by Aston, Alexa
“Of course.”
He helped her from her chair and escorted her to the cart she’d driven into the village.
“Thank you again for the meal, Your Grace.”
“Reid,” he prompted.
She shook her head. “I simply cannot call you that, Your Grace. Your Christian name should be reserved for your family and very close friends. I am neither.”
“I think we are friends, Ashlyn. And we could be more,” he added.
His words seemed to fluster her and Reid decided he liked a slightly off-balanced Ashlyn. Before she could say anything, he captured her waist and lifted her into the cart.
“I will see you on Saturday. I expect you to dance with me at least twice.”
“But you told Lady Eden—”
“Never mind what I told the girl. I have no intentions of dancing with her.” He looked into Ashlyn’s magnificent amethyst eyes. “I do, however, plan to dance with you. Save the opening dance for me. The supper one, as well.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “I will.”
Reid took her hand and pressed a kiss onto it. “Until then.”
*
Ashlyn brushed her hair and then wound it into a chignon. She wore the purple dress the Duke of Gilford had admired, still wishing she’d added a bit of lace to it. Once she’d given birth to Gregory, her breasts had remained larger than she liked and she felt this dress displayed too much of them, though most would have thought the gown contained a moderate neckline. Apparently, Gilford was one of those. She should have bought the lace and sewn it onto the gown in spite of him.
She’d done her best during the week to push all thoughts of the handsome duke away every time they popped up. It helped that all of the boys insisted upon extra dancing lessons this week, even forsaking their riding lessons in order to be prepared for tonight’s ball. Ashlyn had even drafted Betty and Louise to come dance with the boys, telling Mrs. Clayton that the maids were needed more for their dancing abilities than dusting ones. She believed each boy would be a shining example to Dunwood Academy, both in dance and conversation skills. It helped that this ball wouldn’t be as formal as other ones, with people from the village and farmers from Gillingham attending.
Not that she would know what a ball was like. Ashlyn had never been to one herself. Once again, she felt regret in missing her London come-out and all of the activities of that Season. Still, she wouldn’t trade a thousand balls for the four years she’d had with her son.
She left her bedchamber and went downstairs. All dozen of her pupils were lined up in their uniforms. They’d all had baths and hummed with energy. Her tutors also showed their excitement. The four men had been startled—and then quite pleased—to have been included in the duke’s invitation. Ashlyn had asked them to enjoy themselves while still helping her keep an eye on each boy.
“You look very nice, Lady Dunwood,” Harry said. “I’m excited to be going home for a few hours.”
“You and Arthur will have to help the other boys, Harry. Make them feel at ease. Show them around a bit.”
“We will,” he said enthusiastically. “I hope Mrs. Cook has made some of her cakes. Hers are so moist and her frosting is the best.”
Mr. Phillips came up. “Lady Dunwood, the ducal carriage has arrived.”
Ashlyn had received a note from the duke that stated he would send his carriage for her and some of the boys since the school only had one. Still, it would take a couple of trips to ferry everyone to Gillingham. She debated upon whether she should accompany the first group or remain behind and go with the last and thought Gilford would be displeased if she delayed her departure.
The truth was, she was eager to see him—and that frustrated her. He’d paid special attention to her. He’d kissed her as if there’d be no tomorrow. The awful man had made her fall in love with him without even trying to. Ashlyn should be avoiding him, especially knowing he was ready to take on a duchess. And yet, she was helplessly drawn to him. His strength. His good looks. His wit and charm. She still toyed with the idea of asking him to bed her once. Perhaps she could somehow bring it up tonight.
If she could summon the nerve to do so.
As it was, she already looked forward to dancing with him. Twice. If there was anything Ashlyn loved to do, it was dance. It was her favorite part of the time she spent with her boys, seeing them grow from awkward, gangly children with no sense of rhythm and having two left feet to becoming skilled and smooth in their movements. Tonight, she knew dancing with the Duke of Gilford would be just like something out of a fairy tale. One had only to look at the man and know he could dance.
“Thank you, Mr. Phillips. Boys, gather around,” she called and they ceased speaking and formed a circle.
Ashlyn assigned each pupil and tutor to a carriage, with twelve of them going in the first leg and the remaining to join them after a second trip was made.
“Remember, you represent not only Dunwood Academy but yourselves and your families tonight. Be on your best behavior. Be gracious and courteous. Since this is a country ball, there will be a wide range of society in attendance at Gillingham, from noblemen and farmers to shopkeepers and villagers. I expect you to speak with everyone respectfully. You are guests in someone’s home tonight, boys. Good manners should always accompany you in your daily lives but they are especially important when you have been invited somewhere. Visitors who display civility and kindness are more likely to be asked back again.
“I also want you to enjoy yourselves. See that you dance often and talk to as many people as you can. And remember when it is time to dine, you are not to gorge yourself with sweets. Place a good variety of foods on your plate and treat sweets as the special treat that they are.” She looked out at the eager faces and smiled. “I am already very proud of you and I know the community will be impressed with each and every one of you.”
“May we speak to His Grace?” asked Edward. “I’d like to thank him for inviting us tonight.”
