Regency Romance: Winning The Indecisive Duke (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Romance Fiction)

by Jessie Bennett

  Elizabeth was glad to resume her silence. She was miserable. Her life was in the balance. Anything could happen. She only knew that she wasn’t going to marry Jonah.

  She was the one who had to say the words, and they would never leave her mouth.

  She glanced over only once to see Alexandra’s face. She had gone quiet, as well, but she still looked miserable and distressed. Elizabeth took no pleasure in seeing her sister like that. She was so miserable herself, it just made her feel worse.

  Her mother’s face was no less angry than her daughters’. In another ten minutes they would reach the manor, and all three women were still battling their emotions. As they went down the long path that led to the Manor, Elizabeth scanned the hills and fields beyond the single line of trees that flanked the way, trying to find composure.

  She had to admit, as she always did when she visited the Worthingtons, that their estate was the most beautiful land in Fairbanks. It was obviously tended to with loving care and very skilled hands. The Duke and Duchess of Fairbanks were the perfect couple, it sometimes seemed, with two beautiful children, a large home and immense prosperity. They were open-handed, and hosted many balls and parties throughout the year, always anticipated by the ton at large. The Huntington women had received an invitation to an early dinner, Hamilton was in London attending to business and was unable to attend. Elizabeth knew the last thing her mother wanted was for the Worthingtons to be exposed to their family drama, and prayed for composure.

  Her eyes were drawn to the front porch of the Manor, where the duchess was standing, waiting for her guests. As she watched, Elizabeth saw the duke come out and walk to stand next to his wife. Their children were playing on the lawns beyond.

  Still feeling upset, she exhaled sharply and looked down at her clenched hands. She relaxed them consciously and forced herself to be calm. She didn’t want to cause a scene in front of this couple.

  She hoped that Alexandra would take the same position. She glanced over at her. They met eyes when Alexandra looked at her. Elizabeth did not think she’d ever seen such hatred in the eyes of another as she did right then.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  A CONVERSATION

  A CONVERSATION

  Jonah was finished with his beef and sat with a glass of tea. The duke, who had invited him to share a meal at his accommodation in the town had been called to another table by some associate. Jonah could see them chatting with friendly looks on their faces and wondered idly what they discussed.

  Being able to converse with Daniel made Jonah feel older than his seventeen years. Jonah’s father was a strict academic scholar and wanted all his children to be the same way. As a result, he knew a great deal about many topics of conversation that helped him hold his own in any company. It was something he appreciated now more than ever before. He looked across to where Daniel was headed back to their table, an easy smile on his face. He sat in the chair opposite Jonah and leaned forward, shaking his head wearily. “That man is exceedingly intelligent,” he whispered. “Between you and I, he makes me feel like a child every time I talk to him.”

  Jonah laughed, softly. “I do not believe anyone could make you feel so, your grace. I was just thinking how talking to you makes me pleased I can converse as an adult!”

  “You are a mature young man. I can see great potential in you.”

  “I thank you for the compliment.”

  “Tell me, Jonah. What would you do if you were given the chance not to marry Elizabeth? If your father let you out of the contract tomorrow, what would be the first thing you would do?”

  “Find Lady Julia and ask her to take a walk with me.”

  “Do you think she would go on the walk?”

  “I do.”

  “I saw her in the park earlier. Lady Westering told me who she was. She is a very pretty woman. You have good taste.” He grinned and took a drink of his claret.

  “Thank you again.” Jonah nodded. “I hope and pray my father will eventually see things as you and I do. Elizabeth has to leave for a year to take a journey but when she gets back, we are supposed to be wed almost immediately.”

  “What would your father do if you simply refused and began courting Lady Julia instead?” the duke asked, grinning recklessly. “Surely Elizabeth and her family would not object to that.”

