Not Even For a Duke

by A. S. Fenichel

Garrett took the man’s hand. “Garrett Winslow.”

  Grady’s mouth hung open. “Your Grace. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” He made an awkward bow.

  “No need.” Garrett waved off Grady’s concerns. “Can anyone attend, or is it just for the local people?”

  “We would be delighted if you and her ladyship’s party would join us. It’s just a country dance. I’m not sure you will find it as grand as you’re used to, Duke.” Grady looked around at the street, the carriage that rolled by, and anywhere but at Garrett.

  “I think we should find it a fine evening out. I shall recommend the entire party join in the festivities if you’re certain we wouldn’t be intruding, Mr. Kinsmith.”

  Taken aback, Grady finally looked at Garrett. “Everyone is welcome. It would be no imposition.”

  Garrett tipped his hat. “Then I hope to see you tomorrow night, Mr. Kinsmith.”

  Another awkward bow from Grady, and Garrett climbed on his horse and rode toward Whickette Park.

  As he topped the hill, the house came into view. He imagined Aurora busy inside making things ready for her mother or working with Helen to get the basics for the proposed school. Just the thought of her made him happy. He supposed that should no longer be the case since she’d rejected him, but it didn’t seem to matter. She stirred his emotions no matter her lack of returning them.

  Perhaps he was drunk from little sleep since his thoughts and Aurora’s words had kept him awake all night. He would try to gain a few hours in bed after eating something.

  The sound of a carriage made him turn in the saddle. The Marsden crest blazed on the side. It was unlikely the dowager had seen him. It was cowardly, but he trotted off the road and loped down the hill and out of sight. He had never cared for either of Rhys and Aurora’s parents. They were selfish and treated Aurora as if she were somehow lacking. They had sent her away to school in Switzerland, an act for which Garrett had never forgiven them. And when the earl had announced his great match for Aurora even before she’d returned home, any respect for their father had been lost. It had been unfair to deny Aurora a season. She would have been a diamond of the first water that season, or any.

  Garrett had booked himself on the first ship out of England. He was less proud of that decision now than he had been when he made it and saw the disappointment in his father’s eyes.

  He rode around to the stable out of sight of the drive. Once he’d unsaddled his horse and combed her down, he gave her water and food. “Thank you for a lovely ride, my dear.”

  A groom with mussed curls of dark brown and a bright smile poked his head in. “That there is Sheba. I wasn’t sure if she’d been pinched, Your Grace. You get up early.”

  “Sorry about that,” Garrett said. “I didn’t sleep and needed some exercise. I think I have her settled, but if you wouldn’t mind checking my work...” He waited for a name.

  “I’m Ned. I’ll see to her, Your Grace.”

  With a nod, Garrett left the stable and hurried toward the back of the house. Still unwilling to face Aurora’s mother, he thought he might sneak up to his room and have a bath before having to deal with her.

  He’d never been as thankful to his valet, Bronson, as he was when he found a breakfast plate of sausage, toast, and jam under a cloche on the table in his room and a bath ready to have hot water added, waiting for him.

  Bronson pushed his dark hair to one side. “I shall have hot water brought up while you eat, Your Grace.”

  “You are a wonder, Bronson.”

  “Indeed, Your Grace.”

  He walked out of the room, and as promised, within twenty minutes, footmen with hot water arrived to heat the tub.

  Garrett pushed aside the empty plate, took the last sip of tepid coffee and thanked them.

  Clean and dressed, he was a new man as he went downstairs. He thought he would look around and see if the library was intact. In the hall, voices from the lady’s parlor drew his attention.

  Aurora said, “Do you understand what I’m asking?”

  “I think so, my lady.” A man’s deep voice sounded from the open door.

  Garrett stepped forward and looked in.

  Bickford stood in front of the ornate lady’s desk like a soldier called to a dressing down. “You want me to stay on here after the park is turned into a girls’ school.”

