Outwitting the Duke

by Deb Marlowe

  The best part of the afternoon was Lady Marjory’s absence. No, that was merely the second best. Tabby was beside him, laughing and enjoying herself. His heart had been torn to shreds when he’d discovered her crying. She’d yet to admit why she was so upset.

  “Miss Minett, we must visit the museum while we’re in Town.” Barbara took her turn dealing.

  Giles’ attention piqued. Would there be any paintings done by Jean Claude Pinot? He didn’t doubt his grandmother’s memory, but their lack of finding the landscape brought up a niggling question or two. “I’d love to join you. We can look for any works by Grandmother’s artist.

  Barbara clapped her hands. “What an excellent idea. Miss Minett, will you join us?”

  “That sounds delightful. Perhaps we’ll find another painting of Danby Castle. We could take your grandmama to see it.”

  Shaking his head, Giles played his next card. “She’s looking for papers behind the canvas. I don’t recommend letting Grandmother put her hands on any painting but her own. She’s so eager to find that specific painting.”

  “I wonder what can be so important for her to want it so dearly after all these years?” Tabby continued to study her cards.

  Lord Aaron took his turn. “I suggest we follow Miss Minett’s suggestion and take the dowager duchess to the museum.”

  Giles glanced at Barbara to see if she’d also caught his use of the word we. At that moment, Giles couldn’t think of anything he wanted more than for Barbara to have the love she wants.

  She was biting her lips, her face aglow, keeping her gaze on her cards.

  When the set of rounds was finished, Giles slid back his chair and stretched. “Miss Minett, will you join me in taking a turn around the room?”

  “I would enjoy that.”

  They strolled slowly, the purpose being to be together, rather than reach a location. There was enough chatter and laughter from the card tables to cover most of their conversation. “Would you care to accompany me to the theatre tomorrow evening? They are performing Mozart’s Don Giovanni.”

  He’d swear she gasped, and hoped it was in excitement, not shock. He should be the one in shock. This path he was on would lead to marriage, if he wasn’t careful.

  “I’d love to see it.” She ducked her head, her cheeks turning a pale pink.

  “I’ll suggest to Lord Aaron that he and Barbara join us.”

  “They seem quite happy together.” Tabby looked across the room where the couple enjoyed some lemonade. “I don’t understand why he hasn’t proposed. He shows a marked preference for her company over the other girls.”

  Giles chuckled. “Perhaps he has a wily old uncle threatening to drag him to the altar, too.”

  Tabby’s head snapped up, her eyes wide as she stared at him.

  Oh, Lud, he repeated made a cake of himself when he was with Tabby. “Forgive me. I never meant to imply Lord Aaron couldn’t love my sister. I obviously have Danby on my mind.”

  “You say that often, just as you say you should spend more time in Parliament. Yet you go out into Society almost every night. Perhaps when you jest at the gentlemen who actually wish to marry, you should look at your own reasons for being here.” Her words were spoken gently, but she walked away when she was done.

  Everyone kept asking why he attended all the activities he received an invitation to. Why was it so unusual for a man to do so? If all of the men who weren’t looking for a wife stayed home, there’d be no one for the young ladies to dance with. Giles was doing Society a favor by joining them.

  He wouldn’t argue there wasn’t the hidden benefit of enjoying Tabby’s company. He was growing quite fond of her. When she entered a room, he didn’t need to see her to know. He felt her presence as though she was a necessary part of him.

  Necessary.

  Such a dangerous word. A man might do something foolish when he felt a woman was necessary to his well-being. Giles was too close to that point for comfort. Without checking to be certain his mother wasn’t watching, he slipped out a side door and left the house.

  After their conversation at cards the day before, Tabby wasn’t certain whether to dress for the theatre or not. The invitation stood, as far as she knew, but the way she’d spoken to him made her unsure if Giles would ever speak to her again.

  She hadn’t been rude. She hadn’t said anything more than that he needed to consider his own motivations.

