She dropped into the appropriate curtsy, and the duke bowed politely.
“Lady Elinor.” His eyes wrinkled at the corners, lit with amusement, and he covered a chuckle with the clearing of his throat.
She smiled. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your grace. May I introduce you to my dear friend, Lady Dorothea Flammel.”
He bowed again. “A pleasure, my lady.”
Silence fell over the foursome.
Lady Burkenstock grinned and stared from one to the other.
Middleton broke the awkward silence. “Lady Elinor, may I have the honor of this dance?”
She nodded. “Thank you, your grace.”
Once the dance began, he moved with smooth confidence. “Your mother is charming.”
How she would hold in her mortification, she didn’t know. Mother had clearly lost her mind. “Thank you. You are most kind.”
Brown eyes simmering with laughter, he asked, “Has she always been so exuberant, or is this a recent development?”
Bubbling with hysteria, Elinor bit the inside of her cheek to keep control. “I suppose having an unmarried daughter who is at the center of scandal almost all the time has made her more, as you say, exuberant.”
He frowned and leaned in so that only she would hear him. “I was quite sorry to hear of your misfortune, Lady Elinor. Sir Michael is a fine man.”
She should have thanked him politely and changed the subject, but any mention of Michael stirred her anger. “Oh, do you know Michael Rollins?”
“Sir Michael and I were at Eton together. I was a year ahead, but we did know each other. He was a fine boy at school, and history will record him well also.”
She longed to have a day where Michael did not foul her enjoyment. Of course, it was her own fault. She should be stronger and push her emotions aside. “I apologize, your grace. I am afraid those wounds are not quite healed.”
He shook his head and smoothly moved them around the dance floor. “I would not expect they could be so quickly.”
“Perhaps you could explain that to my mother. She seems to think that three months is ample time to have moved on to a new fiancé.”
“She is worried about you.”
“I know.” Elinor should be kinder about her mother.
The dance ended, and he walked her back to Dory. “Thank you, Lady Elinor, that was the most delightful dance I have had in a long time.”
She curtsied. “Thank you, your grace.”
“Perhaps you could save me another for later in the evening?” he asked.
“It would be my pleasure.” A jolt of surprise hit her. She’d actually meant what she said.
Once he left them, Dory raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Elinor shrugged.
* * * *
Michael stood on the veranda while Elinor danced with Middleton. It was a struggle to keep from rushing into the ballroom and beating Preston to a pulp. The problem was, he had no right to do anything. He didn’t have any right to be watching. She should find someone else. She should be happy. Preston Knowles was a good man, and it was only a dance.
After the dance, Elinor spoke to Marcus’s sister, Lady Dorothea, their heads bent together. Watching people was what Michael had been best at. Spying for the crown had made people think of him as a hero.
The blue of her gown was rich and sensuous. The gown was several shades darker than her eyes and made them seem darker and more mysterious as well. The form-fitting bodice showed every curve and was cut so low, it was a miracle her bosom was contained. Her hair shimmered in the candlelight, its golden color accentuated by tiny crystals woven throughout.
A tap on his shoulder spun him around.
Thomas shook his head. “Since when do you allow a man to sneak up behind you? I swear the entire time I was approaching, I thought you knew I was there.” Thomas grinned.
“I am afraid my concentration was elsewhere.” Michael looked back through the windows.
Thomas followed his gaze. “I see.”
“Yes, well, I cannot seem to help myself. She occupies a good deal of my thoughts these days.”
“Then why don’t you go and ask her for a dance?” Thomas straightened his jacket.
“She would say no.” He couldn’t blame her.
Nodding, Thomas said, “It is a risk. But you have taken bigger risks, Mike.”
“I really have made a muck of this, haven’t I, Tom?”
“Perhaps, but I do not think it is irreversible.” Thomas crossed his arms.
Michael’s gut tightened. “I am not ready to take that step.”
Lady Elinor looked divine in a blue gown that showed her exquisite figure. Young men surrounded her and the crowd grew to at least ten men.
Thomas pointed to them. “You may not have the luxury of time, Mike.”
“I am aware of that, but I require more time to know if I can be the kind of husband she deserves.” Michael couldn’t have had the conversation with anyone else.
“I will repeat myself and say, I do not think the lady will care one way or the other. I believe her feelings for you were true. She would not have obeyed her father’s decree to cry off if you had been more…affectionate.”
“I practically threw her out of my house. And when I succeeded, I felt so terrible I begged her forgiveness. Why would she ever want to be in my presence again? I have behaved like a coward.”
“And now your plan is to stand outside ballrooms and spy on her?” Thomas adjusted his perfectly fitted jacket and picked a piece of lint from the sleeve.
Michael shook his head. “It is rather pathetic, but I cannot go in. Not yet.”
Thomas slapped him on the back. “Let’s get out of here. I think a stiff drink and a good game of cards is what you need.”
“Whites?”
“Indeed.”
