by Fiona Miers
The door opened and Elizabeth entered. She wore her red cloak securely wrapped around her shoulders and held her satin gloves.
“Sister, what are you still doing here? I was under the impression you and William had left already.”
“We both are fully aware of how William can take his time with things. Such a tedious man,” Elizabeth sighed. “It is no wonder Mother complained about his birth. It lasted nearly two days.”
James glanced at his sister in slight amusement, still recalling the stormy night his younger brother eventually came into the world. He had believed it was the ugliest baby he had ever seen, and even the horses’ foals were much more handsome than William.
“Will you be well here on your own?” Elizabeth asked, causing James’s nostalgic thoughts to evaporate before him.
“I live at the estate by myself, why would I not be well?”
Elizabeth stared at him, “Because today is no ordinary day, brother. Today you will finally meet with Kitty, your betrothed, your companion for the rest of your life.”
“Must you make it sound so dramatic?” James asked, rolling his green eyes at her.
“You’ve resided at this estate in isolation for too long, and it will be a big adjustment to have someone else here. Will she be allowed into your chambers?”
James gasped, shocked at his sister’s question. “I hardly think that is appropriate.”
“You and I both know how private you are, brother. I am merely wondering if this marriage will encourage you to open yourself up to more,” Elizabeth pointed out, as she fiddled with her gloves. “I feel a small sadness for the young woman. It must be difficult to uproot oneself and settle in a foreign place with someone whom she does not even know.”
James stared wordlessly at Elizabeth and shifted his weight in discomfort. Before he was able to respond, his sister spoke once more.
“But perhaps this was why Lord Dunne arranged this meeting between you and the lady, to set her at ease before being thrown to the wolves.”
“And what do you mean by that, sister?” James asked in annoyance.
“As I mentioned before, James, the Seymour blood flows strongly in your veins, and that means you are stubborn and unwavering. In most cases that is a positive trait, but do not overdo it,” Elizabeth suggested.
“I cannot promise anything,” he said.
“James, she is your betrothed, and although it is an arrangement made by both you and Lord Dunne, you agreed to it. Promise me that you will at least make an effort to make this young woman feel welcome and comfortable,” Lizzie urged.
“As I said, I promise—”
“I see you are making promises again, brother,” William interrupted as he entered the study, possessing the confidence the James wished he had.
William appeared comfortable in any given situation, perhaps as a result of not being required to follow in their father’s footsteps. Or perhaps his confidence sprouted from his dashing looks. William and he differed not only in personality and demeanour, but also in their features.
James had dark hair and green eyes, as opposed to William, who was fair with blue eyes. William was also taller and leaner than James, which made the older of the two feel incompetent at times. He was the eldest but appeared younger than William, which had its own set of disadvantages and problems.
However, James could do nothing to change the situation and had simply learned to live with it.
“William, I see you have finally graced us with your presence,” Elizabeth said as she slipped on her gloves. “Shall we go? The carriage is waiting downstairs.”
“Are we leaving our dear brother to his own devices?” William grinned in amusement. “Or are you ashamed of your siblings? Or perhaps it is your bride—”
“William, that is quite enough,” Elizabeth interjected.
“Do not speak for me, Lizzie,” James said, annoyance eminent in his tone. “This arrangement was drawn up between Lord Dunne and me, and it will remain between the both of us. There is no need to attempt to make me feel guilty for not inviting either one of you. It is clear that you find this amusing and continue to mock me for choices I am forced to make.”
William’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, then he turned swiftly and exited the study. Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and turned to James. “I apologize—”
“Not on his behalf, sister,” James said as he raised his hand.
Lizzie’s lips twisted up a little. “Would you escort me to the carriage?”
“Of course.”
Lizzie flashed him a brief smile and they quietly left the study. Not a single word was exchanged as they made their way down the long corridor and through the great hall. Maidservants still scurried about, carrying large vases with flowers and James sighed.
“I should be grateful for all the staff’s efforts, but I cannot help but feel as though I am backed into a corner, sister,” James admitted as he opened the front door for his baby sister.
They stepped out into the clear June morning and James inhaled slowly.
“At least it is a beautiful morning to be backed into a corner, brother,” Elizabeth pointed out, then turned to him. “James, do not fret. You have always been a man of impeccable taste and your choices had never come back to haunt you. You will be fine. And I have heard many wonderful things about Kitty.”
“You have? When?”
“I have my sources,” Elizabeth winked at him. “For now, I must go before William orders the coachman to leave without me.”
“Thank you for the encouragement,” James said, sincerely and gratefully.
“You are most welcome. I will see you at dinner.” Elizabeth placed her hand briefly on James’s shoulder before making her way to the carriage, where their brother waited for her.
James watched as she climbed onto the vehicle and waved at him as they rolled out of the estate grounds. He stood perfectly still until the carriage was entirely out of sight and sighed wearily.
“Your Grace,” he heard behind him, and he slowly turned.
Roland, James’s most trusted manservant, stood on the cobblestones.
“Roland.”
