Daring Fantasies of a Noble Lady

by Olivia Bennet

  * * *

  He arrived at the Ramsbury Mayfair residence at the dot of four p.m. and rang the bell. The door was opened immediately by the butler who seemed surprised to see him.

  “Your Grace,” he said with a bow, reaching out to take Francis’ coat.

  “I am here to see my betrothed. Would you get her for me?” He asked. The butler paled, casting about as if for something to say.

  “Well?” the Duke prompted, increasingly impatient with all this delay.

  “Your Grace, Lady Alexandra, and Lady Magdalene have left to have tea at His Grace, the Duke of Greenwick’s,” the butler said, causing Francis’ heart to sink in his chest.

  “You don't say,” he said faintly.

  “I am afraid I do, Your Grace,” the butler said looking suitably regretful, “Would you like to leave a message for her?”

  Francis shook his head, “No, it is fine. I shall see her on the morrow. Tell her to prepare to receive me for breakfast.”

  The butler’s eyebrows rose at this remark, but he merely nodded his acquiescence and fetched the Duke’s coat for him.

  Francis turned and left his mind, churning in confusion. He had to believe that there was some misunderstanding. Perhaps Greenwick was interested in Lady Alexandra’s sister, the one who had recently come out. He had heard that Greenwick was in search of a wife, and the Earl of Ramsbury’s daughter came with a good dowry. The on-dit said that Greenwick could use an infusion of cash for his properties.

  Yes, Francis decided, he must be wooing the younger Abbot daughter. He heaved a sigh of relief at having solved the mystery. No doubt Lady Alexandra’s sister was high-strung and that would account for the scene Lord Brimley had been discussing with his brother. It was nothing to do with his Alexandra. She was merely a witness to the shenanigans.

  * * *

  His aunt Sarah was wont to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Indeed, Percy was surprised that she made it through the entire cup before her head began to nod. He gently extracted the cup from her hand and placed it back on the table. Lady Alexandra and her sister were seated on the settee across from him and his brother, while his aunt Sarah had taken the armchair in between.

  Magdalene and Walter were having a lively chat about the New World and whether or not savages did actually eat the hearts of their enemies. It was hardly the most appropriate chat to be having with a lady, but they both seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely, and Percy was not the one who was going to stop them from speaking on whatever they pleased.

  Lady Alexandra's face was pink with laughter, although she did not deign to participate in the conjectures. Percy took the opportunity to just look at her and enjoy her pleasing countenance. He had thought perhaps that he would get used to her, and this visceral reaction he had to her presence would subside. Instead, it seemed to be growing every time he was with her.

  It was disconcerting yet at the same time exhilarating.

  He had seen her returning his looks, although her gaze was much more discreet. He wanted to walk over to the chaise they were sitting on and take her hand in his, kiss her knuckles, run his fingers along her palm and feel the softness of her skin. He wanted to feel the silky smoothness of her hair against his naked chest as she lay on him. He wanted the scent of her to permeate his home so that anyone who came in would know who she belonged to. He missed her even if she was just across the room from him.

  Her eyes narrowed at him as though she could read his thoughts. He hoped she could. He wanted her to see how he felt. He wanted to know if she felt the same, and if she did, what she proposed to do about her betrothal. He was open to ideas indeed, he was ready to duel if that is what it took to win her hand in marriage.

  “Your Grace, did no one tell you it is rude to stare?” Lady Magdalene’s voice cut into his thoughts.

  “Please, Lady Magdalene, call me Percy,” he said.

  Lady Magdalene’s eyebrows rose. “Really? We barely know each other.”

  “I feel like we are kindred spirits,” Percy said with a grin, “Do you not think so?”

  Lady Magdalene harrumphed, “I am not nearly as reckless as you.” she protested.

  Percy grinned, “Nobody is as reckless as I am,” he said patting his brother with the back of his palm. “Isn’t that so, brother?”

  “That is absolutely true,” Walter agreed, grinning as well, “My brother, the Impossible Duke.”

