Outwitting the Duke

by Deb Marlowe

  “No. I should wait for him to find me.”

  “I’m his sister by marriage. It isn’t untoward that I greet him, and you are my companion.”

  Tabby clenched her reticule with both hands, debating propriety, then hurried to catch up to Eleanor. Would he speak to her beyond hello? She’d kept the supper dance free with the hope he’d ask for it.

  They drew near Giles. Tabby realized he stood with two girls who flirted so audaciously she was surprised their mother hadn’t taken them to task. She slowed her step and debated slipping away unnoticed. She was a head shorter than most of those who stood between them, so no one would take note.

  Sidestepping between two matrons, she kept her gaze down as if no one would see her if she didn’t look at them. That didn’t work.

  “There you are, Tabby,” Ellie said, her voice sounding confused.

  “Someone spoke to me and I couldn’t ignore her.” A blatant lie. Hopefully no one but Ellie would suspect.

  She hesitated to meet Giles’ gaze. When she did, his broad smile warmed her heart. “You are radiant tonight, Miss Minett.”

  “Thank you.” He went on to introduce the Daubney sisters, who narrowed their eyes at Tabby.

  “Is your next dance free, Miss Minett?”

  “Yes, it is.” Butterflies awakened from their cocoons.

  “Excellent.” He held out his arm. “Let’s move closer to the dancers.”

  When they were a few feet away, he bent to speak as softly as one could while still being heard in such a noisy crowd, “You have saved me. I’m eternally grateful.”

  “They appeared to be close friends.”

  “We were introduced this afternoon.”

  Surprising to say the least. The girls had stood closer than proper for a short acquaintance and while their behavior hadn’t been close to improper, it likely caused some gossip.

  “My uncle Danby introduced us. Has Eleanor mentioned him?”

  She laughed with sudden understanding. “Ah, yes, as have Barbara and Harriet. Will you be marrying her?”

  He coughed before he caught her expression. “I see you share their sense of humor. I was trapped into coming here when Lady Marjory mentioned it after our introduction.”

  “Why is it you men are so averse to attending balls? I’ve seen you dance so you can’t claim that excuse.”

  He winked. “We men avoid assemblies for the same reason you ladies attend them. Walking through the door puts your name on some imaginary list of persons in search of a marriage.”

  All her dreams of him falling in love with her floated off like the morning fog. Not only did he have no interest in her, he hadn’t the slightest inclination to consider marriage at all. Tabby forced a smile, however stiff it appeared. “I see. That does explain the ratio of men to ladies. Don’t you think it sad how many of these pretty girls will end the Season in disappointment?”

  Giles frowned. “I hadn’t considered it, to be honest. You all don’t come to Town with the certainty you’ll leave with a proposal, do you?”

  “Certainty, no. Yet I’ll wager more than half the ladies here have their hopes set on the idea this will be their last Season.” She laughed. “What else do we have to look forward to? I, personally, didn’t want to become engaged my first Season, because I enjoy dancing so.”

  “That might also explain the lack of men in the ballroom. The card room is always full.”

  “Perhaps that’s the key to trapping a husband. I shall learn to play whatever card game it is that holds you gentlemen in its grasp.”

  The music signaled the next dance, and Tabby and Giles found another three couples to form a set. Conversation was kept to polite topics, as they were in the others’ hearing. But each time they crossed paths she gave him a longing glance much like that Lady Marjory had worn.

  Knowing Giles had no interest in her gave her a sense of freedom. Freedom to practice her flirting, her pleasant conversation, as well as displaying her dancing ability to the men who might have an interest in her.

  When the toe of her slipper caught in her lace hem, she stumbled. The man dancing beside her caught her before she fell. Her cheeks suddenly felt as if she sat too close to a fire. “Thank you.” Well, she could cross off displaying her dancing skills from her list of accomplishments.

  Giles led her away from the others when the music ended. “Would you care for some refreshment?”

  “That would be lovely.” Her heart pounded. He wasn’t abandoning her at the first chance.

  “I have a favor to ask and I hope you won’t think it impudent of me.” Giles handed her a glass of lemonade and led her to a small set of table and chairs.

