Grace squeezed her arm. “I didn’t know you felt this way.”
“I don’t suppose anyone did. But I did. I do. And I just don’t see how finding a bit of my own happiness would be wrong.”
“Oh, dear June. Might I call you June?”
“Certainly. I’d like that.”
“More than anything, I’d like for you to be happy. Perhaps the others just haven’t seen anything in Lord Smallwood they think would make you happy. If it’s there, if he is the one who makes your heart sing, then let the others see it. Let them see what is special about this man.”
And now June’s passion about the subject of her happiness fizzled. For she knew Lord Smallwood didn’t really make her happy. But he was the first to have any potential to do so, and she didn’t want to throw that away either. Happiness was a precious commodity in her situation. “Thank you. I’ll do my best.”
“And now for the other subject that had your mind turning?” Amelia’s mouth lifted at the corner, and June suspected her capable of a great many subterfuges.
Before June could say anything, Grace piped up. “I’ll say what I was thinking. I think you should give Lord Morley a chance. He’s perfect. He’s like a big brother already, and I wouldn’t like to lose him.”
“So I should marry him so you can keep him as a brother?”
“And if you love him. I thought you did care for him, for a moment.” Grace searched her face, and the innocence in Grace’s features opened her mouth to words she was not planning on sharing.
“He’s perfectly wonderful,” June said. “We all know it. But I don’t like being beholden to him. Out of duty, he’d marry us all if he could.”
Amelia snorted, and June quite loved her all the more for the perfectly unladylike noise. “You think so? You think Morley capable of such a dishonesty?”
“Dishonesty? No. I’d never consider him anything but perfectly upright.”
“Then why would he be capable of marrying for duty only when he would be pledging to love, honor, and cherish?”
June hadn’t considered marriage to be much more than a business arrangement, one she hoped her heart would be engaged in. But as Amelia spoke, she wondered if perhaps in the world there were still people who considered their marriage promises to be real, who desired to love their wife.
“He’d never pretend. You are correct.” At those words, her heart let go of the pinching cage around it. Perhaps if he was interested in pursuing more with her, he’d express his wishes, and he’d tell her exactly what he hoped from her. And she knew when he did, she could trust his words. Or at least, she sincerely hoped she could. “If Morley is not trustworthy, there is not a man in England who is.”
“I know Gerald would trust him with his life—has, on occasion.” Amelia smiled such a soft and tender smile, June could see her love for Gerald.
“I am happy you and the duke found each other.”
“I feel like miracles brought us together. Many. And one of them was named Morley. He was an angel to us.” She placed a hand on June’s arm. “And you were another. June, I count you as a very special angel.” They stopped walking. “We had the servants drop our things at the castle. Would you mind if we stayed in your fascinating home?”
“We would be honored.” She took Amelia’s outstretched hands in her own and looked into the eyes of sincere friendship.
Then Grace put her hands on her hips. “Are we still walking? Or just standing here? Or what are we doing? Because I wouldn’t mind getting back.”
June turned to the tent. Many of the others were leaving. The servants were cleaning, and soon the tent itself would be dismantled. “Oh, goodness. We can head back if you like.” She squeezed Amelia’s hands one more time. “Thank you.”
“I don’t know what for, but I am so happy to have finally met you.”
“And I as well.”
They changed direction and worked their way back up to the road where the carriages were arriving.
“Join me in our carriage,” Amelia said.
“We’d love to.”
Grace leaned in another direction. “Might I leave with Charity? I want to hear what she talked about for two hours surrounded by all those lords. She had the whole lot of them completely captivated.”
June laughed. “Of course. And I suspect we shall hear everyone’s stories by the fire with our chocolate.”
Amelia clapped her hands. “Excellent, for I would so enjoy being a part.”
They made their way to the grand ducal carriage. It had gold-gilded edges and a gorgeous crest, all in gold, on the side. The navy exterior shone in the sun. A footman opened the door, and June found a seat in the plush interior.
Would she ever live in such comfort? She ran her hand along the interior wood, where not a scratch marred the surface. She might. But she didn’t need anything so fine. What she needed was love. Could she find that love in Lord Morley?
She closed her eyes, a smile tugging her lips as she allowed her thoughts to move in that direction.
“I’d love to know what delicious moments are passing through your mind to bring such a soft smile to your face.”
Lord Morley’s voice startled her in the best manner, but she couldn’t possibly explain. “I’m not certain to what you are referring.” She looked away. The duke and duchess joined them. And as the carriage began moving, the same smile began to grow.
“Hello, dear Miss Standish.” The duke held his hand out to her. “Have I properly thanked you for the role you played in saving me from a very destitute life?”
“I think I have been completely and thoroughly thanked, Your Grace.”
“Call me Gerald.”
Stunned at the incredible familiarity, she swallowed twice before saying, “I couldn’t.”
Lord Morley laughed. “You could, once you know him better.”
“Oh, never mind Morley. He’s just still sore at me for the trick I played on him. But did I not choose well?”
“I’m confused.” June looked from face to face and saw such a mixture of discomfort and humor, she wasn’t certain she wanted to fully understand.