  “Is that an official title?” Lady Alexandra weighed in on their banter.

  “Indeed, it is. Bestowed on him by the Prince Regent in recognition of services to the empire,” Walter replied, and the sisters laughed.

  Percy found that he was grinning with joy. Not only was Lady Alexandra the perfect wife for him, but she got along with his brother, the most important person in his life. Her sister seemed just as important to her, and he could see that they would get along as well.

  It was fate.

  “Well, my brother likes to play the superior, but he has been my second more often than not,” Percy said with a mock sulk.

  “Oh, I have no doubt. He probably comes along to make sure that there is at least one level head in the room,” Lady Magdalene said.

  “Magda!” Lady Alexandra said widening her eyes at her sister. But Lady Magdalene just smiled impishly at her.

  “Oh, she’s right, and I think everyone in this room knows it,” Percy said with a wave of his hand. His aunt Sarah snorted awake, looked blearily around the room and then her head dropped again, eyes closed. The four of them sat in silence, just watching her for a few minutes before Percy heaved a sigh, “Would you like some more crumpets?” he asked holding out the plate.

  “I’ll have some,” Lady Magdalene said.

  “Me too,” Lady Alexandra said.

  “Yes, I’ll have some too,” Walter said.

  Percy passed the plate around as if he was a common servant, feeling well pleased with the world.

  They enjoyed their tea in companionable silence before Walter took a breath.

  “Will you be attending the Willoughby ball tonight?” he asked the girls.

  “I expect we shall. Lady Easton has secured us invitations to nigh on every function of the season.”

  “That’s good to know,” Percy murmured, his eyes on Lady Alexandra.

  “My betrothed will likely be there too,” she said, and Percy winced visibly.

  “Not for long,” he said biting into his crumpet.

  “Did you say something, Your Grace?” Lady Alexandra asked.

  “No, Madam. I did not. Are you enjoying your tea?”

  “It’s lovely,” she said.

  “Good.”

  They stared at each other, for a moment forgetting they were not alone in the room.

  “Lady Magdalene? We have an excellent rendition of colonial life in the library. Would you care to see it?”

  Lady Magdalene glanced at Lady Alexandra as if asking for permission. Lady Alexandra favored Walter with a considering stare before giving a slight nod.

  “Yes, I think I would,” Lady Magdalene said.

  Walter stood up, “Then please allow me to escort you.” He held out his arm, and she placed her hand on it as he led her out the room. Percy stood up at once and took her vacated seat.

  “I have longed to be closer to you all day,” he said.

  Lady Alexandra shook her head, pointing at his aunt.

  “She is asleep,” he said with a wave of his hand, “There is no cause for worry.”

  Lady Alexandra sighed, “What are we doing, Percy?” she asked earnestly, putting down her cup of tea and facing him.

  He shook his head, “We are...courting, I hope,” he replied.

  Lady Alexandra nodded, “Courting danger, that is true,” she said.

  Percy laughed, “Among other things.”

  He moved a little closer to her.

  “What are you doing, Percy?”

  “I just want to feel the warmth of your skin against mine. You drive me mad, my
Lady.”

  “If I am to call you Percy then you must call me Alexandra.”

  “Alright. You drive me mad, Alexandra. Your name is beautiful. Is it a family name?”

  “I do not know,” she replied, and her face was downcast.

  “Did I say something wrong?” he asked with concern.

  “No...it is just that I do not know much about my own family. My mother died birthing my sister and I hardly ever see my father. Alexandra could well be a family name, and I would not know.”

  “You could check your family records,” Percy suggested.

  Alexandra laughed, shaking her head.

  “What? Did I say something amusing?” Percy’s mouth was already curved, ready to laugh as well.

  “It is just...you miss the point.”

  Percy leaned forward, “My abject apologies. What did I say that was wrong?”

  Alexandra shrugged, “Not wrong really, just beside the point. Which was that I felt disconnected from my history and reading a few entries in a Bible was not going to change that.”

