Foolish Bride

by A. S. Fenichel

  Daniel lifted his glass, then cocked his head. “Then you might never have known who she really was. The events of the last few months have brought out a lot of intriguing characteristics in Miss Burkenstock. She is much more interesting now, and she has lost none of her sweetness. I rather like her more.”

  “She is different,” Michael said. “I think of her night and day, Daniel. I can barely manage my estates. My mind is constantly preoccupied with her and how I will win her back.”

  “What are you going to do about these headaches?”

  It was a fair question, and he wished he knew the answer. As it was, there was little to be done. “I am going to hope they are as temporary as my original malady.”

  “Perhaps you should discuss the matter with your physician.”

  Michael loathed every doctor and nurse as if they were the cause rather than the cure. “No. If not for that idiot, I might have begged Elinor to wait a few months. We could have postponed the wedding. That damned doctor acted so certain that all was lost. What a fool I was to believe him.”

  A wide smile spread across Daniel’s face as he downed another brandy. “Do you remember the time we caught all those frogs?”

  All the troubles of his adulthood fell away with the memory. “I cannot even remember why we started that.”

  “I do not recall either, but when Thomas found us we were covered in mud and had corralled at least two dozen creatures in a rather large bucket.”

  The joy of the long ago day flooded back as if it were yesterday. “It was Thomas who decided to catch a hundred and release them into the kitchens.

  “Markus was aghast when he was recruited to help us.”

  “He did it though. Complained the entire time, but I know he thought it was funny.”

  The two laughed and reminisced for hours. At dawn, Daniel left an inebriated Michael asleep and feeling no pain.

  * * * *

  The Cheltingham townhouse was well appointed, though small. Michael’s mother’s reasons for staying with her friend rather than her son were a mystery to Elinor, as was the reason for her invitation to tea.

  “Lady Elinor Burkenstock to see you, my lady,” A maid announced as she showed Elinor into the parlor.

  Tabitha sat near the window with a book and a cup of tea. She looked up at the maid’s announcement and smiled warmly. “Lady Elinor, please come and sit with me. Would you care for some tea? I was just about to pour myself a cup.”

  Elinor walked into the parlor of pink, rose, and lace and sat on the plump love seat across from Michael’s mother. “Tea would be lovely.”

  Tabitha Rollins gracefully poured the tea.

  Elinor had no idea why the older woman had invited her to visit, and she had no idea what to say. After all, it had been Elinor’s father who had ended the engagement to Tabitha’s son. In most cases, the mother of the groom would be furious with the bride’s entire family.

  Lady Rollins smiled warmly and passed a steaming cup of tea across to Elinor.

  Hesitating only a moment, Elinor had a passing thought that Michael’s mother might poison her in an act of revenge. She took the cup, laughing inside and thinking that she must stop reading those novels by Mrs. Radcliff. She’d become far too dramatic in her thinking.

  “How have you been, my dear?”

  Elinor took a sip of tea to cover her distraction. “I am well, my lady.”

  “I saw you a few weeks ago in the park. It was at a distance, but you were with The Countess of Marlton, and you looked put out.”

  After marching out on the dueling field and stopping Michael from behaving like an idiot, she had asked Sophia and Daniel to take her to the park so she could calm herself before returning home. She had stomped around Hyde Park for over an hour, soiling the bottom of her dress to the point that her maid had taken umbrage over the cleaning required to save the garment. “I did not see you, my lady. I apologize that you had to see me at such a weak moment. I am afraid I was having rather a bad morning.”

  Smiling, Tabitha shook her head. “Don’t trouble yourself. I was merely concerned about you, my dear.”

  “I am well.” Impossible to say more about that day, Elinor turned her attention to her tea.

  “I heard Middleton has made an offer for your hand.”

  “I have not had the honor of such an offer from that gentleman.” Lord, she hated London and its merry-go-round of rumors and gossip. Why couldn’t everyone mind their own business and leave her alone?

