The Duke's Bride: Regency Romance (Regency Brides Book 1)

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “Don’t run off to Gretna Green on some stupid whim.”

  “Stupid whims can sometimes turn out to be quite enjoyable, as I’ve just learnt tonight.” A soft smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t you think so?”

  “No, all they do is confuse matters. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

  “Don’t say that.” Her smile disappeared.

  “It’s true.” He pulled farther away, crossed his arms and tapped one foot. “You should leave.”

  “Yes, I suppose I should.” She softly sighed, removed his jacket and laid it on the bench before collecting the glove he’d removed. “Thank you for my disrespectful kiss, Pierce. I’ll never forget it.”

  Neither would he, unfortunately.

  Chapter 8

  Ellie awoke the next morning with a heavy head and an equally heavy heart. She pushed her lilac bedcovers away and slipped out from underneath the lacy canopy of her four-poster. Last night, Ashten has kissed her then told her she’d never be his wife, right before warning her to stay away. At the time, she’d gone from the heights of ecstasy then dropped into the sheer depths of despair. Goodness, but she had adored his kisses, had desperately wanted even more, but his words had made the ultimate sense. Stupid whims could confuse matters. Particularly when all she now desired was him, and he didn’t desire her at all. How unfortunate, yet also it was now her reality, which she needed to accept. Friends, they would always be. Never anything more.

  “Good morning, my lady.” Penny entered with a large vase of overflowing flowers, a radiance of classic pink roses, fragrant lilies, cerise germini, and a white spray of chrysanthemums. Her maid set the vase on the nightstand, plucked a sealed card from within the fragrant blooms and handed it to her. “These just arrived for you.”

  “Oh my, how lovely.” Could these be from Ashten? Had he possibly changed his mind and sent this peace offering in apology? Her fingers shook as she studied the wax seal. Hmm, the emblem emblazoned upon it wasn’t from Ashten’s ring, but instead from the House of Bishophale. Captain Poole resided at Major Lord Bishophale’s residence while at home on leave. She lifted the seal, unfolded the card and read the elegantly written words.

  My delightful Ellie,

  The weather is radiant today and I would be honored if I could call upon you for a ride in the park. I’ll pack a picnic lunch, which we can both enjoy in the sunshine. Be ready at ten.

  Fondly,

  Bradley.

  “Open the drapes, Penny.”

  Her maid swished them open and Ellie pushed her bedcovers aside and smiled as sunshine poured into her chamber. Yes, it was most certainly a fine day. She set the card on her nightstand and stood at the window. The deep green foliage of the trees swayed in the gentle breeze, while birds fluttered about. The red and white roses blooming over the arbor were a bright splash of color, the yellow daisies dotting the lush grass either side of Mama’s well-tended garden beds, proof that spring had most certainly arrived. Ten? Well, she didn’t have long to ready herself, and she had promised Bradley a ride in the park on the next fine day. That was clearly today, and she certainly wouldn’t be turning him away when he knocked on her door. She forced any residual gloominess aside since no good ever came from wallowing.

  She would embrace the wonders of this new day.

  She had her family close at hand, love bursting forth within these walls, and even though Harry was fighting across the channel, he was a strong officer and wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else other than ensuring they remained safe here in England.

  She’d also successfully gotten Ashten out of his home to attend his club. Not quite the social setting she’d hoped for his return amongst the ton, but still a wonderful start.

  Yes, she would have a lovely picnic in the park today with Bradley. Their competitive natures were a wonderful match, and for certain they’d have a fine time together. She didn’t doubt it.

  “What would you like to wear today, my lady?” Penny held two day dresses in hand.

  “I’m to join Captain Poole for a picnic in the park, so I’ll need my royal blue riding habit.” She bustled across to her maid. “You’ll be required to chaperone me. Ensure the groomsman readies my mare for me, and the curricle for you.”

  “Of course.” Her maid hung the dresses and pulled out her riding habit and a broad-brimmed hat.

