by Dawn Brower
“Truer words have never been spoken,” Alys, the Duchess of Weston, said. “The twins give me hell on a good day. I can’t imagine two Ellies.”
Christian and Nicholas were well loved. They all were. In her family, any new edition was a blessing. Before they were born there had been a lot of heartache they’d had to survive through. Their father’s older twin had died in a carriage accident. He hadn’t planned on being the duke and was surprised to find himself stuck with the title. He’d joined a Calvary unit and fought against Napoleon in the war. He’d been wounded and thought doomed to die. Lucky for him, the surgeons had been wrong and he’d made a full recovery. The dukedom would have died out and Elizabeth, along with the twins, wouldn’t be around. Her mother, Alys, might not have had a chance either. She wasn’t from their time and had somehow managed to travel two hundred years to the past. Their father rescued her from the beach and helped her to survive. They’d fallen in love and the rest was history.
“You’d find a way to handle us all,” Elizabeth said. “Sometimes I marvel at your skills.”
“I don’t know myself sometimes. I suppose you’ll figure it out one day when you have children of your own. Though I’m far from ready to be a grandmother. Don’t take that as a hint I’m ready for you to move out and start a family. Take all the time you need.” The duchess turned to look at Christian. “One of you is missing. Where is Nicholas?”
“He’s still out riding,” Christian replied “Do you need him?”
“No.” The duchess waved her hand. “You can fill him in on the details when he decides to grace us with his presence.”
“What is it, Mama?” Elizabeth asked.
Their mother didn’t seek them out often. Not unless she had something of importance to say. Whatever it was had to be significant if she sought out all three of them...
“We’ve been invited to a house party at the Earl of Clifton’s country estate. I believe his mother wishes to marry him off. It’s either him or his sister.” She shrugged. “It might be a two for one. Pawn both off at once and wash her hands of the two of them. I really don’t understand the aristocrats in this time. Why are they all in a hurry to get their kids hitched?”
Elizabeth chuckled. “What else are they to do? They don’t believe in working for their money. Most of them need to marry in order to obtain some sort of income. Plus, females don’t have much choice.”
Unfortunately for Elizabeth, her mother’s progressive ideas had rubbed off on her in her formative years. She wanted to do more with her life than being a man’s wife. What she could possibly do that might make an impact on the world she didn’t know. All she wanted was to leave her mark so she’d be remembered as more than a mother and wife.
“Too true,” her mother agreed. “It’s unfortunate. At least I know at some point it will change. If only it would in your lifetime.” She patted Elizabeth’s hand. “But I digress. Your father and I have decided to attend. We think it will be good for you three to get out of the house and socialize.”
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose in displeasure. “Must we?”
“You’re too old to pout, young lady,” her mother chastised her. “And yes. We’re all going. I’ve already instructed the servants to pack our trunks. We leave in the morning.”
“I don’t see why Nicholas and I have to be punished,” Christian proclaimed. “We leave the house without being prompted to. It’s Ellie who will gladly sit in that window seat and get lost inside her head daily.”
Elizabeth stuck her tongue out at him. It was childish, but she couldn’t help herself. Her brothers brought out the worst in her. They were quite familiar with her weaknesses and managed to bring them to the surface regularly. They considered it their job as her brothers to irritate her whenever possible.
“The invitation is for the whole family, so we’ll all go.” The duchess sighed. “I don’t enjoy these events any more than you do. If I have to suffer, you all do too.”
“Then why are we going at all?” Elizabeth asked. “I’m rather attached to this window seat, as Chris already pointed out.”
It really was her favorite spot at Weston Manor. She’d always gravitated toward it and didn’t see that changing anytime soon. The window seat was where she dared to dream of a time she’d never see in her lifetime and imagine what it might be like to be loved the way her father and mother did. So far, the men of the ton had left much to be desired in that regard. She’d rather be an old maid then willingly tie herself to the current lot of lords.