  “Oh. I apologize. I had heard that you were on the verge of accepting. I admit I had hoped to talk you out of such a contract.”

  Elinor didn’t know whether to jump up in excitement or outrage. It was lovely that Tabitha liked her so much for Michael, but an offer from a duke would give her a good life. “Why should I not accept Middleton should he offer, my lady? He seems a nice man. Is there something you would have me know about his character?”

  “No. No, it’s not that. Middleton is a good match for any girl. He is rich, handsome, and by all accounts, a fine gentleman.”

  Elinor looked questioningly at Tabitha and waited to hear more. If there was something off about Preston, she wanted to know.

  “I had just hoped…”

  The maid arrived and announced, “The Duke of Kerburghe to see you, my lady.”

  Michael’s arrival put an end to any conversation about Middleton, or whatever Tabitha was about to reveal.

  * * * *

  Michael bowed as he entered. His lungs might have burst, as he’d forgotten to exhale at the sight of Elinor visiting with Mother. She was perhaps the last person he expected to see during the social call. However, she stood before him making a curtsy and looking as shocked as he.

  “Good morning, Mother. Lady Elinor.”

  “Michael, I had not expected you this morning.” Mother’s lie was accompanied by a blush.

  “No?”

  “I thought we had arranged for a later visit.”

  Michael checked his pocket watch and raised an eyebrow at Mother.

  She ignored him. “You are here now, so come and have some tea. Lady Elinor and I were just having some, and a lovely chat.”

  “I would not wish to intrude, Mother.” He teased, as they both knew he had arrived at precisely the hour Tabitha had requested.

  “Not at all,” she said, and indicated the seat he should take.

  “Perhaps it is time for me to take my leave,” Elinor said.

  “No,” Tabitha shouted. “You must stay and keep Michael company. You see, I have forgotten to speak to the cook, and I must settle that now. It would be such a favor to me if you could stay and keep my son company for just a few minutes, Lady Elinor.” Tabitha babbled as she retreated.

  “Of course.” What else could Elinor say?

  “That is so good of you.” Tabitha was already out the door by the time she completed the sentence.

  Michael had to hold back a laugh. “I believe we have been maneuvered.”

  Elinor smoothed her skirts and retrieved her tea. “It would appear so. Shall I pour you some tea?”

  “If you really must go, please do not feel obligated to entertain me, Elinor.”

  She poured him a cup of tea and handed it across the table. “Are you feeling better, your grace?” Her cheeks pinked.

  It was so charming, he almost forgot to answer. “I am well, thank you.”

  “I was concerned.”

  He smiled. “You honor me.”

  “At the ball…”

  “I wanted to apologize for my behavior in the orangery.”

  She put down her tea. “Apologize?”

  “Yes. I took liberties I had no right to and regret causing you any discomfort.”

  “Discomfort?” Her eyes were wide and her back stiff.

  Obviously he had said something wrong. Not sure where he had misspoken, he added, “I only meant to steal a kiss and I am afraid I lost control of m
yself in my desire to give you pleasure.”

  She cocked her head. “So it was an accident?”

  “Yes,” he said in relief.

  “I see.” She stood and brushed out her skirts. “I think it is far past time for me to leave. I would appreciate it if you would give your mother my regrets for not saying farewell. As for you, your grace, please make an effort to stay as far away from me as possible in the future, so there shall be no more accidents.”

  Elinor strode to the door.

  Michael jumped up and blocked her exit. “Elinor, I am an idiot. I have obviously led you to believe that I was not pleased with our encounter in the orangery, when just the opposite is the case. I only wanted to assure you that your feelings and wants are my main concern.”

  Eyes a mixture of anger and mirth, she looked up at him. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Oh, Michael, you are correct about only one thing today. You are an idiot.”

  She left the parlor, then the house.

  A few minutes later, Tabitha found him sitting alone in the parlor looking confused. “Where is Lady Elinor?”