“Pardon the intrusion, Your Grace, but breakfast is served on the terrace.”
“Thank you, Roland. I will be there shortly.”
“Very well, Your Grace,” Roland said with a nod. As he turned away, James called him back.
“Roland?”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Have you seen Kitty, perchance?”
“Indeed I have, Your Grace.”
“What can I expect?” James inquired, and shifted his weight.
“It is not my place to say, or to judge a young woman solely by her looks, and not knowing her in the least, but she is beautiful, and a fine young woman to have as Your Grace’s wife,” Roland answered politely. “The maid who tended to her this morning speak very fondly of her as well.”
Relied swept through James’s chest, loosening the tightness around his heart. “That is indeed good to hear, Roland. Thank you.”
Roland bowed his head. “It is indeed my pleasure, as always, Your Grace.”
3
Kitty’s heart pounded in her chest as she seated herself between her mother and father on the terrace. It was a magnificent day, the bright blue sky clear of any clouds, and the cheerful singing of birds from afar eased the nervous tension Kitty felt between her shoulders.
Within a few moments she would meet the Duke of Somerset, the man her parents had arranged for her to marry.
The man to whom her mother and father expected her to be polite despite the feelings of dread inside her heart. How would she keep up appearances as a delighted young woman who would soon be the Duchess of Somerset?
But she must do it. There was no other alternative. Never in her entire life had she rebelled against her father’s wishes, however being fully aware of her family’s financial situation, she had no choice but to ensure her family’s survival, even i
f it was at the risk of her own happiness.
Kitty straightened her shoulders as she noticed her mother’s glare of disapproval from the corner of her eye and inhaled slowly through her mouth.
Footsteps sounded from inside the manor house, slowly closing in, in perfect tempo with her pounding heart.
As she turned her head towards the door, her mother and father rose to their feet and she followed suit. Kitty glanced at the door as the duke stepped into the bright sunlight.
Goodness…
His chiselled jawline was much stronger and more masculine than she’d expected, and with his dark brown hair, he was certainly a very handsome man. His posture and his broad shoulders spoke of a man filled with pride.
Something flared in Kitty’s belly as she stared into his green eyes.
He was not what she’d been expecting at all.
“Your Grace,” Lord and Lady Dunne greeted the Duke politely.
“Lord and Lady Dunne,” the Duke greeted in return. “Welcome to Woodlock Manor. I do apologize for our brief encounter last evening. I had matters that required my attention.”
“There is no need for you to explain, nor apologize, Your Grace,” Lady Dunne said quickly.
Kitty watched as her father and the duke shook hands and as he walked to his seat, there was another flutter in her stomach. Something stirred inside her as his gaze met hers, but much to her dismay, his jaw clenched and Kitty was certain she noticed a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
“Your Grace, may I introduce my daughter, Kitty,” Lord Dunne said proudly.
Kitty forced a smiled to her face and leaned on the manners she’d been taught since the cradle. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. My parents have told me much about you.”
“Indeed, my lady,” the Duke answered as he stood at the head of the table, waiting for them to be seated.
Kitty sat, along with her parents, unease rippling over her skin.
“Your estate is magnificent, Your Grace,” Lady Dunne said with a warm smile. “I’ve not seen anything quite like it before.”
The Duke glanced at Lady Dunne for a moment and nodded. “It has been in my family for generations, and it will continue to be the gem of Somerset, as it is often referred to.”
“One can certainly see why. The gardens are beautiful,” Lady Dunne sighed dreamily.
“The gardens were my father’s pride and joy, God rest his soul.”
Lord and Lady Dunne nodded quietly, and the maidservants stepped out onto the terrace carrying trays of food for them all.
Kitty felt the need to speak, as she had not yet done so, but she could not think of anything to say. She wished to know more of the enigmatic duke, but her words failed her.
“Did you find your chambers well-suited, Lady Kitty?” the Duke asked suddenly.
“Indeed, thank you, Your Grace. It has a delightful view of the meadow,” Kitty answered. “I would love to see more of the estate if that suits Your Grace.”
“All in due time, my dear,” Lady Dunne interjected and chuckled nervously. “My daughter is enamoured with being out of doors. It is the strangest thing.”
“And why is that, my lady?” James asked.
“It is her father’s influence, as—”
“My question was, in fact, directed at, Lady Kitty,” James interjected.
Kitty’s jaw dropped, as not a soul on earth had ever dared to speak to her mother in such a manner. It was certainly bold, but also rather disrespectful.
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace,” Lady Dunne said softly as she reached for her tea cup.
The duke glanced expectantly at Kitty, who had not an inkling of what to say. “I am my father’s only daughter—and child—for that matter, Your Grace, and we have a very close-knit relationship. He taught me many things, and we share mutual interests. Such as our love for nature and horses.”
“Is that not rather improper of a young lady such as yourself?” the duke asked.
Kitty narrowed her eyes at the impertinent man before her. “Perhaps, according to you, and my mother, of course. But who are you to judge a person without knowing her first, Your Grace?”
