The older lady was starting to get desperate; He could see it in her eyes. He stood there waiting for the next salvo.
Celeste hung her head in temporary defeat, then looked up at him with a glimmer of hope. “Prinny will never allow it,” she said, shooting her final shot.
The Duke smiled, “The Regent will do me this favor,” he said with confidence.
“How do you know for sure? It would be terrible to announce it to the world only to have it stopped by the Royals.”
He continued with his knowing smile.
“Because Aunt Celeste, He doesn’t really care what I do, right now, all he is concerned about is that Parliament approve his latest request for an increase in his living. While many things could endanger that effort, stopping the love match between a beautiful young woman and a war hero would turn the public against him. He can’t afford that right now. If that is not enough, I will throw in a small estate or two, sweeten the pot as it were. Believe me The Prince Regent is not a concern.”
Her shoulders slumped in defeat, her eyes focused on the floor before her. “If you insists on going through with this absurd scheme. I will not assist you in any way.”
He slowly walked back and sat next to her, reaching out he took her hand.
“But you will,” he said. “Gwen does not believe she is worthy to be my Duchess. Like you, she thinks it is not right and would never feel adequate to the task. When in reality I can think of no one better suited.”
“I told you; I will not be a party to this,” She said.
“I think you will,” he said and waited for her to look up.
“If Miss Gwen Harding will not marry me because I am a Duke then I will cease to be a Duke. As you pointed out on numerous occasions, as there are no male heirs, the Duchy and all of the estates would revert back to the crown.”
“What! You can’t do that. Our income, the family, would be ruined. You can’t throw all of that away.”
He sat there and smiled. He knew what he was capable of. He had faced a lot worse things than losing a title.
She searched his eyes trying to gage the truth, to find that one weak link in his statement. But finally she seemed to accept what he said for the truth and let out a big sigh before stiffening her spine and asking him what assistance he might need.
“Simple, convince Gwen that she should be my wife.”
“I would think that is your responsibility,” she said in a huff,
“Granted, let me correct that, convince her she should be my Duchess, I will convince her to be my wife,” The Duke said.
Then, to carry home the point. He said, “The day Miss Gwen Harding speaks her vows to me before a clergyman of the church, I will double your living.”
Lady Celeste blanched, he must be serious. Her brother had been parsimonious with his funds. She had always had to live a simple, boring life. That much of an increase would mean she could do some of the things she had always wanted, travel, changes to her house. Her forehead crinkled in thought, and her eyes stared off into the distance as she pondered what it would mean.
His aunt laughed slightly. He could tell she was warming to the thought of the challenge he’d had brought her. He could see her mind start to scheme, to think of the strings connecting everything. The powerful matriarchs, the ladies of fashion, what string would need to be pulled and which merely strummed. Yes, it might be possible, it the instrument was played correctly.
“Thomas, there is oh such more,” Celeste said with a resigned set to her shoulders. The first string that needed to be played would obviously be him.
“You always were a stubborn boy,” she said with a smile. “I’m surprised to find that I rather like you. If this is not handled just so, it could all be thrown away. If your marriage is to be accepted, we have to convince the ton that not only could she be your duchess, but that she should be your Duchess. And believe me, that is going to be much harder.”
“I don’t care what those stuck up old biddies and their lap dogs for husbands think. I wouldn’t care if we never get invited to another boring party.”
“You might not care, but believe me, Miss Harding will. No woman wants to start out her marriage by ruining her husband’s social standing.”
One of the critical lessons Major Thomas Marshal had learned early in his career was to accept a partial victory when he had it. Especially when continued attacks might open him up to losing the field. He nodded his head in acceptance and asked, “What do you need me to do.”
Chapter Twelve
Later that afternoon Gwen received word that the Duke would like to see her in the parlor. She had spent the day on pins and needles. Several times she had gathered her things and prepared to leave, only to change her mind and slink back to her room.
