“I am most certainly not an expert in the matter of love or courting, my lady, but my father had taught me that honesty is the most important trait of all. People appreciate honesty,” Bethany uttered supportively.
“Your father sounds very much like my father, Miss Wilkes,” Lady Emmeline said. “He speaks those same words, and he also appreciates honesty more than anything.”
“Our fathers would be a grand pair indeed,” Miss Wilkes giggled.
“As we are, my dear friend,” Emmeline said and giggled in return.
“Now, shall we return to the matter at hand.”
“I suspected as much,” Emmeline sighed happily.
“Lord Markham is certainly not leaving, nor is he ill. In fact, he all but asked for your hand," Miss Wilkes squealed. "See, his parting words meant nothing terrible. Perhaps it was a slip of his tongue, although that is difficult to believe after what he had said to you today.”
“Oh, I hope you are correct. I do believe he has taken my heart," Lady Emmeline declared.
“By looking at him, and the twinkle he had in his eyes for you, and the mere fact that he could hardly tear his eyes away from my lady, I do believe my lady had taken his.”
A broad smile formed on Lady Emmeline’s lips, and she uttered, rather breathlessly, “I do hope so. He is such a wonderful and kind man.”
“Not to mention handsome and charming,” Bethany gushed. “You and Lord Markham will make the most beautiful babies.”
Lady Emmeline giggled, and for a moment her entire life, and her future with Lord Markham flashed before her eyes. She envisioned herself being married to him at a beautiful chapel bursting with flowers, becoming Lady Markham and standing next to their five children, all in a row and dressed alike. Shivers of delight spun through her, and she lifted her hands to her lips and sighed dreamily.
Her delight was short-lived as a dark shadow cast over her and Miss Wilkes
"Well, well," a gruff voice said from behind her, causing her to startle and bump into Miss Wilkes. "Fancy meeting you here, Lady Emmeline,” he rumbled.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Skeffington. I did not hear your arrival,” Lady Emmeline greeted him curtly as she straightened herself. “I came close to knocking Miss Wilkes to the ground.”
"Indeed. I was just thinking of our dances and how light you are on your feet. It is a pleasant surprise to see you wandering the park. You as well, Miss Wilkes,” Mr. Skeffington replied.
“We seem to be meeting everyone from the ball here today. It is very unusual, to say the least,” Bethany said with a smile.
“Indeed, I saw Lord Markham riding off. Was he bothering you ladies? I can keep him away if you would like,” he announced. His eyes had lost their sparkle and became intense.
"Not at all. We quite liked our conversation with the lord. He was a bright spot in our day. Do not trouble yourself. We are more than fine,” Emmeline said.
"As you wish. I will continue my tour of the park and leave you to your girlish secrets. I shall see you again soon," he promised.
"He is so handsome," Bethany proclaimed. "He is interested in you, my lady."
"His interests are not returned, I assure you,” Lady Emmeline said curtly. “I had thought he was an option until I danced with Lord Markham. Now, I know where my interest is meant to be. Mr. Skeffington will find another. He is a charmer, after all."
"I would welcome his attention," Bethany admitted. "His very presence is overwhelming."
Lady Emmeline was gobsmacked at this revelation from Miss Wilkes, and she asked, "Have you already forgotten Mr. Maples? And what of the altercation I mentioned?"
"Mr. Maples is a lovely man, very forthright and honest. He is kind and steadfast. It would be best for me to choose him. I do care for him, a lot actually,” Miss Wilkes admitted, but a twinkle in her eye appeared as she turned and gazed back at Mr. Skeffington who made his way along the pathway in the opposite direction. “Yet, Mr. Skeffington is exciting in a way that calls out to me. I know he would never look at me twice, but it is ever so nice to dream.”
“Sometimes, it is best that our dreams not come true. There is something in his eyes that scares me. It sounds rather silly, I know. He just seemed different today. It may be due to how besotted I am over my sweet Lord Markham,” Lady Emmeline said in a low tone, almost afraid that someone may overhear.
“Do you truly think that of Mr. Skeffington?” Bethany asked.
