“That we have,” Jasper said. “And we’re both much better for it.”
Jasper and his brother smiled at each other.
“Come,” their mother said. “We need to attend the luncheon.”
* * *
Leah found herself touched by the service. Lord Langley had said some words by the graveside. They were heartfelt. She felt a tear escape, down her cheek, as she watched him finally turn away from his wife’s grave. She pulled out her handkerchief, wiping at her eye.
“It’s so terrible,” Selina said, beside her. “That he had to lose her this way.”
“It is,” Leah agreed. “But I suppose that this sort of emotion comes when one has been married for long.”
“Naturally,” her mother pointed out. “When one has been a part of the close partnership of matrimony, that’s what happens.”
“The wedding was called off,” Selina said in a monotone.
“Postponed,” Leah replied coldly. “I mean to use the time to my advantage.”
“How so, cousin?” Selina asked.
“I’m going to make him fall in love with me,” Leah said. “He’s always been so obsessed with it; I think I’ll give him what he’s asked for.”
“Oh,” Selina said. Leah looked at her, closely. She seemed—odd. More so than usual.
“What? You don’t think I can do it?”
“I’m sure you can do anything that you put your mind to,” Selina replied, giving her a half-hearted smile.
“I see, now,” Leah went on, after all, maybe her cousin could benefit from seeing her example. “I deserve love.”
“Everyone deserves love,” Selina replied.
Leah beamed at her cousin. “You’ll see,” she assured her. “We’ll be rescheduling the wedding very soon.”
* * *
“We need to solve this,” Colonel Fitz was saying. “Your Grace, how can we have these bad men, running about the countryside, murdering ladies?”
“I do feel as though we’ve failed them,” Jasper agreed. There was the funeral luncheon at Lord Langley’s mansion. All of the local aristocracy was gathered in his Great Hall, with plates of food, cups of tea.
“I’m going to increase patrols in the area,” Colonel Fitz declared. “No ladies are to stir from the safety of their homes without being accompanied by an armed gentleman. No gentleman should go abroad unarmed.”
“Agreed,” Jasper said. They needed to solve this.
He looked about the room, spotting Stephen, who was standing beside Lady Ella. They were both talking in low voices, politely. It was the first time that anyone had seen Lady Ella since her mother’s death.
She looked pale; her usual mirth was completely gone. The tragedy had altered her. Jasper was glad that Stephen was giving her attention until Stephen’s gaze cut over to Lady Selina. Jasper knew that his friend was still enamored of her.
“Your Grace?” Colonel Fitz asked. Jasper looked at him, in surprise.
“Yes, Colonel?” he asked, feeling jarred.
“Is there anything else that we should do?” he asked.
“Perhaps, we should think about asking for another regiment or two,” he replied. His eyes had gravitated toward Lady Selina, who was watching him. “I’ll write to the Regent directly.”
Their eyes met. Desire swept through him like a wave of dark water, plunging him into the depths.
* * *
After the family returned from the funeral, Selina finally took out her letter to her brother. It sounded, to her ears, that Leah was not about to let the Duke go—not without a fight.
She knew that it would be best. She opened it, up, copying the letter out, so that the date would be current.
Dear Thomas,
I hope that my letter finds you and Lord Merriweather well, up there in the North. I am writing to you because there have been recent robberies in the area, as well as a murder of a lady, no less. Leah’s wedding has been called off, and it feels rather unsafe.
I was wondering if it would be at all possible for me to come and join you, at least for a little while. I don’t want to be presumptuous, or to ask too much of Lord Merriweather, but I find it rather urgent that I be on my way from Kirby Hall and the surrounding environs.
All my love,
Selina
She folded it, sealing it with a bit of wax before writing out the address, then rang the bell for Mr. Wickes. He was at the door in the space of a few moments.
“My Lady!” he said. “What can I do for you?”
“Would you be so kind as to post this for me, Mr. Wickes?” she asked, holding the letter out. She watched as she placed it into his hand. His eyes took in the direction.
He gave her a short bow. “Of course, My Lady. I will post it immediately.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wickes.”
Once the door closed after him, she sighed heavily, walking to the window, which was open just a crack, to let in a soft spring breeze. The curtains stirred a little, as though by unseen fingers.
For the first time in days, she felt better. She had not stirred from the house until the funeral that morning. Nor had the Duke sent for her to come and meet him—no doubt, busy.
She loved the Duke. But she couldn’t be here when Leah learned that he no longer wanted the wedding to occur. There would have to be time before he could become engaged to her. They could meet again, in London, perhaps, or at Staunton, when her parents returned from Paris.
* * *
The family at Gillingham Hall was sitting down for their dinner. The formal dining room had stone walls and was a little drafty in the winter. It had always been where they ate—Jasper’s father had always insisted upon it. Their voices always echoed as they ate.