“You’re a good friend, Tom.” Torches lit the garden, and several couples hid in the shadows. Michael looked the other way, trying not to allow longing for Elinor to ruin the remainder of the night.
They walked around the house where the carriages waited.
Once again, the conversation had been all about him. “Was there a lady in the ball that you had come to see?”
Running his fingers through his hair, Thomas took a long breath. “Not really. I always come to Skivingtons’ because they have that exquisite pianoforte, and I am hopeful that someone equal to the instrument will play.”
Michael laughed. “You and your fascination with music. Why don’t you just play the thing yourself? You play well enough.”
Thomas waved to his driver, signaling their departure. “I am an adequate musician. I practice diligently to be merely adequate. I have heard myself play for years. I truly love to hear someone with talent. I cannot help but be drawn to a really fine musician.”
“When you find her, will you marry her?”
He stopped halfway into the carriage and cocked his head.
Michael understood marrying for love or money, but for music was absurd. He laughed. “I cannot believe it. You actually would marry some chit just because she could play.”
“I did not say that.” Tom sat. “However, it would be nice to spend my time with a wife who has the same interests. That is not so strange a notion.”
Michael tugged on his cravat, happy to relax for the ride to their gentleman’s club. “I suppose not, but try to see beyond the music and make sure you can actually look at the woman as well as listen to her.”
They both laughed.
* * * *
Elinor braced her hands on the stone wall and leaned out over the garden, letting the cool air clear away the strain of the crushing hot ballroom.
“Is it inappropriate for me to tell you that I find you quite charming?” Middleton asked.
“Of course it is, your grace.” Elinor hated to admit that after only two dances, she liked him.
He was handsome—of that
there was no doubt—tall and broad with straight, white teeth and kind eyes. He was charming and quick-witted. “Would it also be inappropriate for you to call me ‘Preston’?”
“You are quite familiar with the rules that govern our society, your grace. Therefore, I can only assume that you are trying to shock me.”
“And are you shocked?” He leaned in and brought the scent of warm spices with him.
“Absolutely.”
A comfortable silence fell between them. She hadn’t planned on liking anyone Mother introduced her to.
“What is it that troubles you, Lady Elinor?” he asked.
“Why do you think I am troubled?” She looked over the gardens, away from his analysis.
“You were one moment enjoying a lively conversation with me and in the next, the expression on your face told me that you were thinking of something unpleasant. I apologize, but it was obvious.” He touched her chin, bringing her face around to look at him. “It is all right there, in your eyes.”
She stepped away from his touch. “I could lie to you and tell you that you are mistaken.”
“I believe that would be out of character for you.” His voice grew soft and intimate.
Her all-too-familiar anger returned. “You know nothing about me, your grace. Two dances and you think you know something of my character. That is the most arrogant thing I have ever heard.”
Taking a breath, he tugged on his waistcoat, then let out a long sigh. “Forgive me. You are correct, of course. I do not know you. But I do like you, Lady Elinor. That much I can tell in the first moments after meeting a person. I wish to get to know you better, and I hope you will honor me by telling me what troubles you.”
It was impossible. Liking anyone wasn’t in her plan, and she was tired of letting men or her parents run her life. They had made a mess of it so far. “I am in love with Sir Michael Rollins. I cannot like you or anyone else.”
He nodded. “I see.”
“Do you, or do you just think I am a silly girl with childish ideas about love and marriage?” Her voice was more accusatorial than she would have liked. She tried so hard to be sophisticated, when all she really wanted was to cry until no more tears would come, then cry some more.
“Let’s sit for a moment, shall we?” He led her to a long bench. “I do not think that love is either silly or childish. I am certain you have been deeply hurt, and those types of wounds take time to heal. I can only ask your forgiveness if you have felt that I was dismissing your feelings for Sir Michael.”
She stood, walked a step away, and slapped the stone wall enclosing the veranda. “Oh, why do you have to be so nice?”
Standing, he followed but didn’t crowd. “I feel like I should apologize again, but that seems redundant at this time.”
Damn, but he was funny, too. She turned toward him. “Your grace, thank you for a lovely evening. You have made this ball tolerable when it should have been excruciating, and for that, I am grateful. Good evening.”
He kissed her gloved hand and bowed deeply. “Good evening, Lady Elinor.”
She curtsied and walked back into the ballroom, where she found Mother and Father, and demanded to go home.
An hour later, Elinor was safely ensconced in her bedroom, waiting for the torrent of tears to come. But by some miracle, they did not. Pulling out her notebook, she went over the evening.
A nice visit with Dory
Anger over Michael
Mother’s terrible behavior
Meeting the Charming Duke of Middleton
Accepting she still loved Michael
Not one single tear
She didn’t love Preston Knowles, The Duke of Middleton, but to her surprise, she liked him. It would delight her mother and father if she became a duchess. Being married to a man with whom she could laugh wasn’t such a bad future.
He was not Michael.
Chapter 5
Michael stepped into James Hardwig’s new office. It was quite a step up from the one he’d occupied as a detective. His new title of inspector gave him prestige. His promotion was in no small part due to his quick action a year earlier when Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, had been kidnapped. Hardwig’s assistance made it possible to rescue Daniel and capture his assailant.
