A Duke to Elude: Sweet Regency Romance (Sherton Sisters Book 1) Read online

  “Good afternoon, my lady. His Grace would prefer not to keep his horses standing so, if you are ready now, he’d appreciate your company.”

  Rosabel’s lips and eyebrows twitched. Being condescended to was a truly rare occurrence in the life of an earl’s daughter. The duke prized his animals more than her. What an odd circumstance.

  “Well, aren’t his horses lucky that I am, in fact, ready?” The servant bowed at her words, ignoring her tone of sarcasm. The countess was not so forbearing.

  “You behave yourself, Rosabel Sherton.”

  Rosabel dipped a slight curtsy to her mother and sisters before she left the room, without bothering to say anything further. Now that the matter had been resolved with Hilaria, all her mental energy needed to be focused on the outing. She wasn’t sure if she felt completely prepared for the scrutiny that would accompany being in the company of a duke.

  The servant handed her up into the duke’s curricle before jumping onto the back, and Wexford set his team in motion without a word.

  Rosabel folded her hands in her lap and tried to present the most serene façade she could muster, despite the fact that she wanted to grab the seat edge and hold on for dear life. She held in her reaction as well as any other noise. If he couldn’t be bothered to greet her, she didn’t feel the need to do so either.

  It took a supreme test of will for her to keep her gaze between one of the horse’s ears and a pleasant expression upon her face as they dodged the traffic and weaved their way toward the park. Finally, Wexford slowed the pace just before turning into the lane leading to the fashionable promenade area.

  “You are very quiet, my lady,” he observed. Wexford’s deep voice made everything he uttered sound like a caress. Bel fought the tingle that accompanied his words.

  “Am I?” Rosabel asked, amused by his wording. She could feel his glance before he steered his team onto a quieter lane. She didn’t return his gaze.

  “Is something amiss?”

  “What could possibly be amiss, Your Grace?” she countered, surprised by his sudden grin.

  “I am again reminded that you are a strange creature, Lady Rosabel.”

  “I am uncertain as to why you would reach that conclusion, Your Grace,” she returned mildly. “It might, perchance, be true, but I have done nothing strange this afternoon.”

  “For one thing, most young ladies would have already filled my ear with any manner of nonsense about which social events they had attended or will be attending, not to mention some sort of detail about what they were wearing and who they had spoken to. There would also, no doubt, be mention of the weather. And that is all assuming they hadn’t already yelped at me about the pace of my team or some nonsense about the traffic.”

  “And would you have preferred that?”

  “Not in the least, but the fact that you didn’t do any of it makes you unique, to say the least.”

  “Ah, now unique sounds ever so much better than strange.”

  Wexford surprised her with a shout of laughter that he quickly controlled. He cast her an amused glance as he further slowed the team of horses. Bel was warmed by his appreciative expression.

  “Did I offend you in some way, my lady?”

  “Offend would be putting far too fine a point on it, but it generally is considered customary to greet one’s companion when they join one.” Bel kept her tone light and airy. She truly hadn’t been offended, as she accepted that dukes were not quite in the normal run of things.

  Wexford laughed again, much to Rosabel’s surprise.

  “It was remarkably ill bred of me, my lady, I do apologize. You are quite correct, and my nanny would have rapped my knuckles for such rudeness.”

  “Surely not. Would she not fear for her position by bringing violence upon the ducal person?” Bel was once again warmed by the expression of amusement in the duke’s eyes as they met hers.

  “Well, I was a mere earl at the time, and only a courtesy title, at that, so I suppose not, as it happened quite frequently.” His rueful tone caused Rosabel to choke back a giggle. “Anyhow, I am sincere in my apology, but perhaps you will absolve me if I offer an explanation along with my regrets.”

  “Perhaps,” Rosabel replied, cutting off her grin in response to his answering laugh.

  “This particular team has been overeating in my stables and haven’t been out in a couple days. I had them harnessed up with the intention of driving for a while before picking you up, but I was running late so I came straight to your street from my mews. They were still feeling feisty and wanting to kick against the traces.”

  “Well then, I should say that I appreciate our safe arrival. I suppose that explains the breakneck speed with which we arrived at the park.”

  Wexford cast her a speculative glance. “Were you nervous, my lady? You hid it very well.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, not bothering to deny the truth.

  ∞∞∞

  James wanted to stare at the young woman at his side. She was lovely to look at, of course, but he found her to be more fascinating than any woman he’d ever met, certainly far more so than any debutante. Her self-possession was remarkable and admirable. She would be a formidable matron given time, he thought. He supposed he had been rude toward her. No one had ever called him on his behavior since he had succeeded to his title. It was rather refreshing, despite being a trifle uncomfortable.

  “And how do you account for your lack of recounting all and sundry that you have done and purchased of late? Was that also because I didn’t greet you properly?” Now James was becoming truly curious about this young woman.