“I’m going to invite Lady Selina and Lady Leah for tea,” Mother announced.
Jasper looked at her in surprise. “What for?”
“I want to talk to Lady Selina,” she replied. “It would be rude not to invite your fiancée.”
“Quite right,” Reuben said, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. “Lady Selina is very beautiful.”
Jasper sighed. Not my brother, too. It seemed as though every eligible bachelor in the county was interested in Lady Selina. He couldn’t blame them—he, too, found her to be utterly faultless.
“What’s wrong with you?” Reuben asked. “You’re quite huffy.”
“Lord Sandbourne is enamored of her as well,” he said. “It seems like all of the eligible gentlemen in the county are.”
“Can you blame us?” Reuben asked. “I know that I have no chance with her, of course.”
“Oh, Reuben,” their mother said. “You have so much to offer any lady.”
“What? She’s going to come and live with me in my little lodge?” Reuben laughed. “Not when she could have Sandbourne and a clockwork swan.”
“Lady Selina isn’t that materialistic,” Jasper said. “She’s too good.”
Reuben was squinting at him, studying him very, very closely. Jasper’s mother and brother both had the tendency to read him like a book. It was maddening.
“What?” Jasper demanded, wishing that they both were less observational and more self-absorbed.
Reuben looked at their mother, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Is His Grace in love with Lady Selina?”
“In love?” Mother asked, her eyes wide.
“So, then you’re going to call it off with Lady Leah?” Reuben asked.
Jasper swallowed. He knew that his face was deep crimson and very hot. His brother was about to give him a good teasing over this.
“Have you any idea how jealous Lady Leah is of Lady Selina?” Reuben asked, shaking his head. “Oh, brother. I truly, truly from the bottom of my heart—feel very badly for you.”
“Is Lady Leah jealous of Lady Selina?” their mother asked.
“Yes. Historically speaking,” Reuben said.
“Why has she never told me?” Jasper asked. “And why did she tell you?”
“Because she
wants to appear holy in thine eyes, Your Grace,” Reuben replied, shrugging. “I’m just the affable younger brother—I have no power. No one’s trying to impress me. The aristocracy tells me everything.”
Jasper found himself forced to acknowledge several truths. Reuben was more likable than Jasper himself was. Also, when Lady Leah found out that he was choosing Lady Selina over her—there was going to be an uproar.
“How did I not know?” he asked.
“Because everyone dissembles in front of you, Your Grace.”
“Oh, Jasper,” his mother said, shaking her head. She sighed mournfully. “Oh, Jasper.” She looked at him, disappointed.
“You’re the one inviting both of them to our house,” he said.
“It’s the polite thing to do, dear.”
Jasper took a long sip of his wine. He hadn’t known about Lady Leah’s longstanding jealousy of Lady Selina. It made sense, however. It made remarkable sense.
Chapter Fifteen
Leah was immensely excited to receive the Dowager Duchess’s invitation. Selina had been invited, as well. However, it was a chance for Leah to show Selina all the things that would soon be hers, in a more intimate setting than the engagement party had been.
The Dowager Duchess was even so kind as to offer to send the barouche-landau for their use.
When they arrived, they were brought through the house and into the garden, where the Dowager Duchess had arranged a small table, set for tea.
“Welcome! Welcome!” the Dowager Duchess said. She stood up from the table.
“This is absolutely lovely!” Selina declared, and Leah felt herself puff up with pride.
“Thank you for your kind invitation, Your Grace,” Leah said. The two ladies curtsied.
“You’re very welcome,” the Dowager Duchess replied. They all took their seats at the table. Leah inspected it. There was a crisp, white cloth, laid over the top. In the center, there was a small bowl of freshly-cut cabbage roses, straight from the gardens.
“I love sitting outside at this time of day,” Selina remarked. She was wearing that straw bonnet, yet again. It made her look dowdy. Leah was glad—she had worn a white-lace bonnet, with a pale-pink ribbon.
“It’s such a lovely spring day,” the Dowager Duchess remarked. “I thought the fresh air and sunshine would do us all a world of good.”
“And so it does, Your Grace,” Selina replied.
As the Dowager Duchess and Selina talked of the weather, Leah looked around at all that would soon be hers. The gardens were just turning green, and all the flowers were coming into bloom. Next year, at this time, it would be hers.
Unless, of course, they hadn’t rescheduled the wedding. Leah was horrified. By then, she’d be four-and-twenty. The idea that she would still be waiting to become the Duchess in a year’s time curdled her stomach.
The tea was brought, and she studied the set—it was gold-rimmed, eggshell-white porcelain, with pink flowers on it. She liked it very much. Hers, soon.
