A Second Chance for the Broken Duke: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance

by Fanny Finch

  The Duke of Thornwall did not listen to their conversation. He was trying to sort through his feelings. He felt overwhelmed by emotions. It did not sit well with him.

  His heart was beating rapidly and he did not know why, though it was probably because his self-imposed seclusion over these last years because of his scar had made him conscious of the presence of a stranger. And this stranger did not even seem to notice his scar. He ate in near silence, grunting his answers whenever Lady Agatha referenced him or asked a question.

  “Are you all right, brother?” Lady Agatha finally asked.

  He looked up. Both the women were gazing at him curiously.

  “You have been so quiet for the last fifteen minutes, my lord,” Lady Elizabeth said. “Are you sure you are feeling well?

  He had rarely left the castle for the last four years because he might encounter someone. He had attended no balls or parties during the social season.

  He was simply not interested in giving away his heart to any other woman. No woman could compare to Sophia.

  But in the Duke of Thornwall’s mind, as he thought about the loss of his first love, he wondered if he would ever feel the love Lady Sophia had for him from any other woman. Could he love again?

  You have eaten so much,” Lady Elisabeth continued.

  The Duke of Thornwall thought he heard a bit of teasing in her voice. Her attempt not to grin was failing. Her mouth twitched as she held it back.

  The sound and sight of that dismayed him, making him nervous, causing him to cast a glare in Lady Elizabeth’s direction and answering abruptly.

  “I am fine.”

  Unfortunately, she saw it before he could look away.

  He regretted it immediately. It was not Lady Elizabeth’s fault. He had unintentionally made her feel bad.

  “What are your plans for after the evening meal?” he asked her, trying to use the calmest voice he could. He was not going to say he was sorry for looking at her that way. But he did want to ease her mind. Hopefully, it would help her understand that he had not meant to do it.

  “I… I do not know.” Lady Elizabeth looked crestfallen. It made the Duke of Thornwall angry all over again but not at her. He was angry with himself.

  “I suppose if you would like, we can play cards in the parlor. Since you are already out of your room when you were not supposed to be.” When his eyes settled on Lady Agatha, his heart immediately warmed and his body relaxed. He smiled at her to show he was not upset with her.

  “That is such a generous offer, Malcolm,” Lady Agatha said. “But I think I will be too tired. It was hard for me to come down here tonight but I think Lizzie was right. I needed a breath of fresh air. After we are finished, I want to go back to my room and get some sleep. I am sure Lizzie would rather get some rest after her long journey.”

  The Duke of Thornwall nodded.

  “That is ideal, sister. We are not well-acquainted and even though her companion would be with us, it would be very tense. Perhaps in a few days, Lady Elizabeth and I will acquaint ourselves with one another.”

  “I think that is a good plan,” Lady Elizabeth said, looking content. “I will get Phoebe and we will retire to our rooms. I am quite tired after traveling all day. I have not rested or cleaned myself since I got here.”

  “I will have Milla draw you a bath, if you like.”

  “I would appreciate that, thank you, Your Grace.”

  He nodded.

  The Duke of Thornwall looked at both women as he pushed his chair back.

  “I will retire to my chambers then. You ladies enjoy the rest of your evening.” He reached behind his chair and pulled the rope on the wall.

  Lady Elizabeth and Lady Agatha looked at him as he left the room.

  When Milla came up from the kitchen and crossed to them, the Duke of Thornwall said. “Get Phoebe for Lady Elizabeth, Milla. They will be retiring to bed soon.”

  Lady Elizabeth looked at the servant as she stood up, pushing her chair back. “Is she in the kitchen with you?”

  Milla nodded. “Yes, we are playing a game. We have finished our meal for the evening.”

  “She is not required to come up right away. I will see Lady Agatha to her room and go to mine. If you will show her where she is staying, please tell her to come to my room in the morning so we can coordinate our plans for the day.”

  “Yes, my lady. Good night, my ladies, my lord.”

  “Good night, Milla.”

  Chapter 15

  “Good morning, Aggie!” Lady Elizabeth smiled at her friend as she entered the room. She immediately went to the fireplace and stood in front of it, holding out her hands. “It is a bit chilly out this morning. Are you sure you want to go for a walk?”

  Lady Agatha was pulling herself out of bed, grunting slightly. It had been two weeks since Lady Elizabeth had arrived and she thought things were going quite well. The first week had not been easy. The pain in her arm, the strain of moving, how tired she had been. All her ailments had vastly improved but it would still be a bit before she was fully recovered.

  The Duke of Thornwall was a strange man and she was having a hard time understanding him. At times, he was exceedingly friendly, smiling at her and making small talk. Other times, he looked like he wanted to rage, throw things, hit something.

  He never did, though. He kept himself calm, and most of the time he was reserved and quiet. She had seen him nearly every day spending at least an hour or two sitting in the library reading.

