Lord Love a Duke

by Renee Reynolds

  Juliet smiled warmly as she approached the pair. “Indeed, I require nothing save a little pounding on the keys. If you are sure I will cause no disruption to your schedule, I will occupy Her Grace's fine instrument.” Juliet turned to the small maid. “Bessie, please continue with whatever duties you need without concern of me. That is, if you can tolerate my noise,” she teased.

  Bessie, startled at being addressed directly by one so fine, blushed under the notice. “Oh, my lady, I'd be ever so pleased to hear ye play whilst I work. We've all heard yer playing this week. Y'ere a right charm on it,” she blurted out.

  “You are very kind to say such, Bessie,” Juliet replied as she moved to the instrument. “Do you have a favorite tune I might attempt for you? How about The King's Ballad?” she asked. As Hastings opened his mouth Juliet rushed in to prevent his denial. “Now, Hastings, please let me enjoy playing this song for a moment. It is early and a lively song is just what we all need to wake our sleepy minds and bodies.” She winked at the young maid and began to play the old song with enthusiasm. By the second time through, two footmen, the kitchen maids and Cook, and the housekeeper had found their way to the music room.

  “Youth must have some dally-ance, of good or ill some pasty-ance,” sang out the below stairs workers of the group now gathered around the pianoforte, employing a bit of poetic license with the original lyrics and varying degrees of melody and harmony. Juliet smiled in delight at the unbridled joy present in their small assembly. Thomas, the head footman, grabbed the stout arm of Cook and began to dance and swing the older lady around as others began to clap. Juliet played into her next selection when interrupted by the appearance of Viscount Melville and his sister, Lady Margaret.

  Hastings pulled on the bottom of his coat to straighten its lines and regain his professional mien as the housekeeper and Cook bustled the maids away from the instrument and out the door to the rear of the room nearest the servant stairs.

  “Thank you for a lovely good morning,” Juliet called out to the departing servants and was rewarded with several shy smiles and pleased faces. Hastings bowed and tapped the shoulders of his footmen and they exited to the front hall, pausing to acknowledge the arrival of the siblings. Lady Margaret could not disguise her surprise at the spirited scene she and her brother had intruded upon, but she was by no means affronted by the gaiety. A stickler for clear lines of demarcation between workers and their “betters,” the Viscount was quick to make his opinions known to the ladies despite them being quite aware of his unkindly disposition toward staff.

  “Lady Juliet, whatever were you thinking letting the servants neglect their morning duties in such an unseemly manner. It is good that it was my sister and I who stumbled upon the raucous scene rather than Their Graces,” he chided her with no small degree of condescension.

  Juliet sighed inwardly as she prepared for a pointless conversation of differing opinions with the self-satisfied lord. No matter how strong or truthful her remonstrations, no doubt Lord Melville would fail to appreciate or consider his own ideas might be the ones in error.

  “I assure you, nothing untoward occurred here this morning, my lord,” she responded as she rose from the piano seat to drop a polite, though she thought thoroughly undeserved, curtsey to the insufferable prig. “It was I who intruded on the staff and their duties, then prevailed upon them to let me play for the brief pleasure.” And the Duchess would have clapped along with them all, she groused to herself.

  Melville gifted her with an oily smile and moved to take her hand and bestow a wet and far too-personal kiss. Juliet barely suppressed a shudder and took a calming breath through her nostrils in effort to stem her irritation. “My dear lady, it would give me great pleasure to hear you play again. In fact, it would give me great pleasure to be party to anything you might care to do,” he added with just enough emphasis on certain words to leave no doubt as to his suggestive meaning. It appeared to Juliet that the Viscount was much more forward and less circumspect in his attentions when others were not around to observe his actions.

  Juliet tugged her hand gently but the Viscount was stubborn this morning and only tightened his grasp. He turned his head to give a slight nod to his sister to suggest she leave but Lady Margaret pretended not to infer his meaning and glanced away to look at the art work in the room. Melville placed Juliet's hand on his crooked arm and turned to glare in force at his sister. “Margaret, I see you have forgotten your shawl. You will certainly catch a chill without it. Run fetch it and Lady Juliet and I will await your return.”

  Margaret looked at her brother and Juliet. After seeing the latter's gentle smile she endeavored to comply, albeit with obvious reluctance. “Of course. I shall send a maid after it immediately.”

  Melville glowered significantly at his sister. “The staff has already been delayed in performing their duties this morning so you may not impose on them further, Margaret. You must procure it yourself.”

  Lady Margaret stood still in a battle of wills with her brother. The rise of color in his face caused her to back down and acquiesce to his demands. “How surprisingly solicitous of you George. I shall return posthaste.” Lady Margaret moved to depart the room but turned to address her brother one final time. “I shall not be gone long,” she stressed with a purposeful look at the Viscount.

