Daring the Duke (The Seven Curses of London Book 7)

by Lana Williams

  ~*~

  The following afternoon, Lillian and Julia emerged onto the terrace of Lord and Lady Vandertul’s mansion, having left their wraps and tidied their appearance upstairs. A servant showed them to the garden party, which was spread across the generous lawn.

  A tent at the far end had been erected where refreshments were being served. Chairs were set up for the guests, scattered here and there among the trees and flower beds. Turkish rugs were laid on the grass in places for those who preferred to avoid possibly ruining expensive silk gowns or shoes in the damp grass.

  “Isn’t this lovely?” Julia asked. “It’s like an oasis. The flowers are gorgeous.”

  “And it’s the perfect day for it,” Lillian added. Only a few clouds marked the blue sky. The temperature was warm. The garden was large enough that it gave her the feeling of being in the country. Water fountains provided a lovely babbling sound. “If I had this garden, I don’t think I’d ever leave home.”

  Many guests already wandered about the grounds with its multitude of walkways, admiring the elaborate flower beds and clipped boxwood hedges.

  “Lady Vandertul is well known for her roses,” Julia said. “We’ll have to be sure to look closer at those.”

  “I’m sorry Oliver didn’t join us.” Lillian shook her head. “I rather think he would’ve liked the atmosphere.”

  “Until all the guests arrive and then he’d regret coming.” Julia shared a smile with Lillian. “Thank goodness you’re here to accompany me in his place.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Shall we see what refreshments they have? Luncheon feels as if it were a long time ago.”

  They wandered toward the tent, greeting acquaintances as they went. Everyone seemed to be in an especially bright mood, no doubt due in part because of the sunshine and the beautiful grounds.

  “It’s much easier to smile when the sun is shining,” Lillian said.

  “I heard some doctors are recommending fresh air and sunshine for tuberculosis patients.”

  Lillian couldn’t help but smile as Julia always had interesting facts to share. No doubt it was in part due to her being so well read.

  “Lillian?”

  She turned to see the Duchess of Burbridge a short distance away. She and Julia made their way over to greet her.

  “Isn’t it a lovely day?” Lillian asked.

  “A perfect one for a gathering such as this,” the duchess agreed.

  Lillian couldn’t help but look over the guests for Elijah’s tall form but to no avail. She told herself that was a good thing. Heaven knew what might happen if she spent more time in his company. The memory of their kiss the previous morning still made her breathless. Perhaps it had just been the fresh air of the park that had made it seem so special.

  Julia turned to speak with one of the other ladies nearby.

  The duchess stepped closer. “I wanted to thank you for your assistance at Lord and Lady Patterson’s soiree.”

  “No thanks are necessary, but I’m happy if I helped.”

  The older woman shook her head. “You know you did. I might’ve been the subject of gossip if you hadn’t insisted I step out to the terrace.”

  “We heard Lady Patterson received a few comments about the champagne that was served,” Lillian said. Burbridge might’ve dismissed her concern, but she still had to wonder at the alcohol the duchess drank that night.

  “It had a unique taste to it, but I didn’t pay it much notice at the time. I fear I sometimes allow my grief to get the best of me. Having a drink can lift one’s spirits.”

  “Much like the sun,” Lillian murmured, tipping her head back to enjoy the feel of it on her face. “Sometimes we need help lightening our hearts.”

  “The sun isn’t out enough to be of much assistance.”

  Lillian couldn’t resist touching the duchess’s arm gently. “I hope memories of your husband bring you comfort.”

  “At first they only brought pain,” the duchess admitted. “To think of him at all caused a tide of grief so great that I thought I might drown under it.” She held Lillian’s gaze, her eyes clear. “We had a love match, you see.”

  “That is so special. How did you meet?” Though Lillian knew she risked much in asking, she hoped talking of her husband might help the duchess more than it upset her.

  The smile that lit the older woman’s face hinted at what she must’ve looked like as a young girl. “He was a friend of my older brother’s at university and came to our country home one Christmas holiday. He caught me under the mistletoe at the annual ball we held and insisted it was fate.” She laughed. “He was a rogue but a charming one, so full of life.”

  “Who was a rogue?” Elijah arrived at their side, his presence bringing a wave of pleasure to Lillian. “Good afternoon, Lady Lillian.”

  She dipped into a curtsy as she returned his greeting.

  “Your father,” the duchess continued.

  “So I’ve been told,” Elijah said with a smile. “I can’t say I ever saw that side of him, though I’ve heard a few stories. But that changed when he met you.”

  The duchess chuckled, a delicate flush coloring her cheeks.

  Lillian was charmed as the duchess shared another story from their courtship days. Yet it wasn’t long before she felt the weight of Elijah’s stare.

  She frowned, unable to determine the cause. He was obviously displeased with her for some reason. Julia rejoined them and spoke to the duchess, giving her and Elijah a brief moment of privacy.

  “Why would you raise the topic of my father when you know how much she still grieves for him?” he asked.

  “Talking about their earlier days might bring her comfort. Look at how happy she is right now.”

  “And when I take her home this evening, she’ll look around our empty house and miss him even more.”