  She had passed the library a few times when the door was open somewhat and she could hear him talking to himself. She had only stopped once, not wanting to eavesdrop like she had the first day. She realized he was reading from a book.

  She did not recognize what he was reading but that was not a surprise. She enjoyed reading but had not done a great deal of it lately. Her parents kept her busy and being here with Lady Agatha, that had not changed a lot.

  Phoebe made friends with all the servants and spent a lot of time with them. She and Lady Elizabeth had a discussion the second day. Lady Elizabeth told her that while they were at Thornwall Castle, she was allowed to be free with her time. If Lady Elizabeth needed her to accompany her for an event, she would let her know.

  Most of the time, Lady Elizabeth was with Lady Agatha, either in her room, in the parlor, or, most recently, walking around the grounds.

  It was fall in Thornwall County. The leaves were beginning to fall and the air was crisp and cool at night. During the day the cold was breaking its way through so that even a bright sun did not warm up the land very much.

  Lady Elizabeth had brought along her favorite coat. It was enormous, white, and fluffy. She was never cold when she wore it. She did not care if it was not really cold enough for such a large coat. She wore it anyway.

  “Come, come, I will help you get dressed.”

  Lady Elizabeth hurried to the bed and held on to Lady Agatha’s good arm. The Duke of Thornwall had called the doctor back for a check up a week ago and the man had told him it would be best if Lady Agatha stayed in bed, as she had hurt the bones in her spine when she was thrown.

  He said she was lucky she still had the use of her limbs.

  Lady Agatha, being the stubborn girl she was, insisted that if she was able to get out of bed the day Lady Elizabeth arrived, she was able to get out of it two weeks later.

  The Duke of Thornwall did not approve and let it be known. Lady Elizabeth was sure he blamed her for Lady Agatha’s stubborn insistence but he had never berated her for it, privately or otherwise. In fact, they had never had a moment where it was the two of them alone, with Phoebe nearby, of course.

  She was not very worried about it. Lady Agatha was happy. If she had hurt Lady Agatha in any way, the Duke of Thornwall would surely have sent her away. But the fact was, Lady Agatha wanted her there. She would not let him make her leave.

  She helped Lady Agatha dress and brushed her friend’s hair, pulling it back in a braid that ran down her back almo
st to her rear end.

  “You have such beautiful hair, Aggie. I am jealous.”

  Lady Agatha snorted in an unladylike fashion, making Lady Elizabeth giggle as she finished off the braid and put a clip at the end.

  “You have beautiful blond hair, Lizzie. You should never be jealous. You are such a pretty woman. I am so envious of you.”

  “We are both beautiful women, Aggie.” Lady Elizabeth leaned down and looked at Lady Agatha in the mirror over her shoulder. Both women smiled at each other.

  “Yes, we are.” Lady Agatha laughed.

  “Come on, we are missing out on the day!”

  Lady Elizabeth patted Lady Agatha’s shoulder and helped her to her feet, pulling the chair back with one hand and holding her friend’s with the other.

  “Shall we have a picnic basket made up with morning food so we do not starve today?” Lady Agatha asked in a teasing voice as they went slowly down the stairs. “Or were you planning to go hungry?”

  Lady Elizabeth widened her eyes, making Lady Agatha laugh. “I do not plan to go without food, my dear, and you certainly cannot. Yes, a picnic basket sounds wonderful! We can take it out to the garden and sit by the fountain. It is lovely in your garden.”

  “It is lovely to have you here, Lizzie. And you know, I do believe Malcolm is warming up to you?”

  Lady Elizabeth could not help but snicker. She did not know what to think of Lady Agatha’s brother. She wanted to explain her feelings to Lady Agatha but was afraid she would be upset. She kept her thoughts to herself, vowing to stay observant.

  Watching the Duke of Thornwall from a distance for the past two weeks, she had noticed several things about him. The old woman, Ursula, was like a grandmother to both the Duke of Thornwall and Lady Agatha. She had met her on the second day of her arrival and seemed to treasure both Lady Agatha and the Duke of Thornwall. She seemed closer to the Duke of Thornwall. She had a calming effect on him that impressed Lady Elizabeth. His hard exterior seemed gentler when the old woman was in the room.

  Lady Elizabeth looked forward to getting to know the woman better. So far, she had not had much of a reason to talk to her.

  “You stay in the dining hall when we get in there, Aggie. Rest your sore bones. I will go down and have Hetty make up the basket.”

  Chapter 16

  The Duke of Thornwall woke with a start, wide awake the moment he opened his eyes. His mind was on full alert as if he had heard an alarm of some kind. He sat up in bed and looked around the room.

  He could not remember the last time he had woken up feeling completely refreshed, as he did that day. He moved his legs to hang over the edge of the bed and slid them into a pair of slippers sitting there waiting for him.