  “She wouldn’t, that is certain. But her father has not yet changed his mind and her mother does not interfere. If it would not bring shame to my family, I would do that very thing. But my father would be devastated and my mother heartbroken. Besides, it would be difficult to explain to the whole of society why we broke that agreement. Everyone knows about it. That’s why no one ever dances with Elizabeth at the balls. Not even you.”

  Daniel felt a sudden shame. He had not danced with Elizabeth. He had danced with Alexandra. That was before he was told about the marriage contract. He chided himself silently for not having danced with the young lady. His negligence had probably hurt the girl badly. He was angry with himself.

  “I should have danced with her.”

  Jonah just looked at him.

  “You danced with her, didn’t you?” Daniel asked.

  Jonah gave him a look that indicated he thought it was not a very smart question. “Of course, I did! I love the girl to death but just not in a way that would make it possible for us to wed. Besides, no one else dances with her, assuming she will only dance with me.”

  “That sounds horrible.”

  “It is. It’s my fault, in some ways, and I will take the responsibility for it. The only other woman I want to dance with is Lady Julia, anyway.” He sighed. “Changing the subject, if I may?” The duke nodded, and he began, “May I ask, your grace, why were you escorting Lady Alexandra around the pond today? Is it your intention to court her?”

  Daniel’s eyebrows shot up. He hadn’t expected the young man to be so frank with him. “It is a possibility. Why? Do you have an objection?”

  “I must be honest with you; Alexandra can be a handful.”

  “She has struck me as that kind of woman.” Daniel nodded. He took a sip of his tea and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. “She is very beautiful though.”

  “Her beauty ends where her personality begins. She is a very jealous woman, petty and mean. She has never treated Elizabeth with any kindness, none that I have seen anyway. She treated my brother Jonathan like a slave when they were courting. She grew up with Jonathan and always had the urge to lead him on a leash.”

  “Perhaps I could tame her.” Daniel couldn’t help laughing. “I can take my cue from Shakespeare’s play.”

  There was a twinkle in Jonah’s eye when he responded in a serious tone, “There are some shrews that are impossible to tame, my lord. I would proceed with great caution.”

  Daniel chuckled, and moments later Jonah joined him.

  “Your grace, I would not tell you what to do under any circumstances: You are older and wiser than I am. But allow me to inform you that when things do not go Alexandra’s way, she is relentless. She was devastated at first, when my brother rejected her for a kinder, gentler soul in a girl named Cynthia. But once she was angry, she hounded him relentlessly. Getting rid of her is like trying to detach a barnacle that has been on the bottom of the boat for decades. It’s nearly impossible until she turns her sights to another.”

  “I am afraid I am already in too deep to completely detach myself. We have gone for a walk and danced together. I think I can see how she feels at this point, and I do not wish to hurt her.” He sighed.

  “She is jealous and insecure,” Jonah agreed, “I know a perceived rejection would hurt her deeply.”

  The duke nodded. “Elizabeth seems the more confident of the two.”

  “Oh, to be sure. She has a wild side, too. She likes to wrestle and play and race.” He grinned. “We grew up together so there is a good possibility I am thinking of our youth. She hasn’t raced me in quite a while.”

  “Race? You mean a foot race?�
�

  Jonah laughed. “Oh yes. How can you grow up with a good friend and never have a foot race? Surely this doesn’t surprise you.” Without waiting for an answer, Jonah continued, “When we were young, we would race from our houses to see who reached our pond oasis first.”

  “Outstanding.”

  “Then we would race to her house or mine. She is very quick, very light on her feet. She may be somewhat short but she can keep up!”

  “I see.” Daniel hoped Jonah would continue talking about Elizabeth. “It seems amazing that you are not in love with her, considering all of her good qualities.”

  Jonah shook his head. “It would be like falling in love with your sister.” He made a face that brought a huge grin to Daniel’s face. “Sometimes friendship does not turn into love. It can happen, I know, and Mother has told me for years that it is better to know someone and to be friends with them before you marry them. She told me that was what courtship was for. To ensure that you can be friends once you are married. They allowed Jonathan to end his courtship with Alexandra because he felt no friendship toward her.”

