Return of the Duke: Regency Hearts Book 2

by Jennifer Monroe

  Marianne clenched her fist as the Dowager Duchess let out a laugh. Although her father was prone to excitement when it came to discussions of business, the fact this woman found humor in what William had said angered her. She took a sip of her wine to cover the scowl that spread on her lips.

  Lord Dowding asked in his elderly, quaking voice, “Is it true that Your Grace is expanding our village to add new businesses?” When William went to reply, the old man held a hand to his ear in order to hear better.

  “Indeed,” William replied with a proud grin. “The Dowager Duchess and I are planning to build and bring about not only new employment for our residents, but also wealth to those who do business with me.”

  Marianne glanced around the table to see how they would respond to such an announcement and was annoyed to see that each and every one of them, including her father, wore admiring smiles. The men discussed their ideas for what types of businesses should be included. Then William stood and silence fell around her.

  “There is someone I would like to recognize, for she has brought me great joy over the past few weeks.”

  Marianne’s breath caught in her throat even as pride washed over her. This had come as an unexpected privilege. She knew he found her opinions important, but not to the point where he would recognize her in such a public fashion.

  “I am sure you all know the Dowager Duchess of Durryham. Not only have we begun work on my village, but we are also planning to expand in the areas of agriculture. Which is why I have invited you here tonight, for you will be allowed to join us in this great adventure.”

  Marianne could only gape at the man. His town? They would be allowed? His arrogance knew no bounds!

  “His Grace is much too kind,” the Dowager Duchess said, red-cheeked, although Marianne suspected it was forced. “Like his grandfather before him, his eye for business is great, and I would like to be the first to officially welcome him to Chertsey.

  Applause erupted around the table, and Marianne offered a weak smile when William glanced at her. The conversation around them continued as each course was brought out, and she found she could not wait for the evening to end. All week she had looked forward this night with great anticipation, but truth be told, now that it had arrived, she was not enjoying herself in the slightest.

  “His Grace speaks to you,” the Countess whispered, and Marianne shook her head to clear her thoughts.

  “William?” The moment the name left her lips, she regretted it. A collective gasp resounded in the room, and all went so quiet that the only sound to be heard was the light rustle of skirts as a few of the woman readjusted in their seats with clear discomfort.

  William stared at her, his jaw clenched and a redness to his cheeks.

  “I am sorry, Your Grace,” she said in a near whisper.

  “It appears that dinner has become too formal,” he said, the irritation in his voice sharp and cutting to Marianne’s heart.

  She attempted to express her sorrow with her eyes as the footmen collected their plates, but William turned away and began a conversation with the Earl.

  Dinner progressed, but Marianne found her appetite had deserted her. William continued to converse with those at the table, keeping the topic of conversation on himself and his self-worth, and those around her had nothing but praise for him.

  Marianne, however, said nothing. She had clearly upset him and wished to make it right, but how did one do such a thing? Well, it certainly could not be done at the dinner table, so she would have to wait for an opportunity to present itself.

  Once dinner was completed, the men resigned themselves to remain to partake of a port William explained was the finest vintage in the world.

  Marianne went to follow her mother to the drawing room, but William came up beside her and leaned in close. “Meet in in the gardens in ten minutes.” His voice was neither angry nor happy, and that only cause her sadness to grow.

  ***

  The Countess and the Marchioness sat talking on the settee, and the Dowager Duchess sat in a chair across from them, a sly smile on her face. Although Marianne had never felt such anger as she felt in this woman’s presence, she had thoughts of strangling the woman. Well, maybe it was not as serious as that, but the malevolence the woman radiated was stifling. However, what upset her the most was the way the woman smiled at William and the manner in which she lavished praise upon him. Granted, jealousy was a large part of it, but a feeling of protection overshadowed that by far.

  “You look unwell,” Marianne’s mother said as she came to stand beside her. “Do you need to lie down? Or are you still upset at the slip of your tongue?”

  “I am,” Marianne admitted. “I feel foolish.”

  “Do not worry. It was a mistake and I have complete confidence that His Grace will look past it.”

  Marianne sighed. “You are right. I need some fresh air to clear my embarrassment. Will you excuse me?”

  Her mother’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Would you like me to accompany you?”

  “Oh, no,” Marianne said quickly. “I will be fine on my own. Enjoy the company here. I will only be out on the veranda.”

  This seemed to ease her mother’s mind. “Then go, clear your mind,” she said with a smile. “But do not be out for too long. You do not even have your wrap.”

  Marianne kissed her mother’s cheek and then headed to the gardens, hoping that William was not already there waiting for her. Closing the door behind her, she crossed the veranda and walked down the path until she came across William, who was indeed waiting for her, looking up at the night sky. She stood silently at his side for several moments, and when he said nothing, she decided it would be up to her to smooth the wrinkle she had brought between them.

  “I am sorry for what I did,” she said, hoping he would have a willing ear to hear the sincerity of her voice. “It was not my intention to embarrass you.” He remained silent but gave a sigh. “William, please forgive me.”

  He turned toward her, his face showing a half-smile. “Your apology is accepted,” he said. “However, you must never make that mistake again.”