  Aurora huffed out an amused breath and looked up at him from behind the desk. “Only if you feel you’re up to the task, Bickford. If you’re not comfortable, I will write you a letter of recommendation, and we shall part ways after I leave here.”

  The butler bristled. Perhaps he thought it ridiculous that he might not be able to handle a house full of female students. Once he’d recovered his stoic expression, he inquired, “May I ask, why you would wish me to stay on, Madam?”

  Sitting back, Aurora gazed far away. “At my home in London, I have a very fine butler by the name of Tipton. He has done all in his power to protect me and my home under such circumstances that no man should have to endure. He has done so with diligence and honor. You remind me of Tipton. I need someone who will keep this house, this school, and the young ladies who attend and teach here safe. It is not an easy thing I’m asking.”

  If it were possible, Bickford seemed to stand even taller. “I think I should like to meet Tipton, my lady.”

  She grinned. “I know it’s an unusual position to stand butler at a girls’ school, but there will be a full staff that will need direction. I think you are a kind but firm hand to guide those who work here. You will know where to make rules to suit a school and when to break the customary mandates of a household.”

  After a moment, Bickford gave a nod. “It is a challenge, but I am up to the task. I accept the position and hope to do justice to your Tipton.”

  Standing, she offered her hand. “I know that you will.”

  There was a bare instant of hesitation before Bickford shook her hand. Then he bowed and left the room. “Your Grace,” he said as he exited.

  “Bickford.” Garrett waited until the butler was out of sight before he stepped inside. “I think you have made an excellent choice. I hope he doesn’t endure the kind of trouble that Tipton has these last years, but I think a house full of brilliant women is a challenge for any man.”

  Worry creased in her forehead. Likely she was recalling the troubles at the West Lane house with French spies kidnapping them last year. She took a breath. “I think he will do well.”

  Leaving the door open, he crossed to the sofa that sat to one corner, waiting for her to join him. When she sat in the rose-colored Queen Anne chair, he settled into the sofa’s flowered silk. “I don’t want there to be awkwardness between us, Rora.”

  Her shoulders relaxed. “Nor do I.”

  They would not speak of what had transpired the day before until she brought it up. He saw that in her gaze. Finding a subject they could begin with, he said, “I assume your mother arrived safely.”

  “She did and is resting. Though I suspect by the hour of her arrival that she didn’t travel more than two hours today.” Aurora drew a long breath and let it out slowly with her eyes closed.

  Amused, he said, “It is rather elegant to rest after a journey and then appear for tea.”

  “She claims to have a surprise for teatime.” Aurora rolled her eyes.

  “How terrifying.” Garrett smiled, but inside he worried over what Jemima Draper might have in store.

  “I spent a good deal of the morning with Helen. We have decided the school will be kept to the east wing of the house. It has several parlors for classrooms and plenty of bedrooms. This end will be closed off unless I choose to visit or they hold a ball.” She paused in thought. “A gentleman is coming this afternoon to give me a price on some modifications. I need to create a dining hall. I think the gallery can be altered for that purpose, and there are stairs down to the kitchen quite close.”

  She was a wonder, and he adored hearing how exciting the project was for her. “It so
unds like you have things well in hand.”

  “There is much to do. I need teachers.” She brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.

  “And students.”

  They both laughed.

  One slim brow rose over her right eye. A teasing smile pulled at her lips. “To that, I have some news.”

  “Really? I am awash with anticipation.” He was fully relieved that they could still banter and joke together.

  Aurora walked to the desk. She picked up a letter and returned to where he’d stood, before they both sat again. “I’ve had a letter from the Marchioness of Dorsett. She actually sounds a bit at her wits’ end with her husband the marquess. He is determined to send their twin daughters to the continent for school. He claims they are incorrigible, while her ladyship claims they have high spirits. She heard a rumor I was starting a school and would prefer to have her girls in England. I will write to her directly and have her send them. I would not like to see them shipped off to Lucerne as I was.”

  “I seem to remember you enjoyed your time abroad, and you met the Wallflowers.” He knew for a fact that she had no regrets about her schooling.

