
A movement caught his attention and he swung the scope in that direction. One of the servants stumbled out of the side doors, holding a bottle of wine. Julian rolled his eyes. Another one of Martin’s servants has been in his cousin’s collection again. Actually, Julian was certain this was probably the wine that which his father had gathered over the years.
When the servant slumped by the side of the house, an idea popped into Julian’s head. “Dominic, I’m going inside the house.”
“Are you addled?” Hawthorne’s voice lifted.
“Hear me out first.” He pointed in the direction of the servant who had passed out. “I need you to assist me as I changed into that man’s clothes so that I can go inside and help serve Martin’s guests. You see, with me in there, I’ll be able to spread some gossip around about Martin, and in doing so, this will make the other men believe he’s not a respectable man. I’ll say that he’s losing money, or something along those lines.” He chuckled softly. “I’ll also be able to sway some of the men away from my Lexie.” After realizing he’d labeled her my Lexie, he shook his head and added, “I mean, Miss Templeton.”
“Indeed, you are addled.” Hawthorne shook his head.
Perhaps Julian was not thinking straight, but he felt helpless standing out in this thicket of trees doing nothing to help her. Thankfully, within a half hour, Dominic had helped him undress the servant and had Julian clothed in the man’s attire. Julian even wore the servant’s spectacles. Of course, he had to squint a little in order to see through them, but at least it altered his appearance slightly. Unless someone really studied Julian, they wouldn’t know his true identity.
“I wish you the best of luck, my good man, because I honestly don’t see this ending well.” Dominic slapped Julian on the back. “I’ll be right here watching you and praying you don’t get noticed.”
“I shall do my best to blend in.”
“Why do I not believe you?”
Dominic’s laughter followed Julian as he made his way toward the house. He didn’t understand what his friend thought was so comical. Julian couldn’t wait until a woman caught Dominic Hawthorne’s interest. Then Julian would see what strange—or ridiculous—stunts his friend would accomplish to protect a woman.
Julian must make everyone believe he was a servant. If even one person recognized him...he would be in big trouble, and he’d have to come clean with his identity, especially with Lexie. Was he ready to tell her the truth? He still feared it was too soon. She certainly wouldn’t forgive him. Before that could happen, he needed to make her fall in love with him, just as he knew his heart continued to soften for her.
But only time would tell...
FIFTEEN
Trying to act like a servant, Julian kept his gaze down most of the time, only glancing up on occasions. He moved through the kitchen to collect a tray of champagne glasses, before quickly leaving to enter the room where Alexandria and the others were.
He took his time, moving from person to person. Just as he’d assumed, none of them really looked directly at him. He did recognize some from his early years before joining the military, and he prayed they wouldn’t remember him.
Three men grouped together, whispering about something as they cast glances toward Martin who stood across the room chatting with a man. Julian moved to the group of three and held out his tray of champagne.
“And I heard,” one of the men said, “that he had something to do with the deaths of his cousins and uncle just to obtain the title.”
Julian tried not to grin. Perhaps coming into the party to spread false gossip was futile after all.
“Indeed, my good man. It’s a touchy subject around Linden, to be sure.” Another man nodded as he took a flute of champagne from Julian’s tray.
“Forgive me for interrupting,” Julian said in a low voice. “But would you be interested in another little tidbit about the duke?”
At first the expressions on their face let Julian know they were rather shocked that a mere servant would speak so boldly, but within seconds their expressions changed to that of interest and they nodded.
“Some of the staff are saying that he’s low on funds.”
The tall man snickered and shook his head. “That’s ridiculous. I’ve seen him at the gaming tables. He acts as if his coffers have no limit.”
Inwardly, Julian seethed. That was supposed to be his money. “My point exactly,” he continued in a low voice. “He doesn’t do well at the gaming tables and so he is losing money fast.”
The three men traded glances in silence. Julian knew he’d planted the seed of doubt in them, and that was worth the risk of being caught.
“If you will excuse me.” Julian bowed and moved away from them. He tried not to grin, but it was hard. He figured those three men would tell others and by the end of the evening, nobody would offer for Alexandria’s hand.
He paused, covertly scanning the room in hopes of seeing her, but he couldn’t. Panic engulfed him, and he snapped his head around, doing another quick search. Finally, he saw her in the corner of the room talking with Mr. Lyttle. Julian quickened his step and headed toward them. Just as he reached the two, he heard her lovely voice, and it calmed him greatly.
“I would enjoy taking you hunting with me,” Lyttle said with a smile. “Your brother-in-law tells me you love to hunt.”
She tilted her head slightly and narrowed her eyes. “He told you I enjoyed hunting?”
“Indeed, he did.”
“Hunting animals?”
The man chuckled. “But of course. What else is there to hunt?”
She gasped and placed her hand on her throat. “Oh, Mr. Lyttle How inhumane of you to hunt for mere sport.” She shook her head. “I suppose my brother-in-law meant well, because I do love animals. However, I love them as pets—not to hunt as mere objects for prizes only.”
“Pets?” He smirked.
“Indeed. When I go riding every morning, I love to feed the deer and the birds.” She added to the dramatics with a heavy sigh. “I enjoy all types of animals. In fact,” she tapped her finger on her chin, “if I could figure out a way to remove that terrible scent from a skunk, I would love to have that as an indoor pet. They are such lovely creatures.”
Julian quickly put his hand to his mouth to keep a laugh from blurting out. He couldn’t believe Mr. Lyttle wasn’t laughing, too. But thankfully, the middle-aged man took Alexandria seriously. The man’s eyes were wide with surprise—and irritation.
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” he snapped.
“Oh,” she hitched a breath. “Forgive me for saying this, Mr. Lyttle, but that was quite rude of you to say.”
“I speak what’s on my mind, Miss Templeton.”
“So do I.” She gave him a sharp nod. “And with that being said, I can see that you would not make a very good husband at all, so if you will excuse me, I won’t waste anymore of your precious time.”
“Indeed, my time is extremely precious.” He bowed and left her side as if dogs were nipping at his heels.
Stealing the Duchess Page 11