  Lillian’s heart pinched. “That wasn’t my intent. I only wanted her to be able to speak of his life rather than his loss for a change.”

  “We shall see if your plan works. But if it doesn’t and she retreats to her sadness, I’ll know who to blame.” The worry in his eyes was undeniable.

  “I hope that doesn’t happen.” In fact, she hoped it desperately.

  “Burbridge.”

  The duke turned to see another man walking toward them. “Adley. Good to see you.” He made the introduction to Lillian, explaining that she was visiting her brother and was relatively new to London.

  “Whereabouts do you live?” Adley asked.

  “Bedfordshire.” Too late, she realized she’d intended to keep that from Elijah for as long as possible. Thus far, the topic hadn’t arisen.

  “Did the two of you meet when Burbridge was there?”

  Elijah frowned as he looked at Lillian.

  She felt heat touch her cheeks but shifted her gaze to Adley. “I was travelling on the Continent with my aunt last autumn.”

  “How did you know it was last autumn?” Elijah asked.

  Lillian blinked, uncertain how to respond. She couldn’t advise him of the details now. Not with Adley standing beside them. But Helena’s tear-stricken face appeared in her mind, insisting she make use of this opportunity. “I believe my mother mentioned your visit,” she gathered her courage, “as did my friend, Helena Longley.”

  She waited, studying his expression for any sign of guilt.

  His eyes narrowed, as though trying to remember. “I enjoyed the visit. It’s a pleasant part of England.”

  That’s it? That’s all he had to say? Despite the fact that he’d broken Helena’s heart, he only remembered it was pleasant there?

  She had to turn away for a moment to regain her balance, lest she take hold of his lapels and shake him soundly.

  “How unfortunate you weren’t home at the time,” he said.

  She faced him again, wondering if he meant something other than what he said. But his expression revealed nothing.

  Suddenly she couldn’t bear it another moment. “If you’ll
excuse me, I see someone I know.” She walked to the far side of the garden, hoping for a moment of peace.

  How could he not remember Helena? Somehow that made his callous treatment of her even worse. To think he’d flirted and danced with her friend, liked her enough to do so, went so far as to send her a letter asking to meet, but then couldn’t be bothered to remember her was too much.

  She swallowed against the lump in her throat. What was she to believe of this man? The one for whom she was coming to care was gentle and kind. He loved his mother, going so far as to confront Lillian when he feared she might cause his mother’s grief to worsen.

  Helena’s description had been so different. As had the letter she’d mentioned that he’d written to her. It was unbelievable the men were one in the same. But she’d known Helena since they were children and trusted her.

  Each time she thought vengeance was no longer the proper path, new information arose that made her more determined.

  Yet still she wasn’t certain what the right thing to do was, and it was becoming more important every day that she know, for her own heart’s sake.

  Chapter Nine

  “It is quite enough to satisfy me of what a terrible curse a bestial indulgence in gin and beer is, when I see a human creature turned helpless from the public-house, and left to stagger home as he best may.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  Elijah watched Lillian walk away, feeling as if he’d taken a terrible misstep. But he had no idea what it was. Was she upset that he’d questioned her for raising possibly painful memories to his mother? Or had it had something to do with him visiting near her family’s home?

  He didn’t understand why it would be the latter when she hadn’t been there. In truth, he remembered little of his visit to the area. He and the Marquess of Landon, a friend with relations living there, had been intent on drinking more than anything else. Landon to forget a mistress who’d thrown him over for someone wealthier, and Elijah to forget the death of his father, however temporarily.

  But the notion he’d done something to offend her wouldn’t go away.

  “Pretty chit,” Adley remarked.

  “Hands off.” He might not yet know what Lillian was to him, but he knew he didn’t want Adley pursuing her.

  “Very well.” The other man grinned. “Let me know if that changes.”

  “I thought you weren’t in the market for a wife.”

  “Has to happen at some point. Always good to know who should be on the list for serious consideration.”

  It was silly of him to feel so territorial over Lillian, but he did.

  “No offense, Burbridge,” Adley said then stepped away to speak with someone else.

  Elijah visited with several other guests before reaching his mother’s side once again. To his dismay, she’d chosen to bypass the tea and coffee being served for a claret-cup. With luck, the punch wasn’t strong enough to cause any complications.

  “Stop looking so displeased, Elijah,” she berated him. “It’s a lovely party in a beautiful setting, and you’re supposed to be enjoying it.”

  “I am.”

  “Then you should look like it.”

  He forced a smile.

  “Fewer teeth, my dear.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh.

  “That’s better. Perhaps Lillian will come back now that you’re looking less dower.”

  “Do you want her to?”

  “Of course. I find her delightful. Don’t you?”

  Sensing a trap, he only smiled. “Isn’t that the marchioness? What happened to her hair?” He breathed with relief as she turned to look, hoping he’d shifted her attention.

  If he admitted that he did indeed find Lillian delightful, his mother might attempt to encourage a relationship. He had yet to decide if that would be wise. But he knew now wasn’t the time for it. Not when his mother still needed his assistance.

