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

  His low chuckle warmed her belly and made her heart rate increase. Perhaps she was falling ill.

  “You are right. I do have too many things to take care of. But I have quite enjoyed the afternoon with you. Perhaps we could do it again some time.”

  Rosabel’s heart sank. She finally faced him, hoping her feelings were not on display. She mustered up a slight smile and gave a neutral answer. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  ∞∞∞

  James wasn’t sure where he had gone wrong with his lovely companion. He had been enjoying himself far more than he could remember ever having done, especially in the company of a young noblewoman. But suddenly she had grown stiff and unresponsive, as though she had taken offence, but he couldn’t imagine what he had said or done to cause such a reaction. Perhaps the chit wasn’t the pleasant companion he had thought.

  With a flick of his wrist, his responsive pair of horses turned quickly, and they were soon barreling back toward the Sherton townhouse. The silence between them was no longer companionable, much to his regret and anger.

  “Thank you for the drive,” Lady Rosabel said with almost no sincerity.

  James almost grunted but managed to remain civil. “A pleasure,” he replied. He didn’t bother getting down, allowing his servant to assist the young woman from the carriage. Watching her climb the front stairs at her measured pace, James couldn’t prevent his admiration, but he was determined to ignore it. He thought she was going to ignore him completely, so he was surprised when she glanced back over her shoulder just as a servant opened the door to her.

  For the first time, he saw indecision written upon her face. It was a surprise as she always seemed so sure of herself. Even when she didn’t know how she felt about speaking with the wallflowers, she had been determined to do so. His curiosity about the young woman was again piqued, but he was fairly certain she was too complicated for his limited availability.

  Her hand fidgeted as though she were trying to decide whether or not to wave. James found it endearing in the strangest way. He thought her eyes looked sad before he took himself to task for being missish. Lady Rosabel was simply too much trouble. He would wish her well with her mystery mister. But he continued to watch as she stepped through the open front door without actually waving goodbye to him.

  Wexford’s servant jumped up into his position on the back of his carriage just as the duke urged his team into rapid motion once more. He had a mountain of work waiting for him on his desk. He didn’t have time to be mooning over a moody debutante.

  He was relieved when he arrived in his library to find that his secretary had managed to keep the mountain to a reasonable level. James would be able to clear it before he needed to prepare for the evening’s social exertions. He had accepted invitations to three separate events. He wondered if the Shertons would be at any of them. It was a strong possibility, he mused as he reminded himself that thoughts of them would not be conducive to completing his work prior to the evening’s engagements.

  Chapter Six

  James was engaged in an important conversation when he felt a bewildering sensation creep along his scalp, seconds before the attention of the gentleman he was speaking with strayed away.

  “Isn’t she the most exquisite creature?” James knew before he even turned that Rosabel Sherton had arrived in the ballroom. “If only I was thirty years younger,” the man concluded.

  “And still single, I suppose, too,” James drawled, trying not to plant the offensive man a facer for speaking so disrespectfully of the young woman.

  The aging viscount grinned. “Of course, of course. Although my lady would understand, I think. Even she agrees the Sherton chit is a diamond.”

  If James didn’t need the other man’s support on a piece of legislation he was trying to get passed in the House of Lords, he would walk away right that minute. The moment he realized that was his inclination was when he knew he was in trouble. He had never felt so protective of a woman, who was not a family member or one of his dependents. He hoped he would be able to avoid her. It shouldn’t be that hard in the crowded ballroom.

  “Lady Rosabel.” Viscount Sterling hailed the young woman as she passed nearby, making James grind his teeth. So much for avoiding her.

  “My lord, Your Grace.” She dipped into a respectful curtsy as she offered her brief greetings. “Have you met my sister, Lady Vigilia?”

  The younger woman stepped forward to offer her hand and a curtsy, first to the older gentleman, then to the duke.

  “Lady Vigilia, it’s a pleasure to see you again. How are you enjoying your Season?” James ignored the anxiety he could feel radiating from Lady Rosabel over his question. He was well aware she was concerned for her sister, but it would hardly be seemly if he didn’t ask the young woman.

  “It has been quite an adventure,” the younger woman replied with a sunny smile. It wasn’t the response James had been expecting.

  “An adventure?” he asked with a teasing smile. “What have you been getting up to?”

  He shouldn’t have teased as the young woman was clearly unused to it, but he enjoyed her awkward response as she ducked her head bashfully. His own sister would be making her debut the following year and in that moment, he dreaded the experience. He needed to shake the thought off. It wouldn’t do to drift off into an unpleasant reverie while in conversation with others.

  To his surprised amusement, the young woman’s confused embarrassment passed quickly, and she had struck up an intelligent sounding conversation with Lord Sterling, choosing to politely ignore James. The orchestra had begun to play after their recent break. It was a waltz, despite the scandalous nature of the dance. Still feeling mischievous, James turned to Lady Rosabel.

  “Could I have the pleasure of your company for the dance?”

  Her widened gaze met his, and James held his breath awaiting her answer. He watched as her gaze flicked to her sister, and he could almost see her worry even though her features remained nearly perfectly serene. James was almost expecting her to decline so, he was surprised and pleased when she reached out to accept his hand.