  He looked up, trying to give an air of disinterest. “She had to leave. She regretted not bidding you goodbye.”

  Tabitha threw up her arms. “What did you say, Michael? Here I gave you the perfect opportunity to make amends with the one woman who can make you happy, and you chased her off.”

  “I tried to apologize.”

  “It obviously didn’t go very well if she left.” Tabitha paced the gray and blue Persian rug. “What did she say?”

  He sighed. “She said that I was an idiot.”

  “Yes, well of course you are. Now we shall have to find another opportunity. And quickly, before Middleton makes an offer.”

  Damn, why was he always chasing after Middleton? He’d made a complete mess of his life. “What have you heard? Will he offer?”

  Stopping her trudge, she turned to Michael. “I had heard that he had already made one, but the young lady informed me today that such an offer is not yet on the table. You still have time. Perhaps you will do better at the Marlton house party.”

  “I had a thought about skipping Marltons’ this year. Give Lady Elinor a break from all the gossip.” Perhaps get some rest and hope his remaining maladies sorted themselves out as well.

  She put her fists on her hips and stared him down. “You will do no such thing. I forbid it. I have it on good authority that Middleton is invited to the country. If you are not there to remind Elinor with whom she is in love, then he will surely propose and be accepted. He would be a fool not to, and Middleton is no fool.”

  “No, he is not,” Michael confirmed. “Perhaps she would be better off with Preston. He’s a good man. He has not hurt her in the ways that I have. He would be a good husband to Elinor.”

  “Oh, Michael.” She touched his cheek. “You really are an idiot.”

  Chapter 13

  The front door opened before Elinor reached the top step. That never boded well. It meant the butler had been waiting on her. She sighed, stripped off her gloves, and handed them to Kendall.

  “Lady Elinor, his grace, The Duke of Middleton awaits you in the blue parlor,” Kendall said with a bow.

  Elinor slumped, and all the air rushed out of her lungs. “Thank you, Kendall. Is my mother with his grace now?”

  Kendall shook his head, causing his heavy jowls to bobble. “Her ladyship is not at home. She is expected shortly.”

  “I see. I shall go immediately.” Her desire to rush to her room and make a new list of Michael’s flaws would have to wait.

  She checked her hair in the hallway mirror. Spring had given way to summer in London, and the ride home had left her patting perspiration from her cheeks. Squaring her shoulders, she entered the blue parlor. “Good afternoon, your grace.”

  Preston Knowles stood across the room looking out into the garden. He was impeccably dressed in a dark blue morning coat and fawn trousers.

  He turned, smiled warmly, and straightened his broad shoulders. “Good day to you, my lady. I have a very important question to ask you.”

  Elinor’s heart leapt in her throat. Instinct told her to run, but there was no way to manage such a maneuver without being cuttingly rude. With her back plastered to the door and her hand on the doorknob, she forced a polite smile. “Oh? What question is that, your grace?”

  With the sun shining in through the window highlighting his impressive form, he was breathtaking. “Why is this called the blue parlor? I have discovered only one blue chair. Everything else in the room is brown or yellow.”

  The air rushed back into Elinor’s lungs. Her relief at not being proposed to eased every muscle. “My mother does not enjoy change, your grace.”

  He watched her and tipped his head to one side. “I am not sure I understand.”

  Releasing the door and her breath, she forced herself further into the room and sat on the large brown couch. “Of course you cannot understand. I do not understand, either. However, when my mother is asked that particular question, her response is always that she does not care for change.”

  He chuckled. Strangely, the sound made her feel more at ease. He had a warm smile and his eyes laughed before the sound made its way into the world. He would make a fine husband. Perhaps she shouldn’t be dreading his proposal.

  He had a long jaw, which she didn’t particularly like, but his eyes were kind and his nose straight. All in all, he was nice to look at. “Do I have dirt on my face?”

