Winning The Heart 0f The Mischievous Duke (Historical Regency Romance)

by Ella Edon

  "When do you propose I come to see your father about all of this?" he asked, staring at her.

  Esther shook her head immediately. "Definitely not now, Stefan." Sadly, she looked away. "Papa needs space. I'll inform you of when you're to visit. But definitely not now."

  * * *

  One thing Esther didn't know was that Her Grace, Elena Hamilton, the Dowager Duchess of York, liked to tell stories. After sitting in her salon for half an hour, all she'd heard from the elderly lady was about her late husband, Robert, and a little bit of Stefan's childhood. Although, Esther had noticed that Stefan’s mother was quite vague with the details of his youth.

  "Robert had arrived from Scotland, and it was my debut. I had always heard of many young gentlemen in York, but I had never seen most. So, when he arrived, he was the third gentleman to ask a dance of me at the ball. I was getting fond of another young gentleman, Lord Rupert, with whom I had been dancing. However, Robert had approached and demanded to cut in. Lord Rupert being a gentleman, had accepted. But Lord Rupert hoped that he would talk to me after my dance. I hoped so, too..." She sipped her tea and chuckled.

  Esther was opposite her, a tea in her hands, legs crossed, and her ears eager to hear the Dowager Duchess's story.

  "At first, while I danced with Robert, I hoped to see Lord Rupert. But as we danced on, in silence," she added and they both laughed. "I began to feel bored. The moment the waltz ended, I attempted to flee, to find Lord Rupert. But Robert stopped me and asked if my corset was too tight. It was the rudest thing I'd ever heard."

  Esther nearly choked on her tea upon hearing that. She dabbed the sides of her lips with a napkin and laughed. "Why would he ask such?"

  "He said I had been dancing as though there was something wrong. And I confessed to him that dancing with him had been a bore. He said he wasn’t much for talking. But that he would like to make it up to me. That was how our courtship began. He was such a gentleman. I didn't fall in love with him quickly, but I did eventually. Most times, Robert didn't like to talk. He'd simply be there, and we'd walk. I realized he didn't like so much noise. So long as I was beside him, it was enough. Most times, I talked endlessly, and although he would be short of words, he always listened."

  Esther wanted a love like that, one where too many words were saying too much. And even in silence, there was understanding. She wasn't sure if that kind of love was for her, but she wanted it anyway.

  "My son cares for you a great deal. I can see it from afar. But I'm stunned at his sudden decision to court a lady officially. He even went as far as announcing it to the ton. You must have...captured his heart."

  Esther felt uneasy because it was all a lie. However, she blushed, nonetheless.

  "How did you meet Stefan?"

  "We both work at the orphanage, Your Grace."

  The Dowager Duchess raised a brow. "And is that how you met? Tell me the story."

  Esther gulped down her tea and rubbed her hands together. She wasn't sure what to say, but she narrated their first encounter at the orphanage.

  "I simply saw him standing a few feet from where I was. I had been sharing food with the children. He had been staring at me intensely. Later, he approached me, and we began talking. It was a slow process, but the more I began to know him, the more I realized there was more to him than meets the eye."

  The Dowager Duchess watched her closely for a second. And then she placed her tea on the table before her. "Let me tell you something. Stefan's heart is fragile. For a very long time, Stefan had insisted that he would never be wed. And that he would never love. But beneath that, I know that whoever he falls for would have to be one who connects greatly to his soul. For his heart has suffered at a tender age. If my son has given you his heart, you must guard it well. Because if Stefan loves you, he would never break your heart. Rather I fear that his may be broken easily, despite all of his bluster. "

  Esther stared at the Dowager Duchess in fear — for her lies, and for the words his mother had uttered. Stefan had been hurt at a tender age. Was that why he renounced love? Of course, she knew he had been hurt. But by whom? How? Whatever had happened scarred him. Even she could see it through his beautiful blue eyes. She feared to know what made him the man he was this day, but she was curious to know, and she would make sure she found out.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Her laughter was like music to his ears. Seated behind him, on Black's back, she fearfully gripped his sides. He had seen her on a horse, but her horse was not as beastly as Black. He held onto the reins.

  It had been a few days since their courtship announcement, and since she had tea with his mother. He had left them to talk on their own while he did some paperwork. But upon seeing Esther hours later, she seemed more...open to him. Eager to talk about anything and everything. She had stayed a while and waited to meet his siblings. She had only been able to see Robert. Of course, she had been charmed by his little brother. During their outings, she juggled time to see the children at the orphanage. They both did.

  They were on the open field not so far from Sands Castle. Esther had been awed by Black and requested to ride him. But Stefan feared that the horse would throw her down, so he insisted on riding with her. And having her so very close made him feel warm.

  "Stefan!" a voice called from afar. The Duke looked right, where his brother, William, stood beside Alfred, waving his hands. Stefan knew what it was the boy wanted.