  “Have I damaged your reputation by inviting you to waltz?”

  “Not as long as I don’t appear to enjoy it overly.” Her reply was accompanied by the slightest glimmer of a smile, and he could see the amusement in the depths of her gaze. James’ nerves eased.

  “I probably shouldn’t have asked you.”

  “I probably should have said no.”

  James finally relaxed and grinned. “How do you know the steps?”

  “Every dancing instructor in the city has been teaching the steps for a few years now. Even if it’s scandalous, everyone wants to be prepared just in case.”

  “You are a graceful dancer.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. Now, if you’re quite done trying to avoid the subject, might I ask why you felt the need to ask my sister how she is enjoying the Season? Did I not tell you how despondent she was over Georgia’s wedding?”

  “You did tell me that, and I did remember you saying so. But I must point out to you that your sister doesn’t seem in the least on the verge of sinking into a decline. In fact, she blessed me with the happiest smile I’ve seen on a debutante. You might actually wish to take after her. She doesn’t strike me as the sort who would leave a man wondering what she was thinking.”

  James again held his breath as he awaited her response. He was acting like a schoolboy over this woman, and it was ridiculous. But he still anxiously awaited her answer. To his amazement, she offered him a genuine smile for a brief moment before her face resumed its usual serene expression.

  “I think my sister might hide her true feelings in a different way than I do. But it is also possible that I read too much into her initial reaction to the wedding.” She was quiet for a moment as they stepped into a turn. James enjoyed the moment. She was a delightful dance partner. “The fact is, I am new to trying to discern the feelings of others. So perhaps, I was mistaken about her
s. I should have recalled that she had been expecting Georgia to return to Sherton after only two weeks, so perhaps she was thrilled about her marriage and the fact that she will probably be able to see more of her friend in the future, now that she has married a nobleman.”

  “Did you think they wouldn’t be able to see each other otherwise?”

  “Likely not as freely. Georgia was planning to marry someone from the village and go into trade of some sort. She has several young brothers and sisters that she feels responsible for so, she felt the need to provide for them. She had no expectation of marrying anyone when she came with Vicky for a little taste of the Season. Now, as Lady Crossley, she’ll no doubt be coming for the Season each year. I don’t think Lord Crossley is terribly active politically, but he does take his seat, from what I understand.”

  “You are right about Crossley. He will be taking his seat in the House. So, if your sister is in Town, she should have plenty of time to see her friend.”

  “So, you see, I was mistaken.”

  Despite the serenity of her expression, the sigh he heard her utter sounded almost despondent.

  “Why do you seem disappointed about this?”

  “I’m not disappointed. I’m happy for my sister and her friend. Well, perhaps I am disappointed, but it’s more in myself. I should know my sister better than you do. And I should certainly be able to read her better than others can. Perhaps I’m just not that bright.”

  “I think you’re far brighter than you are giving yourself credit for. And it’s something that can be learned or improved upon. The fact that you’re becoming aware of others’ feelings demonstrates a level of intelligence that many do not possess.”

  “You’re being remarkably kind for a duke.”

  James just barely managed not to laugh out loud over her words. She had said her reputation could hinge on whether or not she appeared to be enjoying herself during their waltz. He ought not to be seen laughing with her or she might be in trouble.

  “Have you known many unkind dukes?” he couldn’t resist asking.

  “I think I’ve probably met all thirty-one of them, and none of the others struck me as the sort that would go out of their way to make a girl feel comfortable.”

  James couldn’t necessarily argue with her. He wouldn’t normally have even thought of it himself. But her sister had seemed all right, and there was no harm in being nice. Perhaps they both had some learning to do.

  The sprite in his arms was graceful and light besides being a treat to talk to. He had never found a debutante easy to converse with before. But this particular one seemed to be pleasant most of the time. It was the moody occasions that made him leery. He needed to remember her strange behaviour of the afternoon. Besides the fact that she was a proper young woman and he couldn’t cultivate a friendship with her without raising expectations, if not in her mind, then that of her family. Thus, he was relieved when their dance finally came to an end.

  From the very serene expression on her face and the way she avoided meeting his gaze, James was fairly certain she was relieved to see the end of their interlude together as well. He had never had a lady want to be rid of him before. Time spent with Lady Rosabel was sure to humble him. But he couldn’t prevent his appreciative stare as she dipped him a deep curtsy and left him with barely a murmured thank you.

  ∞∞∞

  Rosabel knew herself for a coward as she all but ran away from Wexford. Of course, no one looking at her would think so, but she knew what she was doing. Dancing with the handsome nobleman had felt like what she imagined floating on a cloud would feel like. His hands didn’t sweat, his breath wasn’t revolting, and she knew instinctively that her toes were safe in his company. If not for the disconcerting flutter of nerves in her midsection, it would have been a singularly enjoyable experience. But she was afraid those flutters were indicative of her attraction to the duke. That was not good. She wanted to wed someone innocuous. Someone who would be able to provide her with a comfortable, secure life, but not someone who would place her at the center of attention for the rest of her days. The past three years had taught her that it was far from her favorite place to be. But how could a duke be anywhere else?