“I truly do, Miss Wilkes. There is something about him which does not sit well with me,” Emmeline stated, and the pair came to an earnest halt. Emmeline turned to her friend and said, “He makes me feel a sort of distrust which I have never felt before, as if he is hiding something, or pretends to be someone he is not.”
“Perhaps he is trying too hard to impress you,” Miss Wilkes suggested.
“No, it cannot be that. Truth be told, I would not wish to be with someone like that. I prefer honesty, and Mr. Skeffington does not give me that impression.”
The mere thought of Mr. Skeffington sent shivers down her spine, and she shrugged her shoulders.
“Perhaps we could speak of something else, my lady,” Bethany said as she noticed Lady Emmeline’s discomfort.
“I would very much like that, Miss Wilkes,” Lady Emmeline said, as the two young women continued their stroll through Hyde Park, followed closely by their maids.
8
Emmeline glanced through the window for the hundredth time the following afternoon, hoping to see Lord Markham’s coach appear in front of the estate, but much to her dismay, it had not. She paced the length of the parlor, and of course, the stomping of her feet had attracted the attention of the duchess.
“What is that incessant noise, Emmeline?” the duchess asked, as she entered the room.
Lady Emmeline came to a complete stop and glanced at her mother, her hands clasped together. “Has he arrived?”
“Of whom do you speak, child?” the duchess asked with a furrowed brow.
“Lord Markham is due to arrive at any moment,” Lady Emmeline answered.
“Oh, yes. I recall you mentioning it. The marquess will not stumble over his own feet, will he?” the duchess muttered.
“Mother, I would greatly appreciate it if you were not rude or uncouth towards Lord Markham. He is a lovely and kind man, and you will not treat him otherwise,” Emmeline gently ordered. Her anxious feelings were showing quite prominently and the duchess seemed surprised by this.
“There is no need to speak to me in such a tone,” the duchess replied haughtily.
“My apologies, Mother. I did not mean to offend you or show you any disrespect. I am merely feeling nervous,” Lady Emmeline apologized.
“What on earth are you feeling nervous for, my dearest?” the duke asked, as he entered the parlor.
“Lord Markham is visiting this afternoon,” the duchess replied before Emmeline was able to.
“Oh, how wonderful. It will be delightful to have another man at the estate with whom I can converse,” the duke said happily. “Not that I do not find your company a delight as well, my dears, but a man can only withstand so much talk of balls, gowns, and other lady things.”
“You are forgiven, Father,” Emmeline said, “and thank you for allowing Lord Markham to visit the estate.”
“It is only my pleasure. Your happiness is what matters most,” the duke said and bowed elegantly.
Footsteps from the hallway announced the arrival of a maidservant, and Lady Emmeline turned around to face the door.
“Your Graces, my lady, Lord Markham has arrived. He is waiting for you in the great hall,” the maidservant announced.
“Thank you,” Lady Emmeline said with much excitement and glanced at her father. “Would you care to meet him, Father, or shall we exchange pleasantries at a later stage?”
“Now is as good a time as any,” the duke said and led the way for Lady Emmeline, glancing at the duchess. “Will you join us, dear?”
“Only if I am not i
n any danger of being trampled,” the duchess replied dryly.
Lady Emmeline scoffed, but paid no attention to the duchess, although inwardly she prayed that her mother would not cause her, or Lord Markham any embarrassment.
As Emmeline approached the great hall with her father walking in step with her, she saw Lord Markham, standing in front of one of the portraits of the duke’s father. The late duke was a stern man, with a strong jaw, much like her father, but the stagnant eyes cut deeper than the duke’s ever would. Lady Emmeline was grateful that her father was a kinder soul than the late duke, but she did long for her grandfather’s voice and deep throaty laugh at times. She was only eight years of age when he passed, but she still felt the empty space in her heart for him.
Lord Markham must have heard their footsteps, and he slowly turned, causing Emmeline to feel rather lightheaded. He was even more handsome than she recalled, and she inhaled slowly through her nose.
“My lord,” Emmeline uttered breathlessly but with a wide smile.