  Telling Mama was the most difficult part. “I believe I shall be attending an opera with Lord Giles and Lady Barbara tonight.”

  Mama looked up from her needlework and peered over her glasses. “How can you not be sure? Were you invited?”

  “Yes, Lord Giles asked me. Afterward we exchanged some sharp words, so I don’t know if he wishes to see me or not.”

  “He’s a gentleman, a duke’s son. He’ll follow through on his invitation.” Mama set her work aside. “The more pertinent question is if you wish to accompany him or not. It’s early enough you could send a note pleading illness.”

  Squirming under her mother’s penetrating stare, Tabby sat and picked at her fingernails. “I don’t know. When he asked me, I thought my prayers were being answered. Then he made reference to the Duke of Danby threatening him with marriage to Lady Marjory.”

  Mama smiled as sat back. “It appears I’ve missed much of what’s been taking place directly in front of me. Do tell me more.”

  For the next half-hour, Tabby gave a moment-by-moment recounting of her Season so far. “Do you see?” she asked, summing it up. “How am I supposed to behave when he pursues me and then runs he opposite direction?”

  “It’s not you he’s running from. You said it yourself when you advised him to look at his own actions. This young man is so deeply in love it terrifies him. Be patient. All will end well.”

  “How can I remain patient? He frustrates me to no end. Do I truly wish to spend my life with a man who doesn’t know his own mind?”

  Mama patted the spot beside her on the Grecian couch. With Tabby tucked under her arm, she spoke. “Very few men realize they’re in love until someone points it out to them. Sometimes it’s only when the woman in question leaves, or marries someone else, that he notices the loss. Do you love him?”

  Tabby nodded.

  “Then you’ll be bright and cheerful this evening when he and his sister arrive. He’ll come to his senses soon, and you’ll be so much happier that you waited.”

  Chapter 9

  Attending the theatre was a poor choice if one desired conversation. With Barbara and Lord Aaron seated with them in the family box, the topics remained polite, dull, unbearable. Nothing changed in Tabby’s uncertainty of Giles’ feelings for her.

  Escorting the dowager duchess to the museum in search of her painting was another matter altogether. Lord Aaron did not accompany them, so much of the conversation was carried by the ladies. Giles remained at Tabby’s side, but was unusually quiet.

  “Are you unwell?” she asked eventually.

  “I’m quite well, thank you.”

  He must be upset with what she’d said while playing cards. The necessity for quiet at the opera had masked his true feelings. She inhaled deeply to steel her nerves. “I spoke too plainly at your mother’s house. I should never have questioned your reasons for any action you take. It doesn’t concern me. Your life is yours to live.”

  He slowed, allowing his grandmother and sister to distance themselves. “No. You were right to do so. I’ve treated you such that any reasonable person would presume an attachment between us. Regardless, I consider you a friend, and a friend should speak freely when concerned about one’s behavior.”

  She studied him, the emotions she saw partially hidden beneath the stiff mask his features formed. Mama was correct. Giles was in such a puzzled state he couldn’t name all his cousins if he tried.

  Well, in his family there were so many cousins, that was a poor comparison. As a friend, her heart ached for him. As a woman, she wanted to shout the tru
th to him. Thankfully they were in a museum where she must remain quiet. “Can we put that behind us and return to the pleasant friendship we had between us? I promise not to speak of Danby again.”

  Giles chuckled. “I wish I could do the same, but he won’t be happily until every last relation is married.” He picked up his pace to catch up to his grandmother.

  “Have you seen any landscapes?” Tabby asked Barbara.

  Barbara raised an eyebrow making Tabby realize she was supposed to be admiring the same artwork.

  “I didn’t see anything familiar,” Giles said.

  His grandmother sighed. “No, it isn’t here. I must let go of the idea I might one day have it in my possession again.”