The summons had shocked her and made her heart race with the thought of seeing him. She knew she would never be happy again. Checking the mirror, her hands ran over the back of her hair to make sure everything was in place and then down her dress to smooth out invisible wrinkles. Taking a deep breath, she left her room and made her way to the parlor.
Knocking softly, she entered and was surprised to find Aunt Celeste sitting on the settee, her back straight as an ironing board and her eyes as guarded as an Indian Cobra.
Gwen hesitated, then entered the room.
“You asked for me your Grace,” she said, addressing the Duke.
He stood there in full glory, dressed in his typical tight black coat, a crisp cravat about his neck. Looking like a man without a care in the world. Her insides rumbled at the thought of him being so at ease.
“Yes Miss Harding, will you please come in and have a seat,” he said, indicating a chair across from his aunt.
Gwen glanced at him, what was going on? Had he told his aunt about last night? How dare he do that? She could feel the blush spreading down her chest as she walked over and sat across from Aunt Celeste.
The old woman was looking at her like she was some kind of diseased dog, then shaking her head she smiled as if it was her greatest pleasure to have Gwen sit down next to her. How did a person do that, go from an evil old crone to a spry, welcoming dear friend, all in the blink of an eye? It must be something they learned early. Something required to move in the ton.
Gwen sat forward on the chair and waited. Calming herself with controlled breaths and a quick glance at Thomas.
“Miss Harding,” Lady Celeste started. “We have a problem.”
Gwen shot a look at the Duke, Did you tell her about last night her eyes asked.
The older woman continued, “I am in need of some assistance. It seems that I need to greatly increase my duties. As the leading lady of the family, I am responsible for the successful season for both Elizabeth and now Isabel. In addition, His Grace has informed me that I will be expected to help him put on several parties here and a house party at Brookshire.”
The older woman’s words washed over Gwen. What did her duties as housekeeper have to do with throwing parties? She could help arrange everything just fine from her position.
Oh of course! He was trying to keep her here because he needed her to put on the parties; this was all for Lizzy and Isabel. Again her heart dropped.
This wasn’t about last night then. He wasn’t able to fix things. Her heart let go, and she had to bite her lower lip to stop it from trembling. Gwen nodded her head and waited for the rest, her mind shooting off in a thousand directions. What was she going to do, where would she go?
Lady Celeste took a deep breath and then said, “It appears I am in need of a companion. Someone who can assist me in these duties. Normally I would seek out an impoverished young lady of impeccable breeding, but…” Here she looked at accusingly at the Duke. “But, I believe you might be the best choice. You are obviously well educated; you know the family, and the family knows you.”
Her pause at that moment could have meant any of a number of things Gwen thought.
“Additionally, we have the whole issue of
the Duke having such a pretty young woman for a housekeeper. An event that never should have been allowed to occur I might add,” she said, looking daggers at her nephew. “Anyway, that mistake cannot be laid at your feet.”
“So you see my dear, would you be interested in the position?” Lady Celeste asked.
Gwen had to take a moment to gather herself and review everything she had heard. Looking at the Duke only confused her more. Was this his solution? If so, she didn’t know what it meant.
“Of course, this would mean you would have to attend the dances with me, I really can’t keep up with those two younger girls. You would have to be able to interact with my friends. Converse over tea, that sort of thing,” Lady Celeste said. Her eyes scanned Gwen for any clue as to her thoughts.
The young woman was in shock, dances? Only a few months before she’d been scrubbing the stone floors of the country mansion, now she would be expected to attend fancy balls in London. Would she be expected to dance, would she be allowed too? What would she wear?
The Duke! She would have to leave and live with Celeste. Was this his way of getting rid of her she wondered. Gwen’s mind whirled as she tried to come to grips with everything.
Sitting up straight like her mother taught her, she said, “I would be honored Lady Celeste.”