“There should be a receiving line,” she said. “That would be an appropriate time to express your gratitude.” She paused. “Is that it? All right, let’s depart.”
Anticipation filled Ashlyn during the short carriage ride to Gillingham. She alighted and saw other carriages coming up the lane, along with carts from the village. Others walked across the open lawn from their cottages on the grounds. The buzz of conversation and excitement filled the air as she made sure all her pupils and the two tutors that accompanied them got out and joined the line entering the house.
The mass of people went up the stairs and then came to a halt. She spoke to the town doctor and his wife, who were in front of her, all the while making sure her students behaved themselves. As she reached the landing, she heard her name being called from above and spied Lady Weston.
“Come join us,” the countess urged.
Ashlyn looked back at her group and Mr. Peterson said, “Go, my lady. Mr. Selleck and I have things in hand and as you can see, the boys are doing well.”
“Find me if you need anything,” she said and then made her way up the stairs to where Lord and Lady Weston stood.
The countess embraced her. “I’m so happy to see you again. Have you thought any more of coming to see Burke and me?”
“I will try to do so.”
“Trying isn’t good enough for my Gemma,” Lord Weston said. “You must show up, Lady Dunwood. That’s all there is to it. Gemma won’t rest until you do.”
“Perhaps I could visit for a day during the boys’ Easter break,” she said.
“Wonderful,” Lady Weston proclaimed. “I’ll tell Charlotte. She’ll want to come, as well. We both so enjoyed your company.”
“Will Lady Crampton be here tonight?”
“Oh, yes,” Lady Weston said. “She and Gray will want to support Reid in this first social event he holds. Those men are like brothers. Even closer than most, I’d daresay.”
They moved up the stairs and down the corridor. Ashlyn n
ow saw the Duke of Gilford as he greeted his guests. His formal, black evening wear made him even more handsome than she’d thought possible and her mouth grew dry. She knew she’d only have to say a few words to him but even that seemed overwhelming.
Finally, she reached him. He’d already spoken to Lord and Lady Weston and then turned to her.
“Ashlyn,” he said, taking her hands. “I’m so very happy you’re here.”
“How could I miss the affair everyone has been talking of?” she said lightly.
Gilford squeezed her fingers. “Though tonight’s ball is informal with no dance cards to be signed, remember that you’ve promised me the first dance—and the supper one. We’ll dine with my friends.”
“I look forward to doing so, Your Grace.”
She found Lord and Lady Crampton waiting for them in the ballroom and renewed her acquaintance with the couple and then mingled with others, all the while keeping an eye out for what her students did. They were a bit wide-eyed but looked to be doing well. She noticed Edward speaking with one of the musicians. It didn’t surprise her that the boy had gravitated in that direction since he had a fondness and talent for music.
The musicians lifted their instruments and began tuning them. Glancing around, she saw the ballroom was now filled and knew the evening was about to begin.
Suddenly, the Duke of Gilford appeared at her elbow.
“I’m sorry to have rushed you through the line. There were just so many I had to welcome.”
“Everyone is pleased you decided to hold this ball,” she told him. “And my boys are the most thrilled of all at being included.”
He smiled. “Yes, every one of them thanked me as they came through the receiving line. I’m glad you allowed them to attend.”
“They’ve looked forward to it all week. My feet are tired from all of the extra dancing practice we’ve put in to prepare for tonight.”
“Not too tired, I hope, to dance with me.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. In fact, I’ve looked forward to it more than you could know. You see, this is my first ball.”
Chapter Thirteen
The startled look on Gilford’s face made Ashlyn wish she hadn’t shared something so personal with him.
“How could that be?” He shook his head. “Never mind. It just lets me know there are many things I don’t know about you. I’ll learn them all in time.”
Placing her hand atop his arm, he led her the center of the ballroom. He clasped one hand and placed the other against the small of her back.
Ashlyn said, “Wait. No one else is out here.”
“We’ll open the ball. Others will join us after a few bars.” The duke nodded to the musicians and they struck up the first tune.
Immediately, he swept her across the floor. Within moments, it was apparent the Duke of Gilford was an accomplished dancer. He moved with confidence and grace and made for a wonderful partner, making her feel as if she were a part of the music.
A part of him.
She beamed at him, caught up in the music and the dance, lost in his warm, chocolate brown eyes. It wasn’t until the music stopped and he brought them to a halt that she realized no other couples had joined them. Instant applause broke out and she glanced across the room, seeing nothing but smiling faces.
“Again!” Gilford cried and the musicians began the same song.
This time, other couples flooded the dance floor. The second dance was just as thrilling as the first. Because the floor was so crowded, Gilford pulled her closer. Ashlyn’s breasts grazed against the hard wall of his chest. She inhaled the spicy cologne he wore, reminding her of when she sat in his lap and kissed him for what seemed like hours.
The music died away and they retreated from the floor, coming to stand next to the Cramptons and Westons.
“I will see you again for our second dance,” he told her.
“But we’ve already danced twice now, Your Grace. A second time isn’t necessary.”
His stern look took her aback. “You promised me the supper dance. I’ll have it.” With that, he bowed.