  “Is this about your grandmother’s painting? You’re welcome to call anytime and we’ll continue our search. Bring Barbara along so Mother won’t make something out of the visit.”

  “Ah, yes, that is something I need to finish. The favor I have in mind is much more…personal.” He tore his gaze away. “Would you consider allowing me to spend a noticeable amount of time with you over the next month or so?”

  She twisted her lips to one side. “I’m not sure I could tolerate that, my lord.” She waited for his expression to droop before laughing.

  He grinned. “You are a minx. Does that me you will? I’m aware this could confuse the other gentlemen. If you have someone in mind already I won’t expect you to pretend to care for me.”

  Pretend. How could a man be so clueless? She hadn’t even noticed any other men since she’d first seen him. “There’s no one.” Tabby wished his answering smile meant he was relieved to not have any competition for her hand, but she knew better.

  “Let’s return to Ellie.”

  Her heart heavy, she walked beside him through the crowd.

  Chapter 4

  “Oh, Ellie, he has no interest in me whatsoever.” Tabby hugged her friend’s arm tightly after Giles walked away.

  “What could he have said to make you think so?”

  “He wants to make everyone believe he’s attracted to me. He wants Danby to think his matchmaking prowess isn’t needed. Lady Marjory was introduced to Giles by the duke.”

  “Giles couldn’t have said such a thing. Please tell me you are joking.”

  Sighing, Tabby shook her head.

  “I’m so sorry. What did you tell him?”

  “I said yes. What excuse could I give? No man has paid me any notice thus far.”

  Ellie squeezed Tabby’s hand. “We’ve been in London only a few weeks. You haven’t seen anywhere near half the available men. I’ll go tell him you’ll do no such thing.”

  “No, I won’t go back on my word.”

  “Hmm.” Ellie’s lips pressed together in a thin line. “He wishes to keep Lady Marjory away, as well as our uncle. We can do that for him. Where is he now?”

  They searched the crowd and located him. “Oh dear, Lady Marjory is with him,” Tabby said.

  “He’s plainly not with her even though he’s standing nearby. He has as much animation as a marble statue.” Ellie described Giles perfectly.

  “Should I feel sorry for him? Or myself?” Tabby giggled, her melancholy lifting. “I can’t bring myself to do so. It’s too amusing to watch. Look how Marjory continues to seek his attention.”

  Barbara joined the girls. “What has you so entertained?”

  “Your brother,” Ellie said. “He can’t escape Lady Marjory.”

  “I once had a cat who lay in wait just so, knowing that gopher would eventually show himself. I wonder if Giles knows he’s her prey?” Tabby jerked her fan up to hide her threatening burst of laughter.

  “My poor brother. Should we help him?”

  “Certainly not.” Ellie planted her fist on her hip. “Not after what he’s done.”

  “Tell me.”

  Ellie glanced at the people around them. No one appeared to be paying them any attention. “He asked Tabby to pretend to care for him, and he for her, so Lady Marjory and Uncle Danby will look elsewh
ere for a match.”

  “I’m not certain I follow.” Barbara’s eyebrows nearly met, her confusion was so intense. “He wants Tabby to pay attention, which means they’ll have to spend time together. Isn’t that what we hoped for all along?”

  “Not as a pretense.” Ellie patted Tabby’s shoulder.

  Barbara clasped Tabby’s other hand and walked away from Giles. “She won’t be pretending. We’ll see to that. And he won’t realize that until he’s too in love to walk away from Tabby. Let’s discuss a scheme.”

  Days later, Giles could barely walk through the hallway leading to Mrs. Midgely’s ballroom. Well, perhaps ballroom was too grand a term for it, as it consisted of three rooms opened up to create one large one. The décor was as opulent as any in Town, so Mrs. Midgely must be quite proud.

  When he reached the hallway to the cardroom, he hesitated. Long hesitation. The quiet company of men, some fine whisky, and no desperate, marriage-minded young misses awaited him in the cardroom. The temptation was huge.

