The woman, taking notice of William, pushed away from the man with whom she had been spending her time and walked—no, the woman flounced as far as Marianne was concerned—toward William, a smile on her painted lips.
Hot anger spread through Marianne as the woman walked up to William and put her arm around his waist in a much too intimate manner. William glanced down at the woman, and the smile he had for her only fueled Marianne’s anger that much more. Then the woman whispered in William’s ear, and he let out a laugh that jabbed at her skin like tiny needles. He lifted his mug and downed the rest of his ale, but Marianne would not allow him to leave with this…this…hussy!
She pulled herself from the chair, steadied herself, and then walked over to the group. William smiled at her and brought his arm around Marianne’s waist. The feeling was the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced and she hoped her legs would be able to hold her upright.
The other patrons began singing, and she joined in when the chorus was sung.
Through the days, we will work till night
Not caring or given to fright.
We ask our friends if they would be fools,
Tell me, my friend, do you break any rules?
With the last words sung, the pub broke out in laughter and cheers, and Marianne laughed as she had never before. This was truly the adventure of a lifetime, and looking up at William, she could no longer deny what was in her heart. Her feelings for the man had changed sometime during their time together, an affection that she knew was unacceptable, but regardless she wished she could tell him. Yet, this was not the time or place to have such a conversation. Perhaps she could get him alone outside.
However, before she was able to speak, the other woman spoke to William. “You are a very good singer,” she said in an overly sweet voice. “And such a handsome man, as well.” Her hand moved to his chest and traced over it as if it contained a babe in swaddling clothes.
Marianne’s eyes widened in shock. How could a woman do such a thing in public? It was beyond anything she had ever seen in her life.
William removed the woman’s hand with a polite smile. “Thank you,” he said, “but I need to go.”
Marianne felt her giddiness return, accompanied by a healthy dose of relief. As they turned, however, they stopped short and looked up—even William had to crane his neck somewhat—to find a man glaring down at all three of them, his back hunched as he tried to keep his head from hitting the ceiling.
“Margaret! Who is this man with you?” he demanded, his voice booming.
“Quick!” William said, taking Marianne’s hand. “We need to leave or this man just might eat us!”
Marianne burst out laughing as William pulled her toward the door, the patrons of the pub laughing and cheering them on.
He pushed her through the door and they ran down an alley across the muddy road.
“Oh, my!” Marianne said breathlessly when they finally came to a stop. “I thought he would come after us.”
“You speak too soon,” William said, just as breathlessly. “Look!”
Marianne followed his finger and saw the large man come out the door they had just exited. Without another word, they took off again, winding around the various narrow side streets of the village until they ended up behind the pub, Marianne in a near-panic as she looked around to see where the man had gone.
“There, the stables,” William said, and they ran into the stables, peering around the corner to see if they were being followed. “I think we lost him.” He called out to the stablehand, “You, boy, ready our horses.”
“Yes, Sir,” the boy said with eagerness when William tossed him a copper coin. “Right away, Sir.”
Soon, the horses were saddled and Marianne and William were mounted, ready to return to Silver Birch Estates.
Marianne’s heart still skipped a beat with every sound heard, and as they eased their way from the stables, a loud voice shouted, “I’ll teach you boys a lesson about putting your hands on another man’s woman!”
“Oh, no! We must go,” Marianne said.
With a snap of their reins, they rode off, kicking mud up behind them as the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon.
***
With the horses returned to the stables at Silver Birch Estates, the stablehand not taking a second glance at her as she dismounted as easily as any man, Marianne walked to the house with an easy gait. The sky had already darkened, and she felt a hand take hers.
“Look,” William whispered as he pointed up at the sky, “the constellations.”
Marianne tried to ignore the fluttering in her stomach as she looked up at the stars twinkling above them.
“There are thousands of them,” William said.
“Yes,” she replied, loving the warmth of his hand in hers. “I have never paid them much attention before I met you. Thank you for sharing them with me.”
“Not only have a shared them with you; they are my gift to you. All of them are now yours.”
In that moment, Marianne’s heart beat so hard, she thought it might burst from her chest. Looking into his eyes, she wanted nothing more than for him to press his lips to hers. Yes, it was a deed that was beyond anything the woman at the pub had done this night, for it would finally seal her last bit of grace. However, the thought was tempting, and as William’s hand came to her waist, she found the wanting tormenting.
“Marianne?”
“Yes?” she said, her voice as quiet as his. Would he pick her up and hold her against him first, or would the kiss come alone? Or would it be that he would spin her around like they did in the romance books she had been forbidden to read? In her mind, he would do that and then as he set her down, he would press his lips to hers, and she would be lost in that kiss.
“I fear I have kept you out late enough,” he said as he pulled away. “We should head back inside before anyone sees us.” He looked her up and down and smiled. “Perhaps you should use the back entrance.”