  “Don’t give up hope just yet. I haven’t looked through my entire attic. I can’t imagine it being there, but I promise to finish the search before we return to our country home.” Tabby reached out and clasped the older woman’s hand. “I still have hope, even if yours is fading.”

  As they stepped into another room, Tabby heard the familiar tone of Lady Marjory’s voice. Not the harsh, chatty way she spoke when she was with Giles, but the natural, pleasant sound of her real voice. Barbara threw her a glance, obviously hearing the same thing. They must keep Giles from learning the truth about Lady Marjory.

  “I’m rather warm,” Barbara said quickly. “You must be also, Grandmama. Shall we go to Gunter’s Tea Room for some refreshment?”

  “What a wonderful idea.” Tabby shared a conspiratorial grin with her friend.

  “Excellent, let me call for the carriage.” Giles left the room.

  Grandmother studied the girls. “Am I to receive an explanation as to what that was about?”

  “I’m thirsty,” Barbara said, her eyes widened innocently.

  “It’s very warm in here,” Tabby added.

  “You girls are scheming. I know the look. I was a girl once, myself. I’ll allow your secret as long as it won’t cause your mothers any distress.”

  Barbara winked at Tabby. “No, this is one secret that should leave mother pleased.”

  God would likely punish her for wanting to keep Giles away from Lady Marjory, but he’d finally begun to appear comfortable in Tabby’s company. If he saw Lady Marjory, he might retreat into his shell once again.

  Never before had Giles attended a musicale without being forced by Mother. This time he was eager to see Tabby. More than eager. He arrived to escort Mother and Barbara a good half-hour before he was needed. That left him pacing the drawing room for forty-five minutes, by the time both women descended the stairs.

  He straightened his waistcoat and entered the grand hallway. “Are we ready?”

  “You are eager to leave this evening.” Mother studied his face. “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing.” He held up his hands to calm her. “I’ve discovered I enjoy Society a bit more than I expected.”

  Rather than appeasing her curiosity, his answer seemed to feed it. “Is there a young lady behind this enjoyment?” She directed the question at Barbara, too.

  Barbara schooled her expression, all her features blank.

  “Why must I be interested in a lady to take pleasure in your company?”

  Mother shook her head. “You aren’t the first son I’ve raised. Do not think you can hide anything from me.”

  If events continued to go his way, she would find out soon enough what was on his mind. The kiss he’d shared with Tabby had lingered in the back of his mind, but now it was foremost in his thoughts. He hoped to do so again that very evening.

  And if Tabby allowed him another kiss he might lead their conversation in a particular direction.

  A wave of cold fear washed over him. He couldn’t be thinking of marriage. He’d rather marry Tabby than anyone…but he wasn’t ready for such a step. He lived in a gentlemen-only building. Finding a town house to let would be impossible until after the Season, but they’d wait six weeks while the banns were read so that might not be a problem.

  The cold hit him again. He was already buying a home for him and his wife, and he had yet to kiss her a second time.

  Others had married without a single kiss. They’d agreed to pre-arranged marriages such as the ones Danby claimed responsibility for. Giles wasn’t marrying Tabby to avoid Danby’s choice, was he? Would she think that if he proposed? She had every right to, given he’d asked for her assistance to avoid Lady Marjory.

  “Giles, are you coming?” Barbara stood in the doorway to the drawing room, her hands on her hips.

  “What? Oh, yes, let’s go.”

  “I believe I can guess what has you so distracted.” She grinned wickedly, like she had as a child when she was planning to tattle on him.

  He held her arm to keep her from following Mother out the door to the carriage. “Please don’t say anything. I have no idea if Tabby would consider an offer from me. I don’t want anyone making plans too soon.”

  Barbara threw herself at him in a hug, nearly sending them both tumbling to the floor. “I knew it. I knew you were right for each other.”

  “I hope Tabby feels the same.”

  Barbara only smiled and turned to leave.