  She shrugged. “You’re right, of course. I wouldn’t change anything except the curriculum of my education. I should have enjoyed learning about science and math. Those subjects are only explored in girls’ schools as far as it can help in running a house. I think Helen can manage two girls and I shall send out advertisements for a few more teachers willing and clever enough for the position.”

  “You believe cleverness is a requisite?” He had no idea if there were other women of Helen’s quality. Finding them would be a separate issue.

  “Maybe not, but it would be helpful. Spirited girls can be a handful.” She smiled and blushed a little perhaps thinking of herself when her parents sent her away.

  “I was furious when your father sent you away to school. Did you know that?” He didn’t know why he felt the need to tell her now, so many years after the fact. The thought blurted from his mouth before he had time to think.

  She folded the letter and placed it on the table. “I didn’t know, but you have always been a good friend to me, so I am not surprised.”

  “I went to my father, who told me to mind my own business. Though I suspect he disapproved of your father’s behavior in most instances.”

  “Your father was a kind man.” Her smile was warm with old memories. “He was right, of course. It was none of your business, and there was nothing you could have done about it. My brother tried and failed. Besides, as you said, I loved my time at school.”

  A knock on the door was immediately followed by Bickford’s entry. “My lady, the Duke of Hexon has arrived. He claims he was invited by the Dowager Countess of Marsden.”

  Aurora stood with a sigh. “I suppose this is my surprise. Bickford, can you ask the maids to make up one of the nicer rooms for His Grace? Is tea ready?”

  “It is nearly so, and I can ask Mrs. Lyme to speed things up if you like.” Bickford referred to the cook.

  “No. Don’t trouble her if it’s already in progress. Have the room made up and escort His Grace into the west parlor. We shall join him directly. And would you please inform my mother that her guest has arrived?” Aurora returned the letter from the Marchioness to her desk, took a breath and turned to Garrett. “Shall we?”

  He offered his arm. Hexon, of all the arrogant asses. Why was Aurora’s mother so dim when it came to the selection of husbands for her only daughter? “Do you know the Duke of Hexon?”

  “I have never met him.” She brushed out her skirt. “Do you know him?”

  “We were in school together.” A knot developed in the center of Garrett’s chest. “Of course, he was not a duke then. Of course, neither was I. You may find him likable.”

  She glanced at him as they walked arm in arm down the hall. “I have no idea how you mean that, but I suspect you do not find him so.”

  “He is rich and has a fine estate. His debts are paid, and he keeps a house in London.” What more could he say? It wouldn’t do to defile a man’s reputation, especially one he’d not spoken to in ten years.

  Lady Marsden flew down the stairs. “My wonderful surprise arrived early.”

  “So I’ve been told, Mother. You might have said, so I could have a room readied.”

  Brushing the notion that a duke’s arrival might inconvenience anyone, Jemima turned to Garrett. “Your Grace. How nice to see you. Have you been in the country long?”

  He bowed over her hand. “Not long, my lady. The pleasure is mine.”

  “We shouldn’t keep your guest waiting.” Aurora nodded to the footman, who opened the parlor door.

  Jemima practically gushed with glee as she floated across the room to Hexon, who stood looking out at the front drive. “Hello, my lady. I didn’t realize you had yet to tell Lady Radcliff of my arrival.”

  “You were a surprise.” A warm smile pulled at Jemima’s lips.

  Aurora stepped forward. “A very pleasant one, Your Grace. Welcome to Whickette Park.” She made a curtsy and looked a bit too happy to meet Hexon.

  Despite the newest bout of jealousy roiling in his belly, Garrett couldn’t brood. “Nice to see you, Hexon.”

  They shook hands. “Winslow. Oh, it’s Corwin now, isn’t it? My condolences on the loss of your father. I met him on several occasions in Parliament. Though we rarely agreed, he was a true gentleman and a very smart man.”

  “Thank you. He hated your politics but told me once that you had a good head on your shoulders. High praise from my father.” Garrett hated to admit that, but there it was. Father had liked Hexon despite his politics and his arrogance.