She glanced down. She had forgotten the clothing she was wearing, and she blushed. “I suppose I should,” she replied, but she could not stop the feeling of disappointment from building in her stomach. The man truly was a gentleman, and she was glad to be saved from embarrassment. However, they still had several more weeks together, and there was plenty of time for them to grow closer. She would see to that.
Chapter Ten
As the weeks passed, Marianne found it difficult to spend any time alone with William. From early in the morning until dinner, they busied themselves with his lessons on comportment and societal rules. After dinner, he was sequestered away with Mr. Ludlow learning about his businesses and the empire that were now his. Not a single moment presented itself where Marianne could speak with him alone, and this only frustrated her all the more.
For something else had begun to change. She found the old William, the shy, gentle man she had met in their first visit to Silver Birch Estates, the man who had taken her to the old pub in the village of Blackwater, was being replaced by a new William, a Duke in every sense of the word.
It was the smallest things she noticed. His tendency not to talk as much as he once had. His now reserved nature. But above all, his laugh had changed. Gone was the boisterous laugh they had shared that night in the village. Now his laugh had a more serious note to it, as if it had lost its mirth and was replaced by the subtle sound of the ton.
Marianne could not help but worry for him. She had told him to be true to himself, but did he need to be reminded of those words again?
All of the work Marianne and her mother had done with William was nearly complete, and tonight they would do a practice of his introduction to the ton. The evening had begun quite well with William meeting Marianne and her mother at the bottom of the stairs. He greeted them with the utmost respect and offered them his arm in turn, walking first Mrs. Blithe to the dining room and then returning for Marianne. Even Mr. Ludlow was there in the place of a guest.
“Mrs. Blithe,” William said in a formal tone Marianne still had not gotten quite accustomed to hearing from the man, “I hear that you volunteer at the poor house once a month. That is very admirable of you to reach out to those less fortunate than yourself.”
Marianne’s mother gave him an approving smile. “Indeed. We must all do our part to help those in need, do you not, my dear?”
Marianne was surprised to be brought into the conversation so soon, her mind having drifted away to how different William had become. As luck would have it, however, she had heard the last of the conversation. “Yes, we must,” she replied simply.
“Well, I hope you enjoyed the meal as much as I did,” William said as he pushed back his chair. “I believe we should make our way to the ballroom. Mrs. Blithe?”
“Yes, that would be lovely,” Marianne’s mother said. Footmen pulled out Marianne and her mother’s chairs and they followed William into the brightly lit ballroom.
“Now, Your Grace,” Mrs. Blithe said, “it is time for you to dance. The guests have had their fill of wine and food, and the atmosphere is perfect. All eyes are upon you.”
With a light smile playing on his lips, he approached Marianne, bowed before her, and offered her his hand. “Miss Blithe, would you do me the honor of accompanying me in this dance?” he asked in that formal tone he had taken to.
Marianne found herself unable to speak, her tongue was like a lump of lead in her mouth. “Yes, thank you,” she managed to say when she forced the words to come forward.
He led her to the middle of the room and began the steps to a country dance they had recently taught him as Marianna’s mother and Mr. Ludlow joined in beside them. No music played, but they moved as if the most wondrous of orchestras played for them, each step perfect.
At one point when they came around together, William leaned in and whispered, “Have you been enjoying the evening?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Marianne replied. “Thank you for the lovely dinner.”
“I am glad you liked it,” he replied before he swept away and was replaced by Mr. Ludlow.
“Well, our young Duke has come a long way,” Mr. Ludlow said as he dipped a bow to her.
“Indeed,” she replied as she returned his bow with a curtsy.
The steps brought William back to Marianne, and he lowered his voice further. “Are you certain you have enjoyed yourself.”
“But of course,” she said, surprised for his concern at her enjoyment. “The distinguished guests speak of their admiration for you.”
His eyes twinkled. “There is something I have been wanting to tell you. Might we meet in the library at midnight?”
She nodded her agreement before the dance separated them once again. She found the steps to be more difficult to complete with her weakened legs as she considered what he could possibly wish of her that night.
“You have been practicing,” Mrs. Blithe said as she brought them to a stop mid-step. “I am impressed, Your Grace.” She gave him a low curtsy, lower than Marianne had ever seen the woman curtsy before. “Your speech, your mannerisms, your dancing! You have surely become the Duke you are meant to be. It has been an honor serving you.” She then turned to Mr. Ludlow. “I believe he is ready.”
Although Marianne found joy in her mother’s words, her heart constricted, for by saying so, it meant she and her mother would be returning to their home, and she feared she would not see William again.
“Mrs. Blithe is correct, Your Grace,” Mr. Ludlow said with a bow that would have rivaled the King’s court. “You have become the Duke I have always known you to be. It has been my honor to have seen your growth, and I look forward to us working together for the upcoming years.”