  She tugged her nightgown over her head, donned her chemise, then slipped the white blouse Penny handed her on over top. Fitted jacket next, buttoned to her neck. The riding habit’s skirts were long and full, cumbersome and a little weighty, but the thicker layer would keep her warm outside should the weather turn. She sat on the end of her bed and laced her leather boots, while Penny popped down to the kitchens.

  Her maid returned with a breakfast tray, and she sat at her side table and enjoyed a delicious helping of scrambled eggs and toasted bread slathered in butter.

  With her matching royal blue hat atop her head, her hair secured at the sides with two pins and her locks swaying down her back, she left her room and skipped downstairs.

  “You have loud footsteps.” With a knowing smile, Winterly emerged from his study and eyed her. “And you appear rather chipper. Is this to do with the bouquet that arrived for you this morning?”

  “Yes. I’m joining Captain Poole for a ride in the park, as well as a picnic lunch since the sun is finally out again.” She certainly didn’t wish to waste another minute of this day by remaining indoors, not now she’d made the decision to embrace all the possibilities it held. “Did you wish to join us?” Her brother would never tag along, but she asked all the same. “I’ve no issue if you do.”

  “If you’re taking Penny as your chaperone, then I’ll remain right here.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her, his tan trousers pressed and his matching jacket flowing smoothly over his broad shoulders. “I’m also in a meeting, which has not long begun.”

  “With Mr. Tidmore?” She’d love to say hello to her current cohort if he was here.

  “No, and brace yourself.” Winterly gripped her hands, his gaze focused. “It’s Ashten.”

  “Pardon?” She swayed, black dots dancing in front of her eyes.

  “Good morning, Lady Ellie.” Cane in hand, Ashten stepped out of her brother’s study in buff breeches which molded his strong thighs, his riding boots buckled an inch below his knees.

  Was the Duke of Ashten truly here, or was she simply imagining him?

  “I, ah...” She stepped up to her vision of Ashten and gently laid one hand on his jacketed arm. Definite warm penetrated through to her fingers. She stared at him, unable to look anywhere else. “Oh my, you’re truly real. Has Mama seen you?”

  “You didn’t hear her piercing screech an hour ago?” A teasing smile shone in his eyes. He wanted to be here, had been enjoying his visit with her brother thus far. That was clear to see.

  “No, and if she hears you speak about her like that, she’ll clap your ears, whether you’re a duke or not.”

  “I’d expect naught less from her.”

  Winterly chuckled and tweaked her nose. “I’d wondered if we’d been invaded by the French when I entered the foyer earlier and discovered it was merely Ashten’s arrival that had caused Mama to cry.”

  “Where is she now?”

  “With Sophia and Olivia. They still required masks for the Campton’s War Society Charity Masquerade Ball. They gushed over the arrival of your flowers earlier, and Mama expected you might be busy. The three of them snuck away a few minutes ago.”

  “I already have my costume and mask.” She lowered her hand from Ashten’s arm since she was still touching him, her shock slowly subsiding. “It’s truly wonderful you’re here.”

  “I received a business proposition from your brother in this morning’s mail and on a whim, decided to investigate it further. A maritime venture with an American shipping merchant named Mr. Tidmore. He’ll be arriving to join in our meeting soon.” He moved his cane to his left hand and with his right, lifte
d her hand and pressed a kiss across her gloved knuckles. “You look bright and radiant this morning.”

  “I wish I’d known you were coming. I might’ve been able to change my plans if I did.”

  “I wouldn’t have expected you to. You should enjoy your ride and picnic in the park.”

  A knock rattled the front door and Penny opened it.

  Mr. Tidmore stepped inside wearing dark trousers and a navy waistcoat, a black jacket folded over his arm. He dipped his head and took her hand with a flourish. “My lovely, Lady Ellie. You look ravishing on this fine spring day.”

  “It’s lovely to see you too.” She gestured to Ashten. “Mr. Tidmore, I’d like to introduce you to the Duke of Ashten.”