  He was pleased that she was finally displaying a degree of reaction, as she turned toward him with her eyebrows elevated. “As you probably know, I don’t have any brothers, but I am fairly certain it is not the least bit interesting to a gentleman to hear about a lady’s shopping expeditions.” She paused for a moment, considering. “Well, I suppose some might be interested, but despite your fashionable attire, I wouldn’t peg you as a dandy. And while I am sure you have reason to be interested in the goings on of Society, you don’t strike me as a gossip, so it isn’t likely that you would be interested in my chatter about who I’ve danced or spoken with this week.”

  “That’s quite astute of you, my lady,” he drawled.

  There was a moment of silence before he broke it. “I’ve never met a young lady who didn’t chatter before. You are quite unique. And I’m impressed with how you contained any qualms you might have felt at our pace.”

  James was pleased to finally hear a low tinkle of laughter coming from his companion. She was so self-contained that he hadn’t thought he would finally receive any reaction from her. It was gratifying that he could surprise a giggle out of her. It urged him to try all the harder.

  “I am the oldest of five girls. I learned long ago to choose wisely when I wish to be heard.”

  “I would have thought that as the oldest you would always be listened to.”

  “Have you not met at least two of my sisters?” Her droll tone made James smile.

  “I have. You’re right. They never learned your skill.”

  “No. And my parents were quite adamant that as the oldest, it was my duty to allow them to be heard. Since Hilaria and Vicky are so close to me in age, it was highly disturbing when we were girls, but it is now quite normal. The good news is, they do usually listen when I speak, since they aren’t used to ignoring me as they would have been otherwise.”

  “What about your youngest sisters? I believe there’s a bit of a gap.”

  “Yes, Felicity and Grace are still in the school room, much to their dismay. They would like to think they are ready to be young ladies, but they are still quite young in both age and personality. But it will be good for them to have each other. They are also close in age to one another. Perhaps they’ll make their debut together.”

  “Do girls enjoy having their sister to debut with?”

  She flashed him a brief smile, a
nd James felt a flutter in his midsection. It was the strangest sensation. He knew she was pretty, it was impossible to avoid that fact, but he had never felt the fierce flare of attraction that seized him now. At least, not since he was a youth, meeting girls for the first time. It was an unnerving sensation. He tried to return his attention to what she was saying.

  “I suppose I’m the only one of the Sherton Sisters who truly had their own debut. Even the babies will be judged by us older sisters when they eventually make their curtsy to Society. Hilaria hates it. She’s furious that I’m still unwed. Vicky, that is Vigilia, doesn’t seem to mind or care in the least. She even brought a friend along, and we have seen how that turned out.”

  “Ah yes, the newest countess. Lady Vigilia must be the least possessive female of my acquaintance, in that case.”

  He couldn’t quite interpret the flash of emotion that flitted through Rosabel’s gaze, but she nodded slightly. “She is the middle sister in every sense of the word. The only one of us with such a close friendship with someone not a family member. And she’s been forced to share in both directions with her sisters. Hil is the middle of us oldest girls, which probably is part of her issue with sharing with me. Now she has me and Vicky interfering with her success, in her opinion.”

  James chuckled. “You don’t think her lack of success should be blamed on your beauty?” To his surprised delight, his question brought a blush to her cheeks. Despite the heat in her face, though, she kept a composed expression.

  “Not in the least. She is her own person and very different from me. While our dowries and position are the same, we shouldn’t appeal to the same gentlemen.”

  “True, but most families hope to have their daughters married off in succession, do they not?”

  Rosabel offered him a dainty shrug. “My parents would never prevent Hilaria from accepting an offer she wanted, even if I were still on their hands.” There was a pause before she concluded, “Perhaps I shall be the favourite maiden aunt travelling between my sisters’ homes taking turns spoiling their children.”

  “I find that hard to believe. And it would be quite a shame besides.”

  “You don’t think I have it in me to spoil children?”

  James could tell from the twinkle in her gaze and the crinkles in the corner of her eyes that she was amused rather than offended.

  “I think everyone can spoil children. I doubt you’ll remain a maiden.” He should have guarded his wording he realized as her cheeks flamed. James decided to ignore the awkward moment and plow on.

  “Did you give any further thought to whether or not you plan to be the champion of wallflowers everywhere?”

  Another choke of laughter rewarded his efforts at changing the subject.

  The first reply was her soft sigh. “Further thought, yes, conclusion, no.”

  He was surprised to see her hands flutter in her lap. It was the first sign of agitation he had ever witnessed from her. He slowed his team even further, bringing them nearly to a stop, and turned his full attention upon her. “Do you care to stroll and discuss the matter?”

  Her hands stilled, and she smiled slightly. “What of your restive horses?”

  “They aren’t nearly so agitated now that they’ve had work to do for a while. My tiger will handle them easily.”

  James was surprised to see her gaze sweep their surroundings. “Are you not concerned about the talk that will ensue?”

  “There is sure to be talk whether we walk or merely continue with our drive. I am of a mind to ignore them all and do as I please.”

  With a decisive nod she agreed with him. “Very well,” she said as she began to climb out of the tall vehicle.

  “Wait a moment, and I’ll assist you.” James jumped down to the sound of her sniff.

  “I could have done it myself.”

  “I’m sure you could, but would you deprive me of the pleasure?”