  Percy grimaced, “Ah, I see. Well...I lost my entire family too, of a contagion. So, I do understand the sense of forced detachment you feel.”

  Alexandra reached out and put a hand on his knee. Looking in his eyes, she said, “My condolences.”

  Percy reached out, covering her hand with his, “Thank you.” he said, not breaking eye contact.

  Chapter 9

  A Series of Conversations

  Alexandra felt like she was floating as they walked home. Percy had offered to avail his carriage to them, but Alexandra required time to reflect, and she felt the fresh air might be helpful. Unfortunately, there was not much thinking that she could do with Magdalene chattering away beside her. She loved her sister, she really did, but at that moment she could really have done with some peace and quiet.

  She felt just as excited as her sister did about the afternoon. But she was also despondent thinking that there was nothing that could surely come of it. Barring death or disgrace, she was honor-bound to her betrothal.

  She sighed, and Magdalene eyed her shrewdly, “It is not too late,” her sister soothed softly, “We shall find a way to convince Father that the Duke of Greenwick is the better match.”

  Alexandra snorted, “The Duke of Summerhill is established in the house. His land and property are prospering. He and Father have been friends for a long while. Their political ambitions align. How is Percy to compete with that?”

  “But you are not happy!” Magdalene protested.

  Alexandra laughed bitterly, “Your naiveté is very endearing, Magdalene, but its best that you know now; happiness is not a consideration when negotiating marriage contracts.”

  Magdalene’s face fell, “Honestly Alexandra, there's no need to be rude.”

  Alexandra put her arm around her sister’s shoulder and kissed her cheek, “‘Tis the way of the world, little sister. Protect your heart always.”

  They walked the rest of the way home in silence both of them deeply in thought.

  * * *

  Alexandra had just finished with her morning repast when the butler came in with a salver bearing The Duke of Summerhill’s calling card. Her eyebrow rose even as her heart tightened with anxiety.

  “Oh, does he wish to see me now?”

  “He awaits you in the drawing-room, my Lady.”

  Alexandra's heart almost stopped with fear. It was too much to hope for that The Duke of Summerhill was not here because he had heard something. She was well aware that they had made something of a spectacle of themselves in the square the day before.

  Rather, Percy made a spectacle of us, she thought with annoyance.

  She hastened to put on a suitable gown, made for lounging around the house but also receiving visitors. It was a sky-blue muslin confection. She liked the way the pale blue ribbons at the high waist emphasized her less than luxuriant bosom giving it some heft and weight.

  She critically examined her face in the glass and fastened her bonnet before descending to the drawing room to meet her fate. The Duke of Summerhill stood up as soon as he saw her enter, and she sketched a curtsy in return.

  “Your Grace,” she murmured softly, lowering her eyes so that her lashes brushed against her cheeks.

  He bowed to her, but his expression remained grim. Her heart sank; the suspicion that he knew was beating like a frightened bird against her breast. He gestured for her to sit and she took the settee opposite him folding her hands primly in her lap, her eyes remained downcast.

  He cleared his throat, and she risked a glance at him beneath her lashes, seeing how uncomfortable he looked. They sat in awkward silence for an interminable time before Alexandra remembered her manners and hastened to find something to talk about.

  “The weather is lovely today,” she said.

  “Indeed, it is,” The Duke replied, “Are you in flagrante with the Duke of Greenwick?”

  Alexander was startled by the suddenness of the question.

  “I-I-I beg your pardon, Your Grace?”

  “I asked if you are in flagrante with the Duke of Greenwick.”

  “How dare you?” Alexandra exclaimed face flaming.

  The Duke bowed, “My apologies, my Lady, if I have offended you. There was talk at my club about it and I knew it was most likely gammon. However, you are a green lady and perhaps easily taken in, and so I thought I should determine the veracity of the claim so I would know whether I need to call him out or not.”

  Alexandra considered fainting to get out of a reply. However, she feared that if she did, it would be all the confirmation the Duke would need to cause a terrible scandal.