“Good, very good,” Celeste said with a big smile. “You must allow me to call you Gwen, and you will call me Aunt Celeste, just like Elizabeth and Isabel,” she said, looking expectantly at the younger woman.
“Yes Mam, I mean, Yes Aunt Celeste.”
“Very good, now you must tell me about your family, where they are from, are you sure there isn’t any chance of some nobility, or even landed gentry? Maybe something on the wrong side of the blanket,” she said and then reached out and patted Gwen’s knee at the mere suggestion of a bastard in her ancestral tree.
Shock didn’t begin to describe what Gwen was feeling. Her heart raced, and she was having a hard time keeping up with the constant revelations and changes in conversation.
“No Aunt Celeste, My mother did mention that she was descended from a distant Baron. But I never learned his name and it was a long time ago.
Celeste sat back in her chair, her brow creased in thought. Gwen looked over at the Duke; he continued to stand there staring at her. She couldn’t read his expression, he seemed happy that she had accepted the position.
“Tell me about your mother, what was her maiden name,” Celeste asked.
“Wakefield, Mary Wakefield, born to John and Eleanor Wakefield in York. My grandfather was a barrister. My father was Matthew Harding, a Merchant, importing items from the colonies, tobacco mostly.” Gwen answered.
Folding her hands in her lap and resigning herself to answering questions. She knew she was running a risk, but she couldn’t see how this would lead back to her stepfather.
A shudder crossed the back of her shoulders as she thought about the evil man. She should be able to keep things under control. She would only provide the bare essentials. Enough for Aunt Celeste to know that there was nothing to hang her hat on there.
A quick look at the Duke showed him frowning in confusion. She was sure he was wondering how the daughter of a successful merchant ended up scrubbing the floors of a country manor house.
“Hm,” Celeste mumbled to herself. “Well then, we will tell everyone that I was a friend of your grandmother, Eleanor. A little white lie, but it is so much easier than explaining all the boring details, don’t you think so?” She asked, her eyes shining as she warmed up to the plan. It seemed that she would enjoy the intrigue. “Of course, it is imperative, that the whole Housekeeper issue should never be spoken off. You will tell the girl’s won’t you Thomas?” She said over her shoulder to the man by the fire.
“Yes Aunt Celeste, I will make sure of it,” He said, reminding Gwen of his promise early that morning. Her insides turned to mush. He had made this all happen. She was going away, true it was to a better position with much more standing, but still, it was away from him.
“Good. Gwen, you gather your things and come home with me; tomorrow we will go shopping for some ball gowns, nothing to fancy, but appropriate. Remember dear, always appropriate. A companion must never draw attention to herself or embarrass others. You understand.”
“Of course Aunt Celeste, and it won’t take me long to pack,” Gwen said, looking at the Duke.
Chapter Thirteen
Gwen scoured her little room for any forgotten items. It was surprising how few things she owned. Her heart was breaking. He was letting her go. In fact, pushing her out the door. She had thought that last night had meant something to him, maybe as much as it had meant to her. She was a silly, silly girl to think that she told herself.
A slight knock at the door startled her. Lady Elizabeth stood in the hall holding a beautiful deep blue ball gown. Gwen’s favorite fabric from the modeste’s. Her heart fell a little further with another stab to her happiness. Elizabeth had selected the fabric, eliminating any chance Gwen would ever have at wearing such perfection.
Lizzy stepped inside her room and held out the ball gown.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I had the modeste make this for you. It was such a perfect color for you. I knew an opportunity would present itself. Please tell me you’re not angry with me.”
The former housekeeper was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes misted up at the sweet gesture of the young girl. She had recognized the secret desire of her heart and had found a way to make it come true. Reaching out, she took the gorgeous gown from the girl and then gave her a hug in thanks.
“It such a wonderful dress. Oh, Lady Elizabeth, I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
“You must call me Lizzy now, you are to be my aunt’s companion, a member of the family for all practical purposes. Please.” The young woman pleaded.