“I plan to tell all when we arrive back at the castle.”
Chapter Fourteen
Morley sat across from Miss Standish in the carriage with his best friend and his best friend’s wife, and he didn’t think life could get any better. “I am hoping when Gerald tells the story, perhaps you might forgive me easier.”
“Oh, there’s nothing to forgive. You’ve been nothing but gracious and kind and giving.”
“And you might never be able to see me the same again because of it.” He searched her face.
Her gaze flitted to the duke and back to him twice before he realized this conversation might be better expressed when not in the company of others.
They arrived at the castle, and the chatter just inside the doors told them they’d been beat by the other sisters, but only just. Charity was saying something with great emphasis, using her arms in great dramatic motions. Morley smiled.
“She must temper her conversation if she is ever to marry,” June sighed.
Morley turned from Charity to June and back. “No.” He shook his head. “Perhaps I am biased, but she should stay just the way she is. Somewhere out there is a chap confident enough to marry her.”
Miss Standish’s eyes widened, and then her lip quivered for just a second before she turned away.
It took every ounce of restraint not to pull her into his arms. Was she crying? Had he said something objectionable?
When she turned back with misty eyes, her warm and tender smile rewarded him. “I feel the same. It is what I wish for her, not daring to believe it could happen. Do you think we really could hope for such a thing? Hope she could find happiness in marriage?”
“Certainly. I don’t see why not.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You are everything that is amiable and good. I don’t know how it is you were dragged into our sorry lives, but
I am pleased. So pleased.” Her gaze lifted to meet his eyes, and then she looked away.
He placed his hand atop hers, and Gerald stood beside him, Amelia on his arm. “Let us convene in your lovely room for a moment before Amelia must rest.”
“I’m perfectly healthy.”
The old, familiar worry crossed Gerald’s face when Amelia wasn’t looking, and Morley knew that although he hid as much of it as he could, Gerald was plagued with concern his new wife would meet the same fate as his first. Childbirth had become less joy and more terror for his best friend.
Morley rested a hand on his shoulder. Gerald nodded, then pasted his pleasant smile back on and waved them toward the sitting room.
As soon as everyone gathered, with the duchess closest to the fire and a blanket wrapped around her, Gerald stood in front of them all with a flair.
“Perhaps you have wondered why we are all gathered here together this fine evening?”
“We know, Gerald. Perhaps we could make this less dramatic and more…to the point?”
“Certainly.” But he continued on with his own flair anyway. “Perhaps you are considering why a man such as I, who proclaimed to care for you ladies, who in fact owes you a great debt—why I would do such a callous thing as toss your family estates onto a gaming table?”
Lucy gasped. “Is that what you did?” She placed a hand over her mouth. “Forgive me, but I had no idea. I mean, the others mentioned it at the assembly, but I couldn’t believe it.”
June laughed. “Where have you been, sweet?” She had kept her hand on Morley’s arm even after they sat together on the sofa, and the lovely rushing sensations that moved up and down his arm raced with the hope that perhaps she was more inclined toward him and accepting of his attention.
Gerald placed a hand on his heart. “I did do that, with the full knowledge Morley here would win.”
“But why would you want to be rid of us?” Grace’s pout threatened to show itself, and Morley saw yet another evidence she was unprepared for the workings of the Season and the people she would meet during it.
“I did not want to be rid of you. On the contrary, I wished to be ever closer to you. For I did not toss you aside to some straggler. No, Morley is my best friend. He’s more family than my actual family. And furthermore, I knew he would be more attentive than I am.” He flicked his hand.
“So, was the duke our guardian? Is Lord Morley our guardian?” Grace’s wrinkled forehead, as she looked from June to Morley and back, made him smile.
“I am not your guardian, no.” Morley in many ways wished he were. But in some key ways, he was glad he was not.
She began to nod but then stopped. “But why are you here and helping us and hoping we marry?”
“Because he wants us out of his hair—and his castle.” Charity crossed her arms with a look of challenge.
“Charity, really.” June shook her head.
“No, June. Let him respond. The duke did the same. We are five burdens, no matter how you look at it.”
June shrunk beside him, and her hand started to slide away from his elbow.
“Now, Miss Charity, Miss Standish—all of you lovely sisters. In some regards, what you say is true,” Morley said.
All of them looked away, and Gerald frowned.
“I would like you out of this castle, if that is what you desire, married and happy on estates of your own,” Morley went on.
Charity’s frown continued.
“But I do not have hopes for the castle as my own place of residence in any way that would preclude any number of you staying here as well. This is your home for as long as you wish it to be so.”
Charity seemed partly mollified, and June kept her hand on his arm. But the mood in the room had changed, and he longed for it to return to the lovely, cozy warmth he’d felt only moments before.
“And Gerald, tell them the good news,” Morley said.
Gerald considered Morley for a moment, and then his face lit. “Ah, yes. Since I heard you may have been adversely affected by the knowledge your estates had been passed away at a game of cards, we”—Gerald shared such a look of love with Amelia that Morley felt almost indecent to witness the specialness between them—“we have decided you each deserve a larger dowry.”