  He reached forward and pulled the robe from the back of the high-backed chair near the bed. He slipped the robe on and walked to the pitcher and basin on the dresser by the window.

  One week after he had taken this room as his own, he realized if he put the water basin by the window, the morning rays would shine directly in and warm the water, even if the rest of the room was somewhat cold.

  So that was where his dresser had gone with the water pitcher on top. He had warm water every morning.

  He splashed some into the basin and then on his face, reaching for a towel nearby to dry off. He looked up into the mirror above the dresser, staring at himself.

  His dark eyes reflected back at him with energy and vibrance but all he saw was an ugly scar tracing down from his temple to his chin. He looked like a monster. It was not surprising Lady Elizabeth had taken him for a servant.

  Resentment filled him and he immediately pushed it away. There was nothing he could do about the way he was perceived by others. Especially strangers. That was one of his reasons for not going to town anymore.

  If he was not recognized by his own people, it would devastate and humiliate him beyond comprehension. He was not willing to risk it.

  But he didn’t feel like being resentful, he decided. He was in a good mood and decided the best course of action would be to push away the thoughts completely.

  His pocket watch lay near his bed on the side stand and he went to see what time it was, thinking it had to be past seven in the morning, as the sun had risen enough to cast light into the room.

  He flipped the watch open and smiled when he read the time. It was slightly past 7:30. There was ample time for a walk before breakfast should he choose to take one.

  The duke went to the window and looked out over the rolling hills. It was such beautiful land, he was grateful his father had trusted him with it. He had been just a young man, not yet 19, when his father passed. The Dukedom had passed to him regardless, his father entrusting him with everything from the care of the village and villagers but the castle and all it entailed.

  He watched the trees as their branches swayed gently in the breeze. In the distance, he could see a sparkling stream of blue water snaking its way around his property. It looked to be a beautiful day.

  He could not remember the last time he had enjoyed a beautiful day.

  The Duke of Thornwall dressed quickly, wondering where his vigor and energy had come from that day. He went from his bedroom to the stairs and went down quickly, leaving through the front doors of the castle. He passed through the courtyard and left through a door in the wall surrounding the courtyard.

  The garden was on the other side, to his right. He turned to walk down the path and was hit suddenly with a gust of wind. He lifted one hand, a chill running through him.

  It was gone as abruptly as it had come. The duke decided he would eat his breakfast early. Hetty was always up earlier than everyone else. He could smell bread baking when he was coming down the stairs.

  He went back in the castle, heading straight for the dining hall. He glanced up the stairs as he passed, wondering if his sister would sleep late. No doubt she had worn herself out with her company. Lady Elizabeth could wear anyone out, the Duke of Thornwall was sure of that, especially someone who’s health was not at its best.

  He had seated himself after pulling the gold cord to notify a servant he needed something. After a moment, Milla came up from the kitchen and hurried across the room to him.

  “Good day, Your Grace.”

  “Good day. I will take my breakfast as soon as it is ready, please.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Milla smiled before backing to the door. He watched her retreating form disappear as she went down to the kitchen.

  He folded his hands over his stomach, lacing his fingers together. He rested back against the chair, getting comfortable. The crackling fire behind him sent warmth around him like an invisible thick blanket.

  It was not long before the door to the kitchen opened again and Milla appeared there, holding a tray.

  She set the tray on the table behind the Duke of Thornwall. He listened as she poured it, tapping two fingers lightly on the table. He picked the cup up as soon as she set it down, smiling at her. “Thank you, Milla.”

  “You’re welcome, Your Grace. Your breakfast will be up shortly.”

  The Duke of Thornwall nodded.

  He had only been alone in the room for a few minutes when the door opened. Disappointment slid through him when he saw the ladies come through the door.

  Lady Elizabeth helped Lady Agatha to the chair. He stood as soon as they entered and moved around the table to push Lady Agatha’s chair in as Lady Elizabeth headed to the kitchen.

  “Where is she going?” he asked Lady Agatha, returning to his seat.

  “She’s going to get a picnic basket with breakfast foods. We want to eat in the garden.”

  Frustration ran through him and he pushed it away as strenuously as he could. If anything happened to Lady Agatha, it would be Lady Elizabeth’s fault. True, it had been two weeks since Lady Elizabeth came but if she pushed too hard, the Duke of Thornwall would have a few choice words to say to her.

  “There is a stiff wind out there, Agatha. You may want to reco
nsider.”

  Lady Agatha shook her head. “I would like the fresh air. If it gets too cold, we will come inside, I promise.” She smiled, reaching over with her good arm and patting him on his large hand with her smaller one. “I will be all right, brother. Lizzie will not let anything happen to me.”

  The Duke of Thornwall looked at her through skeptical eyes, making her giggle.

  “Oh, Malcolm, you worry too much. I will recover faster if I continue to eat well, rest often, and get fresh air whenever possible.”