  Juliet had no time to wonder at the less-than-subtle exchange before Melville turned his suddenly amorous attentions fully on her. He spun and grabbed her arms, moving his face to mere inches from her. “My dearest lady, allow me to express my sorrow over your most unfortunate betrothal. I know without a doubt, despite my not knowing the full particulars, that you are surely innocent of any misdeed and remain virtuous and pure. I must therefore plead with you to accept my hand in matrimony rather than another. For one mistake, especially one not of your own making, you should not be consigned to a life of tedium and staid duty. Please say you will permit me to offer you rescue and refuge, repair your shattered reputation, and arrange a marriage much more suited to your personality.”

  Juliet was momentarily stunned into complete silence, years of deportment lessons the only thing saving her from gaping her mouth in astonishment. She inwardly scoffed that the obsequious man could voice not knowing any particulars with one breath then proceed to state his assumptions as unequivocal fact. Mistaking her quiet for acceptance the Viscount charged on. “You must know of my admiration of you, my desire to call you forever my dearest, my own. I know you seek love and you shall have that with me, much more so than with somber and stuffy Dorset,” he spat. “You are my heart's desire, fairest Juliet.” He ended his passionate tirade with an attempted significant look before lowering his mouth to hers in a bruising kiss. At this final insult all manner of words and ideas came rushing to the forefront of Juliet's mind and mouth. She pushed the toadying man hard in the chest, with more strength than she knew she possessed, and wiped the back of her hand across her uncomfortably wet lips.

  “You assume too much, my lord. While I am cognizant of the honor you attempt to do me, please understand I can offer you no words save polite refusal.” Juliet's bosom heaved with barely controlled anger over the Viscount's presumptions and high-handed behavior. His self-centeredness knew no bounds!

  Melville's swept a possessive gaze over her, his eyes lingering on her chest as she breathed rapidly in her agitation. Juliet saw his stare and her anger rose further as he spoke again. “I assure you, my lady, I meant only to offer you a more palatable choice, as it were, to the decidedly unwelcome prospect of marriage to Dorset. While the chance to be a duchess would surely be a temptation to some, I know the reality of a life with that dullard must remove all possible enticements and instead give you cause for alarm.” He paused with a self-satisfied smirk. “I saw your face during the so-called joyful announcement yesterday morning. You were in misery at the prospect of shackling yourself to that man, lofty title or no.”

  This time Juliet could not stop the unladylike gape of her mouth before clam
ping her jaws shut briefly in disbelief. The sheer audacity and effrontery of the man would be laughable if he were not so frustrating and obnoxious. “I see my polite attempt at refusal will be too decorous for you to comprehend. Let me make myself clearer on the subject, my lord. I owe you no quarter and offer none save this. I am betrothed to the man I wish to marry, and whatever you think you saw was sheer misinterpretation on your part. In fact, the sum of all our conversations since first we renewed our acquaintance here in Sussex has been you speaking then failing to listen. Hear me on this, Lord Melville, and let us have no further confusion. Thank you for your offer, but I am quite contentedly pledged to another, both in name and with my heart. Any further discussion on this subject will only be met with disappointment.” Melville's face became a mottled mess contorted with embarrassment and anger by the end of her heartfelt speech. He quickly gained control of his features but his eyes remained fiery and troubled.

  “I tried to offer you a kindness with my presumptions, my lady, but I see you are not to be flattered. As a true gentleman I refrained from placing the blame for your compromise squarely where it surely belongs – with you. You have been too indulged by your family, and it has led to a high-spiritedness that was bound to lend itself to your subsequent downfall. Your inappropriate behavior has led to your currently besmirched name and the consequences shall fall on all your family, possibly even your friends. Your marriage to the Duke will only spread the taint to all the Leightons as well. Are you sure you wouldn't rather run away right now with a man whose name is already spoken of lowly enough that it cannot be sullied further?” His cruel words taunted and enraged Juliet, but she dropped her gaze, unable to completely ignore the grain of truth contained in them. Her previous insecurities flared as she knew that gossip as to the manner of their betrothal could bring shame and derision to the proud and refined Dorset Dukedom. She swung her focus back to the Viscount and took in his derisive snarl and flushed face, and her former resolve returned. She straightened her posture, took in a slow and even breath, and smoothed her hands down her skirts.

  “I am quite certain that I will do anything to avoid the prospect of marriage to you, my lord. My relationship with my family and friends and the noble Leighton family is such that they would always desire the best for me, even under threat of vile gossip or scandal. You have insulted me thoroughly, so I take my leave of you now. I warn you not to speak of me nor pay your addresses in any way again, my lord, or you will learn the true meaning of the painful consequences of such unfortunate behavior.”

  Juliet skirted around Lord Melville and took one step before stopping to turn and face her tormentor again, the fingers of her right hand flexing. “You are a despicable, ill-bred lout. Were I a man I would call you out and put a ball through your black heart. Since I do not have that luxury I will simply have to satisfy myself with this.” Without another pause she drew her right arm back before letting her clenched fist fly into the Viscount's face, connecting squarely on his left cheekbone and eye, before turning and sweeping out of the room with her back straight and head held high.