William stood as straight as he ever had, his hands on the lapels of his coat in a stance that rivaled anyone in his position. “To you all, you have taught me so much in so little time. My debt to each of you can never be repaid, but know that I am honored to have made such wonderful friends.”
Marianne wiped a tear from her eye as her mother turned to smile at her. “Come, Marianne, we must retire to our rooms and begin packing. We leave for home tomorrow.”
With another swipe at her eyes, Marianne smiled at William who wore a sad look on his face. However, Marianne would be able to speak to him later, and at least she had that.
***
As per his request, Marianne made her way to the library, candle in hand, just after midnight. She could not temper the excitement that welled up inside her as her mind reviewed the many possibilities of what he wished to speak to her. However, she tempered the thoughts. Nothing was gained from guessing the intentions of any man, and too many hearts were left broken when specific thoughts did not come to pass. Granted, they had a strong attraction for one another and a bond had formed between them. It was only a matter of him confirming it so with his lips, and she would confirm her feelings in turn.
When she reached the library doors, she stopped and took a deep breath before pushing the door open. Numerous candles sat in candelabras around the room, and William, still in his dinner clothes from earlier and looking as handsome as ever, stood beside the fireplace with a glass of wine in each hand.
“I am glad to see you decided to break yet another rule of society,” he said.
Marianne let out a laugh and snuffed out the candle she held, the room bright enough without it, before setting it on a nearby table. “There is no doubt that I can no longer return to that place from which I came.” She shook her head in mock disappointment. “You have corrupted me, Your Grace, and I shall only partake of the company of highwaymen. I have already secured a dress made of burlap and plan to sing at the tavern in Blackwater for the remainder of my life.”
William roared with laughter, sounding very much like his old self, and Marianne joined him. It was strange how easy it was for her to be the woman she truly was when she was in his presence, a woman she had no idea existed before they had met. He tilted his glass toward her. “For the past few months, you have made me the gentleman I must become. And although it came at a high cost—that is to say your fall from society—then your secret is safe with me.”
Marianne tilted her glass toward him in return. “It has been my honor, William.”
“Tomorrow you will leave to return to your home,” William said after a moment of silence.
“Yes.” The word left a sour taste in her mouth.
“I know I have asked you before, but what awaits you there?”
Marianne twisted the wine glass in her hand. “I do not know,” she replied. “I suppose I will keep my parents happy and continue to receive suitors who will bore me with their tales of hunting and gaming.”
“That does not sound enjoyable. May I tell you what awaits me?”
She smiled. “Of course.”
“A new life awaits me, one for which I am prepared but do not wish to travel alone. I know that I am a simple gardener at heart, and you are truly a lady of beauty and class…”
Marianne had never endured such quickness of heart in her life, and she found herself holding her breath as he placed his wineglass on the table and walked to stand before her. He placed his hands on her arms, and she shivered not from the cold but with pleasure.
“You know I care nothing for your past,” she said, wondering how her voice was not sounding choked, for she certainly felt as if her airway was closed off. “You are a truly good man with a kind heart, and you have shown me a different way of looking at life. I am much the wiser because of it.”
“And I can say the same of you,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Your determination in my lessons, never getting angry with me. Your patience and kindness have taught me so much.”
Marianne glanced down to determine her feet were still touching the floor, for she felt as if she were floating.
“I say all this to tell you that I will seek permission from your father, but first I must ask you, Miss Marianne Blithe, if I may call upon you after your return to your ho
me. I would like to court you, for there is no other woman I want at my side, one who can lend her ear and help guide me through the rocky roads ahead.”
Swallowing hard, Marianne tried to speak, but the words would not come forth. Finally, she nodded in agreement.
He smiled and then leaned down to press his lips to hers. The kiss, her first, was the most beautiful thing she had ever endured in her life. It began soft and supple but built in intensity as his arms drew her against him. Then that kiss became hungry, searching, and she thought her heart would burst with the feelings that welled up inside her.
When the kiss did finally end, he smiled down at her. “I take your silence was a yes?” he said. “At least, I hope that it was a yes.”
“Yes! Of course it was a yes!”
He handed her back her glass of wine and they each took a sip. Marianne wondered at how life could be headed in one direction only to be turned around in another without warning. She had come to Silver Birch Estates to do her father’s bidding, and now she would leave with a man, a Duke, making promises to call on her, a man she had grown quite fond of. Although she was not sure what the future held, she knew that, no matter what, she would remain by his side.
Chapter Eleven
The following four days passed by as a whirlwind, though it felt an eternity since William had last seen Marianne. The day she and her mother had left Silver Birch Estates for their home, Mr. Ludlow instructed him on the use of his ledgers, albeit a rudimentary understanding of how to use them. However, William did learn what types of holdings he had, what businesses in which his grandfather had invested, and what type of real estate he owned. Mr. Ludlow was patient with him whenever he became overwhelmed with information, which was more often than he wished.
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