  The violinists began to play in the ballroom. His shoulders drooped. He owed it to Mrs. Midgely to make an appearance at the very least. Then he could make his escape.

  Barbara had told him Tabby would be in attendance, so he’d be able to escape Marjory. He had no doubt she’d be there. Danby likely sent daily dispatches to his puppets, after speaking to his gypsy seer, informing them where to find the relation Danby had chosen for them.

  After this one last ball, Giles would plead duty required his presence elsewhere.

  His muscles tensed as he stepped through the doorway into the brightly lit room. Run! He hesitated a moment, then turned to retreat.

  “Lord Giles.”

  Recognizing the sweet, deep voice, he exhaled in relief and turned back. “Miss Midgely. Your ball is quite the popular event this evening. Well done.”

  “Thank you.” She stepped into the hallway to allow others past. “You were leaving. Have you forgotten something?”

  “Merely questioning my sanity.” He ducked his head. “I decided I would prefer the company of the gentlemen.”

  Miss Midgely nodded, a slight smile lighting her face. At her age she likely had given up hope of finding a beau, despite her income. Her personality was delightful, her wit sharp. Her plain appearance and reserved manner likely kept the men from knowing her well enough to see what a treasure she was.

  “There is already a good number of husbands in the card room, but they’ll make room for you. Why do you wish to avoid the ladies?”

  “It isn’t necessarily the ladies in question. It’s the Duke of Danby and the poor soul he’s chosen to be my wife. I wouldn’t mind his meddling as much if he could simply introduce us and let us discover if we suit. He’s obviously told this particular young lady of his plans, and now she won’t leave my side.”

  “Have you given her a chance for you to know her better?”

  “I have no desire to marry at this time. My life is too full to make time for a family.”

  Miss Midgely’s expression became even wiser. “And yet you are here. And you joined your family for dinner the night I was there.”

  He could easily justify his duty to join guests at home, but she had him nailed to a wall with his presence at her ball. “I’m neglecting my duties.”

  “Your wife would know of your position in the House of Commons before she marries you. She’ll expect you to return late many evenings.” Miss Midgely walked away from the line of guests to speak more privately. “Isn’t it time to consider marriage? How old are you?”

  “I’m twenty-three. It will be a while before the hands of time comes crushing down on me.”

  “There’s no one you’d consider marrying? That would remove any power your uncle believes he has over you.”

  That idea had occurred to him and he’d rejected it. “I want someone for whom I feel more than a consideration to marry.”

  At that moment, Lady Marjory pounced. “Good evening, Miss Midgely. Lord Giles, I thought I saw you arrive, but you vanished.”

  “I was visiting my dear family friend.”

  “The orchestra has announced a waltz. There’s a sparsity of men dancing. It’s your duty to partner with someone.” Marjory giggled.

  Partner with her, of course. “I agree. In fact, I’d just asked Miss Midgely to dance.”

  “Yes,” Miss Midgely said. “We were about to join the dancers as you arrived.” She took Giles’ arm and they entered the ballroom.

  Lady Marjory was not to be ignored. “I have the supper dance free, if you are hoping to ask me. I saved it especially for you.”

  Miss Midgely’s lips twitched.

  “That’s very kind of you, but I’ve already promised that dance to someone else.” He hoped she didn’t ask who. He needed time to find someone to eat with.

  They reached the edge of the dance area and Lady Marjory was forced to remain behind. Miss Midgely stepped into Giles’ arms as the music began. “I won’t even ask if that’s the young lady you’re trying to avoid.”

  “If there were two of them, I wouldn’t have come at all. No offense meant to you or your mother.”

  She tipped her head to one side and looked up at him. “I think there is someone who’s caught your attention. Perhaps you haven’t admitted it to yourself, but you had no response when I mentioned you were here tonight. Why are you here?”

  He had no answer. No answer he wished to speak of, at least.

  By Wednesday, he still had no answer. Taking his turn at lawn bowls, he still made excuses to himself. Barbara had begged him to attend that night. She seemed as eager to make a match between him and Tabby as the duke was Lady Marjory.