  “It seems odd that your parents did not arrange a marriage between Alexandra and Jonathan the way they did with you.”

  Jonah shook his head. “There’s no way to tell what was going through their minds over twenty years ago. They made the decision for me and Elizabeth but not Jonathan and Alexandra.” He sighed. “I do wish I could go back in time and beg them not to set up the contract.”

  “There is no clause, no way to get out of it without adverse effects to the families?”

  “If there were, Lizzie and I would have found out by now.” He shook his head.

  Daniel fell quiet, drinking his tea and staring out into space. “I wish your parents had chosen otherwise. It seems so much unhappiness would have been avoided. Though then, of course, Lady Alexandra would not be free to marry as she would.”

  Jonah stared. “Are you considering pursuing a relationship with her?”

  “I had not yet decided,” the duke admitted. “She is a challenge. Sometimes a challenge is what is needed.”

  “That’s too much of a challenge.” Jonah stared at him, wide-eyed.

  “She seems vulnerable to me. As though she just needs to be cared for and loved without pressure.”

  Jonah put his head to one side, thinking. “I am not sure if it would be enough, now.”

  “Was she always a hateful person? Didn’t she ever show compassion as a child?” the duke pressed.

  “Oh, I suppose she did, yes. But her jealousy when it comes to Lizzie has always been apparent. Even when they were very young. Alexa would always try to outshine her, even on her birthday.”

  “Did she ever get in between you and my lady?” the duke asked curiously.

  Jonah gave him a peculiar look. “No, I am too young for her. Besides, I am certain she knew what I thought of her from the beginning when we were very young. It is strange that you call her my lady?”

  “The Duchess of Fairbanks called her so. I thought it was acceptable. Is it inappropriate?”

  Jonah couldn’t help smiling. “If the duchess said so, I cannot disagree. The lady is the soul of etiquette, and if she did so, it cannot be inappropriate.”

  “It seems there is no one in Fairbanks who does not share your opinion of the duke and his beautiful lady. I had heard of their reputation before I arrived here. Having met him, I think the reputation is accurate. He is an intelligent man with many friends. I was delighted that I would inherit land that adjoins his. He shall be an excellent neighbor, I think.”

  Jonah nodded. “Indeed, your grace. There is no one besides Father I admire more. To be more like the Duke of Fairbanks is an ambition. And his wife is a dear lady. She and Lizzie are close, as if she were her daughter.” Jonah paused in his conversation. Daniel noticed a strange look come over his face.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked gently. “You look worried.”

  Jonah shook his head. “Our conversation constantly comes back to Lizzie, doesn’t it? What are your intentions? Do you plan to pursue Alexandra? Or Elizabeth?”

  Daniel was taken aback by Jonah’s blunt question. He had not noticed how often his mind strayed back to her. He needed to be married within the next few months – he should make a decision. If he had to choose Alexandra because Elizabeth was not available, that was what he would do.

  “I really cannot say at this time.”

  “Well, Lizzie is the better choice,” Jonah said stoutly.

  “She is yours.”

  Jonah shook his head. “She should be free to choose you, my lord. And we will not be getting married, despite what our parents want. The marriage contract will be nullified. I will see to it. Lizzie is a wonderful woman.” He laughed and lifted his glass, drinking deep. “If she knew that we were talking about her with such high praise, those cheeks of hers would blush the deepest red you have ever seen.”

  “That would be a very pretty sight to see.” The duke smiled warmly.

  “Yes, it is,” Jonah agreed readily. “I would love to see her find a man like yourself, your grace. An upstanding man who would respect and care for her. I imagine she and you would have great adventures together.”

  Daniel’s mind filled with images of traveling with Elizabeth, showing her Athlone, giving her gift baskets filled with her favorite fruits, going on picnics and presenting her with beautiful gowns of all colors and the very finest of fabrics.