“My dear,” her mother said, “I’d love to give you whatever you want, but your desire in this instance won’t help you any. The ton is full of insipid fools, but surely there is one out there that is worth your time. However will you meet them if you don’t leave the house? It’s not like my time when I could turn on a computer and meet people through social media.” She sighed. “No, in this time people have to actually interact in person.”
Anyone other than a family member wouldn’t have understood a word her mother had said. But the world didn’t know she traveled in time and fell in love with the Duke of Weston. They weren’t even sure if she could’ve returned if she wanted to. Elizabeth suspected there was a way though... She stared at the mirror on the other side of the room. The memory of seeing a daring pirate inside its depths filled her mind. Was it possible? If so, how?
“Will we know anyone in attendance?” Christian asked.
Their mother shrugged. “I suppose it’s inevitable, but it’s not like I can ring up the dowager countess and say, ‘hey who’d you invite? I wanna know if this is worth my time before I commit.’ We’re going accept it.”
“Fine,” Christian said. “But I don’t like it.”
Elizabeth didn’t either. They were stuck though. She could at least take some pleasure in knowing she wasn’t the only one. The twins would be at their worst and that would make the excursion worth it. They’d make sure their parents paid for taking them along. Two bigger pranksters didn’t exist. They learned far more than the normal subjects at school.
“How long is the house party?” Elizabeth asked.
She wanted to know how long she’d have to suffer through the ordeal. No doubt all the men would be as dull as the ones she’d already met. Another house party wouldn’t change that fact. None of them had made her feel anything and they’d all bored her senseless. She didn’t do more than nod her head and they kept talking.
“A full fortnight,” her mother replied and held her hand up. “Don’t even start. Two weeks isn’t too long. You can and will survive it.”
Elizabeth had her doubts. “Please tell me this is the only entertainment you’re going to make us suffer through this summer. I had hoped to visit Seabrook.”
Their aunt was the Marchioness of Seabrook. Elizabeth adored Lady Rosanna and visited her whenever possible. If she couldn’t stay at Weston, then she’d gladly go to Seabrook instead. Elizabeth liked what she liked and didn’t apologize for it. She was her mother’s daughter in that regard.
“You should still be able to visit with Rosanna,” her mother said. “Besides you know how Charlotte looks up to you. She is excited for you to visit. She’s young and impressionable. Be careful how you act around her.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips. She liked her cousin—she did—but she hated being quite that adored. Charlotte was ten and six and quite crazy about the idea of being in love. She hadn’t yet been disillusioned as Elizabeth had.
“Don’t worry. I’m prepared to handle Charlotte,” Elizabeth replied. “And I’ll try to enjoy this house party while we’re there, but I’m not making any promises.”
“That’s fair enough.” Her mother leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Who knows, maybe you’ll meet the man of your dreams while we’re there.”
“Forgive me if I don’t hold my breath,” Elizabeth said dryly. “My perfect man doesn’t exist.”
He truly was one only conjured up in dreams—brave, gorgeous, and charming. She�
�d seen him once in the mirror and never again. There wasn’t much chance the blond pirate would make an appearance in her reality. If wishing made it so... Her mother managed to find the one man meant for her by traveling through time. Perhaps she’d have to do the same thing to find her own happiness.
“I’ll leave you two for now.” Her mother nodded at Christian and then her. “I’ll see you later at the evening meal.”
Elizabeth watched her go and frowned. The two-week house party would be hell, but she’d do as she promised. Maybe there would be some friends there, and it wouldn’t be as bad as she envisioned. Even if there wasn’t—perhaps she’d find the library and dream of a man she’d never have...
CHAPTER TWO
The carriage halted in front the Earl of Clifton’s country house. It was as elegant as it was enormous. He’d never seen a house quite so large. Ivy grew along the side brightened by the sun; neatly trimmed hedges bordered it along the front. Graceful and beautiful at the same time—if a piece of architecture could hold those monikers. Either way, the estate was something Jackerson Morgan Carwyn, the Duke of Whitewood, wasn’t accustomed to. He was used to a seedier sort of individual—one that looked out for their own interests.