  Juliet walked past the footmen and Hastings without seeing their looks of affront on her behalf after overhearing the last part of the shouted discourse with the Viscount. She walked out the door and across the beautifully landscaped and manicured lawns without breaking stride until she reached the stables. She offered a polite good morning to the grooms but waved off their help as she saddled her mare quickly and efficiently. The first clue for the grooms as to her discomfiture came when she swung into the saddle, astride, without thought to the revealing nature of her lack of a proper riding habit and boots. The sight of her delicate slippers, stocking-clad legs, and garters stunned the stable hands. The second clue came in the form of a distressing sob that broke from her otherwise stoic features as she dug her heels into her mount's flanks and tore off for the pastures at a full gallop. The hands exchanged looks before mutually deciding the stable master, Hanks, must needs be informed immediately.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.

  William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 1

  Though normally an early riser Jonas had slept well past the dawn this morning, no doubt due in part to the madcap events of the previous night and day. In fact, he was in the midst of a fairly promising dream about his newly betrothed when the unmistakable sound of his valet's voice began to intrude. Jonas turned his head toward the annoying noise and opened one eye that still managed to glare with ducal disdain.

  “Beg pardon, Your Grace, but Hastings has some news of import for you. May I show him in?” queried Danvers.

  The fact that his valet would never waken him without cause, his butler never venture into the ducal chambers, and that the household might still be termed unsettled made Jonas come to full alert. Throwing off the bedsheet he reached for the dressing gown held out by his valet and barked for Hastings to enter. The butler could tell immediately by the expression on His Grace's face he need not apologize nor dissemble.

  “Your Grace, I fear Lady Juliet has been distressed by Viscount Melville this morning. An altercation occurred between them in the music room. I was not particularly concerned until I heard raised voices and some spurious assertions from his lordship. Lady Juliet departed the front of the house seemingly calm but Hanks just informed me that the lady rode off from the stables quite overset.” The butler paused to await the Duke.

  “How long ago?”

  “Less than one-half hour, Your Grace.”

  “And the Viscount. Where is he?”

  Hastings swallowed and briefly shifted his gaze to Danvers before returning it to the Duke. “He is in his chamber. Lady Margaret saw fit to inform me she feared her brother might have had a strategy of some sort to win Lady Juliet's hand but went too far in his methods. She believes he will seek to flee any repercussions.”

  This information brought the Duke to immediate action. “What the deuced has happened?!” he swore. “Hastings, see to it that Melville stays confined until I return, by whatever means you deem necessary should he attempt escape. Danvers, get me something to wear and be quick about it, man!” Jonas ripped off his robe and grabbed the swiftly proffered breeches, donning them with speed. He sat down for his boots and bellowed for the return of his butler. “Hastings! Are the Marquis and Marchioness awake?”

  “No, Your Grace. None of the Quinn family, save Lady Juliet, are about.”

  Jonas thought a moment as Danvers forced the Duke's feet into his tall boots with dexterity. “Have Mrs. Hastings attend my mother and inform her of this morning's events. I shall ride after Lady Juliet. Mama can then inform the rest of the family when they rise. No one – and I mean no one – is to speak of this to anyone else nor wake the family prematurely.”

  “It will be done, Your Grace.” Hastings bowed and left the ducal chamber.

  “And Hastings,” called the Duke, “thank you for your prompt attention to this. You made wise decisions on all counts.”

  Hastings flushed but stood straighter and bowed again before his exit of the attached sitting room. Jonas grabbed his shirt our of Danvers' extended hand, ignoring the offered waistcoat and all but ran from his room, out of the house and to the stables, tugging his shirt over his head and fastening its few buttons. Only his mind's image of Juliet upset with her location unknown stopped him from marching into Melville's chamber and beating him senseless. There would be time for that later, he determined, flexing his fingers at the idea. He vowed to make the Viscount feel much pain. He would likely have to share that pleasure with Juliet's brothers, he thought with a grim chuckle.

  Upon his arrival at the stables, he found Paladin already saddled and ready, the grooms also having fitted their own mounts in effort to aid the search. Jonas knew his staff was already attached to his affianced from her position as Miranda's friend. They had known her for a long time as well and were no doubt as anxious as he to find and return her safe.

 
; After hearing from his men the account of Juliet's dishabille and demeanor, the group divided the estate lands and departed on their search, each man carrying a horn to sound should they locate quarry. Jonas doubted his heart had ever pounded so hard nor his gut ever churned with such ferocity as he urged his horse to full speed across the expansive lands. He rode in the general direction the grooms had seen Juliet charge but with such a head start he had no doubt he might have a long ride ahead. He forced to the back of his mind his curiosity over what had caused his strong and fierce betrothed to succumb to tears. Likewise, he refused to waste any thoughts on Melville and instead concentrated on finding Juliet.