  "Is that...William?" Esther asked. The wind blew her hair out of place, leaving her neck bare before his eyes. He stared at her from behind as she smiled and stared ahead. There was one thing Stefan was yet to tell her that she was so beautiful.

  "Stefan?" She nudged him. He blinked.

  "Yes, that is William."

  "I'd love to meet him."

  He didn't respond. He simply turned the horse towards where William stood with Alfred. Once the horse was near enough, he alighted with Esther. William stared from him to Esther and back. With a small smile, he bowed.

  "My Lady."

  Esther smiled. "My Lord."

  "I've heard a lot about you from Robert. You're indeed beautiful."

  Esther laughed out loud, then curtsied to him. "Thank you, My Lord."

  "Alexandra can't wait to see you. We're all very happy we'll be having an additional member to our family. When will you be wed to Stefan?"

  Stefan glowered at the boy. "You talk too much, William."

  "Leave him be," Esther said, coming to the young lord’s defense.

  William gazed on Esther like she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Stefan couldn't help but laugh. Esther proceeded to reply to his earlier question. "I have only accepted to let your brother court me, you see. It's simply courtship for now. He has yet to speak to my father and get his permission.”

  "I want to go horseback riding on Black,” William said. “I'm well-skilled with him now, Stefan."

  "You shan't ride on him alone, William. Black is quite the...beast." Stefan patted his shoulder.

  William pouted. "But you promised to let me do this today. And even if I wasn't ready, you promised to get on him with me."

  Stefan clasped both his hands behind his back. He had indeed promised William he'd ride with him, but he had also promised to spend the day with Esther as they needed their charade to be as real as possible. He opened his mouth to speak but was short of words. He had made two promises at once.

  "Stefan will ride with you." Esther smiled.

  Stefan raised a brow. "I can do that with him tomorrow —"

  "But you're not occupied now, are you?" She furrowed her brows. "You can ride with him now."

  "But what about —" he began.

  "Don't bother with that now, Stefan. Ride with William. Alfred would walk me to the veranda. I'll sit there and await you."

  She didn't want for his response. She simply fell in line with Alfred, who bowed, and they both headed off. William jabbed him as she walked away. "She's beautiful Stefan, inside out. A
nd I do hope I find a lady just like her."

  Stefan patted his back. "When you're of age, William."

  "I'll be of age soon just as Alexandra's debut is coming close. We'll plan a huge ball, and she'll find a good suitor." William laughed gleefully. But then his face changed. "That also means she'll go to live with her husband. She won't be living with us anymore."

  "Life is a cycle, William. Change is constant. And we must embrace the ones we see as it is part of life."

  * * *

  His mother was seated beside Esther on the veranda as he advanced with William on his tail. Alexandra came from inside as well, with a book in her hand. He watched as she placed the book before Esther and sat opposite her. Esther stared at the book for a while and laughed at something Alex said. Alex stood up then, ran inside and came out almost immediately with three quite heavy books. He seemed to know what they were about to do and slowed his pace so he could watch.

  Esther stood up, placed one book on her head, and walked forward, steadily, back straight, shoulders high and hands midair. He watched her curved back, moving with grace as the skirt of her dress swooshed against the floor.

  When she got to rail, she held the book and nodded to Alex.

  Alex stood up and did the same thing she had done. Alex still wobbled as she walked. Esther walked to her side, gripped her shoulders softly, and then pushed them upright. She said a few things to Alex, and the girl nodded before resuming her walk with Esther walking beside her.

  "Alex never knows how to walk the way Lady Castleroy has asked her to." William snickered from beside him. "This is the most difficult thing for Alex." His tone changed, to a more elderly, sterner voice as he proceeded to imitate Lady Castleroy. "'Do not slouch Lady Alexandra. Walk with your head held high. Oh, not that way.' And Alex would try but fail miserably, and Lady Castleroy will keep her scowl for hours till she leaves."

  Stefan found himself laughing at William's imitation of how Lady Castleroy sounded. But as an elder sibling, he needed to make William see things for what they truly were. "Lady Castleroy is simply looking out for Alexandra. Her debut is near, and Alex is...behind in all she needs to know before she meets the ton."

  "Lady Castleroy told Mama she spoilt Alex. And Mama agreed to this. Said she let Alex play with the boys too much."

  Stefan shook his head. Whatever Alex was going through was a phase. Surely, she'd realize that she truly was a lady. One who needed to have a debut, find a suitor, fall in love — according to society and give birth to children who would continue the said cycle and life would go on.

  He halted at the steps that led to where the ladies were all seated. William ran to the Dowager Duchess's side, where she was seated, simply watching the exchange between Esther and Alexandra.

  "But won't the book fall if I'm standing too well?" Alex queried, her brows creased.

  Esther shook her head, smiling. "Certainly not. The book will be saved by the manner in which you walk." She walked over to Alexandra, stopping mid-way.