  “Yes, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” Mr. Tidmore extended his hand to Ashten. “Lady Ellie has spoken about you often, Winterly too, of your great service in the war and your deep friendship with their family. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

  “Call me Ashten.” He shook Tidmore’s hand. “Winterly and I have been speaking in depth about your shipping ventures.”

  “Wonderful. We require one more financial partner in order to undertake the future ventures we wish to progress with, and I’ve requested the accounts be sent over here to Winterly today. They should arrive later this afternoon.” Mr. Tidmore cast his gaze back to her. “I had hoped to see you today as well, to ask if you might be available for an evening at one of the playhouses on Drury Lane? Lord Marriweather and his wife have invited me to join them in their box tomorrow night.”

  “I’d be honored to attend a play with you tomorrow night.”

  “Excellent. Then I’ll collect you here at six. Lady Marriweather mentioned the two of you were second cousins.”

  “Yes, on Mama’s side of the family. Lady Marriweather and I had our first Season together, then she met Viscount Marriweather on her second Season and the two wed before the end of that year.”

  “They’re a delightful couple.”

  The clip-clop of horses’ hooves echoed from outside and Penny opened the front door just as Captain Poole handed his reins to the groom and strode up the driveway.

  “Good morning, one and all.” Poole stepped inside and nodded at Winterly, Ashten, and Mr. Tidmore, then swept into an elegant bow before her, his tailcoats swaying. “And a good morning to you, my delightful companion for the day. My cook has prepared us a picnic to enjoy.”

  “Thank you for the flowers. They’re immensely beautiful.”

  “As is the lady I sent them to.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks, and Winterly cleared his throat with a barely contained grunt of laughter. If her brother could, he would likely be rubbing his hands together in glee right now. Three eligible gentlemen stood within only a few feet of her, his every dream come true.

  “Let’s be away, shall we?” Captain Poole extended his arm to her and she slipped her hand through the crook and blew her brother a kiss. “Enjoy your business meeting today.” To Mr. Tidmore, she said, “Tomorrow night at six.” And to Ashten, she murmured, “You are like family to us and should visit more often. Don’t allow another six months to pass before you do.”

  “Yes, my lady.” A dark scowl furrowed Ashten’s brow as he eyed Poole. “Hyde Park, is it?”

  “Yes.” Poole cast his gaze to Winterly. “My lord, I’ll return your sister to you by three this afternoon. Will that suffice?”

  “Only if you must.” Her brother’s eyes danced with mischief. “Our Ellie is a handful, which is the only warning I’m going to give you. Do enjoy your picnic.”

  “It’s my brother who’s actually the handful. Ignore his warning.” She smiled sweetly at Poole while her brother asked Mr. Tidmore and Ashten to join him in his study. She hurried the captain out the door, while Ashen remained in the foyer watching her leave with his scowl still in place.

  Outside on the driveway, Poole drew her to a stop and patted her hand. “Wait right here while I transfer the picnic basket into your maid’s curricle. I’ll bring your mare to you right after.”

  “Thank you.”

  Poole left her side and saw the basket handed over from his man who’d ridden with him to her driver, then he aided Penny into the curricle and disappeared into the stables to collect her mare from one of their liveried grooms.

  “Is he the one?” Ashten murmured in a low voice from behind her.

  She jumped, clutching a hand to her chest. “Ashten, you gave me a surprise.”

  “Last night, after you left, all I could think about was how I pushed you away with my harsh words. I apologize profusely, Ellie.” Sadness haunted his blue eyes. “Will you forgive me?”

  “Yes, absolutely.” Mama had taught her to never hold a grudge, and Ashten was Harry’s best friend, a man she considered a friend too, that’s if a lady were permitted male friends.

  “So, I see Poole sent you flowers this morning, and Tidmore is to enjoy an evening out with you tomorrow night. You seem to have a number of suitors flittering about you.”

  “There is only one suitor who matters.”

  “Yes, the one you intend on eloping with.” He gently touched his knuckles to her cheek, his sadness deepening as he drew them slowly away. “Enjoy your day, my sweet.”

  “I shall. You enjoy yours too.”

