“When are we going to announce the engagement?” she asked suddenly.
“I am planning a party. It will be two days hence at my place.” He’d originally thought a week, but found he didn’t want to wait. Now to tell everyone else involved. His mother would have a fit. He grinned. His mother would also make sure that the who’s who of society would be there. He’d remind her that it was a good chance to introduce his sister to more eligible men.
“Which is?”
He grinned. “A few houses down.”
Her mouth opened in an O, but she didn’t say a word.
“Is there a problem?”
“You’re that duke? The Duke of Canterbury? One of the oldest noble lines in England?”
He frowned. The way she said almost made it sound a problem. “Yes.”
“You can’t marry me. I’m—”
“The daughter of an earl of a respected family name.”
Her hand trembled in his where he still held it from helping her down. “It is too late to back out now,” he said. “I won’t allow you to, especially if the reason is you think you are not good enough. You are exactly the sort of wife I have been searching for.”
“I am?”
The incredulity in her tone amused him, and he laughed. “Just believe me. I have not made it to this age avoiding the marriage mart by becoming engaged to just anybody.”
She gave him a sideways smile and looked pleased. He didn’t have a chance to clarify if he read her right, because they’d made it to the front door and the very efficient Jacob had answered.
“Please tell the earl that I am here and wish to speak with him,” he told Jacob.
Lillian gave him a searching look, but he just whispered in her ear, “Trust me, and whatever you do, don’t go anywhere alone, even in the house. Keep Janice by your side until your lady’s maid shows up.”
She nodded, and her and Janice went upstairs. One step of his plan down, next, to make the father see reason.
“Canterbury,” the earl said as he strode toward him. “Come into my study.”
“Lamberth.” Clarence followed him through the house to a smaller room in darker shades of cherry wood and dark leather. Books lined the walls, and a lamp sat on the desk. He was impressed by the ambience, and it gave him hope that the father was indeed different than the son.
“I have a favor to ask,” Clarence began. He watched the earl’s face close up and wondered at it, but continued. “I want you to ensure that Lillian is never left alone with her brother. That either you or your wife are always in residence if she is, or someone of equal or higher rank than Robert is around.”
“That’s a cheeky request, and rather odd, I might add.”
But not surprising. Interesting. “Hmmm. After he abandoned her, I do not think he can be trusted to want what’s best for Lillian. Do you?” He kept his voice deliberately mild, easing back into the chair and crossing his ankle over the opposite knee.
The earl sat back in his own chair and steepled his fingers. “I’d like to work up some indignation; however, I know too well my son’s weaknesses. I’ve tried to keep him from her as often as possible, but sometimes, Robert is the only chaperone available. It is the reason I hired a lady’s maid for her.”
“Which is well and good, but you’ve not answered me. Will you grant me this favor?” This time, he allowed some of the steel he was known for in business to penetrate his tone.
“I will see to it,” Lamberth agreed. “He leaves for the country in the morning. I will have a second carriage here by then.”
“Good.” He stood up and pulled his jacket down and forward with a snap. “Oh, and it might interest you to note that we ran into the Marquess of Oxford on the promenade. He had the Lady Stephanie on his arm. I think you will find that he withdraws his request for Lillian’s hand.” He gave a small nod. “Good day, Lamberth. I will see myself out.”
He turned on his heel. The look on the earl’s face had just made his day.
Chapter Six
Lillian fairly bounced as she waited for Janice to finish her hair. The new carriage had arrived shortly after breakfast, and her lady’s maid was due in any time. She planned a rather lengthy shopping excursion. She’d not done her fittings or ordered more than a couple of outfits for the season because she’d held no interest in the marriage mart. Now, it became imperative to look her best for the duke.
“You shall come, too, Janice. You are my best friend, regardless of what anybody says. For appearances, we will tell them that you are coming to carry my things. Besides,” she said, frowning into the mirror, “Robert has been acting stranger than usual since our outing with the duke. I don’t feel you should be left alone here.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Lillian rolled her eyes. Janice rarely pushed past the rules of servant and master with her, despite them having played together as children. At least, at their London residence. A knock at the door had them both turning their heads to the sound. “Come in,” she called while Janice went back to her intricate hair styling.
“Your father wishes you to come downstairs to the Green Room, my lady. As soon as you are presentable.” The young woman curtsied and quickly left.
Lillian set her lips into a thin line. Last night, they had left for a dinner party, taking Robert with them, so she’d not had to face the consequences of her bold words and rebellious behavior of yesterday.
Janice quickly finished her hair and wrapped it up at the top of her head, except for a wisp of wavy hair in front of her ear. She turned her head this way and that, admiring her maid’s work while earrings were brought to her. Another gift of her grandmother’s, she especially adored them for the rich blue color of the sapphires in the intricate gold setting. They matched the blue outfit she’d chosen to wear for the fittings.
Taking a deep breath, she stood. “Well, guess I had better face the music, don’t you think?”
Janice gave her an encouraging smile as she began making Lillian’s bed, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Good luck, my lady.”