  She thought about falling on his mercy; declaring that she was gulled into allowing Percy to make love to her. That option did not sit well with her, however, as Percy had been nothing but honest with her and there was no chicanery involved in their conversation.

  They had absolutely stayed within the bounds of propriety…if one discounted words of passion and searing glances that set her aflame.

  “Have you nothing to say?” Her face was contorted in fear, and she drew in a quivering breath.

  “I cannot control what others say about me, Your Grace.”

  The Duke adjusted his fob watch with painstaking care and then adjusted his quizzing glass to peer at her, “Yes, but you can control how you comport yourself, my Lady. I fear you have fallen short if accounts of such distasteful rencontre abound.”

  Alexandra blanched at this, “You go too far, Your Grace!” she cried, though her hands were shaking with reaction. She had no guilt about her dealings with Percy. They had not broken the spirit of her betrothal, and there was no contract yet signed. That she wished to break the betrothal was purely a matter of conjecture at this point, and the Duke had no right to rail at her in this manner. Alexandra would not stand for it.

  She stood up, back ramrod straight and stiff upper lip in place, “I am afraid I must ask you to leave, Your Grace,” she snapped.

  The Duke adjusted his fob again looking like he might mutinously ignore her declaration.

  “I mean it, Your Grace. I cannot in good conscience allow you to speak to me in such a way,” Alexandra growled, her flaming face a testament to her ire.

  The Duke got to his feet with a sigh and bowed deeply to her, “My apologies, my Lady. I…overstepped my bounds. Do forgive me.”

  The Duke looked genuinely contrite, and Alexandra relaxed her stance for she would allow that he did indeed have a reason for annoyance. It was time to placate him as best she could.

  “I accept your apology, Your Grace. Will you have tea with me?” Her face softened and she smiled at him.

  “I should like nothing more, but I am expected at the House and cannot tarry,” the Duke said stiffly. Alexandra suspected he was not quite as placated as she might like him to be.

  She sighed, hoping he would not take his grievances to her father. The Earl would have them married in a trice if he thought the
re was any chance that her reputation might be ruined.

  She felt her knees go weak and she sat back down quickly lest she fall. This game she was playing could not go on for much longer. She would need to sever ties with Percy or else break her betrothal.

  “Very well, Your Grace. I am feeling a little faint so I will not see you out.”

  Francis took her hand and bowed over it, touching his lips softly to her gloved hand, “Indeed, I will let you lie down now. I expect I shall see you at Lady Mayfair’s supper party.”

  “Indeed, you shall, Your Grace. I look forward to our evening.”

  “I hope you will grant me the honor of the first dance?” the Duke said, still keeping hold of her hand even as he straightened up.

  Alexandra smiled politely, “I would be most pleased,” she said.

  The Duke nodded his thanks and then took his leave, leaving Alexandra in a tizzy. She wheeled around, hurrying toward the door, calling for her sister.

  “What? What has happened? Where is the fire?” Magdalene asked hurrying down the stairs.

  “H-he…h-he knows,” Alexandra breathed.

  Magdalene’s face paled. “Who? Knows what?” she asked nevertheless.

  “Oh, don’t be a ninny. You know who! You know what. We are ruined!” Alexandra wailed.

  “Xandra, calm down,” Magdalene said putting a quelling hand on Alexandra’s wrist. “Come let us walk in the garden, away from listening ears.”

  Alexandra nodded jerkily, allowing her sister to lead her outside. There was a light drizzle, but even without parasols, they braved the weather anyway, moving toward the gazebo at the bottom of the garden. Alexandra’s racing heart slowed down as they walked, and the brisk wind on her face cleared her mind. “What are we to do?” she asked her sister.

  Magdalene shook her head, “It is a curious position we occupy where we must patiently wait upon the men to do as they will. Your Percy will go to our father and offer his suit. Father will either listen or reject him. Then you have the choice of running off to Gretna Green or accepting your fate and marrying the Duke of Summerhill. I cannot tell you which to choose, dear Xandra, for both have incumbent consequences.”