  Alarm built inside her at his words. Had he changed so completely that his every word was an admonishment when it was not a self-fawning?

  “To do so in front of these guests is one thing, but imagine those of even better standing. We are fortunate that Sofia understands your position.”

  My position? She thought as her anger rose once again. “Is our relationship based on what Sofia thinks of me?” she asked as tears stung her eyes. She cared not that she used the woman’s given name; if he was to use it, then she would, as well. “Must I meet her approval in everything I do?”

  William shook his head as he took her hand in his. “No, of course not,” he said and sighed again. “Marianne, I am tired, confused, and I find myself angry at the smallest things. I wanted this night to be perfect.”

  “I understand, and it was until I ruined it.” A lone tear rolled down her cheek, and to her surprise, he brushed it away with his thumb.

  “To the contrary, you are the one who made it perfect. Your dress with the new jewelry, just your presence alone has brought me peace.” He gave her a small smile, and she recognized that he was indeed tired. “Forgive me for my sharp words; I did not mean to upset you. It is I that has failed.”

  “No, you are not failing. I still worry for you is all. With Sofia always…”

  He cut her off. “It brings me joy to know how much you care and understand, for I care for you greatly.” This made her smile, and he kissed her hand. “Can you make arrangements for Julia to chaperone us once more?”

  “I am sure she would be happy to,” Marianne replied. “When should she be available?”

  “This coming Saturday,” he said. “I will come for you at noon, and we shall enjoy time together, away from all this.” He waved his hand toward the house, and the man she had come to care for with such tremendousness could be seen in his eyes once more.

>   “I would like that,” she said, all the anger and anxiety she had carried outside with her now floating away into the dark expanse of the sky above them. Then, looking into his eyes, she raised herself onto the tips of her toes and touched her lips to his.

  He grinned at her. “I am surprised you did that,” he said with a light chuckle.

  “You are the one who taught me to break the rules. Of course, perhaps I should not do such things again?”

  He threw his head back and belted out a loud laugh. “It would bring me great sorrow if you did not.”

  “I must return to the house before my mother comes searching for me,” Marianne said. “We would not want me to be the root of further gossip, now would we?”

  “You have done nothing wrong,” he assured her once again. “I cannot wait to see you on Saturday.”

  “And I you,” she said over her shoulder as she hurried up the path to the house.

  Although she was sad before, Marianne now felt renewed. William was struggling in a strange new world, and she promised herself to remain steadfast in her commitment to be by his side.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Not only was there a tightness in his shoulders, but William’s jaw and head ached as well. It had been three nights since the dinner party, a great success as far as he was concerned, and according to Sofia. However, his frustration grew with each passing breath. Not only the strain of the upcoming party that he was to host in two weeks’ time brought on this stress, but the business he conducted at this moment was just as pressing.

  William stared through the window where Jake worked in a nearby flowerbed. How he wished he could be here beside the man. Then Thomas came to mind. He had written to the old gardener two weeks prior, and he hoped the man was doing well.

  “William?” Sofia said as she came to stand beside him at the window. In her hand was a glass of brandy, his second in less than an hour. “Please, have a drink. It will help ease the stress.” At the conclusion of the dinner party, she had offered to come to call, which turned into her calling every day since.

  “I have no stress, and I want no more drink,” he snapped and then regretted his tone. “I do not mean…”

  She cut him off by placing a hand on his arm. “A Duke is prone to anger, for his responsibilities are great. It is why his friends are near, to help comfort him when things get to be too difficult to handle.” She offered him the glass again, and he took it from her with reluctance and took a large gulp. What she said was true; he immediately felt calmer as the fiery liquid burned his throat.

  However, he knew he had been drinking far too much as of late, and he did not want to develop a habit. He had seen too often the effects of too much alcohol, and the results had never been positive.

  “You are a true friend,” he said as he returned the now surprisingly empty glass to her. “I grow tired of this work.” He motioned to the desk behind them. He turned to Mr. Ludlow, who sat in one of the armchairs in front of the desk flipping through a journal. “How many more must I meet with today?”

  “Just one more, Your Grace,” the man replied. “Lord Isaac Hatcher, a man who would like to request a lease on some of your lands for his sheep.”

  “So, what will you do, Your Grace?” Sofia asked with a small smile. “Will you lease to him?”

  William sighed. He looked down at the open ledger filled with numbers, which he was sick of studying. And he was sick of people, at this point, all people. How he missed the simplicity of a rose bush or the pruning of a stoic hedge. “I do not know,” he said in frustration.

  “If I may suggest something,” Sofia said in a soft voice.

  “Yes, of course,” William said. At least someone was willing to give him some sort of guidance; Mr. Ludlow certainly made no comment or suggestion that would help him make decisions, and he was tired of thinking so much.

  “Lord Hatcher is a man who is nearly bankrupt. To allow such a man to be associated with you will only hurt how others view you.”

  What she said did not make sense. “But would not doing business with me help him to avoid such a travesty?” he asked. He glanced at Mr. Ludlow, wishing the man would contribute to the conversation.