“My lady, you look as beautiful as ever,” Lord Markham rebutted.
“Your words are kind,” Lady Emmeline shrugged and turned to her parents. “I would like to introduce my lord to my father, His Grace, the Duke of Bedford.”
The duke held out his hand towards Lord Markham and smiled politely.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” Lord Markham greeted as he shook his hand in a very curt and manly manner.
The shift in power was not lost on Lady Emmeline, and she was well aware that men had a tendency to struggle for dominance among other men, so she paid them little notice. She was however transfixed on Lord Markham, who wore a sapphire blue waistcoat, which contrasted sublimely with his brown eyes and onyx hair.
She studied his face, wishing to memorize it perfectly, even in this short time. The angle of his jaw, the dimple in his cheek as he smiled modestly and the manner in which the corners of his eyes would wrinkle when he did.
“I have heard many things about you, my lord,” the duke said.
“Your Grace has?” Lord Markham seemed surprised by this.
“Of course. My daughter tells me everything. She also complimented you on your dancing,” the duke said.
Lord Markham chuckled in amusement and shook his head. “Your Grace, it is I who must compliment her. She is a marvelous dancer.”
“That would be due to me,” the duchess, who had been quiet until now, interjected, “not that Emmeline cares.”
“My lord, forgive me, this is my lovely mother, Her Grace, the Duchess of Bedford,” Lady Emmeline said with a forced smile.
“Enchanted,” the duchess said stiffly.
The duke cleared his throat and suggested, “Perhaps you and Lord Markham would care to take a stroll in the gardens while the duchess and I prepare for dinner. You will join us, my lord?”
Lady Emmeline’s brows raised as she glanced briefly at her father, surprised that he would so courteously invite Lord Markham to join their family for dinner, but she was also ecstatic that he had done so.
“Certainly, if that pleases my lady,” Lord Markham answered.
“A blind man can see it pleases my daughter,” the duke replied and winked at Emmeline. “The garden is lovely this time of the year.”
“And his lordship and I are allowed to stroll through the garden unchaperoned?” Emmeline asked.
“From what you have told me about Lord Markham,” the duke said, as he stepped closer to Lord Markham, glaring at him with narrowed eyes for a moment, “I have no reason to believe that you will be unsafe, and you will be treated as if I were standing beside him.” The stern expression on his face remained there for a moment longer, and the duke said, “Do not make me regret my decision, my lord.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Lord Markham stumbled over his words as the duke and duchess turned away, leaving them be in the great hall.
Lady Emmeline glanced at a nervous Lord Markham and chuckled. “Do not fear my father. He may give you the impression that he would murder you in your sleep, but he is kind and gentle.”
“He does hide it very well,” Lord Markham muttered.
Lady Emmeline chuckled once more and led him through the great hall and out onto the terrace. There was a set of stone stairs leading down to a pathway which would lead them directly to the gardens.
As Lady Emmeline and Lord Markham stepped through the iron gates of the entrance to the garden, Lady Emmeline noticed her mother and father through the large window of the parlor, and she simply smiled. She appreciated the fact that her father trusted her enough to stroll around the estate gardens without a chaperone, but also found the fact that they were still protective of her very endearing.
Emmeline gazed out in front of her as she and Lord Markham strolled along the path and she said quietly, “My father means no harm. He merely tested whether you would stand your ground.”
“Did I pass his test, as it would be a crying shame if I did not?” Lord Markham said.
“I am not certain. He does not reveal the results of any of his test subjects,” Lady Emmeline answered.
“You make it sound very clinical,” Lord Markham scowled.
“I was merely joking,” Emmeline shrugged. “But my father is harmless, I assure you.”
“That is quite the relief. I was afraid he and I may have to duel.”
Emmeline glanced at him in utter surprise. “You are able to duel?”
“This surprises my lady?” Lord Markham asked.
“It certainly does, but it should not. You are filled with surprises as I learn more about you,” Emmeline pointed out.
Lord Markham’s lips curled into a content smile and he glanced around him at the beautiful garden which they strolled through.