How had he ended up here?
It was a philosophical question as much as a literal one. Was it worth his time and the pandering he’d have to do to gain the Earl of Clifton’s support? Jack had doubts about a lot of things. There were choices he’d made that he regretted—at least in small part. He fully believed everything happened for a reason. He was meant to be at this estate for some reason. In time, he’d fully realize what that was. He hadn’t always believed in fate, but a lot had happened in recent years that had changed the system he had in place.
Here he was, at a country estate because he hoped to do business with the Earl of Clifton. There would be debutantes and society mamas abound, ready to push their offspring in his direction. He’d not marry any of them, and he’d have to disabuse them of that notion straightaway. He’d never been a gentleman, and he’d be damned if he’d start in order to appease the sensibilities of society misses. He’d earned his title by other means.
The king, at the time, had bestowed it upon him for saving his life. The man had a tendency to think with his favorite male appendage and found himself in an untenable situation. He’d been engrossed in having one of his mistresses’ lips on that particular body part when his carriage had been waylaid by highwayman. To the thieves’ credit, they’d not known it was the king as he traveled in an unmarked coach. The king and his mistress had been on their way to Bath to partake in the healing waters—the king had hoped to extend his life as long as possible. The monarch didn’t want anyone to realize he’d been ill.
Jack hadn’t meant to interfere. It was an accident really. When he’d fallen through time, he was disorientated and for a moment he’d thought he was on his ship. The ground had appeared to sway as if waves were underneath rocking him back and forth. In his warped mind the carriage had become something he’d needed to defend at all costs. The bandits were killed and the king saved—all things he barely remembered. Most of it was explained to him when the king decided to reward his bravery. By giving him something more of a token and worth next to nothing—the prestige of being a duke—it was almost laughable.
The title had been long forgotten and hadn’t come with any entailed property or earnings. Jack had to work hard to earn a living, and all the title had given him was perceived respectability. He struggled for too many years to become flush. He might not have a grand estate, but he had all the essentials he needed. His London townhouse and the funds to keep it running were all he truly required. Business ventures, for the most part, now distracted from boredom.
Jack sighed and pushed open the carriage door. It was time to make his pleasantries and hopefully escape to find solitude. He wished for about the hundredth time he didn’t have to attend a party to gain the Earl of Clifton’s attention. Most of the pansies didn’t want to do a lick of work. Involve themselves in trade? Unheard of... But Jack had no such qualms. He rather liked having a roof over his head, nice clothes, and food in his belly. If he had to do something so tedious as embark in trade to gain those—so be it.
The door opened before he had a chance to click the knocker. A stuffy old man with white tuffs of hair stood before him. The butler perhaps?
“How do you do,” Jack said. “I’m here for...”
“I’m aware why you’re here, my lord,” the old man replied. “Please, come in.”
What a rude man. Jack wasn’t sure if he liked him or not. He didn’t have much patience for people himself and could appreciate someone who didn’t take any nonsense from any one. Still, he could’ve been a little more cordial.
“It’s Your Grace,” Jack corrected him. “Am I the first to arrive?”
“My apologies, Your Grace. I’ll have a footman see to your trunks.” With that, he turned and left him standing in the hall, disappearing into another room. Jack wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was he supposed to figure out where to go on his own? Well, good thing he was well acquainted with making himself comfortable in any surroundings. He’d wander the house until he discovered something interesting. He didn’t want to socialize, but perhaps he could find the library and discover something to read. Afterward, he’d locate Lord Clifton and maybe even a servant who’d be able to direct him to his chambers.