Lilliana nodded and left, shutting her door behind her. She waited until she heard the lock click before moving to the top of the stairs. Just another precaution they had started since her near kidnapping. Both of them locked the door when alone. In the main hall near the stairs, she was likely okay. She hurried, though, lest she run into Robert, a happenstance she’d managed to avoid thus far.
A bundle of nerves, she made her way to the Green Room. When she arrived, Mother, Father, and a woman she did not recognize all sat around, and tea was being served. The woman stood.
“This is the Lady Amber, cousin of the Canterbury’s actually,” Father said by way of introductions. “Her references are impeccable. She will be a companion more than a servant, so please treat her as such.”
Lilliana’s cheeks burned at being addressed as if she were a child, but she nodded her head in acknowledgment of the greeting. “I am pleased to have you here,” she said. “I am afraid I have a full day planned for your first day. I do hope that will not be a problem.”
Lady Amber gave a delighted laugh. “Certainly not. I have been languishing in boredom in the country. You are doing me a favor.”
“Janice can prepare your things for the dinner party tonight,” Father said.
“Janice will be needed to accompany me to the shops. I can’t very well have the duke’s cousin carrying my bags.” She grinned. Her companion rather than a servant made it even easier to keep Janice out of harm’s way.
Father frowned then looked to Mother, but she smiled at him then turned to Lillian. “I am happy that you have a full day planned. Can a mother hope that one of those stops is to our seamstress for new dresses for the season?”
Lillian sighed deeply. “Yes, of course, Mother. I have heeded your words on the subject and will be ordering a few more gowns for the season.”
Mother then came over to her and hugged her in an uncharacteristic show of affection in publi
c. “Stay safe,” she whispered then pulled back, holding Lillian’s shoulders. “Now, off you go. Collect Janice and inform her that lady’s maid duties shall continue to include accompanying you. I have a feeling she shall not mind.”
Lillian tried to keep her surprise off her face at Mother’s cryptic remark and focused on the rest. “For truth, I have a feeling you are right. Mother, do you think I look best in green or blue?”
“It depends on your mood, dear. However, I would go with green for the first gown.”
Lillian smiled then left the green room, Lady Amber in her wake. “Forgive me for asking,” she said, “but why are you a lady’s companion?”
“I told the truth in there, my lady. I am bored of life in the country. I have no wish to be married, and my family has resigned themselves to it. As my oldest sister is married and the next one is planning her wedding, there is less pressure for me.”
They reached the Lillian’s door, and she knocked quickly in the agreed upon manner. A small precaution to help her keep her word to the duke while also protecting her friend.
Lady Amber gave her a curious look, but she refrained from explaining, asking instead, “Have you been shown to your rooms?”
“Yes, but I was given to understand that I was needed right away, so not quite settled yet.”
Lillian smiled at her. “You are. We are leaving as soon as we can be ready. I am sorry to do this to you, but I promise tomorrow will not be as hectic. Though, we will be busy tomorrow afternoon and evening. There is a party to prepare for at your cousin’s, the Duke of Canterbury.”
Janice opened the door, Lillian’s coat on her arm. “Your matching reticule is on the chest, and I’ve taken the liberty to move your things from yesterday’s shopping into the new one.”
“Thank you, Janice. Lady Amber, this is my maid, Janice. She will also be accompanying us on any outings.”
Janice curtsied, and Lady Amber said, “Thank you. I will go get my own coat from my room now. I will meet you back here in a couple of minutes.”
Lillian watched her go with interest. She’d not had a companion before and wasn’t quite sure what to do with one who had rank. She couldn’t boss her around, obviously, and her time with the duke would be less personal. That last thought brought her up short. Oh, no. She hadn’t thought of that. How would she follow up on her revenge on the Marquess if she couldn’t find a minute alone without the Lady Amber?
Janice helped her into her long cloak and gloves, then put the matching fascinator on her head. Janice had just put on her own cloak when Lady Amber returned.
A few minutes later, they were all tucked into Father’s carriage, Janice next to her, and Lady Amber sat across. She took notice of the other lady’s gown and cloak. They were of excellent quality. “Do you follow fashion closely, then, Lady Amber? I am on the way to my seamstress, but I admit, I do not follow the trends closely. Mother usually chooses for me.”
Lady Amber’s whole countenance lit up. “I adore clothing and fashion. Woman have so little ways to express themselves outside of our fashion choices. Even your fan can tell so much about a person. For instance, I noticed you are not carrying one. It tells me what you’ve already stated, that your fashion sense isn’t finely honed, but that also, you’re not in search of a mate. Perhaps you’ve already found one?” She tilted her head in question.
Lillian looked away for a moment. “Perhaps. Father does not approve, however. He is holding hope that I will marry the Marquess of Oxford.”
“Oh, no. You mustn’t.”
Lillian smiled at her in relief. “I am happy to see that I am not the only female immune to his charms.”
“He treats us all as if we are broodmares at a stock yard.”
Lillian laughed. “Exactly. At least the others usually try to pretend they are interested in the dance.” She sighed. “I know Father would prefer I marry, but really, I don’t have to for money.”
