“I am sure you are a fine businesswoman,” he said. “And my grandfather was involved, was he not?”
“Well, that is true, Your Grace, but he was only advising me. I did not expect him to be that involved; it would not have been right of me to expect such help.” How easy it was to lie.
“Well, despite what my grandfather might or might not have done, it would be my honor to aid you in any way I can.”
She offered him a smile. “Thank you. Truly, your grandfather stands be for me.”
“Would you tell me a story about him?”
“Yes, of course,” she said, taking the now empty glass from him. “But first, let me pour you another brandy.” She walked over to the liquor cart and returned with a full glass, much fuller than the previous one she had given him. “Come, we will go to the drawing room where it is more comfortable.”
“The business plans?” he asked, motioning to the remaining pile of rolled up papers. “Is there more to discuss there?”
“Perhaps, but I will have you teach me more later.” She snaked her arm through his and led him down the hall to the drawing room. There, she directed him to the settee, and he lowered himself onto it, a nervous fawn in an open glade for the first time.
“When I first met your grandfather,” she said as she sat beside him on the settee, “my husband Cornelius was still alive. However, once he passed, God rest his soul, there were those who sought to take advantage of me and my newfound fortune.” She turned toward him and once again fingered the pendant that lay in the valley between her breasts. “At first, I worried that your grandfather would seek to take my money in the way the fortune hunters did. I was afraid, but I had to trust someone.”
“I am glad my grandfather was able to help.”
“Oh, you have no idea how much he aided me. You see, my husband was quite old when we married—a marriage of convenience, you see—but he was a prudent businessman.” She failed to mention that the pair of them together were shrewder than anyone she knew. As a matter of fact, she could outshine her former husband in so many ways. “I was unsure how to invest my money, and as I mentioned before, more than enough people had come to my door with all sorts of requests, many I found out later to be devious plans indeed.” She looked down at her hands. “I was duped out of money more times than I care to admit. However, your grandfather was different. He helped by sitting with me during meetings, and just his presence kept those looking to swindle me from darkening my doorstep. In the end, I realized he was not only a business associate, but a friend, as well.”
“Amazing,” William said, leaning back into the couch. “So I do get my kindness from him.”
“Yes, you do,” she assured him. “And may I add that you are as handsome as he was, as well.” The pendant moved in her fingers once more. “And with handsome men, there is always a lady who holds his attention, is that not so?” She forced a blush to her cheeks, but rather than react as she had expected, he stood and walked over to the fireplace.
“You speak the truth,” he said with a smile, and for a moment her heartbeat increased. This was it, this was the moment he would become hers. “Just before I came here, I asked to court Miss Marianne Blithe.”
“Oh.” Sofia could not stop the bland tone. Then, upon seeing his curious look, she quickly added with much more enthusiasm, “That is wonderful news. I wish the best for you both.”
“Thank you,” he replied with a wide smile as he lifted his glass. “The dinner, the business, the talks, tonight has made for a very lovely evening indeed.”
Sofia forced a smile. He spoke with a finality that told her he planned to leave soon, and she had more seeds she wished to plant before he did so. “This night has meant much to me,” she said in a near whisper. “It has been much too long…” Then she clicked her tongue. “Listen to me, rambling on like an old woman. I will remain quiet.”
Her heart jumped and excitement poured through her as he reached out and placed a hand on hers. “No, please. What was it is you wished to say?”
***
William’s heart went out to the woman. It was clear that her self-confidence was broken, and the way she called herself an old woman at every turn, the way she hung her head in shame, it was enough to make him weep. Although she was adorned with fine jewels, her face, unlike them, did not shine. He reached a hand out to hers and encouraged her to speak. He would help her, just as he would help so many others.
She gripped his hand in hers. “Thank you, Your Grace,” she said as she took the corner of her handkerchief and dabbed at her eye. “It is not easy to say that which I must, but I feel in my heart that I can trust you.” She placed her free hand on the swell of her breasts.
William smiled. “You can trust me,” he said firmly. “Your words are sage to me, and they shall never be shared with anyone.”
She squeezed his hand again, and he allowed her to hold it knowing it would give her strength.
“Although I knew you were a good person, I was still afraid of your coming here, for I feared if you knew the rumors about me…”
He thought of what Marianne had told him, about her being a seductress of men. However, he did not mention this, for he knew it would only bring her more shame, and he could not bring himself to do that.
“You would have mocked me, for I am unlike you, Your Grace. I came from the poorest of homes. If it had not been for my husband marrying me, I would not be the lady sitting here beside you now. As it is, there are those who are jealous within the ton, who seek to spread rumors about me and even accuse me of vile things.”
William nodded as guilt washed over him for the warnings Marianne had given him, for he had held this woman in judgment this night, and now he could see he had been unfair.