Green-hedged columns surrounded the grounds, with pristinely pruned trees and shrubs. The rose bushes flourished and the sweet scent of the roses filled the warm summer air. A light breeze swept the tendrils of Lady Emmeline’s hair against her face and her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight.
“I should also apologize for my mother. She is rather rash and abrupt at times,” Lady Emmeline explained.
“There is no need to explain. Your mother seems delightful, despite being abrupt,” Lord Markham defended.
Emmeline scoffed loudly and shook her head. “Let us speak of other things.”
“Very well. Does my lady know how to duel?” Lord Markham asked with a grin.
Lady Emmeline giggled and shook her head. “I may be nimble and graceful on my feet, but not with a sword in my hand. I have neither the hand-eye coordination nor the skills to master that. I fear I might pierce myself instead of my opponent.”
“Perhaps my lady may allow me to teach you one day,” Lord Markham offered.
“That is a splendid idea, my lord,” Emmeline answered.
“And perhaps you can teach me how to be as graceful on my feet as you are on the dance floor,” Lord Markham said.
“There is no fault in your ability to sweep me off my feet, my lord. You did so quite well,” Lady Emmeline answered too quickly. She feared she may have spoken too freely, but the satisfied smile on Lord Markham’s face proved she did not speak out of turn.
“You truly are an exceptional dancer, my lady,” he said.
They continued to stroll the gardens until sunset, speaking of their childhoods, their dreams, and their interests.
As they neared the entrance of the garden where they had entered hours prior, a young manservant approached them, and Emmeline smiled.
“My lady, my lord,” the manservant said with a polite nod. “His Grace requests your presence in the dining hall.”
“Has dinner been served? I did not realize it was so late,” Lady Emmeline gasped. “Have my mother and father been waiting long?”
“Not at all, my lady. His Grace merely sent me to inform my lady that dinner will be served shortly and my lady and my lord may make your way to the dining hall.”
“Thank yo
u, Thomas,” Lady Emmeline said with a smile.
“Shall we, my lady?” Lord Markham said and motioned towards the stairs which led up to the terrace.
Lord Markham sat down to the evening meal at the long, dark wood table in the midst of the dining hall. The long table was adorned with gold-rimmed china and crystal glasses. The Duke of Bedford was at the head of the table, his wife on his right side and Lady Emmeline on his left. They often disregarded propriety for convenience, as the conversation would prove to be impossible with the duchess at the far end of the table and Emmeline in the center. It did not even bother Lord Markham in the least, despite being seated beside the duchess.
The dining hall was magnificent, and Lord Markham had taken a moment to breathe it all in. Gold and silver filigree adorned the top edge of the walls. An ancient tapestry, handed down through the generations, hung behind the duke. It depicted a battle, which Lord Markham found rather fascinating, but it was rather inappropriate to grace a dining hall. Lord Markham wondered whether Lady Emmeline would also think such things, but he did not dare ask her. Lord Markham was a guest in their home and he did not wish to offend either the duke, or the duchess, and more importantly, Emmeline.
“How did you find the gardens, my lord?” the duke asked while they consumed their meal. “Our family gardener ensures it is kept in pristine condition.”
“The garden is a true wonder, Your Grace,” Lord Markham answered, and smiled slightly. “Although I must admit, I did not pay too much attention to the flowers.”
Lady Emmeline’s cheeks colored, and she lowered her gaze.
“An honest answer is the best answer. I appreciate and respect your honesty, my lord,” the duke chuckled. “If I may ask, what is your intention with my daughter?”
“Father,” Lady Emmeline warned.
“It is quite alright, my lady,” Lord Markham said to Lady Emmeline. “I do not mind answering His Grace’s question. It is a perfectly valid one as well.”
The duke’s stern expression softened and awaited Lord Markham’s response.
“Your Graces,” Lord Markham said and cleared his throat. “I may not be as graceful on a dance floor as Emmeline, or as confident as I wish I could be, but I am a good man, or so I have been told, and I would go to the ends of the earth for your daughter. She occupies my thoughts more than I would care to admit.”
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 88