  “That was kind of him.” He gave a nod then turned to Aurora. “I also didn’t realize the house was filled with your friends. I hope you are in earnest that I am not an unwelcome intruder.”

  “You are most welcome. Tea and the others will be here in a moment, and you’ll see we do not take ourselves too seriously. All are welcome.”

  After tea, Garrett fled to the gardens. He’d tolerated Hexon at school, but he’d not considered him a rival then. Now it was clear that Aurora’s mother had plans to arrange a match between Hexon and Aurora. And not even his emotionless Aurora could hide her attraction to the dreadfully handsome duke.

  He rounded an overgrown patch of some flower or other and found Wesley staring out over the hills.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, Wes.” Garrett turned to walk away.

  Wesley said, “No need to go. I was just thinking about summers here when I was a boy. It will be good to see children at play here again.”

  “Then you’re not as upset with Aurora’s plans to convert your ancestral home into a school as your cousin?”

  “When I decided Mercedes Heath was the only woman I could ever marry, I let this place go. Even if Aurora wouldn’t marry me, and I have it on good authority she never would have, I could have found a rich wife and perhaps come to a price with Aurora to have Whickette Park back. I’ve never been happier in my life than I have been these last few months as Mercy’s husband. This is only a house. I have enough of those.” Wesley pointed to a large tree in the distance. “That chestnut tree produced the finest nuts. The boys from town and I would run there and eat until we were sick.”

  “I’m glad you’re content, but what of Renshaw?” Garrett meant it. He liked the friendships he shared with Aurora and her Wallflowers. It was like having a large family to be a part of their group. He’d missed family when he was traveling.

  “Malcolm will come to his senses. He has some crazy notions about this place and some old family legends of buried treasure. It’s ridiculous, but he’s determined. He’ll go as far as making a bid for Aurora’s hand, and now with Hexon here, I suppose Lady Marsden is up to her tricks again and will now try to wed Aurora to Hexon.” Wesley started down the path toward Garrett, and they proceeded together.

  He was going to have to do something about the growing je
alousy inside him. “I’m sure that is her purpose.”

  “Won’t work, not for Mal or Hexon,” Wesley said it as if it were a fact.

  “No?”

  Shaking his head, Wesley plucked a yellow bloom as they walked. “Does Hexon seem like the type to allow his wife to have a project like the Castlewick School? A school where girls are taught subjects like mathematics and science. I know for certain Malcolm doesn’t think that highly of women to allow such an indulgence.”

  “Perhaps the lure of becoming a duchess will win her over.”

  Wesley gave him a sly smile that seemed to say it didn’t work for you. But he said nothing on the subject. “I heard from the groom that the dance at the assembly had to be postponed due to weather last week and will be held tomorrow.”

  “I learned that myself when I rode to town earlier. I thought it might be fun to attend,” Garrett admitted.

  “It is fun. I shall mention it at dinner tonight and see who is game.” They continued toward the edge of the gardens. “Shall we go back and have a game of billiards before we have to dress for dinner?”

  “I didn’t realize there was a game room.” Garrett followed him the way they had come.

  He leaned in and whispered. “It’s well hidden.” He let out a good laugh. “My grandfather often hid in there from Grandmother. Though I suspect she knew exactly where he was.”

  “Women usually do.” Garrett would always be willing to have a wife who was smarter than him. Aurora’s blue eyes smiled inside his mind. He shook the image off and entered the house. He could use some time without her nearby. Perhaps he could get his emotions under control. Perhaps he could fight everything his heart wanted.

  Chapter 10

  When Aurora’s mother burst into her room before the assembly, Gillian gave her a sympathetic look and slipped out of the room.

  “What do you make of Hexon?” Mother gushed as she sat on the edge of the bed. Her gold gown shimmered in the afternoon sunlight. Despite her constant worry of the state of her daughter’s widowhood, she was still lovely, and Aurora accepted that the nagging was out of love. But also, out of a desire to have her friends admire her success.