  It would be paradise.

  He sighed wearily. Such mental distractions were not aiding his decision and he had to make a choice. Soon. He had only three months.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  JONAH CHATS WITH LADY JULIA

  JONAH CHATS WITH LADY JULIA

  The sun was setting when Jonah left the inn after his dinner with Daniel. He thought about their conversation as he walked down the steps toward the stable-yard. Jonah thought Daniel was very confident he would be able to marry in time. Marriage did not seem like a very intimidating thing to Daniel. Jonah didn’t understand why not. All he could think about was how it meant the rest of his life with one person. Once that happened, there was no going back. And if it was him and Lizzie, the only way out would be if one of them strayed. If it happened, they would both know why, but both would bear the pain and censure of it.

  He shook his head, trying to rid it of the depressing thoughts. It seemed no matter what he did, his parents would be unhappy. There was no way forward that did not hurt someone he cared about.

  He rode slowly down the road through town, his eyes scanning the horizon. The sun was dipping behind the far away mountains, casting a dozen different shades of color across the blue sky. He could see birds flying above him and the sounds of the approaching nighttime filled his ears. He rested one hand on his thigh while the other held onto the reins loosely. There was no need to make his horse go faster than the pace he was going. He did not have to be home in a hurry. In fact, he did not have to be home at any particular time at all.

  He turned onto a side street and saw two carriages in the distance. They were both pulled up on the side of the road. The occupants were standing talking to each other.

  His heart thumped when he realized one of the carriages belonged to the Youngs. His breath caught in his throat. He could see Lady Julia standing to the side with her mother and sisters. They were talking to the ladies of the Spurgeon family.

  In the light from a torch in a sconce on the wall, he could see one of the Spurgeon girls nudge Julia and nod in his direction. She turned and looked at him. Though he was still too far away to see the expression on her face or the look in her eyes, the reaction of the other girls who saw him approaching told him that everyone knew they were in love. It made him feel strange. He wondered what Julia had said about him. The girls immediately covered their mouths, looked at each other, and giggled behind their hands.

  As he got closer, he could see Julia was smiling in his direction. Lady Hargrave and Lady Spurgeo
n shared a knowing look but gave him a welcoming smile.

  “My young lord Jonah,” Lady Spurgeon said when he was close enough. “It is a fine evening for a ride, is it not?”

  “Indeed, it is, my lady. I hope you are finding it pleasant, as well.”

  “Whenever we meet friends by coincidence, it is always a pleasure. And see? Now we have met yet another friend.” She smiled at him warmly.

  Jonah smiled back. “It is indeed a delightful coincidence. I have just come from having dinner at the inn with the Duke of Athlone.”

  Lady Spurgeon and Lady Hargrave both nodded, eyebrows raised admiringly. “That is good. A fine young gentleman he is,” Lady Spurgeon said.

  Julia’s sisters and the Spurgeon girls were all still giggling. Julia was the only one with her composure intact. Her eyes rested on Jonah and a gentle smile was on her pretty lips. Jonah wished it was daytime or that the torches would shine brighter so he could see her violet eyes. As it was, he was content just being in her presence.

  Lady Spurgeon drew in a breath, looking at the darkening horizon. “Well, it is certainly getting somewhat late! Come, girls, let’s go to the carriage. Would you like to accompany us?” She looked pointedly at Lady Hargrave, including all the other girls except for Julia, at whom she did not look once.

  The girls fell into giggling again but followed the older women wordlessly, leaving Julia behind to speak with Jonah in private. He grinned and slid down from his horse, holding the reins in one hand, his other hand held behind his back.

  “You are looking lovely this evening, Lady Julia.”

  “Thank you, my lord. So are you.”

  “I am looking lovely?” Jonah laughed, enjoying the sound of Julia’s whispering giggle, a light tinkling sound that filled his heart with joy. “Thank you, my lady.”