  When Giles and family arrived at the home of their hosts, Tabby and her mother were already mingling. Giles watched her for a moment, which was all he could bear before making straight for her. “Mrs. Minett, Miss Minett, it’s a delight to see you.”

  Mrs. Minett lit up. It was plain to see where Tabby inherited her beauty. “Is your mother here?”

  Searching the room, he saw where she stood. “Just there. She would enjoy visiting with you.”

  Tabby watched her mother leave, then smiled at Giles. “You maneuvered that quite well.”

  He raised his brow claiming innocence. “I merely thought she’d enjoy the company of another matron.” He offered his arm and they strolled the room until the first performer was announced.

  They sat together toward the back of the room. He wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, but they couldn’t be seen doing so until after he spoke with her about their future. He didn’t want assumptions to scare her away.

  “Miss Minett?” Their hostess said when the girl playing a harp took her curtsey and returned to her seat. “Ah, there you are. Will you allow us to hear your sweet voice?”

  Tabby ducked her head but rose.

  “May I turn the pages for you?” he asked.

  “Please.”

  She truly had the sweetest voice he’d heard. Once he was late turning a page because he was too busy watching the emotion of the lyrics cross her face.

  She was beautiful. She had such a pleasant personality.

  She was perfect.

  The hosted announced intermission shortly after their song was complete.

  “Shall we have some refreshment?”

  Tabby nodded.

  “Perhaps we should take it out on the balcony.” His heart raced as he waited for her reply.

  “I would like that.”

  His chest tightened. Should he come right out and ask her there? Or simply request permission to call on her father?

  The strength it took to not pull her against him and kiss her madly left him drained. They stood close, giving him hope that she cared as much as he did. “You know I’ve grown quite fond of you.”

  She nodded.

  “I hope you feel the same way about me.”

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  Without looking to see who might be watching, he bent and gave her a chaste kiss. “You know I’ve been avoiding my uncle’s influence on my future.”

  Tabby’s brow furrowed.

  “I hadn’t given thought to my future outside being a Member of Parliament. I hope to continue to serve, but I realize many of the men there are married.”

  Tabby nodded, her eyes growing wider.

  “Would you consider…that is, may I—”

  A certain shrill voice rang out the open double doors. Lady Marjory. He couldn’t remain at the
ball. He couldn’t be in the same room as that girl.

  A metaphorical noose slipped around his neck and slowly tightened. He tugged at his cravat. What was he doing out on the balcony with Tabby? Had he really been about to ask for her hand in marriage? Had he lost all sense?

  “Excuse me, Miss Minett. I’m suddenly feeling unwell.” He bowed and fled the house.

  As Tabby lay in bed that night, she looked back on the afternoon and tried to determine where it had taken a turn for the worse. Giles had eyes only for her from the moment they first saw each other there in the music room. His nearness at the piano had made her fingers tremble enough she feared she’d strike the wrong key.

  Then on the balcony…the sweet kiss, and magical words. Exactly the words she was waiting to hear from him. She’d held her breath, scarcely believing he was about to propose.

  Then his eyes widened and he glanced over his shoulder into the music room, and ran like a terrified fawn.

  What had he heard that frightened him that way?

  The longer she thought on it, the less she cared. He couldn’t love her. Mother was wrong. His expression when he left wasn’t that of a man afraid of himself. He looked like a trapped hare.

  He didn’t love her.

  Tabby’s eyes burned. Her throat hurt even worse. Tears welled, then spilled. Unable to hold back the pain, she cried herself to sleep.

  Chapter 10

  Two mornings later, Tabby sat with a book in her hands. She couldn’t claim to be reading. She wasn’t certain there were letters on the page. Her eyes continued to burn with unshed tears.

  There was no way humanly possible she had any more tears to cry. The lump in her throat would never go away. Mother complained that if she didn’t eat soon she’d wither away.

  She rested her head on the glass above the window seat. She should send a note asking Barbara to call. Seeing her friend might cheer her.