“All fathers want their daughters married. I swear, mine acts as if I have committed some crime because I have foresworn men.”
“Mine just wants me married and titled. I already have a title and money. Why would I want to be married?”
“Exactly.”
They smiled in companionable silence as the carriage came to a stop. Lillian stepped down and shook off her cloak to make it lay properly. Lady Amber and Janice did the same, then they went into the shop.
“Lady Lillian, we are excited to have you in today. We have some lovely fabrics, if you will come this way.”
Lillian fingered the fabrics. Some were soft, some sturdy. She’d never really cared before and was at a loss now.
“Might I suggest this one and this one for day wear. This one for evening, and these for anytime. Also, that one will look good on you for riding out with your beau you almost have.” Lady Amber held up each item as she mentioned them.
Lillian blushed at her teasing. Then again, any thought of Clarence had her emotions stirred up. Perhaps it was the impropriety of having kissed him before she’d even known who he was, or worse, throwing herself at him after he’d saved her life! Whatever the cause, she lifted fabric in front of her to hide her face from her new companion.
She liked the interesting design on it, and the silver, blue and green colors grabbed her attention.
“Oh, Lady Lillian. It would make a beautiful cloak.”
She rubbed it betwixt her fingers and decided that Lady Amber had the right of it. The clerk took the fabric. “And I’ll take anything else that Lady Amber suggests.”
She chose a few for some day dresses and a riding habit, but Lillian really wanted something singular, distinct. She wandered to look at more fabrics as the seamstress discussed fabrics and styles with Lady Amber. Maybe a dress to go with the cloak being made, something with silver in it. Something that would cause Clarence to take special notice of her.
She blushed as she thought of him in such intimate terms. What would it be like to kiss him again? Her hand strayed to her mouth as heat started in her belly. The touch of his hand on her breast burned in memory. Ears burning in embarrassment and glad no one could read her scandalous thoughts, she moved away from the Lady Amber and the seamstress to regain her equilibrium. She stopped when she heard other people speaking. About to turn back, her attention was grabbed by the words.
“And he walked the whole round with her. He is as good as taken!”
“I do not care. I aim to be a duchess, and there are only so many eligible dukes around.”
“But The Dark Duke is said to have killed people for crossing him.” The delighted horror of a gossip filled the other woman’s voice. “You can’t possibly want to marry him.”
Lillian’s stomach hurt as if her brother punched her. Could the man who’d saved her be capable of such a cold-blooded act? No, surely, if he did kill a man, it was to defend not to murder.
“Those are just rumors to keep weak ninnies like you away. My brother says he is honorable in his business dealings, but beware if you cross him. He says that the duke makes them pay him back no matter what, or he will ruin you. My brother admires him.” The woman sounded incredulous.
“But what if he”—the voice dropped so low that Lillian could only catch a few words—“…the way his father did? You heard…” The rest of what she said became unintelligible as they moved completely out of earshot.
Her hands shook as she lifted the next bolt of fabric. Had he killed a man in cold blood? She licked suddenly dry lips. Whom had she locked herself with? Her breath stuttered. No, a man who killed in cold blood would have few scruples against taking advantage of a woman who threw herself at him, and surely Sarah would have mentioned it more if there were any truth to it. But then, she wanted to growl in frustration. She’d heard and dismissed things last season as rumors and hearsay about a man she didn’t personally know, things that she now wished she could remember. How had he earned the name The Dark Duke?
Moreover, what had the duke’s father done?
/> Chapter Seven
Clarence slapped his gloves on his thighs impatiently as the carriage bore him to the docks. He’d obtained the special license to marry Lillian and wanted the other unpleasant business dealt with so he could move on. It was nearly time to put his plan of revenge into action. Just a few more hours, and he’d be well on his way to bringing ruin to the man who was responsible for the death of his father.
It had taken him three years to find the main culprit behind that fateful venture. His lawyers had come into a snag. The company supposedly running the shipping venture turned out to be fake. So he’d had to go about finding out the names behind it in secret. He’d set bow runners on it, and between what they found and his own investigations, they’d made significant progress.
Two of the men inherently responsible now languished behind bars for other crimes committed, evidence of which just happened to land in a smart bobbie’s lap. But this last one was special. He was near the head. More damning, he was the one with the title which helped them gather up marks within the elite to make the payoff better.
Jarvis was the one who shook hands with his dad.
Clarence remembered it well because he’d told his father something was off.
His dad hadn’t believed him, said Jarvis wasn’t the one in charge, just helping organize. Even as a young lad, he’d had an instinct about people. Father had not. He’d trusted too easily and once too often. Clarence clenched his teeth so hard, a headache dropped in.
Finally, tonight, the final nail in his revenge. But Jarvis had to be carefully handled. The peelers would not be as quick to act on evidence against a lord from a powerful family, unless Clarence wanted to openly charge him.
Part of him was tempted. However, that would mean putting his mother and sisters through their father’s death over and over again, and publicly revealing the suicide. The responding DS had kindly ruled it an accident while cleaning the weapons.
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