She spotted the Duke from far away. He was dressed in that dark-green jacket of his, which brought out the color of his eyes. She watched him as he walked nearer. She felt pride that he was to be hers. All she needed to do was to make him fall in love with her. Once that happened, she was sure he’d agree to set a new date.
That meant she needed to get him away from the others. It would be a balancing act—Leah was prepared to do away with propriety in order to get him to fall in love with her. She was ready to do anything.
After all, she had to get her wedding rescheduled as soon as possible. Selina and the Dowager Duchess hadn’t noticed his arrival.
“Your Grace,” Leah said. She could not read his gaze. He smiled at her, and she felt herself blossom. There was hope, still, she just knew it.
* * *
Selina turned when Leah addressed the Duke. He smiled at them. A bit of his hair had fallen over his forehead, making him look dashing.
“I was just coming to see how your tea was getting on,” he said.
“Very well, Your Grace,” Leah replied.
“I was just about to suggest that we all take a turn about the gardens,” the Dowager Duchess said. “Would you care to accompany us, my son?”
“I’d be happy to, ladies.” He bowed gallantly.
“Come, you must walk beside me, Your Grace,” Leah said.
“Of course, My Lady,” he agreed, offering her his arm.
“And you must walk with me, Lady Selina,” the Dowager Duchess said.
Leah and the Duke walked a little bit ahead of the Dowager Duchess and Selina. They were within sight, but just out of earshot. It appeared that Leah was doing most of the talking.
“I’ve wanted to speak with you, Lady Selina,” the Dowager Duchess said. “Just us two.”
“Why is that, Your Grace?”
“I think I know which gentleman has caught your eye,” she said.
“Yes, I believe you have.” Her eyes were on the set of his shoulders in his green jacket. He turned his head, pointing toward one of the little fruit trees which lined the garden. Leah clung to his arm, leaning into him.
“Should you need somewhere to go, I can offer you my protection, despite it being a little out of the norm.”
“I have written to my brother, to see if I can stay with him, while things…rearrange themselves.”
“I hope you’ll stay nearby, My Lady. I think things will rearrange themselves accordingly.”
“My Cousin is quite set on marrying him, Your Grace,” Selina said. “I think it will take some…extra time, and quite possibly, distance.”
“I see,” the Dowager Duchess said. The two of them gazed upon the Duke and Leah, as they walked just ahead. Leah was waving her hand at the gardens. “For your sake, and happiness, as well as my son’s, I hope it doesn’t take too long.”
* * *
Jasper wondered what his mother and Lady Selina were discussing. He could hear their voices, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying. Meanwhile, Lady Leah clung to his arm.
“I’m very excited,” Leah said. “I can’t wait to begin plans for the gardens.”
“Yes, I’m sure,” he replied. “Although they don’t require much work. My mother has spent a great deal of time in planning them as they are now.”
They walked in silence for a moment. Jasper thought about how the gardens were his mother’s pride and joy. How sad she’d be if she weren’t allowed some hand in them.
“Have you gotten far, in finding him?” Lady Leah asked. “The man who murdered poor Lady Langley?”
“No, My Lady,” he replied. “But I’ve got as many people as I can, searching out the culprit. We’re all on it.” He wondered what her interest was in the whole sordid affair.
“Good. Perhaps we can start plans to reschedule the wedding. Perhaps, June?” she asked, causing him to panic.
“I couldn’t say, My Lady,” he replied. “I cannot, in good conscience, reschedule when I haven’t stopped the crimes from happening.”
“Perhaps we can plan a little outing?” Lady Leah suggested. “I would like to get to see your horses.”
Jasper frowned. Lady Leah had never shown any interest in his horses before. He was thrown by it. “Of course, My Lady. I can take you riding on the estate, if you’d like.”
“I would. Very much,” she said, beaming up at him.
* * *
Leah was ecstatic when Selina and the Dowager Duchess caught up to her and the Duke. Selina wondered what could have made her so happy.
“His Grace is going to take me riding,” Leah said, ecstatically.
The Duke glanced at Selina. “Would you like to come as well, My Lady?” he asked, frowning.
“I would be delighted, Your Grace,” she said.
Leah’s face fell, but then she smiled. “Why don’t we invite Lord Sandbourne, as well? We can make a small outing of it. And Dear Lord Munro!”
“What if you’re stopped?” the Dowager Duchess ask
ed. “What if you’re stopped by those bandits?”
“We’ll remain on the estate,” the Duke said. “But we can bring some of the grooms with us, and arm all the gentlemen. We should all be safe, then.”
Sins 0f An Intoxicating Duchess (Steamy Historical Regency Romance) Page 14