“The truth is,” she continued, “I know everything when it comes to etiquette and manners and could school a room of common people on how to become ladies and gentlemen. However, I do not know the ways of business. Not as you do.” She reached over and picked up her glass of brandy, and William could not help but wonder if the woman’s breasts would simply pop out of the low neckline. It was not as if he was drawn to studying women’s bosoms, but when they were laid out in full display like now, it was hard not to notice.
William cleared his throat and sipped his brandy, as well. He had drunk too much, for the room swayed a bit around him. However, he would not shame himself on letting the woman beside him know he had partaken of too much alcohol, so he forced his eyes to focus and turned his attention back to the woman beside him.
“Your Grace,” she said in that shy tone she had used often throughout the evening, “I say all this to ask one thing. Although I am a woman, I need help and guidance in the ways of business. I do not know you, but I already feel as though—if I dare even to say it—you are a friend. More than anything, I need a friend.”
Setting his glass on the side table, William turned to the woman. He understood her plight, for his was much the same. And though Mr. Ludlow had warned against it, he could not help but tell her what was on his mind.
“The truth of the matter is that, like you, I was not raised in the finest homes, nor did I receive the best of educations.”
She gasped in shock. “Surely you are only saying this to ease my discomfort, for I see only the strongest of Dukes before me.”
Her words brought joy to his heart, for if she thought as such, then he had made great progress indeed. “It is true what I say. I have been instructed in the ways of a gentleman and a Duke only recently, and like you, I need friends, as well. You have nothing to fear. I have learned much in the way of business. It is a man’s game, indeed, and I will help you so no one is able to take advantage of you. Together, we shall grow our wealth.”
“But Your Grace…”
He cut her off. “Please, friends address each other by their Christian names. My name is William.”
“William,” she whispered. “Such a strong name for a Duke. Very well, you may call me Sofia, sin
ce we are friends. She gave him a wide smile and then scooted closer to him.
His body tensed. Had Marianne been right? Was she trying to seduce him?
“Sofia,” he started to say, but she interrupted.
“I will make a promise to you. Since you do not know the ways of the ton, I will help you, guide you, and make sure no one seeks to take advantage of you.”
“That is kind,” he said, inching away from her on the settee, “but as I have said, I have already received instruction, from Miss Blithe.”
She patted his hand. “A fine woman indeed,” she said. “Although—and it is through no fault of her own, mind you—but there is much she does not know.”
“How do you mean?” he asked, taken aback by her words. “Do you not like what you see before you? Have I not acted appropriately?”
“Please, my friend,” she said as she shifted over closer to him. “I did not mean to offend you. What I meant was, she does not know the ways of a Duke. But I do. It was I, in the shadow of my husband’s greatness, who watched, nurtured, and taught. There is a wide chasm between her upbringing and one of a Duke, which is greatness. You do wish to achieve greatness, do you not?”
William nodded. What she said was true. “Yes, I do.”
“As I said before, there are many around you, and more to come, who will seek to ruin you through rumor or who will attempt to take advantage of your kindness. I will not allow my friends to be hurt.” She squeezed his hand and smiled at him. “Will you grant me one request?” she asked.
William nodded. “Of course.” Marianne’s warming came to mind again but he pushed it back to the far corner of his mind. Marianne had been mistaken; this woman could never be what she was accused of. The woman needed a friend, and he could use her expertise. Who better to guide and teach him but a woman who came from humble beginnings and had to learn how to live amongst the aristocracy?
“Allow me to instruct you further, in the ways of a Duke, guiding you through the difficult times ahead. It is the very least I can do, and I know your grandfather would have wanted me to do so.”
She had known his grandfather, and his grandfather had trusted her. Her words encouraged him, and he thought of the man he never knew. The man who had counted Sofia as a friend. A woman, who he could see now was simply trying to help. He had misjudged her, and for that he felt sorry.
“Your request shall be granted,” he replied.
She smiled and released his hand. “Here, let me refill your glass.”
As he waited for her to pour him a new drink, he said, “You will be receiving an invitation soon, to a party I am to host. You will come, will you not?”
“Of course,” she said as he placed the fresh drink in his hand. “I would be honored, Your Grace…that is, William.” Her smile widened. “Perhaps you can host a dinner beforehand, to celebrate our expansion of the village and to let the few close to you know of your greatness and how our plans stopped me from putting a butcher out of work.”
He laughed as he set the untouched brandy on the table and stood. He had had plenty to drink; he did not need to stumble away from the house as if it was a pub. “That is an excellent idea! Though, we will celebrate our working together and the new business dealings to come.”
Sofia walked over and placed a hand on his cheek. “Truly, you are a great Duke. Your grandfather would be proud. I know I am.”
He smiled, his heart warming at her words. Everyone around him had expected him to be great, and like Marianne and her mother, Sofia saw that he had indeed accomplished that. And with Sofia’s guidance, he would become even greater.”
“Now, tell me more of this Miss Blithe,” Sofia said as she sat back down on the settee and patted the space beside her.
William glanced at the door. He should be on his way, but he was enjoying himself all too much to leave. So, he returned to his seat and said, “There is much to tell, but I do not know where to start.”