Beside her, Lady Dunne choked on her tea and Kitty broke her icy stare away from the duke.
“You should not drink so fast, Mother,” Kitty whispered.
“My sincerest apologies, Your Grace. My daughter—”
“Your daughter clearly is not aware to whom she speaks, and in such a disrespectful manner as well. Lord Dunne, I was under the impression your daughter was polite and timid.”
Kitty glanced at the duke incredulously, but rather than speaking freely again, she lowered her gaze. “My sincerest apology, Your Grace. I meant no disrespect.”
The duke glanced at her for a moment and his jaw eased.
Kitty spent the duration of the meal on the terrace in silence, as she was well aware that as soon as she stepped into her bedchamber she would be confronted by her mother.
Kitty had no desire to listen to her mother’s haranguing regarding her behaviour, despite being aware she was the one at fault.
At times, Kitty felt she was a constant disappointment to her mother. In the past her mother’s attitude had seemed un-just, but now… she knew she would truly be a disappointment to her mother if she did something to jeopardize the arrangement made between her father and James, not to mention her family would be ruined.
After they had finished their lovely meal, Kitty noticed the duke glanced at her and she straightened her shoulders. The tension was evident, and much to her relief, the countess spoke first.
“Perhaps we should take a stroll through the gardens to allow the duke and Kitty to get better acquainted,” Lady Dunne suggested to Lord Dunne.
“Or perhaps he can show our dearest daughter the gardens. It is such a lovely day,” Lord Dunne countered. “But only if it pleases you, Your Grace.”
The duke glanced briefly at Lord Dunne before turning his attention to Kitty. “Indeed, it would suit me. After all, we are to be married, and what better way to get to know one another than to take a simple stroll through the estate gardens?”
Kitty noticed the underlying sarcasm in his tone but did not utter a word. The duke stood from his chair and held out his hand to her.
She took it and allowed him to help her to stand, then kept a hold of his hand while they slowly made their way to the stone steps that led to the path leading to the gardens.
“Behave as I expect you to, Kitty,” her mother admonished as Kitty stood from her seat.
Kitty had not expected her mother and father to allow her to take a stroll with the duke without a chaperone, but she was certainly not about to question their decision. She made her way towards the steps, slowly descended them, and glanced at the handsome duke.
He stood at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes focused intently on her. Despite his striking gaze, there was a softness present that somehow eased Kitty and made her feel even more nervous simultaneously.
“This way,” the duke said simply, and Kitty followed him to a stone path, which led to a large circular shaped hedge.
“Your Grace, I wish to apologize once more for what I said. I did not mean to be blunt and rude,” Kitty apologized sincerely. “I am not quite certain why I said those words—”
“Yet you did, the first time we met.”
“It was a momentary lapse of judgment, but if I may be so bold as to say, you were rather oafish yourself, Your Grace,” Kitty explained.
“I am the Duke of Somerset, and a Seymour, which is one of the wealthiest families in the county, if not England. Surely my title must create a certain authoritative response.”
“Neither power, nor money can ensure respect, Your Grace,” Kitty pointed out, “with all due respect to you and your family.”
The duke stared at her for a moment. “I must admit, my lady, you are not what I imagined you would be.”
“I will graciously accept that compliment,”
Kitty answered.
“It was not intended as such.”
Kitty stared at the duke in disbelief and lowered her gaze immediately. She could not stand the arrogance of this man and was not certain whether she would be mentally prepared to endure him for the rest of her life.
Although Kitty could not deny the duke was handsome, a pleasant appearance certainly did not mask his arrogance or inconsiderate nature.
“I am who I am, Your Grace. Despite my mother wishing I were a different person, I cannot change whom I am without betraying myself.”
There was a long, drawn-out pause before the duke said, “To thine own self be true.”
Kitty looked up, surprised by his words. “Indeed.”
“What is your favourite thing to do, my lady?” James inquired.
“As strange as it may seem to Your Grace, I spent much of my time at my father’s stable.”
James glanced at her with shock, an expression she’d come to expect from people.
Undeterred, she continued, “I adore horses. Even from a very young age. I was five years old when my father taught me to ride, and I have loved it ever since,” Kitty sighed dreamily, but soon realized how foolish she sounded. Or was it that she only felt foolish in the presence of the Duke of Somerset?
The duke was a sophisticated man with mature thoughts, and her own words seemed rather juvenile in comparison.
As a member of such an important and influential family and having such an esteemed title, the duke had been forced into a world where he could not enjoy the things he loved and had to fulfil his family’s destiny as best he could.
“I have a stable full of fine steppers as well,” he said suddenly.
“You do, Your Grace?”
With a property of this size, Kitty of course had assumed he would, however she hadn’t been sure if he would share such knowledge with her.
“Indeed. I have many horses in my stable, but I rarely get the opportunity to ride them.”
“You ride as well?” Kitty asked with a happy grin.
“Most likely not as well as you do, my lady.”
There was a rather friendly tone in the statement, almost as though he were teasing her.