Gwen was taken aback. Everything was changing so fast. Her emotions were being tossed around like a wind chime in a storm. She had to fight to hold back her tears. She hugged Lizzy and nodded her acceptance, unable to voice her thanks.
Lizzy took a deep breath and smiled at her friend’s happiness.
“I can’t wait until Thomas sees you in that dress,” she said. Gwen’s eyes shot up to look at the other girl’s face. Had he said something to her? Did everyone know what they had done? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of him.
She followed Lizzy out the door and up the stairs to meet Aunt Celeste in the entryway waiting for her new companion. Aunt Celeste eyed the dress and then Lizzy, her brow rising in question.
Lizzy smiled and said, “I had it made for Gwen, I knew we would need it eventually.”
“Yes, well, it will be perfect for tomorrow’s gathering at Lady Pendleton’s. Don’t you think so Thomas?”
Gwen had not seen him standing by the parlor door. She was surprised that she could be in the same room and not be aware of his presence. She must surely be overwhelmed with everything that was going on.
He looked at the dress and then at Gwen, lighting up her world with a smile that melted her heart.
“We are off Thomas; I will have the bills sent to you,” Aunt Celeste said as she pulled on her gloves. Gwen stumbled on the last step of the stairs. He would be paying for her new clothes. Obviously, who else? Still it shocked her. She hadn’t thought about it before now. Was this a way to relieve his guilt? Did he even feel guilty? Or was he just glad to see her gone now that he had gotten what he wanted.
“Please do Celeste. It will be my pleasure,” he said, looking at Gwen with eyes masked in mystery. Would she always have a problem discerning his thoughts Gwen wondered? Would she have the opportunity to learn?
“Where is Isabel,” Celeste asked.
“She received a letter from Rev. Moor,” Lizzy Said.
“I’m right here,” Isabel said, walking down the stairs. She gave Gwen a hug then leaning in close and whispered, “Thank you, it’s nice not to be the only fish out of water.”
Gwen smiled back at her. She was so lucky to have such nice friends. The Duke walked over to her, leaning on his cane. He bowed his head and held her hand. Her heart raced, and she could feel that proverbial flush spread across her face and down her chest. Would she ever be normal again she wondered.
“Thank you for everything, Miss Harding. Please remember, this is but the first step on a new journey. And none of us can know where we will end up.”
What did he mean by that? All she knew was that she had to leave, now! Nodding her head, she took her hand back, feeling the warmth leave as she did. She turned to follow, one step behind Aunt Celeste out the door and into her new life. A life without him. It hardly seemed worth living.
.o0o.
Gwen looked around her new room for the dozenth time. She still couldn’t believe what was happening to her. The last two days with Aunt Celeste had flown by in a blur, the shopping trip for an entire new wardrobe. New clothes from the skin out. Lady Celeste had insisted on a full set. Saying that a lady could be judged just as much by her underthings as by the finest ball gown.
They had returned from the whirlwind trip to dine together in the formal dining room. Aunt Celeste’s servants seemed to have accepted her and her role as companion.
The butler Hightower hadn’t even raised an eyebrow when she had been introduced as her ladyship’s new companion. She had been shown to this room, only a few doors down from the lady of the house and introduced to Jenny, Aunt Celeste’s ladies maid, and told that they would be sharing for now. Gwen had blanched at the idea of having a maid but kept quiet and decided to let things unfold. She could always move on if necessary.
Now here she was, dressed in her delectable blue dress, with its neckline so low that she felt exposed. Her reflection in the mirror showed a young woman that looked like she was part of the ton. The dress hid all flaws and made her feel like a princess.
The door opened without a knock as Aunt Celeste walked in, looking her over and nodding her head in approval. The older woman was dressed in a lavender gown that complimented her complexion and made her look ten years younger.
The Reluctant Duke (Love's Pride Book 1) Page 10