  So no, she didn’t want to feel flutters in relation to the duke. She didn’t want to think about him or enjoy his company more than that of other gentlemen. And she certainly didn’t want to consider how she might be able to cope. She didn’t want to cope. She wanted blissful happiness. And she didn’t think that was too much to ask.

  “That was beautiful to watch.” Bel actually felt her cheeks heat with her sister’s words.

  “Thanks, Vicky. Wexford is remarkably skilled at the waltz. Have you ever danced with him?”

  “I’m fairly sure you would know about it already if I had.” Her sister’s dry tone didn’t help Rosabel’s cheeks to cool.

  “I suppose you’re right.” Bel kept her reply bland despite her pink cheeks. “Did Lord Sterling have anything of interest to say?”

  Vicky grinned. “It would have probably been of interest to someone.”

  Rosabel smiled at her sister’s wit but thought she ought to rebuke her.

  “You need to be respectful toward the noblemen you encounter.”

  “I can assure you, I was all that was sweetness and light. I doubt he had any idea that I didn’t find his conversation terribly fascinating. But I was under the impression I could tell you something like that.”

  Bel felt lightheaded for the briefest moment as shame swept through her.

  “My apologies, Vicky, of course, you can. The big sister in me won out for a moment. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that you aren’t a school room child anymore.”

  Vicky shrugged and laughed. “That right there made you sound old. Almost parental or something. You should watch that.” She laughed again, indicating to her sister that she was teasing, but Bel didn’t laugh with her. It was hard being the oldest. Bel shook off the sensation. Lamenting the fact wasn’t going to change it.

  “Is there anyone you would care to be introduced to?”

  Vicky’s eyes were dancing with amusement as she met her sister’s gaze. “Now you’re going to be a chaperone?”

  Bel lifted a shoulder in a brief shrug. “I can be many things at once. And yes, as your eldest sister, I can introduce you to anyone I’ve already been introduced to. So, is there anyone? Or would you rather I leave it to our mother to arrange your interlocutions?”

  “Not in the least, thank you for the offer. Hilaria would certainly never think of it.”

  Rosabel began to wish the evening were over. She was no longer interested in the Season. She knew she had to marry, but it was beginning to feel overwhelming and burdensome. Perhaps it would have been better if her parents had arranged a match for her when she was an infant. She felt the puff of a sigh escaping her.

  “You know Hilaria is cut from a different cloth. Don’t allow it to trouble you.”

  “It doesn’t really bother me. I’m used to her at this point in life. I was just remarking, in fact, I wouldn’t have thought that you would be the type to offer to perform the introductions, either, if I had thought to imagine the experience.” Vicky looked around the room a little before turning back to her sister. “I can’t really say there’s anyone present that I haven’t been introduced to at some point. Even though this is my official debut Season, it’s not as though I’ve never been up to London.”

  “I know, but surely you haven’t met everyone.”

  “The ton isn’t really that large of a group despite how crowded some of the ballrooms become.”

  Rosabel had to acknowledge the truth of Vicky’s words. With a quick glance around to note that no one was paying particular attention to the two sisters, Bel asked her sister a personal question.

  “What sort of husband are you hoping for?”

  “One who loves horses and dogs,” her sister replied almost immediately.

  “Vigilia that hardly narrows it down
. That could be anyone present.”

  “No, I disagree, Bel. Everyone probably has horses and dogs. But that doesn’t mean they love them. There is a difference. I think how a man treats his animals says a great deal about how he might treat his family, especially his wife.”

  Rosabel stared at her sister, wondering if she ought to request further clarification. She needn’t have considered it for Vicky carried on to explain.

  “Unfortunately, a man’s wife is pretty much his possession in the same way as his dog or his horse. Dogs and horses have feelings that many often choose to ignore. If a gentleman can be seen to care for his horses well, not pushing them harder than he ought to, and ensuring they are well fed and such, then there is a much better chance that he will do likewise with his wife.”

  Rosabel blinked at Vicky, rather shocked by her sister’s words. “I would like to think your husband will treat you even better than his animals.” She hoped her voice was sufficiently moderated because a part of her felt as though she were about to yell at her sister. “You absolutely must set a higher valuation upon yourself.”

  Vicky laughed. “I can assure you, I have an excellent valuation of myself, but I’m telling you, watch how the gentlemen treat animals. It tells you a lot.”

  Rosabel thought to pursue the topic, feeling the need to protect her sister, but she pushed it to the back of her mind for the moment as two gentlemen were approaching to request their company for the next set that was just forming. Bel resolved to keep an eye on her little sister throughout the Season to ensure she didn’t pursue any questionable alliances based on her daft theory. While, of course, she would never want to be involved with someone who abused their animals, that was setting the bar a little too low, in Rosabel’s opinion, for who would make a good match.

  With a sinking heart, Bel realized she would have to arrange for her sisters to be paired appropriately. She couldn’t fathom why her parents hadn’t done so already. If Vicky’s standard was so low, it shouldn’t be difficult to find her a good match. With their dowries, there was no shortage of interested, and eligible parties.