Sofia laughed. “The night is early, and there is plenty of brandy left. Tell me everything.”
Why not? he thought as he picked up the glass once again and took a healthy swallow. And soon, he was sharing all he knew of the woman he cared for with his new friend.
Chapter Fourteen
Marianne smiled at William, who was bidding her father farewell. After a week of waiting, this was to be their first official outing, and Marianne could scarcely hold in her impatience.
A footman opened the door and handed her into the carriage, followed by Julia, who was in attendance as Marianne’s chaperone. The woman had been beside herself with excitement for Marianne and had arrived the previous night to be certain she was not late.
“Anything could happen while on the way over,” she had argued as she and Marianne sat in Marianne’s room in their nightdresses with the only light coming from the fire in the hearth.
“You seem to be looking forward to this outing more than I,” Marianne had laughed, although she doubted rather highly that that was the case. No one could have been more excited than she.
Now, Julia smoothed her skirts where no wrinkles lay, and Marianne glanced out the window to check on William’s progress.
“Will he never come?” she said with a click of her tongue.
Julia placed a hand on her arm. “There is nothing to fret over,” she said in a quiet voice.
“I know this to be true, but I cannot help myself,” Marianne said as she leaned her head against the back cushion. Then she looked down at her dress, a dark green muslin with white lace and daisies embroidered on the bodice. “Are you certain this dress was a good choice? Perhaps I should have worn the blue dress with the darker blue flowers. That one is much more beautiful. Do you think I should go and change before we leave? With the amount of time William is taking, I should have more than enough time.”
Julia looked her up and down. “I have seen street urchins in burlap who look better,” she said with a shake of her head. Then she laughed when Marianne gaped at her. “Do not give me that look. You know you look beautiful, so stop your silly fussing and wait as a lady should.”
“It is not what I believe,” Marianne said pointedly. She looked out the window once more. “It is only what he thinks.” However, if he knew what she thought at this moment about the amount of time he was taking to leave, he would most certainly get an earful!
She broke out in laughter.
“And now what do you find so humorous?” Julia asked.
“We are at the beginning of our courtship and I am already acting the grumbling wife,” she said, laughing all the harder.
Julia joined in the laughter. “Well, if you do marry him, you will have plenty of years to upbraid him. At least give him the illusion that you do not think that way before the truth sets in.”
Marianne gasped. “Julia! I am not one to complain in such a way!”
“Then stop conducting yourself as if you do, and I will not name you as such.” She punctuated her words with a stern nod and settled back into the seat.
Marianne sighed. “You are right.”
“Of course I am. You have never been the type to caterwaul, so do not start now.” Her features softened, and she took Marianne’s hand in her own. “He thinks highly of you; it is why he is here. You must stop worrying and be the person you truly are.”
With a heavy sigh, Marianne could do nothing more than agree with her friend. “Yes, I will do that.”
“Here he comes,” Julia said, and she released Marianne’s hand.
“Finally,” Marianne said under her breath, and Julia shot her a stern look that made them both giggle.
William climbed into the carriage and the footman closed the door behind him. With a tap on the side to inform the driver they were all ready, William sat back into the seat and smoothed his breeches. “I believe your father speaks of nothing but business,” he said with a laugh. “Has he always been that way?”
Marianne’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. Her father was happier wit
h the fact that he had found a potential business partner than that she had found a man who made her happy. “For as long as I can remember, he has spoken only of business,” she said with a sigh. “I am sorry.” The carriage lurched forward, and she grasped the handle above the window.
“Ignore me,” William said. “I am just tired is all. This week has been filled with conducting meetings and scheduling more meetings for next week. That and entertaining people I do not know,” he added. Then he gave a hearty laugh. “And now, I am speaking of business. Forgive me.” His eyes met hers, and Marianne felt her heart catch in her throat. “That color looks nice on you.”
Marianne glanced down at her dress and smiled. “I bought it not a month ago,” she explained; although, she doubted he cared when she had purchased it. The carriage, though quite large—much larger than her father’s in fact—felt compacted, and if it were not for the dust that would cover them before they arrive in the village, she would have opened the windows to help her feel less confined. It was silly, of course, for her to act as she was; she had spent two months with the man, sharing stories and heartfelt moments without so much as a second thought for who he was. However, for some reason, she was behaving as if they had met for the first time.
“Julia, have you spoken to Mr. Ambrose?” William asked, referring to the man who was courting her.
The conversation that followed between William and Julia was polite, and as the carriage moved along, for some reason, Marianne found her mind turning to his dinner with the Dowager Duchess. She wanted to ask him about it but knew that to do such a thing in front of Julia would be embarrassing to them all, for what she truly wished to know was whether the woman had maintained a business environment. Or had she conducted herself in the ways Marianne had heard said she did—as a woman who wanted much more than simple business.
There is no need to be a jealous ninny, she admonished herself. With a new resolve to keep her thoughts under control, she rejoined the conversation, and just in time, for William was now addressing her.
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