  Somehow both ladies were present in their small group playing the game. Wickham and Ellie rounded out their party. When they’d divided themselves into two groups of three for a round of triplets, Barbara had quickly teamed herself with Wickham and Ellie. Giles was thus thrown to the wolves.

  Each time he rolled, the ball barely left his hand before Lady Marjory was at his side. Once, he’d almost struck her with his backswing.

  “Wonderful roll, Lord Giles. We’re certain to win with your excellent skills.”

  He edged his way to Tabby’s side.

  “She’s right, you know,” Tabby said. “You’re playing quite well today.”

  He frowned at her. What was she up to?

  Tabby only smiled and watched Barbara take her turn.

  “Have you by any chance seen Grandmother’s painting?” he asked Tabby.

  She stepped forward and picked up the ball, leaving him in the claws of Lady Marjory. Tabby’s ball tapped the jack on its way into a ditch.

  Giles began to trot toward it. “I’ll mark the ball.” He half expected Lady Marjory to run behind him. Putting a chalk line on the ball took less than a minute, not nearly a long enough reprieve.

  He returned to Tabby’s side.

  “I haven’t had the chance to look for the landscape. Perhaps Barbara will come one day soon and help me.” The gleam in her eye made him think she was including him in the visit.

  That idea shouldn’t excite him as much as it did. “Yes, I believe she mentioned something of the sort.”

  They were enjoying a private, almost secret conversation while surrounded by others. He felt devious, and very close to Tabby. They’d crossed a line from her being merely his sister’s friend, to his own.

  Oddly enough, the realization warmed him rather than terrified him.

  When their game ended, with his family beating Giles’ team, they went in search of refreshments. They meaning Tabby on one arm and Lady Marjory on the other. Lady Marjory talked non-stop, although Giles didn’t listen long enough to hear what she said.

  Tabby said nothing, but once or twice he thought he heard a muffled snicker. He slanted her a glance and noticed her lips twitching. He pressed his elbow against his side, squeezing her fingers in a conspiratorial manner. She must understand how he felt about Lady Marjory’s overbea
ring attention.

  “Lady Marjory, isn’t that your mother at the table there? Perhaps you should let her know you’re done playing bowls.”

  “She’ll notice me soon enough. There’s no reason to interrupt her. She’d only tell me to join my friends.”

  He looked back to see if his brother and sister still followed. They did, but catching Giles’ eyes, Wickham said, “We’ll leave you to your friends. Enjoy the picnic.”

  Barbara hurried to catch up to Giles and the girls. “Shall we find a table, or look for a coverlet to sit in the grass?”

  “The grass is much more picnic-like,” Tabby answered.

  “But our gowns would be ruined.” Lady Marjory shook her head, sending the ribbons on her bonnet into a whirl. “A table is much more genteel.”

  “If Mrs. Midgely wished us to be genteel, she’d have served us in the dining room,” Tabby retorted.

  Giles grew dizzy from turning one way then the other when each girl spoke. When he could get a word in, he said, “Perhaps you’d prefer to join some of those already at a table, Lady Marjory.”

  She clutched his arm in both hands. “Their conversation could never appeal as much as yours.”

  “Lovely.”

  Tabby nearly choked attempting to swallow her laughter. Here she’d been worried that Giles preferred the company of Lady Marjory. Clearly he did not. As much as she wanted him to notice her, she was extremely tempted to leave him alone with the predatory woman. “Barbara, did you say you wished to hear the school girls’ performance? We should ask when it begins.”

  Barbara’s brows pulled together. “Yes, I did want to, but…”

  “If you’ll excuse us, Lord Giles, Lady Marjory, we must find Mrs. Midgely and ask about the entertainment.” Tabby grabbed Barbara’s hand and scurried away like two little kittens. As soon as she was far enough that Giles shouldn’t overhear, she burst into laughter. “Did you see the way she clung to him? She never even pauses for a breath. And here I feared he preferred her to me.”

  “We should make him miserable. Let Lady Marjory have him until he realizes he misses your company. A few weeks with her will have him eager to marry.” Barbara dropped her hand as they entered the house.