He headed past the stairs in the foyer and down another hallway. He peeked in several rooms as he passed them until he located the one he was looking for. It took him far longer than he anticipated, but he wasn’t surprised either. A manor the size of a small city would take a while to navigate. He supposed he was exaggerating on the manor’s expansiveness, but it seemed massive.
He entered the room and crossed over to the nearest bookcase. The numerous tomes were carefully arranged on the shelves by subject, and then by author. The section he stared at was full of romantic claptrap. Not at all something he’d choose for reading material. There had to be something interesting and factual for him to invest his time in.
“These are some of my favorites.” The voice was light and quite feminine. He was intrigued enough to want to discover who it belonged to. He didn’t want to have a dalliance with an innocent, but perhaps a little flirtation would alleviate his boredom. Jack turned around and met the gaze of perhaps one of the most gorgeous women he’d ever encountered. Her eyes were the darkest blue he’d ever seen, and she had the prettiest blonde hair. It was a light gold that sparkled in the light streaming through the window.
“Are they?” He lifted a brow.
She continued to stare at him. Her mouth fell open slightly and she lifted her eyes wide. Had he startled her in some way? She shook her head and then a smile filled her face.
“Pardon me, sir,” she said. “I’ve been unforgivably rude.”
“I believe this house is at fault. Every person I’ve met since my arrival has treated me thusly.”
“That’s inexcusable.” She frowned. “Lord Clifton should have been around to greet you. I believe he was called away unexpectedly. Was it Parsons who let you in?”
He tilted his head and studied her. She was so bloody beautiful. Was she perhaps promised to Clifton? Jack pushed the thought away—it didn’t matter who she was attached to. She wasn’t for him regardless, and he wasn’t there to shop for a wife.
“I wouldn’t know. He didn’t bother to introduce himself. I’m not even sure where I’ll be sleeping tonight. He practically ran from the room.”
She sighed. “I’m afraid that must have been Parsons. He’s the worst butler. At Weston, he’d have been let go. My father wouldn’t have allowed such abysmal behavior. Sadly, we’re far away from Weston, and I’ll have to deal with it until we return home.”
The chit had a whimsical tone to her voice. Her pink lips beckoned him so he took another step back. He might do something foolish and kiss her if he didn’t. Jack didn’t even know h
er name. A female had never tempted him quite as much before, and he’d had his fair share of women. None made him want things he’d given up on, but this one was meant for love, loyalty, and respectability. This one promised to be his undoing.
“And where is your family home?” Jack asked.
She was staring at him again. He didn’t like it one bit. What did she see? Could she tell he wasn’t a true gentleman? It was clear to him she was a lady, and more elegant than the word could describe. She was the epitome of grace and beauty. He wouldn’t dare sully her by touching her.
“I’m sorry, but you seem so familiar to me. Have we met before?” she asked.
He’d remember if he’d met her previously. She wasn’t a woman he’d likely forget anytime soon. “I’m afraid not, my lady. We’ve never been introduced.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She bit down on her lip. “But I’m almost certain...” She shook her head as if rethinking what she’d been about to say. “We can remedy the introductions at least. I’m Lady Elizabeth Kendall.”
He bowed. “It’s nice to meet you, Lady Elizabeth.”
The right thing to do would be to tell her his name, but he didn’t want to ruin the moment. Young ladies looked at him differently once his title was known. The casual conversation was nice, and he’d like it to continue unimpeded for as long as possible.
“So which of these novels would you recommend?”
“I rather like Jane Austen. Anything she writes is lovely. They’re more real and hold a romantic element to them. Which is why I suppose they’re here on this particular shelf.” Lady Elizabeth lifted her hand and gestured toward the books. “I find it amazing she published these and using the pseudonym, A Lady.”
Jack didn’t care a whit about the author of the books. He was more entranced by the lady in front of him. When had he become so whimsical? Lady Elizabeth may be one of the most beautiful women he’d ever encountered, but that didn’t mean he had to lose his head over her.