  “It is how others view you that concerns me,” Sofia said. “If you were to help such a man, you would appear weak, for he is weak.”

  Mr. Ludlow cleared his throat. “Your Grace, it is true the man has had certain…financial troubles. However, I believe he is a sound businessman and one with whom you should conduct business.”

  Sofia gave a snort. “His Grace is quite capable of making his own decisions, Mr. Ludlow. I advise against it, but if you want a man to bankrupt a business dealing in which you have involved yourself, I cannot stop you.”

  Mr. Ludlow rose to defend his advice and the two went back and forth for several moments.

  William took the glass of brandy, which Sofia had refilled as soon as he had emptied the last, and downed it in one gulp. Then he slammed his fist on the desk, and Sofia and Mr. Ludlow fell silent.

  “Enough!” he shouted. “Sofia, I will see the man and you will say nothing more. Mr. Ludlow, send him in and leave us.”

  “Yes, Your Grace,” Mr. Ludlow said with a deep bow before leaving the room.

  Sofia grabbed her wine glass and turned to him. “Forgive me, William. I only meant to help as I helped your grandfather,” she whispered and turned to leave.

  William grabbed her wrist. “Let me decide is all I ask,” he said. “But do not leave me.”

  A smile played on her lips, and then she looked down at her wrist. He released it and wondered if he had hurt her. He did not think he had, but he could not temper the guilt that rose in him.

  “Then I will stay and guide you,” she replied. “You are a strong man, William, much like your grandfather. I can help mold you into him, but you must heed my advice. Is this something you would like?”

  He thought about her words for a moment and then glanced out the window at Jake. Although a part of him still wished to join the gardener, he realized that that part of his life was over. He had sworn to be the greatest Duke his family, or anyone, had ever seen, but he could not do it alone. The Dowager Duchess, who knew his grandfather, would guild him, but only if he allowed her to do so.”

  “It is,” he replied finally. “I want to be as great as he was.”

  “I know you do,” she said as she placed a hand on his cheek. “I can see it in your eyes, and I will advise you to the best of my ability. I can help you decide with whom to conduct business and who to keep away from.”

  His mind raced. She knew more about the men in the world of business than he had believed. Then his brows scrunched when she gave out a small laugh.

  “Can you believe that when my former husband conducted business, it was I who advised him? I kept his books and advised him on who to keep close and who to keep at an arm’s length.”

  “I thought…well, the truth is, I did not think of that,” he said and then laughed. “I do have Mr. Ludlow, but you are welcome to advise me, as well.”

  “Very well, then,” she said as she walked over and pulled a chair beside the desk. She said nothing more and he wondered why she had become quiet.

  However, he had no time to ask because the door opened, and Mr. Ludlow entered with a thin man in an ill-fitting coat that had gone out of fashion years earlier. Not that William knew much about past fashions, for he had only owned one coat for so long, it probably had never been in fashion. The man’s head was almost completely bald and his face was pinched, making him appear to be part mouse.

  “Your Grace,” the man said with a bow. Then his eyes fell on the Dowager Duchess, a confused look on his face. “Your Grace,” he said, “I am surprised to see you here.”

  William felt his temper flare and he stood. “What do you mean by that?” he demanded. “You are surprised?”

  “I…I just did not expect her to be here is all, Your Grace,” the man stammered. “Forgive me. I meant no off
ense.”

  William glanced over at Sofia, who raised a single eyebrow, although her look told him that he had failed by allowing the man to speak to her in such a way. He should be defending her honor; was that not what Dukes did?

  “You have offended me greatly, as well as my guest. Leave my home at once and do not dare speak my name, let alone darken my step, again.”

  The man apologized, the hat he held in his hand now a wadded up mess, and then ran out of the room.

  William picked up the brandy—he did not even take a moment to consider how it was full once again—and downed it. Guilt rushed through him for taking out his anger on the man, but he wished only to scream.

  “Lord Hatcher showed no respect for you, William,” Sofia said as she came to stand beside him. “Do not feel guilty for what you had to do.”

  He turned his gaze to the window once more. “If it was the right thing to do, then why do I feel so horrible?” he asked without turning.

  She was by his side in a matter of moments, another glass of brandy in her hand. Not wishing to argue, he took it and sipped at it. He truly was drinking too much.

  “Because you are a good man,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “A strong man. It is normal to feel this way at first. However, I am proud of you.”

  He turned to her. “Proud?” he asked, incredulous. “You must think me weak compared to my grandfather.”

  She smiled up at him. “No,” she said with a small laugh. “Again I tell you, you are far better than he was. Now, shall I tell you what I saw that made me proud?”

  He nodded. He needed to hear it.

  “Today you took the first step of many, steps that you must take to assure that all people, rich or poor, know of your power.”

  “And what step is that? What step did I actually take?”

  “Casting aside those who seek to use you,” she said with a purposeful nod.

  ***

  The ballroom was empty and William stood looking at the paintings of his father and grandfather. Beside his father’s hung a new painting, one of William, and the man looked like him, and yet somehow did not. He could not explain what it was, but the figure in the portrait had a stoicism that William felt he lacked.