Naturally Daniel had spoken favorably to people within politics, so much so that the director himself had offered Hardwig the position of inspector. It was a huge leap up.
“Sir Michael.” Hardwig rushed across the office and shook his hand. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have another opportunity to meet with you.”
He liked the man well enough, but people who thought his actions during the war made him special and worthy of worship always made him uncomfortable. “Thank you, Inspector. The pleasure is mine.”
“When the director told me, I was persistent about being the one to tell you. He was stubborn, but as you can see, I won out.” He rubbed his pot belly.
Michael had no clue what Harwig was on about, and the man just sat there staring at him with a ridiculously pleased look on his chubby face.
Finally, Michael had no choice but to ask. “And what was it you have the good fortune to tell me, Inspector?”
Sitting up straighter, James pushed back his thinning hair. “Right well.” He picked up a piece of paper and studied it for a moment, then cleared his throat. “The Prince Regent made a promise to you, Sir Michael, which it would be a shame to renege on. You set out on a mission, and you were successful in spite of your injuries. Therefore, it is with great honor that I tell you, you shall be elevated to the rank of Duke of Kerburghe. This is a Scottish title and comes with the English title of Marques of Innis.”
He must have heard wrong. Blood rushed through his ears.
Hardwig fidgeted with the paper. “Of course the prince will make it all formal, but I wanted to be the one to tell you. Did you hear me, your grace?”
The joy of earning a title wasn’t what he had hoped when he’d taken the assignment. Still, he had his brothers and mother to consider. “Thank you, Inspector. I assume that there are lands attached to the title.”
James’s eyes narrowed. “Kerburghe is a fine piece of property in the borderlands. The Innis title is not landed.”
If Elinor were still his, she would have been his duchess.
“Is something wrong, your grace? Frankly, I thought you would be more pleased. After all, you risked your life for your country and nearly lost it this last time. From what I’ve heard, you lost quite a lot in the past few months. I would have thought this would be some compensation. You should be happy.”
“It’s ‘James,’ isn’t it?” Michael ached like a man much older than his twenty-seven years. It was too late, and the fact sent a shot to his heart far more painful than the pain from his wounds.
James came around the desk and sat in the chair next to Michael. He met his gaze with clear, honest eyes.
Michael could see why Thomas liked him so much. “Unfortunately, James, what I have lost is so much greater than anything the crown could replace, that I am a bit underwhelmed. I thought the title and lands would make me happy, but that was only possible with her in my life. Now it just seems like baggage I will happily leave to my brother or his son someday.”
“Is there no possibility for reconciliation?” James leaned his elbows on his knees. The wear on his breeches showed that he took this pose often.
Michael let a modicum of hope seep into his heart. “Perhaps, if luck is on my side, I can repair the damage I have done.”
James shook his head. The hair combed across his bald spot flapped to one side.
His words had apparently upset James, but Michael couldn’t fathom why. “What is it?”
James looked up with sorrowful eyes. “I am a little embarrassed, your grace.”
“Would you honor me by calling me Michael?”
“The honor is mine,
Michael.” He replaced the wayward strands of hair.
“Now what do you have to be embarrassed about?”
With a few stops and starts, James finally said, “I thought you were above all of that. But you are only human.”
It was the first good laugh Michael had enjoyed in months. “I am afraid so. Sorry to disappoint you, James.”
“Actually, I am rather pleased. If one’s heroes are only human, then there is hope for any of us.”
“You are too modest. Thomas Wheel has told me many stories of your work on the continent. You have done more than your share for this country.”
James puffed up his chest and sat up straighter. “Well then, we’ll make a formal notice of your elevation shortly, your grace.”
Both men stood.
“Thank you, Inspector.”
They shook. “It was my pleasure.”
It was clear why Thomas liked James Hardwig so much. The man had a way about him. Michael bowed and left the office.
* * * *
“Sorry to inconvenience you, Daniel.” The light from the sconce danced along the dark woods of Daniel’s study. Michael sipped fine brandy.
“Not at all.” Daniel passed a glass to Thomas and Markus, who had been summoned an hour early to Fallon house. Lady Marlton was giving a dinner party, but Michael had requested the four men meet early.
“What’s this all about, Mike?” Markus Flammel asked.
Thomas was the last to arrive.
It was so important to him to tell them all together. He detested the idea of them hearing from the papers or through gossip. He wanted to tell them of his good fortune. Perhaps that would make him feel more joy about his prospects. The dinner party was a convenient moment, since they were all meeting at Daniel’s townhouse anyway.
“I hope Lady Marlton was not too put out by my request.” Michael eased his grip on the crystal glass.
“She is as curious as I, but she is American so less patient. I am afraid, unless you swear us all to secrecy, I will have to tell her what this is about no more than twelve seconds after we open those doors.” Daniel grinned.
They all laughed.
Foolish Bride Page 6