  James enjoyed the feel of his hands wrapped around her small waist as he lowered her to the ground, far slower than was absolutely necessary for her safety. He watched with interest as she cast her eyes downward in a display of confused modesty, and her cheeks turned pink once more. She quickly recovered her composure, and her slightly elevated eyebrow indicated her desire for him to unhand her. Or so he imagined, as he felt his own cheekbones heating and he quickly stepped away from her.

  “Thank you,” she murmured, and he wasn’t sure if it was for his assistance or for stepping away. Either way, he kept an appropriate distance even as he picked up her hand and threaded it through his elbow.

  “Tell me a little more about Sherton and Glendale. I have property not terribly far from there that I don’t visit frequently. I have never been to your father’s estates.”

  It seemed to be the perfect question, as she had the most to say of any other topic they had touched upon.

  “I may be biased, but I think Sherton is the most beautiful estate in the realm,” she began with a little laugh, almost self-deprecating. “Not that I’ve been to so very many estates, mind you. But I think it’s the perfect size for a large family. We even have the requisite Royal Wing in case His Majesty should ever wish to visit, even though, as my father is merely an earl, it isn’t highly likely, but one must always be in readiness.”

  James laughed. “True. It isn’t so very frequent even for a duke to receive a member of the royal family.”

  “Truly? I would have thought the Prince Regent might be a frequent guest.”

  “We are not well matched in age or temperament,” James replied, avoiding a direct criticism, which brought a real smile to his companion’s face.

  “I suppose I can see that. But I would have thought that just being a duke would bring you in line for visitations.”

  James laughed. “I didn’t say they never visited, just that it isn’t a very frequent occurrence. Considering that most of my estates are not on the way to any of the places the Prince of Wales favours, he doesn’t stop by too often. And of course, Caroline doesn’t travel at all, and the King and Queen rarely. The other princes and dukes have stopped in, on occasion, but that too isn’t common.”

  He wanted to laugh again at the rapid blinking of her gaze. “You make that sound so trivial, as though it doesn’t take an inordinate amount of work to prepare for such a visitation.”

  James shrugged. “To be frank, for me, it isn’t a great deal of work. This is why one must employ a rather large army of servants. Ducal residences are always at the ready for anything. As such, it would actually be hugely disappointing if no one were to ever take advantage, don’t you think?”

  He was again rewarded with a slight giggle. “I had never viewed it in such a manner, but I suppose it would never do to disappoint the servants.”

  James smiled over her dry tone.

  “Is it not challenging to oversee that army, though?”

  She asked an astute question, proving to James that she was a deeper thinker than most of her peers.

  “It would be if not for a few key employees in whom I can place my almost complete trust.”

  Again her lips twitched, but her gaze was serious. “Does it ever feel like too much?”

  James found himself blinking in surprise over her question and his reaction to it.

  “Do you ever wish your father had been a baron? Or even a farmer?”

  He smiled as he considered her question.

  “To be perfectly frank, while it is a great deal of work, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Or at least nothing I have yet encountered or considered. Very profitable baronies are even rarer than dukedoms. And while I enjoy mucking around in my stables from time to time, I do not think the life of a farmer would be for me.”

  She nodded slightly. “But as you said, you haven’t really considered it.”

  Once again, the duke laughed. It seemed as though Lady Rosabel wanted him to contemplate throwing away his service to the Crown for the bucolic joys of the countryside. He had never enjoyed a drive in the park
more. Not that he made time for such dalliance often, but it had certainly never been so enjoyable. In fact, James couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed so much. Not even with Crossley. It seemed there was always too much weight on the duke’s shoulders for him to be able to enjoy himself. Or he found his companions insipid. Neither was the case that day. His companion was certainly far from insipid. And he had arranged things sufficiently that he needn’t begrudge the time that he was away from his responsibilities.

  He hadn’t been lying when he told the lady one must employ reliable people. If not for his secretary and clerks, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep his mind, let alone accomplish anything. He occasionally thought having a mate would be of help, but then he considered it would be just one more responsibility. And then there would be children. He almost shuddered at the thought. Perhaps once he had a little more experience. The thought drifted through his mind only to be dismissed.

  He had been training to be duke since birth and had actually been in the role for nearly a decade. If he wasn’t experienced sufficiently by now, he never would be. And he ought not to be out driving with a young lady if he didn’t think to be securing the lineage any time soon. He knew before he had even extended the invitation that this drive would be considered the signal that he was in the market for a duchess. His front foyer was probably already littered with invitations, and they hadn’t even been an hour away from the Sherton townhouse.

  He stifled his sigh. He quite liked the lady at his side. But he was nowhere near ready to declare himself. He hoped the pressure she was about to face wasn’t going to be too much for her. Ought he to ask her?

  Even though they were on a quieter lane rather than the main thoroughfare of the park, they were attracting a great deal of attention from the other passersby. From the expression on her face, he would almost think Rosabel hadn’t noticed. But she had already proven how very astute she was so, he doubted it was a case of not having noticed.

  “Are you comfortable with the level of interest we seem to have attracted?” he finally asked.