  “I would enjoy it more if I had you to gaze upon within Winterly’s study, rather than your brother.” A soft smile, then he turned and disappeared inside, the front door clicking shut behind him.

  Her heart ached for him, for them both. If only he actually did desire her, then she’d be walking right back inside after him. No hesitation.

  “Here we are.” Poole walked her mare toward her.

  “I’m looking forward to this ride. It feels like an age since I last felt the sunshine on my face.”

  “So that’s where these delightful freckles have come from?” Smiling warmly, Poole touched her cheek with one finger.

  “I’m afraid so. I’m wearing a hat today, but I can’t guarantee it’ll remain atop my head the entire day.”

  “Then I’ll keep an eye on your wayward hat, and return it to you if it dares to fly away.” He clasped her waist and lifted her into her saddle then mounted his own horse and with Penny already seated in the curricle beside her driver, she pressed her knees into her mount’s sides and trotted alongside the captain as the sun shone high above.

  Towering trees lined each side of the street, the lush green front gardens hiding stately homes in the rear. Poole doffed his hat at Lady Allingsworth and her eldest daughter who’d chosen to enjoy a stroll to the shops rather than to take a carriage for the short walk. The day was simply too fine to be confined inside a chariot, and the ladies offered charming smiles to Poole in return.

  “Are you enjoying your time on leave?” she asked Poole as birds twittered from up high in their nests. A dog barked down a driveway, and a cat skittered up the closest tree.

  “It’s always a relief to set my weapons aside and not worry over what battle I must fight the next day.” Posture tall and strong, his reins held firmly in hand, he skimmed their surroundings as if on alert. “Yet even with that relief, there is still a sense of unease that consumes me. Each morning when I awaken, I fear what news might come through the War Office.”

  “It is a great service you undertake for your country.” She moved with the gentle gait of her mare. “I can’t say that enough.”

  “My brother’s betrothed said the same words to me this morning, which are touching to hear. You have my thanks for saying so as well.”

  “Which of your brothers is now betrothed?” His eldest brother, Lord Major Bishophale, had wed several years ago and had two young sons, although she was aware Bradley had two younger brothers, twins John and Jeffery born two years after him.

  “John is now engaged to the delightful Miss Sarah Shepherd. He’s actually riding to Dover tomorrow to take some papers to Lieutenant Colonel Masters, so while he’s away I’ve promised to escort
my future sister-in-law about town.”

  “That is wonderful of you.”

  “John would’ve had my hide if I hadn’t offered to show her about town, particularly since she’s new to London, and honestly, it is a privilege to be in her company. She is such a delight.” They broke free of the cover of trees lining the busy street and the sun glimmered across her companion’s golden hair under the brim of his hat, his locks cropped short as many of the officers preferred. Harry had sported the exact same hairstyle on his last bout of leave nine months ago.

  “I don’t believe I’ve met Miss Shepherd before.” Her name didn’t ring any bells.

  “You possibly wouldn’t have. Her family live farther to the north. Nottingham to be exact.”

  “Then how ever did Miss Shepherd and your brother meet?” A gentleman strolling along the side walk hailed a hack and she steered her horse around him and the conveyance.

  “John was passing through Nottingham a few months ago, and when he fell ill he sought shelter at an inn, one Miss Shepherd’s father was called to tend him at. Mr. Shepherd is a physician, and his daughter is his rather skilled aide. I can only say Miss Shepherd nursed John through a severe fever and afterward, well, it was love at first sight. She is now a guest at Bishophale House, enjoying the Season before it ends.”

  “Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to meet her while she’s in town then.”

  “I’ll make certain that happens.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” She breathed deep as they rode along the busier streets and the welcome sounds of the town surrounded her.

  Another mile or two later, they passed underneath one of the three carriage entrance archways and entered the park. The long length of the Serpentine weaved through hundreds of acres of royal parkland, this place a popular gathering ground and her fingers itched to give her horse its head, to enjoy a faster pace with the wind rushing through her hair, just as it usually did when she rode at Winterly Manor in the country.