  “No, your grace. Why would you ask such a thing?”

  He sat beside her. “Because you are staring at me as if I’ve been wrestling in the mud.”

  “I apologize.” Heat infused her cheeks, and crept up to her hair and down her chest.

  “I would be honored if you would call me ‘Preston.’” He leaned in close, bringing the faint smell of vanilla and mint.

  Oh, why couldn’t he be horrible?

  When she looked into his eyes, he smiled. There was no flutter in her stomach, which always accompanied such gazes from Michael.

  The air simmered around them. He was going to kiss her.

  Mother burst into the room. “Your grace, how wonderful to see you again. We are so honored by your visit. I must apologize for not being available to you when you arrived. I trust my lovely daughter has acted the lady of the house in my absence.”

  He stood. “She has been a delightful companion.”

  Virginia beamed at her daughter. “I am so glad. You know she has been raised to take care of such things. She can run a household of any size, more than one household. I expect you have several houses, your grace.”

  “Mother,” Elinor gasped, unable to believe Mother’s attempt at selling her like a prime cow to the highest bidder. She knew that her face must be nearing purple with embarrassment.

  “Indeed, Lady Malmsbury.”

  Unhindered and oblivious to her daughter’s mortification, Virginia continued, “You should never have to worry about their care, should you make my Elinor your duchess.”

  Elinor scurried to the other side of the room. She pretended to examine a small glass bauble on a table. She even considered pouring herself a large glass of brandy. Mother had lost control of her mouth and all sense of proper behavior. Elinor was at a loss for what to do. She couldn’t scold her in front of Middleton, and so she just pretended to not hear the insane dialogue coming from the other side of the room.

  But she did hear Preston. “I am fortunate to have several competent stewards who manage the bulk of my properties.”

  “Excellent. Still, you can never be too careful. A well-educated wife will keep the servants from robbing you blind.”

  Elinor couldn’t help herself. She turned to get a glimpse of him and his reaction. He must be eager to rush from the house.

  Her mother’s back was to her, so she had a good view of his handsome profile.

  Maybe he sensed her stare.


  He looked at her, holding back a grin. He did not look like he was about to bolt from the room. He smiled wider. “Indeed.”

  Elinor couldn’t take another moment of it. She crossed back to the grouping of chairs where Mother sat. “Your grace, you mentioned another appointment you are required to keep.”

  It was rude. She knew that, but she suspected he would be grateful for the excuse to escape her mother and likely overlook her bad manners.

  The smile in his eyes made her stomach flip.

  Virginia jumped up. “I didn’t know we were keeping you from important business. I must apologize.”

  “Not at all, my lady. However, your charming daughter is correct. I must go. Thank you so much for a delightful visit.” He bowed over her hand and kissed her knuckles.

  Taking her hand back, she pushed down a bout of giggles. The entire scene was like something out of a novel. That is what her life had become. “Good day, your grace.”

  He strode out, and Elinor collapsed onto the chair.

  “Elinor, I am so proud of you. You are going to be a duchess.” Virginia clapped her hands, as giddy as a small girl.

  Elinor put her face in her hand and laughed. “Oh Mother, you’ve gone mad. You really have.”

  “What are you talking about, Elinor? And why are you laughing? I think I should call the doctor. You seem unwell.”

  Pulling herself together, Elinor stopped laughing and looked at her mother.

  Virginia picked up a sewing ring and hummed while she pulled her needle through the fabric.

  “I am sorry, Mother. I do not know what came over me. I do not require a doctor. Perhaps I will just go and have a nap until we dine.” Elinor rushed from the parlor and ran up the steps to her room. No amount of reason would make her situation less comical. Only one short year earlier she had been ruined, and now two dukes vied for her attention. Ridiculous.

  She pulled out a scrap of paper. At the top she wrote:

  Reasons I should love Middleton.

  He is kind

  He is rich

  He has a good sense of humor