“Can it be?” Lucy stood, clasped her hands together, and then sat. Her cheeks flushed in pleasure.
“We have already set aside the money. And I hope the mending of the castle and a modest dowry, coupled with your impeccable family line, should be all you need in life to find a good partner in marriage.”
“And a Season in London?” Lucy lifted her eyes in such hope Morley had to root for her in some ways.
“Perhaps.” Morley nodded. “Perhaps. I do think everyone visits here, so in most regards you are in the best position to meet whoever you like, honestly. In London, the invitations are limited. Though we could possibly attend any party we would like with His Grace’s and my connections, I don’t know if the invitations would include all five of you.”
Lucy nodded. “I shall not give up hope.”
“Very good.”
The conversation continued, and Morley sat back, enjoying the close presence of Miss Standish on his arm. The sisters laughed and teased with Gerald. Amelia smiled and seemed most happy here with this group—much more so than with some of the suspicious and spiteful members of the ton.
Morley leaned closer to Miss Standish, enjoying the soft waft of rose that always hovered about her. “Thank you for this.”
She lifted her eyes up to his. Her heart-shaped face, the soft pink to her cheeks, the round pools of the eyes that slowly blinked with questions and the light of expectation—it was all he could do to stop himself from pressing his lips to her forehead first, and then her cheek, then finding his way down to the soft, full lips.
She parted her mouth and wet her bottom lip. Then she cleared her throat. “Thank you? For…what?”
“For this friendship, for family. Everyone gathered here in this room has become dear to me.”
Her expression clouded, and he wanted to kick himself for not being more clear. But the moment passed, and then Gerald rose from his seat, holding a hand out to his wife.
“We must retire.”
Everyone stood and curtsied or bowed.
“Sisters, we should find our own beds.” June had not yet removed her hand from his arm, even though now would be a natural time to do so, and he allowed her simple continuance of attention at his side to spur him on and give him courage.
“I will see you lovely sisters at the prince’s ball, if not before. I must admit, I’m more excited to see a bunch of gowns than I have ever been.”
“Oh, our gowns!” Kate grinned and then linked arms with Grace as they made their way out of the room. Lucy and Charity followed, but not without Lucy checking over her shoulder twice and Charity dragging her from the room.
Morley walked with Miss Standish over closer to the fire. “I wonder if I might…”
She turned to him, “Yes?”
The bright eyes were his undoing. All coherent thought fled as he studied the flecks of blue amidst the green.
He leaned closer, and she took a step toward him. The candles and firelight visually filtering through her hair created a halo all around her head. He brought her hand up to his mouth and pressed his lips, lingering as long as he dared.
She closed her eyes, and he knew he couldn’t wait until the ball to see her again. And he didn’t want to always be surrounded by the others. This moment alone with Miss Standish might be his most enjoyable since arriving in Brighton, short though it was.
“Would you like to go to the theater with me?” he said.
Her eyes opened, and her mouth lifted in a delighted smile. “I would like nothing more.”
He nodded. “I shall come tomorrow to fetch you. Gerald and Amelia can join us.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks colored. “And not the others?”
“They are more than welcom
e, but I thought, perhaps…perhaps there might be times when we could be together?” He held his breath. Never had he been so unsure around a woman. Never had he pursued one—not really.
But she showed no hesitation with her response. “I’d like that. Thank you.”
“Very good.” Energy rushed through him. “I’m pleased to hear it. I shall secure us a box forthwith.” He stepped away and bowed. “And now I must say good night.”
She smiled, her quiet happiness lifting his own.
As he turned from the room, his last view of her standing at the fire made him wish he never had to leave her in the evenings again. But in order for that to happen, she would have to see him in a completely different light. Did she, after this evening? After Gerald’s explanation? Perhaps.
He had work to do, and a whole slew of sisters to marry off to worthy suitors—and to somehow keep away the ones vying for Miss Standish’s attention. Not an easy task. Not any of it.
Chapter Fifteen
June danced back to her room, spinning and tipping her arms down and back up, her head full of happiness and dreams. As she tripped down the hall, she couldn’t help the smile that stretched across her face. Could it be possible? Was Lord Morley interested in her, not out of obligation, but as a person? Did he prefer her to all others?
She skipped into her room and almost stumbled when she saw each of her sisters on her bed.
“What’s this?” She smiled, but they seemed concerned. “Are you not well? Have we not had the best news? Dowries for each of you?”
Charity nodded. “Yes, that’s all wonderful, but what about you? What are you doing with Lord Morley?”
“Charity.” Grace pointed. “I don’t know why you are so concerned. He likes her, doesn’t he? Can’t you tell they’re in love?”
“Wait, I’m not—”
“In love? Him? Really?” said Charity. “Because I thought I saw a lot of attention given to a Lady Annabelle at the picnic. And I saw our June sitting with Lord Smallwood.” Charity crossed her arms. “And good riddance to that one, but spending quiet moments by firelight when it’s just us is one thing. Does he honor you with his attention when others are present?”
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