  Alex stopped walking and took the book from her head. Her face dimmed. "I'll never be able to get this right."

  "Not true, dear. Anything is possible when you set your mind to it. I guarantee you that before your debut by next winter, you'll be able to walk well without slouching."

  Alex looked like she wanted to say more, but she kept quiet and nodded quietly. Esther leaned in and whispered in her ears. Alexandra giggled and moved back. Then with a genuine smile, she said, “Thank you.”

  Esther went on to hug his mother and William before she smiled at him. "Stefan, I'd like to go home."

  "Of course, come, I'll take you home."

  * * *

  The carriage ride was silent for the better part. She said nothing, except relax on the seat and look at the passing scenery. They were almost halfway through the journey when he decided to break the silence.

  "You seem to be bonding with Alex."

  "She's a spirited young lady." Then she sat up. As though his words had triggered her. "Stefan, Alexandra feels off having to do all the ladylike things. She's less concerned about her looks and how to cook. Alex wants adventure."

  "We both know the ton would never approve of such behavior of a lady."

  "I know, Stefan. But, as the head of Sands Castle, why don't you also let her be herself while she also forms into a lady the ton would want?"

  "How so?" he turned to her brows creased.

  Esther's tired eyes lit up. "What if you taught her to shoot, or draw a bow, or ride your horse?"

  Stefan frowned. "No. Alexandra will learn to be a proper lady."

  "And she would, Stefan." Esther touched his arm lightly. "But while she's at it, she deserves a shot at her own happiness. She also deserves to be herself."

  "Esther, my mother would never agree to such behavior." He turned away, shaking his head.

  Esther shrugged. "You're right. I just thought I'd suggest it. She is indeed eager to please your mother by being a true lady. However, she would be more eager to be who the ton wants her to be when she can be her own person while at it. In the end, what matters is that everyone is happy."

  Stefan was silent. He simply had no response to that. He wanted everyone to be happy. Even Alexandra. But he didn't want her to be judged and looked down on by many people just as he was. Because sometimes, being 'yourself' came with a price. And you ended up wishing that you had pretended to be someone else. He was himself, and he was happy being himself. However, his actions brought judgment before him, even from the people whom he cared for the most. He wouldn't let such befall Alex. She had to be a proper lady before next winter, as her debut would happen around that season.

  Not having a response to Esther, he decided to change the topic. "My apologies that we hadn't left Sands Castle earlier as promised. We'll make sure to go to public places tomorrow so as to ensure that our — charade — is not questioned. We have to make it look as real and as genuine as possible."

  Esther tilted her head to the side, but she didn't respond to what he said. She simply looked out the window and remained silent. Had she not heard him?

  "Are you irked?" he asked.

  "No, are you?"

  "No. You didn't respond to what I said."

  "You as well didn't respond to what I had said."

  He clenched his jaws. "You're throwing my actions back at me."

  "Just so you know how it feels like." She was staring out the window, but he could see the small smile on her face.

  He bit his lip and shook his head. Esther knew just how to get a reaction from him. Laughter rumbled from inside of him. Esther turned to look at him, she was also smiling. Her face softened, and she asked again. "Will you think about what I've said about Alex? Even if you're not truly convinced yet, give it a chance, please?"

  Her grey eyes were pleading with him. He was captive of such beauty. He nodded simply. "I will think about it." Because she was persistent, he would.

  "Or is there a reason you are in doubt?"

  He almost shook his head, but her eyes were pleading. After much contemplation, he decided against telling her what he truly thought. What did it matter? He wasn't sure she'd understand for she judged him, too.

  "Nothing."

  "You can tell me, Stefan. I'm willing to listen. If this is a good theory as to why you feel my suggestion about Alex should be ignored, then I want to hear it. I truly do."

  He ticked his tongue and looked away. For a lady whom he'd believed to be shy, she was truly stubborn. He decided to tell her.

  "I feel that people judge too easily, Esther. And although Alex is still young to understand it, there may be a day she would eventually see that the side which she wants is not acceptable by people, by the ton. And she will be judged for it. I'm not sure she's strong enough to stand judgmental gazes as I do. I know what it feels like to be judged for following your heart and doing as you so please. Believe me, it is not a good feeling. I don't want Alex to be judged in the same way."

&n
bsp; Esther sat still, her lips parted slightly, and her lashes were blinking. He knew she was short of words. He regretted pouring out how he felt. He relaxed into the seat and looked away, leaving her to her silence.

  She wasn't silent for too long, however. She placed her hands gently over his. "I'm sorry."

  He stared at her briefly before he looked away and pulled his hands from beneath hers. "I wasn't talking about you."

  "But I have judged you."

  He smiled at her. She wasn't looking his way as she was more focused on her hands. He fought the urge to pull her close and hug her. Just so, he was comfortable. The cart rolled to a stop. He looked out the open curtains. They were at Kendal Manor.