  “Don’t think your attempt to avoid speaking of Lillian is working,” his mother warned. “I’m not so befuddled that you can make me forget what we were discussing. However, I’ll let it go for now.”

  The tightness in Elijah’s stomach lessened once again.

  “In answer to your other question,” his mother continued, “I have no idea what she has done with her hair.”

  His mother’s demeanor was wonderfully familiar. She hadn’t acted so lighthearted in some time. Perhaps Lillian had been right, and speaking of his father had done her good. Had he ignored not only his mother’s feelings on the topic, but his own as well, in an attempt to stop feeling so much pain?

  “It brings to mind horns, does it not?” he whispered and was rewarded with a laugh.

  “Someone should tell her the look is not flattering, but it will not be me.”

  As the party continued, Elijah caught glimpses of Lillian, but she kept her distance. He soon decided he’d had enough of that. No one was as entertaining to speak with as she.

  “Are you avoiding me?” he whispered from behind her.

  She didn’t even startle, much to his disappointment. “No.”

  He wondered if she’d been watching him as she didn’t seem in the least surprised. Interesting. He couldn’t help but step closer—as close as the bustle of her gown allowed.

  She shifted as if his presence were unsettling. He liked that as well, for he felt the same about her.

  “Are you enjoying the party?” he asked.

  “Yes. And you?”

  Rather than answer, he moved to stand beside her so he could see her face. “I must ask if I offended you in some way?”

  She looked at him at last, something in the depth of her eyes providing an affirmative answer.

  “How so?” Elijah asked.

  Her gaze shifted over the garden as though she was considering her answer, so he waited. “You met a friend of mine when you visited near my home last year,” she said at last. Then her eyes held his once more, watching him carefully. “Helena Longley.”

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember. I was introduced to many people during my stay. Can you describe her?”

  Lillian turned to face him, her expression solemn. She’d stepped into the shadows once again, much like he’d noted the first time he’d seen her in Hyde Park. “I shouldn’t have to. You professed to be in love with her.”

  Elijah frowned, regret filling him. He’d received a great deal of attention from every eligible lady and their mamas at the parties they’d attended. The ladies all blended together after a short time and a few drinks. There had been a delightful widow who’d caught his eye and warmed his bed, but he didn’t remember Lillian’s friend. “I think I would’ve remembered that. Are you certain she has the right person?”

  “Of course, I do.” The pain in her expression made him hurt as well. “You sent her a letter.”

  “I haven’t written any letters other than those of a business nature for longer than I can remember.”

  The puzzled look on Lillian’s face had him shaking his head, wishing he knew how to convince her. “I don’t know what else to say. I fear I haven’t been myself since my father’s death, but I don’t think I would’ve professed love to anyone without remembering doing so, especially in writing. Perhaps you could ask your friend for additional details.”

  Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly. “I can’t actually. She died of illness not long ago.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” If it weren’t for the crowd around them, he would’ve taken her in his arms and held her tight. Anything to ease her loss. “That’s why you’re able to help my mother—because you’ve been grieving as well.”

  She shook her head. “What I’ve experienced is nothing like you and your mother. But it hurts. I know that much. Something happens, and I think of how I can’t wait to tell her only to realize...I can’t.”

  “Yes.” That had occurred more times than he could count. His father had been such a big part of his life that his passing had left a hole that couldn’
t be filled.

  “Just when you think you’re adjusting, a wave of grief washes over you for no apparent reason and you nearly drown in it.”

  “Yes,” he managed, then cleared his throat, wishing he could as easily clear his emotions caused by her apt description.

  “Helena’s mother has been beside herself, while her father acts as if nothing is amiss.”

  “Everyone handles grief differently. But the death of a child must be especially difficult.”

  “I suppose he feels as if he must be stoic. If they both acted the way her mother does, they’d be an even worse wreck.”

  He nodded, for that was what had happened to him and his mother.

  She studied him again. “Are you certain you don’t remember her? She was my age, blonde, an attractive woman.”

  He searched his memory but came up empty. “I’m sorry.”

  “I don’t understand how she could’ve possibly been confused as to your identity.”

  “Nor do I.” He didn’t know what else he could say to reassure her. While he’d admit to casually flirting with several women, he’d remember if anything more serious had occurred. At least, he hoped he would, regardless of how much he’d had to drink.

  Tears still glistening in her eyes, Lillian stared at him for a long moment, her thoughts hidden, before she at last turned away.

  Elijah wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms and reassure her. Instead, he watched her walk away once more, his chest aching.

  ~*~

  The next morning, Elijah couldn’t resist calling on Lillian, hoping she’d agree to see him. He wanted time alone with her but didn’t know how to get it without causing gossip. Society’s rules were ridiculous at times. How could a couple come to know each other if they didn’t spend any time alone?

  Not that he was thinking of Lillian in that respect. He grimaced at the lie. He was thinking about her in every respect. The question was, did she think about him? Had he convinced her he spoke the truth the previous day?

  He had to know. After some consideration, he’d decided to speak with Viscount Frost first. Luckily, Frost was receiving. Now, he need only hope that Lillian was as well.