“What a marvelous couple you make!” Lady Crampton exclaimed. “It was as if you were born to dance with one another.”
Ashlyn had thought the same but would never echo the countess’ comment. Instead, she looked around for her boys.
“We’ve already spoken to four of your students,” Lord Weston remarked. “All very well-mannered and polite.”
“They are so eager to be here tonight,” she told them. “We practiced dancing extra hours this week to prepare.”
“I would love to dance with some of them,” Lady Weston said.
“So would I,” agreed Lady Crampton.
“Then come with me,” Ashlyn said, leading the two women to a trio of students.
She made the introductions and Drake paired with Lady Crampton, while Edward took Lady Weston to dance. She allowed Arthur to take her to the middle of the floor.
As they danced, she told him, “You must have inherited rhythm and grace from your father, Master Arthur. Your brother, His Grace, also possesses it.”
The boy beamed at her compliment. “Thank you, my lady. My brother is the most talented dancer here tonight.” He sighed. “I remember how Father loved to dance before he grew too sick to do so.”
“I’m sure he’s here in spirit tonight.”
She was pleased Arthur hadn’t corrected her and addressed Gilford as his half-brother. Another piece of the transformation from the incorrigible Arthur Baker to the one before her.
A couple bumped into them and it took the boy a moment to regain his equilibrium. He did, though, and they continued.
“Lady Dunwood, may I thank you?”
“For what, Master Arthur?”
“You’ve made Harry and I feel welcomed at Dunwood Academy. You’ve made us feel as though we matter.”
“Of course you do,” she said fervently.
He shrugged. “We got a little lost in the shuffle while my father was ill. It’s nice to be noticed again and feel important once more.”
“We’re all important in our own way, Master Arthur.”
After that, she danced with more of her boys and gave the mayor his promised dance. Several in the crowd made a point to remark to her how well her students represented Dunwood Academy tonight. Each time she heard them praised, it thrilled her.
The only thing that bothered her was catching sight of Lady Eden. The Martin girl had flashed Ashlyn a hateful look. She’d noticed that Lady Eden also turned down every Dunwood male that asked her to dance, be they tutor or student. While the girl’s pettiness shouldn’t have bothered Ashlyn, it did. She’d told her boys not every woman would accept their invitation to dance. She only hoped her students had proven gracious during the refusal. She doubted Lady Eden had been.
Edward came and asked her to dance and she readily agreed.
“I noticed you sought out Lady Edith early in the evening when she stood alone and asked her to dance.”
“Yes, my lady. She’s been kind to me when I see her in the village. Before I was your student. No one had partnered with her and I thought I would ask to do so.”
Ashlyn smiled. “I’m glad you did. Because of that, others noticed and she’s danced almost every number this evening. It’s always important to seek out others who look lonely.”
“I wanted to make her feel important. Like you’ve done for me, my lady. I used to be no one and now I have friends and I have a positive attitude about every day.”
“That’s a great life lesson to learn, Master Edward.”
When the music ended, Edward asked her if she’d like some punch.
“That sounds marvelous. Thank you.”
She received the punch and then spent time on the sidelines, talking with some of Gilford’s tenants. They seemed to already think a great deal of the duke, which made her like him even more. He had a common touch that drew others in.
If only she hadn’t fallen in lov
e with him. She knew no good would ever come of it.
*
Reid split his time between being a good host and mingling among his guests and dancing with one every now and then. No matter what he did, though, he always kept track of where Ashlyn was and who spoke with her. She seemed comfortable conversing with everyone and danced with a variety of people. He contrived this affair tonight to spend time with her but now saw it was good that she also spent time with all of his neighbors. She would soon be his duchess and he liked how she got along with everyone, no matter their age or class.
The only thing which troubled him was seeing how Eden Martin had glared at Ashlyn. He decided it wouldn’t hurt to ask the girl and her sister to dance. The large crowd ensured nothing wrong could occur and it would keep the chit from staring at Ashlyn.
He made his way over to the sisters, who stood chatting with Viscount Ransom, a former schoolmate of his from years ago.
“Good evening, ladies. Ransom. I was hoping to dance with the both of you.” Reid looked to Lady Edith first.
“I’m afraid Lady Edith is taken for the next dance,” the viscount said possessively.
Reid smiled at the older Martin daughter. Ransom would be a perfect match for her. If tonight’s ball only resulted in the pair noticing one another, then the effort had been worth it.
“Perhaps later, Lady Edith.”
She smiled demurely. “Certainly, Your Grace.”
The couple strolled off, leaving him with the younger Martin girl.
“Would you care to dance the next tune with me, Lady Eden?”
Her eyes glittered. “Oh, yes, Your Grace,” she said breathlessly.
He offered his arm. “Shall we?”
They moved to the floor and he decided no conversation was necessary. He was merely fulfilling an obligation by dancing with the chit, one he hoped never to repeat.
“Do you think I’m pretty?” she asked suddenly.
If Reid said yes, it would encourage her. If he said no, she might cause a scene and ruin everything.
“I think there’s more than outward looks, my lady. It’s inside one’s heart which is more important.”
